Desmond Eliot Saga: How President Tinubu Nearly Sacked Me - Gbajabiamila

For those who have been wondering why the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, is opposed to the return of Desmond Eliot to the Lagos State House of Assembly, an explanation has been given. Gbajabiamila has narrated how his principal almost sacked him because of Desmond Elliot.

He said he almost lost his job during the Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa impeachment saga.

Recall that lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly had said that Obasa was impeached to save the integrity and sanctity of the House of Assembly and Lagos State.

The lawmakers, while jointly addressing journalists at the Assembly Complex, said: “It’s just a change of baton. It is only death that is constant, so change is inevitable.”

However, with President Tinubu against the impeachment, the Speaker was restored and peace returned to the Assembly.

Addressing members of the All Progressives Congress on Thursday, Gbajabiamila said, “I almost lost my job as Chief of Staff last year because of Desmond Elliot. Mr President called me to his house in Abuja during the Lagos Speaker Obasa saga.

“He said, ‘I hear this Desmond is your boy, the one we gave you,’ and I said, ‘Yes, sir. He is one of the people causing problems in the Lagos House of Assembly.’

“Immediately, I told the president that Desmond wasn’t part of them, but the president replied and said that, from the intelligence he received, Desmond was part of them.

“After that meeting, I called Desmond and told him what the president said, and asked him to leave the group if he was part of them. Three days later, the DSS DG called me and said there was a problem.

“He said your name is being mentioned, that you’re the one behind the impeachment saga and that you’re supporting Desmond.

“I spoke to the DSS DG and told him I had spoken to Desmond and he denied being part of the group. I then asked Desmond to make a public statement denying his involvement in the impeachment saga, but till today, he hasn’t done it. If not for the kind of relationship I had with the president, I wouldn’t be here today.”   

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YABATECH Will Soon Become A University - Rector Assures, As Institution Matriculates 17,100 Fresh Students

The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, has assured students and stakeholders that the institution’s transition into a full-fledged university remains on course.

Abdul spoke on Thursday during the matriculation of 17,130 students admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session.

He said the Federal Government’s approval for the conversion of the 79-year-old institution into a university of technology and vocational education had reached an advanced stage, with legislative processes ongoing at the National Assembly.

President Bola Tinubu had approved the conversion of YABATECH into a university in February 2025.

According to the rector, the announcement was a reaffirmation of the President’s approval and commitment to the process.

“The announcement is not new. I am just reiterating it to the new students that the President has approved our conversion to a university. The minister himself made the announcement last year and I want to assure everyone that it is on course,” he said.

Abdul, however, clarified that the institution would continue operating as a polytechnic pending the completion of regulatory and accreditation processes by the National Universities Commission.

“These are not our last set of students as a college because there are still processes to follow. The NUC has to approve our courses before degree programmes can commence. We will continue our admissions as a polytechnic while the transition progresses,” he said.

The rector also unveiled infrastructure expansion plans aimed at preparing the institution for its proposed university status.

According to him, the President approved a N5bn take-off intervention fund for the construction of a 13-storey building within the institution and another N2bn for faculty development projects.

He added that the institution was expanding its Epe campus while also developing additional hostels and academic facilities in Yaba.

Abdul disclosed that the Federal Government recently approved a Presidential Initiative hostel project expected to provide 1,500 bed spaces for students.

The rector also announced plans to establish new faculties, including the Faculty of Health Technology and the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology.

He further disclosed that the institution admitted 17,130 students from 24,655 applications received for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Abdul urged the matriculating students to embrace discipline, academic excellence and entrepreneurship while avoiding cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse and other social vices.

“Cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, bullying and all forms of indiscipline have no place in Yabatech. Any student found involved in cult-related activities will face expulsion and possible prosecution,” he said.

  

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Nollywood Actress Foluke Daramola Picks APC Form For Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency

Nollywood actress Foluke Daramola has obtained the nomination and expression of interest forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives.

The actress shared the development in a recent post on her Facebook page, where she uploaded photos of herself holding the forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Daramola is seeking to represent Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency 1 and had earlier announced her intention to contest for the position.

In one of her campaign messages, the actress pledged support for laws that would improve the welfare of workers if elected into office.

She also used the opportunity to encourage residents of Oshodi-Isolo to remain focused and ambitious.

“For the hardworking soul, weekend is not an idle day to stay still but active, reflecting and refining the past week’s activities,” she wrote.

“Take the moment to relax and embrace it to nurture your ambition with clarity of purpose for the week ahead.”

Addressing constituents, the actress described herself as a servant of the people and offered prayers for residents of the constituency.

“As your servant and potential aspirant for the House of Representatives, Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency 1, I, Hon. Foluke Daramola-Salako, lift you up in prayers: May Almighty God open doors of opportunities for us all and keep us safe.

“Together, we will build a stronger, better Oshodi,” she added.

Her declaration adds to the growing number of entertainers joining politics ahead of the next election cycle.

Socialite Cubana Chief Priest also purchased nomination forms to contest for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East federal constituency seat in Imo State under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Likewise, actor Zubby Michael announced his intention to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Foluke Daramola began her acting career in 1998 and has featured in numerous Nollywood productions over the years.

  

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You Cheated On Me While I Was Pregnant - Frank Edoho's Estranged Wife, Sandra, Finally Breaks Silence

Sandra Onyenucheya, estranged wife of media personality, Frank Edoho, has broken her silence following news that their marriage has ended, accusing the veteran broadcaster of infidelity, emotional abuse and financial irresponsibility.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Sandra shared a series of strongly worded posts detailing her experience in the marriage and alleging that Edoho cheated on her while she was pregnant.

“Choosing to remain silent may give mixed signals to the narrative that a sadist and narcissist peddles, making everyone believe he is a victim.

“Choosing to marry a man, raising our beautiful kids, single handedly building & growing a successful design business and giving my self wholly, undiluted and faithful through and through!

“Until you decided that while I am pregnant with our first child, you would rather have a prolonged affair that lasted years with an actress. Where do I even begin? The nights crying on the floor begging that you see me, with you walking out and not returning for days!”

Sandra also alleged that Edoho pressured her to terminate her second pregnancy.

“Or the days you tormented me to abort our 2nd child because you were in numerous relationships and not ready to be a father?!”

She went on to accuse the television host of abuse and neglect.

“Throughout the emotional, physiological, mental and physical torture and abuse, I stayed committed, faithful, shielding you, carrying like egg. But you are a shell. Washed up and dried out. You live for validation of the internet. So enjoy your 10 seconds of pity party.”

Sandra further described Frank Edoho as “a dead beat” and claimed she funded their lifestyle during the marriage.

“A dead beat! That is exactly what you are. I single handedly sponsored your lavish lifestyle. I single handedly paid all your bills, the trips, business class tickets, 5-star hotels, luxury trips, all the home bills including that of the other children from your previously failed marriage. I took your mom abroad to the United States, and she lived in my parent’s home for years! I tried to cover you.”

She also accused him of misusing her finances.

“Have you ever paid school fees? Have you ever? All you did was abuse the financial access you had to my funds. Squandering my money on prostitutes and loose women. So many numerous transactions in lekki hotels, air bnb, lounges and bars. Sold my property without my permission for chicken change and still squandered the earnings from it within one week! On different girls. Documented evidence dey! Chai!”

The allegations came shortly after Edoho, former host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, disclosed that he and Sandra had been privately separated for nearly two years and were in the process of divorcing.

“Over the past few days, I’ve received an outpouring of kind messages, prayers, concern, and goodwill regarding my separation and ongoing divorce proceedings,” he wrote.

“While I understand that the public is only just becoming aware of this chapter, I have lived through it privately for quite some time now (almost two years) and have since made peace with it emotionally.”

He added that he was focused, at peace and grateful for the support he had received.

As of the time of this report, Frank Edoho has not publicly responded to Sandra’s allegations.

  

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God Will Punish All Those Wishing Me Dead After The Death Of Ekubo - Blessing CEO

Relationship expert Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has criticised social media users who called for her death following the passing of actor Alex Ekubo. 

Ekubo died on Monday after battling advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

After the news broke, several users posted comments on Okoro’s Instagram page stating that God should have taken her life instead.  

In a video shared on Instagram, Okoro condemned the posts and questioned what she described as selective empathy.

She said she was surprised at how quickly public sympathy appeared after a death, noting that many of the same users had made hostile comments when the person was alive.  

Okoro also addressed claims that Ekubo’s family had kept his illness private, stating that if images of him had been shared while he was sick, they would have been met with mockery.  

She said, “How do you people sympathize with the de@d but b#lly the living? Each time someone passes away and I see how people become suddenly sympathetic, I’m always surprised. If you read the comments people make when the person is alive, you’ll be shocked. Some people were even saying things like ‘God should take Blessing CEO and give us Alexx Ekubo.’ God will punish u all!

“And for those saying his family kept everything off social media, if his pictures had been posted while he was sick, the same people would still have mocked him and said all sorts of things.”

The backlash against Okoro followed an incident in March in which she falsely claimed to have stage 4 cancer and alleged possession of another person’s medical report. 

  

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I Don't Mind Being A 'House-Husband' If My Wife Earns Higher Than Me - Nollywood Actor, Deyemi

Actor Deyemi Okanlawon has stated that he would not object to becoming a house husband if his wife earned more than him.  

Speaking on the Tea With Tay podcast, Okanlawon stated that he would step away from acting to focus on family care if his wife became the primary breadwinner.

He said his main priority was remaining valuable to his household, regardless of traditional gender roles.  

Okanlawon noted that some men feel uncomfortable when their partners earn more, which he said often leads to insecurity and sensitivity over minor issues.

He added that financial stability would make the arrangement practical, and he would be willing to take on childcare and household duties despite lacking experience in cooking.  

Okanlawon said: “I pray to God. My wife hits a business that earns between $1 million and $10 million per year. You won’t see me act again.

“I will become a house husband. I will take my children to school and even cook, despite not knowing how to. If there is money, I don’t mind being a house husband. If there is money? What are you doing again?

“I find that a lot of men are not comfortable with that dynamic, so they become hypersensitive and complain over little things.

“My only prayer is that, as a human being, regardless of gender, I should be valuable to my family.”

  

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Lagos West Council Chairmen Endorse Adebule Ahead Of APC Primaries

Chairmen of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos West Senatorial District have pledged support for Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.

The council bosses gave the assurance during a strategic meeting with the senator and party stakeholders in Lagos, where discussions centred on party mobilisation, grassroots coordination and preparations for the primaries across the district.

Speaking after the meeting, Adebule said the gathering was convened to strengthen collaboration among party leaders and ensure hitch free primaries in all local governments and constituencies within Lagos West.

“The chairmen of the councils are here to discuss with us and strategise towards the primaries. If we have the chairmen and the party ready, giving their support, then they would have done the needful and the necessary to ensure hitch free primaries in all local governments and constituencies across the West,” she said.

The senator highlighted projects and interventions carried out across the senatorial district in the last three years, noting that her office had maintained visible presence in virtually all councils in Lagos West.

“Well, we have done quite a lot of projects so far and the chairmen are familiar with them, just like you heard them say that we have done a lot. We have our presence and our signature in virtually all the local governments.

“It might be small, but we have a presence in virtually all the local governments. We are not resting now, we are going to continue in that stride to the end of this term. We have just spent three years.

“In the next one year, by the grace of God, we are going to finish stronger and stronger,” she added.

The council chairmen, who spoke at the meeting, lauded Adebule’s empowerment programmes, constituency projects and developmental initiatives across the district, describing her as accessible and committed to grassroots development.

They expressed satisfaction with the level of collaboration between the senator’s office and the councils, assuring her of their continued loyalty and support ahead of the APC primaries.

Some of the chairmen noted that Adebule’s interventions in education, empowerment and community development had impacted several residents across Lagos West, adding that the party structure in the district remained united.

Those present at the meeting included former chairman of Odi-Olowo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Rasak Ajala, Chairman of Isolo LCDA, Adebayo Olasoju, Chairman of Oriade LCDA,Rasaq Akorede Olojede; Chairman of Agege Local Government, Abdulganiyu Obasa; Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, Ibrahim Yemaren;  among others.

The meeting was part of ongoing consultations among APC stakeholders in Lagos West ahead of the party primaries.

  

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Lagos Moves To Ensure Fairness And Transparency In Development And Building Control

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that the state government is committed to fairness, transparency, and accountability in the administration of planning laws, maintaining that no more arbitrariness in planning approval.

Speaking on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Lagos State Physical Planning and Building Control Appeals Committee, Sanwo-Olu observed that every day, developers, property owners, architects, engineers, and other construction professionals navigate the planning approvals and regulatory decisions that shape how this state grows.

Noting that a government that regulates without providing for review is a government that has placed itself beyond accountability, he noted that: “For the most part, that process works. But no system administered by human beings is infallible, and where decisions can be wrong, there must also be a pathway for redress.

“Today, Section 79 of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law moves from text on a page into a living institution. That institution is this Committee. And with this inauguration, we make a clear structural commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability in the administration of our planning laws.

“The physical planning system in Lagos operates through two key regulatory agencies: the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, responsible for granting and regulating development permits; and the Lagos State Building Control Agency, responsible for monitoring construction activities and enforcing compliance with safety standards.

These agencies discharge essential and often difficult responsibilities, and they do so under real pressure in one of the world’s most demanding urban environments.

“But no regulatory system, however well-intentioned, can be immune from error. Planning decisions involve complex judgements, on land use, density, setbacks, structural safety, change of use, and demolition. These decisions affect people’s investments, livelihoods, and communities.

“It is therefore, right and necessary, to have an independent body to which any aggrieved developer, professional, property owner, or institution may turn when they believe a decision has been made unfairly, incorrectly, or without due regard to their rights.

“That body is this Committee. Under Section 82 of the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, this Appeals Committee has the statutory authority to investigate and decide on matters relating to planning permit applications, development plans and layouts,

Changes of use, approvals-in-principle, demolition orders, the conduct of planning and building control officials, and the service of regulatory notices. It may call for documents, summon witnesses, and consult the full body of physical planning law and regulations in the state. Its orders are binding, the law requires that relevant agencies enforce them, just as they would enforce orders of the High Court.

“This is a significant mandate. I want the members of this Committee, and the public, to understand what this means in practice. If a developer submits a permit application and believes the refusal was unjustified, there is now a formal, independent forum for review. If a property owner receives a demolition notice and disputes its basis, they have 28 days in which to appeal and have that decision examined.

“If a building professional believes a regulatory officer acted improperly, this Committee is empowered to investigate that conduct. These are not trivial powers; they are the mechanisms through which public confidence in our planning system is either built or eroded.

“I am also conscious that the building safety challenge in Lagos is real and serious. The incidents of building collapse that have claimed lives in our state and others across Nigeria are a reminder that the purpose of building regulation is not bureaucratic formality; it is the preservation of human life.

“This Appeals Committee must therefore operate with a clear understanding of that context. The right to appeal a regulatory decision is a fundamental protection, but it is not a mechanism to circumvent safety. When the evidence supports the regulatory action of an agency, this Committee must say so clearly and firmly.”

  

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Lagos Health Sector Suffers Over 30,000 Doctors and 40,000 Nurses Shortfall - Health Commissioner

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, has said that Lagos State has just about 7000 across the over 4000 public and private healthcare facilities although the state requires 40,000 doctors.
Abayomi stated this on Tuesday at the ongoing 2026 ministerial press briefing to mark the third year of the second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.
The commissioner also said the state requires an additional 40,000 nurses to bridge manpower gaps in the health sector

“Nigeria currently has about 40,000 doctors at a ratio of one doctor to 5,000 people. The country needs about 300,000 additional doctors, while Lagos requires 40,000 doctors. Currently, Lagos has 7,000. The gap for Lagos is over 30,000 doctors and 40,000 nurses,” the commissioner said.
The Commissioner nonetheless stated that Lagos has increasingly become an attractive destination for healthcare professionals due to ongoing reforms and investments in the sector.
He also said that the state is working at exploring the opportunities medical tourism provide with its medical park project.

“We are making sure that the health sector is robust enough to manage everything that comes its way,” he said.
He projected that Lagos could emerge as a leading medical tourism destination in Africa by 2052, driven by ongoing reforms, mandatory health insurance and the state’s long-term Universal Health Coverage agenda.
Abayomi added that the administration was repositioning the health sector to effectively respond to emerging challenges such as pandemics, flooding, urban population growth and other public health emergencies.

He said that Lagos State currently operates 34 secondary and tertiary public health facilities, 325 Primary Healthcare Centres, about 3,500 private health facilities, as well as over 10,000 community pharmacies and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors within the informal healthcare sector.
He added that Lagos is presently ranked among the leading African cities in healthcare delivery and is targeting a place among the continent’s top three healthcare destinations.
According to him, cities currently ahead of Lagos include Cape Town, Pretoria, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Durban, Algiers, Tunis, Cairo and Casablanca.

Highlighting the pressure on existing medical personnel, the commissioner stated that doctors in Lagos were overstretched due to the huge population burden.
“For every doctor we have in Lagos, they are doing the job of ten,” he said.
To address the persistent brain drain in the health sector, Abayomi disclosed that the state government had commenced a series of healthcare financing reforms aimed at improving the welfare, remuneration and living conditions of healthcare workers, while also creating opportunities for Nigerian doctors in the diaspora to return home.
He revealed that accommodation facilities for medical personnel were being expanded across public hospitals in the state.

According to him, a 72-room accommodation complex for house officers has been completed at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, while construction and renovation works are ongoing at other major health institutions.
“We recently completed an accommodation complex for 72 house officers at LASUTH, while work at Odan is ongoing. Staff quarters at Gbagada, Ojo and LASUTH are nearing completion. Going forward, all new medical facilities will have staff quarters in close proximity,” he stated.
Abayomi further disclosed that LASUTH currently has about 120 medical specialists, while general hospitals across the state collectively have about 250 specialists.

He stressed that infrastructure development remained central to the administration’s healthcare agenda, adding that the government had developed a comprehensive medical blueprint focused on sustainable and renewable healthcare facility designs.
The commissioner maintained that the reforms being implemented by the Sanwo-Olu administration were aimed at building a resilient healthcare system capable of meeting the demands of Lagos’ rapidly growing population while positioning the state as a healthcare hub for West Africa.

  

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Union Bank Bags ASBON Award For SME Growth In Nigeria

Union Bank of Nigeria has bagged the Best SME Growth Banking Initiatives Award for 2025, reaffirming its reputation as a premier supporter of local commerce.

The accolade was presented by the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria at the Nigeria National SME Business Awards recently held in Lagos.

The award recognises the Bank’s strategic leadership in advancing the growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises through a differentiated suite of solutions designed to enable business expansion and long-term value creation.

Receiving the award on behalf of the bank, Head of the SME Segment at Union Bank, Ayokunnumi Abraham, described the recognition as a strong endorsement of the institution’s commitment to the sector.

“We are honoured to receive this recognition, which reflects Union Bank’s continued commitment to helping SMEs grow by making banking simpler, faster, and more accessible,” Abraham said.

“Through enhancements to our specialised platforms, such as Union360, we have meaningfully reduced the time it takes for businesses to come on board and begin transacting,” he added.

He further noted that these digital improvements have shortened onboarding times, increased digital adoption among SME customers, and accelerated the acquisition of new business clients.

“Our focus remains on delivering practical solutions that help Nigerian businesses thrive,” he added.

ASBON, in partnership with the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, brought together public and private sector stakeholders to celebrate organisations making meaningful impact across Nigeria’s SME ecosystem.

Established in 1917, Union Bank remains a leading provider of financial services in Nigeria, guided by its “Simpler, Smarter Banking” philosophy. With more than 300 branches and a digital suite, including mobile banking, trade finance, and equipment leasing, the Bank helps public and private sectors achieve lasting success.

  

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