Agege APC Supporters Troop Out To Celebrate Outcome Of Assembly Primary Election

A support group within the All Progressives Congress, the Agbelebu Solidarity Forum, has staged a thank-you rally across Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, expressing appreciation to party leaders while reaffirming support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

The group described event as a “Thank You Walk”. The event attracted party faithful, supporters and residents who trooped out in large numbers to celebrate the outcome of the recently concluded APC primary election in Agege Constituency I.

The organisers said the rally was convened to commend the Lagos State leadership of the party for what they termed a transparent and credible primary process that reflected the will of party members.

        The procession kicked off from the Oniwaya axis of Agege and moved through key areas, including Ogba, before terminating at the APC State Secretariat located on Acme Road, Ikeja.

Participants, carrying banners and chanting solidarity songs, described the emergence of Gbenga Abiola, popularly known as “Agbelebu,” as the party’s candidate for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat representing Agege Constituency I as a true reflection of grassroots democracy.

At the APC secretariat, members of the forum paid homage to party leaders, applauding their role in ensuring what they called a fair and transparent electoral process.

Speaking with journalists during the rally, Abiola expressed gratitude to the party leadership for upholding the outcome of the primary election, noting that it demonstrated a strong commitment to internal democracy.

“The leadership of our great party has shown respect for the wishes of members by standing by the true outcome of the primary election.”

He added that the rally was a symbolic gesture to appreciate the party’s leadership and reaffirm loyalty to its ideals.

Abiola said the support received from party leaders and members would help strengthen unity within the APC and position it for future electoral victories.

He pledged to collaborate with stakeholders, party faithful and residents of Agege Constituency I to advance the party’s programmes and deepen grassroots mobilisation.

The APC candidate also used the occasion to declare support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition, describing him as a leader who has continued to provide direction for both the party and the country.

According to him, members of the Agbelebu Solidarity Forum would mobilise support for Tinubu and other APC candidates in future elections.

He further reiterated his commitment to party discipline and pledged to contribute to the growth and development of the APC at all levels.

The rally concluded at the APC State Secretariat, where participants renewed their allegiance to the party and pledged continued support for its leadership ahead of upcoming political activities.

  

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From Rev360 To Real-Time Tax Administration: What Nigeria Can Learn From Canada’s Digital Tax Transformation

Clive Eyimearelu Otaigbe takes a comparative look at Nigeria’s and Canada’s tax administration systems and concludes that there is a lot Nigeria has to learn from the Canada’s system.

 

Introduction: The Global Shift in Tax Administration

Across the world, tax administration systems are undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by digitalisation, data integration, and the increasing complexity of modern economies.

Traditional tax systems built on periodic filing, manual verification, and post-compliance audits are steadily giving way to more integrated, technology-enabled models that emphasise real-time data access, automated compliance monitoring, and taxpayer-centric service delivery.

This evolution is widely captured in the OECD’s concept of Tax Administration 3.0, which describes a future where tax compliance is increasingly embedded within digital and financial ecosystems, rather than treated as a separate administrative obligation.

In this global context, countries such as Canada provide valuable reference points for understanding how mature digital tax systems evolve, while emerging economies like Nigeria are actively reforming their systems to align with these global trends.

Nigeria’s ongoing transition from earlier digital platforms such as TaxPro Max to the newly introduced Rev360 self-service system under the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS)—represents a significant milestone in this journey.

The central question, therefore, is not whether Nigeria is digitising its tax system, but how far this transformation can go in improving efficiency, compliance, and long-term revenue sustainability.

 

Evolution of Tax Administration: From Manual Systems to Real-Time Models

Tax administration globally has evolved through three broad stages.

1. Manual Tax Administration

In traditional systems, tax administration relied heavily on physical documentation, manual processing, and face-to-face interaction between taxpayers and tax authorities.

This model was characterised by:

High administrative burden

Limited data integration

Delayed processing of tax information

Heavy reliance on retrospective audits

Significant inefficiencies in compliance monitoring

While functional in earlier economic systems, this model is no longer suitable for digital economies.

2. Digital Tax Administration

The second phase introduced electronic filing systems, online taxpayer portals, and digital payment platforms.

This significantly improved efficiency by enabling:

Online registration and filing

Electronic payments

Digital communication channels

Improved record-keeping

However, most systems in this phase remained largely reactive, focusing on post-filing compliance rather than real-time monitoring.

3. Real-Time and Integrated Tax Systems (Tax Administration 3.0)

The emerging model focuses on integration, automation, and continuous data exchange between taxpayers, financial institutions, and tax authorities.

Key features include:

Real-time or near real-time reporting

- Automated compliance monitoring

Integrated government data systems

Reduced manual intervention

Enhanced use of analytics and AI

In this model, tax administration becomes embedded within the digital economy itself, reducing friction and improving compliance efficiency.

 

Canada’s Digital Tax Ecosystem: A Mature Model of Integration

Canada offers a strong example of a mature digital tax system developed over time through institutional investment and technological innovation.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) operates a comprehensive digital ecosystem that includes:

My Account (for individuals)

My Business Account (for corporations)

Represent a Client (for tax professionals)

Electronic filing systems for various tax categories

Secure digital communication and payment systems

A key strength of the Canadian system lies in its integration and data-driven compliance model. Rather than relying solely on manual audits, the CRA increasingly uses:

Third-party data matching

Automated verification systems

Risk-based compliance analytics

This reduces administrative burden while improving accuracy and efficiency.

Another important feature is the emphasis on taxpayer experience and trust. The system is designed to be user-friendly, accessible, and efficient, encouraging voluntary compliance through simplicity rather than enforcement alone.

While not fully real-time in the strictest sense, Canada represents a highly advanced form of digital tax administration where technology significantly enhances compliance outcomes.

 

Nigeria’s Tax Reform Journey: From TaxPro Max to Rev360

Nigeria’s tax administration system has undergone significant reforms aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and revenue mobilisation.

A key milestone in this journey was the introduction of TaxPro Max, an electronic tax administration platform designed to support registration, filing, payment, and communication processes between taxpayers and the tax authority.

TaxPro Max represented a major shift from manual systems to digital tax administration. However, like many first-generation platforms, it faced operational and structural challenges, including user experience limitations and system integration gaps.

In response to these challenges, the Nigeria Revenue Service introduced the Rev360 self-service platform, marking a further evolution in Nigeria’s digital tax strategy.

Rev360 reflects a shift from simple electronic filing systems to a more integrated self-service tax ecosystem, enabling taxpayers to manage their obligations more independently while improving administrative efficiency.

This transition represents a broader policy direction toward digital ecosystems rather than isolated digital tools.

 

Digital Tax Systems and Revenue Performance in Nigeria

Evidence from Nigeria’s tax administration reform journey suggests that digitalisation has contributed meaningfully to improved revenue performance.

While revenue cannot be attributed exclusively to any single platform, aggregate data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) shows a clear improvement in tax collection performance following digital transformation efforts.

Between 2020 and 2022, Nigeria recorded approximately ₦21.4 trillion in tax revenue, compared to about ₦43.6 trillion over the preceding decade (2010–2019). On an annual average basis, this reflects an increase from approximately ₦4.36 trillion per year in the pre-digital expansion period to about ₦7.13 trillion annually in the post-digitalisation period.

This upward trend suggests improved revenue mobilisation efficiency linked to digital tax administration reforms.

Academic studies further support this observation, showing that digital tax systems such as TaxPro Max have had statistically significant positive effects on revenue performance, particularly in areas such as:

Value Added Tax (VAT)

Company Income Tax (CIT)

Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT)

The key mechanisms driving this improvement include:

Reduction of revenue leakages

Improved taxpayer compliance through simplified filing systems

Expansion of the effective tax base

Enhanced data visibility and monitoring

Beyond administrative efficiency, this transformation has broader fiscal implications. Nigeria’s historical reliance on oil revenue exposes public finances to volatility. Strengthening non-oil tax systems through digitalisation provides a pathway toward greater fiscal stability and revenue diversification.

 

Comparative Insight: Canada and Nigeria in Perspective

A comparison between Canada and Nigeria highlights both progress and structural differences.

Canada’s system reflects:

High institutional maturity

Strong data integration

Established taxpayer trust

Advanced digital infrastructure

Nigeria’s system reflects:

Ongoing institutional reform

Gradual digital integration

Expanding taxpayer base

Emerging self-service platforms

Despite these differences, both countries are moving toward the same strategic direction: digital-first tax administration supported by data-driven decision-making and improved taxpayer experience.

The key difference lies not in direction, but in stage of development and institutional capacity.

 

Strategic Lessons for Nigeria

Several lessons emerge from international experience:

1. Tax systems must evolve into integrated ecosystems

Digital platforms must be interconnected across institutions to maximise efficiency.

2. Data is the core asset of modern tax administration

Effective systems depend on accurate, timely, and shared data.

3. Trust determines compliance outcomes

Technology alone is insufficient without taxpayer confidence in the system.

4. Reform must be gradual and structured

Even advanced economies evolved over decades; sustainable reform requires phased implementation.

 

A Forward-Looking Roadmap for Nigeria

To strengthen its digital tax transformation, Nigeria can adopt a phased approach:

 

Short Term (0–2 years)

Strengthen Rev360 adoption and system stability

Improve taxpayer onboarding and digital literacy

Enhance user support systems

 

Medium Term (2–5 years)

Integrate tax systems with other government databases

Strengthen data analytics and compliance monitoring

Expand digital reporting systems

 

Long Term (5–10 years)

Move toward real-time or near real-time tax reporting

Deploy predictive analytics for compliance risk detection

Fully integrate tax systems into digital economic infrastructure

 

Conclusion: Digital Tax Transformation as a Fiscal Strategy

Nigeria’s transition from TaxPro Max to Rev360 represents more than a technological upgrade. It reflects a broader structural shift toward a modern, data-driven tax administration system.

When viewed in comparative perspective with Canada and within the OECD Tax Administration 3.0 framework, Nigeria’s reforms are part of a global movement toward more integrated, efficient, and taxpayer-centric systems.

While oil revenue continues to play a significant role in Nigeria’s fiscal structure, strengthening non-oil revenue through digital tax transformation offers a sustainable pathway toward long-term fiscal resilience and economic stability.

Ultimately, the success of this transformation will depend not only on technology, but on the strength of institutions, the quality of data systems, and the ability to build trust between taxpayers and government.

Digital tax administration is therefore not just a reform it is a fiscal strategy for the future.

 

Author’s Note:

The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and are intended to contribute to discussions on tax policy, digital transformation, and public sector reform. They do not represent the official position of the Nigeria Revenue Service or any affiliated institution.

 

Clive Eyimearelu Otaigbe, Esq. is a legal practitioner and tax professional. He is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (ACTI) and a Dispute Resolution Specialist (DRS) certified by the Association of Professional Negotiators and Mediators (APNM).

  

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Most Men Only Want To Penetrate Rather Than Have A Relationship — Tems

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems has shared candid thoughts on modern relationships, saying many men approach women with intentions that are primarily sexual rather than emotional.

Speaking during an episode of Flow With Korty, the singer reflected on her experiences with love and dating when asked whether she had ever been in love.

According to Tems, many men make their intentions obvious from the outset.

“A lot of guys, they are very obvious. There is no agenda but to penetrate,” she said.

The remark sparked conversations on social media, with fans and commentators debating her assessment of contemporary dating and relationships.

Beyond discussing romance, Tems also opened up about her childhood experiences, revealing that she was often misunderstood because of her reserved personality.

She recalled being bullied while growing up due to her quiet nature and the way she expressed herself.

Tems is a highly acclaimed Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who defined modern alternative Afrobeats and R&B. Quitting her digital marketing job in 2018, she quickly rose from an independent, self-taught bedroom producer to a global music icon, winning a Grammy and earning Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.

Tems is currently single and prefers to keep her private life out of the public eye. While there have been frequent rumors surrounding her dating life—including speculations about British rapper Dave—she has never publicly confirmed a romantic relationship.

  

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Femi Otedola Goes To School

Not many people knew that billionaire businessman Femi Otedola recently enrolled at the London Business School . The business bigwig has now completed an executive leadership programme, Leading Businesses for the Future, in the school.

Otedola announced the milestone via his official social media platforms, describing the experience as a powerful reminder that humility remains central to lifelong learning.

According to him, “no knowledge is wasted,” adding that he remains committed to becoming the best leader possible.

The completion of the executive programme marks another milestone for Otedola, who is widely known for building successful businesses across multiple sectors. He has previously stated that he achieved his early entrepreneurial success without obtaining a formal university degree.

The 63-year-old businessman, whom Forbes estimates to be worth more than $1.5 billion, explained in his 2025 memoir, Making It Big, that he did not complete a university degree.

In the book, he disclosed that he struggled academically and eventually left school during his Advanced Levels (Lower Sixth) to focus on business opportunities.

Otedola began his education at the University of Lagos Staff School in 1968 and completed his studies there in 1974 after repeating a class. 

Due to poor performance, his parents switched him to Methodist Boys' High School and then Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo State.

Femi Otedola had, in separate interviews, revealed that academia and he "were not compatible" and that he dropped out of high school because he struggled academically and kept failing exams. Instead of attending a university, he realized he was not as gifted in formal education as his siblings and chose to dive straight into business.

He eventually moved into the family business. He asked his father to let him handle practical work and was put in charge of the family's printing company. By rebranding it and working for a commission, he made enough money to set up his own businesses.

"I did not complete secondary school. My father wanted me to go to the university like my siblings, but I was not that smart in school,” he once stated.

He went on: “I kept failing exams and repeating classes, and at some point, I felt school was not for me. I realised I was not as smart as many of my siblings. I decided to drop out and asked my father to give me a business to handle.

“He put me in charge of his printing company. From there, I told him to make me the sales representative so I could earn 15% of every customer I brought in. My father’s printing company was very big, one of the best in Nigeria, with so many loyal clients. I decided to brand and market it so well that I attracted more customers and earned my 15% commission. With that money, I was able to set up my own company and create my own path to becoming a billionaire.”

Despite not earning a university degree, Otedola went on to build a business empire spanning the oil and gas, finance, and power sectors. He currently serves as Chancellor of Augustine University.

however, the burning desire to complete his education was always there and in spite of his age, social status and other factors that could have pulled him back, the business mogul went ahead to make that desire a reality. 

  

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Lagos To Reconstruct And Upgrade Major Roads In Ikeja GRA

The Lagos State Government has commenced plans to reconstruct and upgrade major road networks in Ikeja GRA, including Ladoke Akintola Road, Oladipo Bateye, Tayo Ayeni, Adetunji Adeoba and Sowemimo roads, as part of efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance connectivity within the highbrow neighbourhood.

The government disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Office of Infrastructure under the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to brief residents on the scope of the projects and obtain their support ahead of construction.

Speaking at the meeting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Tokunbo Oyenuga, said the projects formed part of the state’s broader urban regeneration and road rehabilitation programme.

According to him, the engagement was necessary to ensure that residents understood both the benefits and temporary inconveniences associated with the projects.

“To ensure a seamless process, the Office of Infrastructure under the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure held a stakeholders meeting to allow residents to understand the peculiarity of pains and gains before the end of the projects,” he said.

Oyenuga noted that the roads would be reconstructed using concrete pavement technology and fitted with solar-powered streetlights to improve durability, safety and environmental sustainability.

He called on residents to cooperate with the government and contractors to facilitate the timely completion of the projects.

The permanent secretary also assured residents that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure would continue to engage stakeholders throughout the execution of the projects to ensure that concerns were addressed promptly.

He further urged property owners to adhere to approved building setbacks and avoid encroaching on public road alignments.

Representing residents at the meeting, the chairman of the Ikeja GRA Residents Association, Muiz Banire, who spoke through Ade Atobatele, welcomed the government’s intervention and described the planned road upgrades as critical to development.

He commended the state government for engaging residents before commencing the projects and expressed confidence that the project would improve mobility and infrastructure within the community.

Banire, however, appealed to the government to ensure the prompt completion of the projects to reduce the disruption construction activities could cause to residents and businesses.

“At the same time, we urge the government to ensure prompt completion of the road projects to minimise the hardship that residents and businesses may experience during construction.

“We assure the government of the maximum cooperation of residents towards the success of the projects,” he said.

The contractors handling the projects also pledged to deliver the works within schedule, assuring stakeholders that the roads would provide long-term benefits for residents and support future development within the community.

Stakeholders at the meeting further called on the state government to address issues raised during the engagement to ensure the successful execution of the projects.

  

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How Euracare Hospital Is Silencing The Truth Of Its Complicity In My Son's Death - Chimamanda Adichie

Award-winning author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has accused the Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos of orchestrating a cover-up in the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Adichie-Esege. This was contained in a letter she wrote to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the hospital.

Adichie shared the letter on her Facebook page on Saturday, saying she decided to make it public “because to keep silent about Euracare’s evil is to enable it.”

In the letter, the author alleged that the Medical Director of Euracare, Dr Tosin Majekodunmi, visited the family at their Ikoyi home on January 8, the day after Nkanu’s death, and admitted that the anaesthesiologist, Dr Titus Ogundare, had not followed the standard of care.

According to the letter, Majekodunmi told Adichie on January 6 that Ogundare had given Nkanu “too much propofol” — words she described as his exact statement to her after she saw him rush into the catheterisation laboratory where the child was.

She said the director accepted full responsibility and promised to dismiss Dr Ogundare.

However, she alleged that he subsequently stopped communicating with the family, stating that Euracare management had taken over and effectively silenced him.

Adichie further alleged that Euracare listed bacterial and fungal meningitis as the cause of death on Nkanu’s death certificate, a claim she described as inaccurate.

“When Nkanu came to Euracare that morning for tests, he was conscious and talking and interactive. He was sick but he was not critical,” she stated.

She added that the certificate must be corrected to reflect what she believes was the true cause: improper sedation, hypoxic brain injury, and cardiac arrest.

The author also alleged that a senior figure in Euracare’s ownership sent a message to a family relative warning that she should not pursue court action because “bad things may be said about her since court cases are about winning and anybody would do anything to win.”

Adichie described the message as “manipulative and implicitly threatening.”

“They can drag all they wish in the mud, but our quest for justice will continue,” she said.

On the ongoing inquest, Adichie noted that it was Euracare itself that first applied for a coroner’s inquest in January, citing “rumours of negligence.”

She said the hospital has since deployed delaying tactics and is now seeking to stop the inquest entirely.

“If Euracare cares about the truth, then why create delays and distractions and now, finally, try to stop an inquest?” she asked.

The Lagos State High Court, on May 26, granted Euracare leave to challenge the jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Court, ordering a stay of the inquest proceedings pending the determination of a judicial review application filed by the hospital. The Coroner’s Court subsequently adjourned the matter to October 8, 2026.

The Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), and the Chief Coroner of Lagos State have since filed a preliminary objection urging the High Court to dismiss Euracare’s application, describing it as incompetent, premature, and an abuse of court process.

Nkanu, the older of Adichie’s twin sons, died on January 7, 2026, following complications during sedation procedures at Euracare.

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria subsequently suspended Dr Ogundare and Dr Majekodunmi, alongside the Chief Medical Officer of Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr Atinuke Uwajeh, pending disciplinary proceedings.

Euracare had not responded to Adichie’s post as of the time of this report.

  

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How Over Five Celebrities' Phones Were Stolen At Alex Ekubo's Service Of Songs In Lagos

Nollywood actor Stan Nze has condemned the reported theft of several mobile phones during the service of songs held in honour of late actor Alexx Ekubo, saying the incident reflects a deeper crisis of values among Nigerians.

The Nigerian entertainment industry gathered on Wednesday to pay tribute to Ekubo, who died on May 11, 2026, after a battle with kidney cancer. However, reports of missing phones at the event sparked controversy on social media, with some attendees confirming that their devices were stolen.

Speaking in a video posted after the ceremony on Thursday, Nze, who hosted the event, revealed that more than five phones were reported missing.

“I hosted my dear friend’s, my brother’s service of song last night, and it was one of the hardest things to do, but what I want to address is the fact that at that service of songs, over five phones went missing, and this I’m saying five phones because I don’t want to exaggerate,” he said.

The actor said he personally knew some of the victims, including Nollywood actress Susan Peters. Reality TV star Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan, popularly known as BamBam, also confirmed that her phone was stolen. According to her, a friend and another man in her group lost their phones as well, bringing the number of missing devices linked to her group to at least three.

Nze said the situation became so alarming that organisers had to temporarily prevent guests from leaving the venue while efforts were made to locate the missing phones.

Expressing disbelief over the incident, he questioned how individuals could steal from people gathered to mourn a deceased colleague.

“It just got me thinking, how do you come to a place where people are mourning, where people are grieving and you steal from them? Okay, let’s even leave God aside, what has happened to our conscience as a people?” he said.

While acknowledging frequent complaints about insecurity, killings and poor governance in the country, the actor argued that Nigerians must also confront personal and societal shortcomings.

“At a point, they had to block the gate that people would not leave until they found the phones. Oh God, the government is not our problem. I don’t think government is our problem. Even if we chase everybody in government now out, who will lead? Who will do the job?” he said.

Nze further maintained that meaningful change cannot be achieved through government policies alone if citizens fail to uphold honesty, kindness and accountability in their daily lives. He lamented that some people condemn leaders while engaging in unethical behaviour themselves.

“You’re saying the government is bad, but you are wicked. You’re not kind, not with your words, not with giving, not with sympathy. We’re not kind people. I feel this is the height of it. Where people are mourning, you come to steal from them, add more sorrow to them.”

Calling on Nigerians to take responsibility for their actions and speak up against wrongdoing, the actor urged citizens to look out for one another and uphold values that promote compassion and integrity.

The reported thefts have continued to generate reactions online, with the incident drawing attention to concerns about security at public gatherings and reigniting debate over the role of individual conduct in addressing broader societal challenges.

  

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Women Criticise Me Online But Chase Me In Real Life — Popular Social Media Personality, GehGeh

Social media personality and self-acclaimed financial expert, Ojaigho Prosper, popularly known as GehGeh, has said that women who criticise him online often behave differently when they meet him in real life, stating that he receives more attention from women offline than men.

Speaking in a recent media interview, GehGeh reflected on his rise to social media fame, stating that his journey began with a desire to share real-life financial lessons rather than chase online popularity.

He said, “I was simply coming from a place where I wanted to share my experiences because I felt I had enough knowledge and life experiences to share with people.”

He recalled that one of his earliest viral videos focused on why renting an apartment could, in some cases, be better than building a house, a perspective he said resonated with many viewers. According to him, the video gained wider attention after it was reposted by music executive, Don Jazzy.

Geh Geh said his rise to fame came as a surprise, adding that he only realised the scale of his influence when strangers began approaching him in public to share how his content impacted their lives.

However, his views on relationships and masculinity have often sparked criticism online, with some accusing him of promoting misogynistic ideas. He dismissed the label, insisting that the backlash is often rooted in insecurity.

“I have noticed that women don’t like my advice online because many of them feel that if their husbands or boyfriends watch my videos, they may stop giving them money the way they used to,” he said.

He, however, maintained that his offline experiences tell a different story.

“When women see me in real life, they approach me more than men do. The way they react to me online and in person are two completely opposite things,” he added.

Geh Geh also defended his stance on financial discipline in relationships, explaining that his content originally focused on personal finance before evolving into relationship commentary.

“I realised that a lot of the financial problems men face come from investing in relationships and partners they shouldn’t be investing in,” he said.

Addressing questions about his personal life, he confirmed that he has had multiple relationships, adding that his cultural background permits polygamy.

He also responded to public criticism over his sister’s recent claim that he does not support her financially, insisting that his philosophy on self-reliance applies equally to family members.

“I recently transferred N5m to her,” he said, adding that both of them share the same upbringing and opportunities.

On trending conversations surrounding celebrity relationships, Geh Geh criticised the engagement between fellow content creators, Peller and Jarvis, describing it as unsustainable.

“I swear, it pained me. The boy is constantly performing,” he said, arguing that young relationships built on public attention often struggle in the long term.

  

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Why Risks Of Electric Fire Are Increasing In Lagos - Manager, Schneider Electric West Africa

Rapid urban development and expanding high-rise infrastructure in Lagos are increasing the risk of electrical fires, according to Schneider Electric, which is calling for stronger integration of fire safety into electrical system design.

Offer Manager for Power Products at Schneider Electric West Africa, Opeyemi Olaniyan, said in an opinion piece to The PUNCH that fire safety must no longer be treated as a compliance requirement but as a foundational element of electrical infrastructure design.

He warned that as industrialisation and urbanisation accelerate across West Africa, electrical systems are becoming more complex and exposed to higher risks, particularly fire-related incidents.

“The safety of electrical infrastructure is non-negotiable, particularly in a time when industrialisation and urbanisation in West Africa require reliable and efficient power provision,” Olaniyan stated.

“As systems expand in scale and complexity, one critical risk demands greater attention: electrical fires.”

The executive said the consequences of poor fire safety design go beyond asset damage, noting that failures can trigger operational disruptions, reputational damage, higher insurance costs, and loss of life.

Lagos, home to Africa’s fastest-growing skyline, has seen rapid expansion in commercial buildings and residential towers, a development he said is increasing exposure to electrical fire hazards. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service records hundreds of fire outbreaks annually, many in commercial and multi-storey structures.

Olaniyan said traditional fire protection systems that rely on isolated components or reactive responses are no longer sufficient for modern infrastructure demands.

Instead, he called for integrated and intelligent electrical systems that embed fire mitigation into both low-voltage and medium-voltage distribution networks from the design stage.

He outlined key features of modern systems to include real-time monitoring of temperature and humidity, early fault detection mechanisms, integrated protection systems, and proactive prevention tools designed to reduce downtime and economic losses.

He also stressed the importance of synchronising protection mechanisms across entire distribution networks to improve resilience and responsiveness.

Beyond technology, Olaniyan highlighted the need for stronger technical capacity across the sector, including engineers, contractors, and system integrators.

He said building an ecosystem of expertise through training and knowledge transfer is essential to improving the quality and consistency of electrical installations.

At Schneider Electric, he said, emphasis is placed on upskilling both internal teams and channel partners to strengthen understanding of system integration and fire safety practices.

Recent fire incidents in commercial facilities across West Africa, including the 2024 Afriland Tower fire in Lagos that claimed seven lives, have intensified calls for preventive electrical design and monitoring, he added.

Olaniyan said such incidents are driving greater awareness and accelerating investment in fire mitigation technologies.

He said West Africa’s infrastructure growth must be matched with resilient electrical systems designed to prevent disasters before they occur.

“Prevention strategies and technologies must form the cornerstone on which our fast-paced industrial development is built,” he noted.

Culled from the Punch 

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RCCG To Train Over 100,000 Youths On Tech-Related Skills

The Redeemed Christian Church of God has announced plans to train more than 100,000 young Nigerians in technology-related skills as part of activities lined up for its Mega Music Festival 2.0 scheduled for Friday at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The church said the initiative, tagged the RCCG Young Adult and Youth Tech Fellowship, would be officially launched during the event, which is expected to draw thousands of worshippers from across Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Youth Affairs, Sola Olukoya, said the fellowship would provide a four-month practical training programme aimed at equipping young people with skills required for the digital economy.

According to him, the programme, being organised in partnership with Reach4Christ, will focus on areas including data analysis, product development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software development and digital innovation.

“This transformational initiative is designed to empower over 100,000 young adults and youths through an intensive four-month practical, hands-on technology training programme,” he said.

Olukoya noted that the church’s goal was to prepare young Nigerians for global opportunities while contributing to national development.

“Our mission is to equip young people spiritually, mentally, and professionally — giving them the tools required to access global workforce opportunities, create solutions, build enterprises, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.

The cleric disclosed that the Mega Music Festival, themed “A New Season,” would combine worship, prayers, thanksgiving and prophetic declarations for Nigeria.

He said the event was inspired by the church’s belief that collective worship and prayer could usher in national transformation.

“We believe that when a people honour God with genuine praise, the land responds with increase, restoration, peace, and divine blessings,” Olukoya said.

He added that the church would use the gathering to pray for economic recovery, security, education, innovation and national progress.

“We believe the new season Nigeria desires must include a generation of young people who are empowered, innovative, productive, and guided by godly values,” he said.

Olukoya said the event would feature gospel ministers including Nathaniel Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Yinka Alaseyori and Bidemi Olaoba.

He added that senior ministers, including J. F. Odesola and J. T. Kalejaiye, would lead prayer sessions, while the General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, would pronounce blessings and prophetic declarations over the nation.

Olukoya said more than 5,000 volunteers had been mobilised for the event, covering areas such as security, logistics, medical support, sanitation and crowd management.

He also disclosed that free buses would operate from designated locations across Lagos and Ogun states to convey worshippers to and from the venue.

Describing the festival as more than a musical event, he said, “It is an altar of praise. It is a sound of hope. It is a movement of transformation. It is a declaration that Nigeria is entering a new season.”

  

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