The recent decision by the outgoing Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Kolade Alabi David, to rename the popular Charly Boy Bus Stop to Baddo Bus Stop in honour of Nigerian artist Olamide and others may appear harmless on the surface. It may even seem laudable to those who admire the artist’s impact on Nigerian entertainment. However, beneath the surface lies a disturbing trend that requires urgent national reflection and condemnation, the systematic and silent erasure of certain historical street names in Lagos, especially those reflecting the cultural identity and heritage of non-Yoruba residents.

This is not the first time such a policy has crept into the consciousness of Lagosians. Slowly but surely, what once was a cosmopolitan city that embraced all tribes, cultures, and peoples, is sliding into an ethnocentric experiment where names of streets and public places associated with non-Yoruba citizens are being wiped off the map without justification or consultation.

Let us be clear: this practice is archaic, divisive, and dangerously tribalistic. It has no place in a modern democracy and only serves to take Nigeria back to the Stone Age. In a multi-ethnic federation like ours, unity in diversity must be preserved at all costs, especially by those in leadership positions.

No cogent or official explanation has been given for this disturbing trend. Were the original names imposed illegally? Were they not approved by the same arms of government now reversing them with reckless abandon? Were these names not given at a time when Lagos stood tall as a beacon of national unity, hospitality, and inclusiveness?

The absence of clear policy guidelines or public engagement suggests something more sinister – an attempt to rewrite the cultural history of Lagos in a way that marginalizes certain ethnic groups, particularly the Igbo community, whose contributions to the growth of Lagos are not just historical but ongoing and appreciable.

Nigeria is already hanging on a delicate thread of national unity, strained by insecurity, governance issues, and ethnic profiling. At such a time, any action by public officials, even at the local government level that promotes ethnic division or marginalisation, must be rejected in the strongest terms.

I have lived in Lagos since the 1980s. I built my law practice here. My friends, clients, professional colleagues, employees, and even church members come from different tribes, predominantly Yoruba. I was once a Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch. The Lagos I knew, and still want to believe in, is the Lagos that gives all Nigerians a fair chance at life, peace, and prosperity, regardless of their state of origin.

This rising trend of street renaming based on ethnic calculations betrays the progressive and sophisticated image of the Yoruba people, a people known for education, enterprise, and political sagacity. This is why I am shocked that some Local Government Chairmen in Lagos are leading this wave of retrogressive ethnocentrism, not realising that it undermines the shared values that have held Lagos together as Nigeria’s melting pot.

If Lagos must continue to shine as the commercial capital of Nigeria, then it must be managed with maturity and inclusiveness. Those in government must understand that every policy has consequences – both seen and unseen. The international community, investors, and even ordinary Nigerians watching from afar will interpret these renaming exercises as signs of growing intolerance, state-backed discrimination, and a lack of cohesion within our federation

If streets named after non-Yoruba figures are being deliberately removed without any history of criminality or impropriety attached to the persons being removed, then what message are we sending? That Lagos is now a state lived by one ethnic group only? Does history and memory have no place in the state’s public policy?

It is not enough to name a street after one musician while simultaneously removing a name ( a musician too)that has stood for decades and carries sentimental or historical significance. These acts, however subtle, communicate hostility to coexistence and must be halted immediately.

I write this article not just to condemn but to seek answers. I call on the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to explain what informed these recent renaming actions. Were these names removed with the consent of residents? Was there any public hearing or community input?

Policies that alienate, exclude, or erase certain communities are antithetical to the ideals of democracy, federalism, and nation-building. Lagos must not become a theatre of ethnic cleansing through street names. We must reverse this tide before it becomes the new normal.

This pattern of conduct by local government officials in Lagos, if not checked, will erode the minimal gains we have made in promoting national integration. It is uncivilised, unproductive, and ultimately destructive.

Let us be reminded that the greatness of Nigeria, and indeed Lagos – lies not in the dominance of one tribe over others, but in the peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and appreciation of our rich diversity.

Let aggravated and systemic hatred through public policy be stopped! It is a solemn plea!

Dr M.O. Ubani SAN
Legal and Policy Analyst.

Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s commitment to combating malnutrition in Abia State reflects a far-reaching, strategic, and profoundly human-centered approach to governance. Through the launch of the Nutrition 774 Initiative in partnership with the Federal Government, Governor Otti is confronting a long-standing public health crisis that continues to silently undermine the growth and future of children and families. Describing malnutrition as both a ticking time bomb and a silent emergency, the Governor has framed the issue as one that demands urgent, decisive, and sustainable action. Rather than treating it in isolation, his administration has placed it within a broader development framework that connects nutrition to poverty reduction, food security, economic empowerment, and social protection.

This integrated approach reflects both vision and pragmatism. Governor Otti recognizes that malnutrition is deeply linked to wider socio-economic conditions such as poverty, unemployment, and insecurity. Accordingly, his administration is pursuing a holistic development strategy that channels substantial investments into key sectors including healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and security. Since assuming office, the government has committed over one-third of its annual budget to education and health—affirming its belief that investing in people is the most effective way to secure the future. By prioritizing the well-being of the most vulnerable, particularly children, the administration is laying a strong foundation for long-term human capital development across the state.

Equally central to Governor Otti’s strategy is the revitalization of agriculture as a powerful tool for combating hunger and achieving food sufficiency. In a country as naturally endowed as Nigeria, the persistence of food insecurity and malnutrition is unacceptable. The Governor has made it a priority to support rural farmers through expanded access to improved seedlings, farm inputs, agricultural financing, and advisory services. These interventions are designed to increase productivity and reduce food prices, which have been driven higher by inflation, insecurity, and inadequate infrastructure. Beyond production, the Governor is actively engaging stakeholders to invest in agriculture and remove systemic barriers that discourage farming, particularly among the youth. His commitment goes beyond feeding the population—it is about creating wealth, stabilizing communities, and building resilience through a sustainable agricultural economy.

The fight against malnutrition also hinges on strong social protection systems. In this regard, Governor Otti’s administration, through the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, is implementing targeted interventions to reduce economic hardship. These include conditional cash transfers to vulnerable families, women and youth empowerment programs, support for local cooperatives, and initiatives focused on job creation. The Governor’s insistence that workers be paid before political officeholders is a powerful reflection of his belief in responsible governance and social justice. He understands that a child’s nutrition and well-being cannot be separated from the economic strength of their household. By ensuring that Abians have stable incomes, the government is empowering families to meet their basic needs with dignity.

Complementing these sectoral reforms is a broader economic development agenda that is transforming Abia into a more vibrant and inclusive economy. Governor Otti is championing entrepreneurship, easing the cost of doing business, and attracting investments in high-impact sectors such as agro-processing, light manufacturing, and technology. These reforms are not only creating jobs but also fostering innovation and productivity in both urban and rural communities. Through strategic partnerships and deliberate policy reforms, the state is opening up new pathways for youth and women to participate actively in economic development and share in the prosperity being created.

Governor Otti’s leadership stands out for its clarity of purpose and commitment to inclusive growth. He understands that addressing malnutrition requires more than empathy—it requires structural change. His engagement with the Nutrition 774 Initiative is not symbolic; it is a direct extension of his governance philosophy, which is rooted in evidence-based policy, collaboration, and measurable outcomes. By working closely with federal authorities, local government area councils, traditional leaders, and civil society, he is ensuring that the fight against malnutrition reaches every community and every child.

Through the Nutrition 774 Initiative and his broader development vision, Governor Otti is restoring hope to thousands of families across Abia State. By embedding the fight against hunger and deprivation within a larger framework of social and economic renewal, he is not only building a healthier population but also strengthening the very fabric of society. His leadership sends a powerful message: with political will, strategic action, and compassion, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. Under his watch, the Nutrition 774 Initiative is more than just a program but a bold and transformative commitment to uplift lives, uphold dignity, and secure a future of opportunity for all Abians.

Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.