Africa’s First Wheelchair Fencing Academy Opens In Lagos

The Nigeria Fencing Federation has launched the first-ever Wheelchair Fencing Academy in Africa, welcoming participants from across the globe to the 2026 ENABLE Wheelchair Fencing Academy, hosted by World Abilitysport in collaboration with the Commonwealth Fencing Federation.

Running from Wednesday, August 5 to Friday, August 7 at Rugby School Nigeria, Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos, the Academy will welcome athletes, coaches, referees, and volunteers from Liberia, Gambia, Brazil, Namibia, the USA/ UK, Rwanda, Togo, Botswana, and host nation Nigeria.

ENABLE—short for Empowering New Abilities—is REACH Africa’s inclusion initiative dedicated to transforming lives through adaptive sport, education, leadership, and opportunity. The programme aims to create sustainable pathways for persons with disabilities to participate, compete, and excel in wheelchair fencing, while promoting inclusion across communities.

Over three days, participants will receive intensive training in fencing techniques, coaching methodologies, competition rules, athlete classification, and officiating.

A dedicated referee education seminar will also be delivered.

 

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The programme is led by Tonye Sawari, Programme Lead for the ENABLE Initiative, coordinating preparations for Nigeria’s Para team and Commonwealth nations ahead of the Championships. Training sessions will be conducted by Ivan Schwantes, World Para Fencing Coaching Representative, alongside international educators committed to expanding wheelchair fencing across Africa and the Commonwealth.

Following the Academy, athletes will compete in individual and team events in foil and epee during the Commonwealth Championships.

 Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Harry Cootes, Acting Chief Executive Officer of World Abilitysport, said, “A driving force behind our work is ensuring that fencing is accessible to as many people with disabilities as possible. The Wheelchair Fencing Academy, now in its fifth year, has created opportunities for athletes and coaches in emerging nations, and we are excited to bring that impact to Africa for the very first time.”

 REACH Africa Chairperson, Rachael Samuel, described the launch of ENABLE as a defining moment for inclusive sport in Nigeria: “ENABLE represents far more than a training programme. It is a commitment to ensuring that every young person, regardless of physical ability, has access to opportunity, dignity, and excellence through sport.

 “By partnering with World Abilitysport, the Commonwealth Fencing Federation, and the Nigeria Fencing Federation, we are building a sustainable pathway that identifies talent, develops coaches, empowers communities, and creates future Paralympians.”

 The ENABLE Academy is part of REACH Africa’s broader mission to use education, sport, and skills development to transform lives while creating sustainable opportunities for underserved communities. As

 Nigeria prepares to host athletes and officials from across the Commonwealth, the Academy and Championships are expected to leave a lasting legacy—expanding wheelchair fencing, developing local expertise, and demonstrating Africa’s commitment to inclusive sport and equal opportunity for all.

  

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My Father Did not Care About Earthly Recognition- Daughter Of RCCG's Founder, Pastor Titilayo Adewale, Debunks Claims Of Criticizing The Church Over Her Father's Legacy

A daughter of the founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Titilayo Adewale, has denied claims that she criticised the church’s leadership for allegedly sidelining the legacy of her late father, Pa Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi.

In a statement released on her Facebook page on Monday, Adewale described as false a viral statement attributed to her, which claimed that many senior pastors in the RCCG were unaware that her father founded the church and that she had called for greater efforts to preserve his legacy.
she said, “My attention has been drawn to a statement attributed to me regarding The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor E.A. Adeboye and the legacy of my father.

“I want to clarify that the statement attributed to me is not from me, either implicitly or explicitly.”

She said her father never sought earthly recognition and would not have been concerned about whether his name or image appeared on church buildings or institutions.

 

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“For the record, Baba’s image or no image on any edifice on earth is nothing compared to making Heaven with his full face being recognised,” she said.

According to her, the greatest legacy her father left behind was people, not physical structures.

“Regarding legacy, the most significant legacy is not buildings or institutions but individuals. My father consistently believed in building people rather than merely constructing buildings,” she stated.

Adewale recalled that her father was reluctant to own personal property during his lifetime, saying it would be inconsistent to suggest that he desired public recognition through monuments.

“He never believed in acquiring wealth or earthly possessions. It was a challenge to convince my father to own a building because he was not convinced of its value.

“If he was unwilling to own a personal residence, how could he or any child be bothered if his name is not associated with buildings or institutions? It doesn’t add up.”

She argued that the viral reports were not about her, her father or the leadership of the church, but were aimed at creating unnecessary controversy and division.

“In my opinion, this news and similar ones are not about me, my father or even the leadership of the RCCG. Instead, they are intended to create unnecessary arguments and discord.

“Their purpose is to divert attention from the divine work being carried out and sow discord among us.”

She urged those behind the reports to stop spreading what she described as false narratives and warned them against further misinformation.

Adewale also expressed support for the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, praying for wisdom and strength for him, his family and the church’s leadership.

“I pray for continued support and strength for Pastor E.A. Adeboye and his family. I pray that God will enhance the wisdom of the leadership of the RCCG.

“Wishing the RCCG family worldwide a successful convention. Shalom!” she said.

  

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How Hoodlums Stole Guests’ Phones During My Wedding – Peller

Popular TikTok personality Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, has alleged that suspected hoodlums stole mobile phones belonging to some guests during his traditional wedding in Lagos.

Peller made the claim during a TikTok livestream on Monday, saying the incidents happened outside the wedding venue while the ceremony was taking place.

According to him, several guests later reached out to complain that their phones were snatched by suspected agberos gathered around the area.

The content creator said he had already spent a considerable amount compensating some of the affected guests by replacing the stolen devices.

He blamed the thefts on the large number of hoodlums who allegedly crowded the surroundings of the venue.

“Agbero don occupy Lagos. No be small. Agbero plenty pass guests wey come to my wedding. Agbero plenty outside. People wey come say dem dey snatch their phones. Una know how many phone I don pay for?” he said.

Peller also recounted that a female guest reportedly had her phone stolen immediately after arriving at the entrance.

 

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“One girl, as she reach, na so dem snatch her phone for gate. Dem run away,” he added.

He further claimed that there was another disturbance outside the venue involving a road accident while he was inside celebrating with guests.

“Me wey I dey inside hall dey do my wedding, na so them say I kill person. Agbero stay for front of car. Them say comot, he no gree. The car owner vex con jam am,” he said.

Reflecting on the experience, Peller said he would not allow a similar situation during his white wedding scheduled for August 8.

“No worry, my white wedding no go be like the way una do that day. Na so I see one video wey car go jam one guy,” he said.

He had earlier announced that the white wedding would be a strictly private event with only 100 invited guests and that security personnel would be deployed to prevent unauthorised persons from gathering around the venue.

Peller and his partner, Elizabeth Amadou, popularly known as Jarvis, held their traditional wedding in Lagos on Saturday in a ceremony tagged #JP2026. The event drew celebrities, social media influencers and thousands of online viewers.

The wedding attracted significant public attention after the couple received several high-value gifts. Socialite Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, gifted them N10 million, while American TikTok personality Gregory Pizarro Jr. reportedly presented Peller with $20,000.

They also received a plot of land in Abuja valued at N150 million from real estate entrepreneur Lawrence Emmanuel and a fully furnished mansion in Abuja’s Life Camp area reportedly worth N400 million from businessman King Ochacho.

Guests at the ceremony included actress Iyabo Ojo, singer Zinoleesky, Priscilla Ojo and her husband, Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, Daddy Freeze, Papaya Ex, Tee Dollar, Aunty Ramota and other celebrities and content creators. Fuji musician Sule Alao Malaika performed at the event.

  

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Area Boys Damaged My Car - Ayra Starr’s Sister Cries Out

The younger sister of Afrobeats star Ayra Starr, Saltiana, popularly known as DJ Salt of Life, says suspected area boys damaged her car in Lagos after mistaking her for the singer.

Saltiana made the claim in a series of posts shared on her Instagram Story on Sunday, where she lamented what she described as growing harassment of motorists by street touts in the state.

According to the DJ, the incident occurred on Saturday, leaving her saddened by the damage to her vehicle.

“They damaged my car yesterday and honestly it was so sad!!!” she wrote.

She said the situation became more upsetting because the men repeatedly shouted Ayra Starr’s name, believing she was the award-winning singer.

“And the fact that they kept shouting Ayra Starr because they thought I was her made it even worse. THIS HAS TO STOP,” she said.

 

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Expressing concern over what she described as a growing trend, Saltiana said motorists driving expensive vehicles in Lagos are often targeted by street touts demanding money.

“Imagine, this is what happens now in Lagos once you drive a nice car. These Agberos/Area Boys won’t let you go except you give them money. If you don’t give them, they might stone your car and break something. So basically, it’s by force.”

The damaged car

Calling for urgent action, she added, “This is not good. How can this be controlled because it’s getting out of hand?”

Saltiana, whose stage name is DJ Salt of Life, works as a disc jockey and backup singer.

Meanwhile, music producer and disc jockey Imohiosen Patrick, popularly known as DJ Neptune, also raised concerns over the activities of suspected area boys in Lagos.

In a post on X on Monday, he recounted an encounter with a group of hoodlums while leaving content creator Peller’s wedding on Saturday.

“A bunch of these agberos/hoodlums tried to mob me as I was leaving Peller’s wedding. It took confidence to navigate my way out. Those guys no get joy at all,” he wrote.

Calling for government intervention, DJ Neptune added, “Lagos State Government needs react real quick about these agberos or hoodlums chasing people and their cars on the street of Lagos. We’ve been dealing with beggars on the road and now this. Make person no go crash or innocently get involved in an accident.”

Both comments come amid growing concerns over the activities of suspected area boys in parts of Lagos.

  

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LAWMA Seals Ikotun-Igando Shops Over Environmental Violations

        The Lagos Waste Management Authority has intensified its ongoing environmental compliance enforcement across Lagos, sealing markets, shopping complexes, and commercial premises along the Ikotun-Igando axis.

This came as LAWMA issued notices of intention to seal markets, shops, and plazas along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor.

The Director of Public Affairs at LAWMA, Mukaila Sanusi, disclosed this in a statement over the weekend, obtained by The PUNCH.

The statement explained that the enforcement exercise, carried out on Saturday by LAWMA’s Project WISE West team, targeted commercial premises along the LASU-Igando Road corridor in Alimosho Local Government Area, “following persistent indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the road median despite repeated default notices, sustained environmental advocacy, and notices of intention to seal.”

 

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The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the latest operation followed the notable improvement in environmental compliance recorded during last week’s enforcement exercise along the Yaba-Ojuelegba corridor.

Gbadegesin noted that the intervention had helped restore environmental order and improve sanitation within the area, noting, “Encouraged by the positive outcome, the authority had extended the exercise to other identified corridors across the state, while commencing the issuance of notices of intention to seal markets, shops, and plazas along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor as part of ongoing compliance measures.”

According to him, the affected markets, shopping complexes, and commercial premises will remain under seal until all “stipulated environmental compliance conditions have been fully met and the agency is satisfied that adequate corrective measures have been implemented.”

He stressed that indiscriminate waste disposal on road medians, drainage channels, and other unauthorised locations constituted a violation of the environmental laws of Lagos State and would continue to attract the appropriate sanction.

The LAWMA boss urged traders, market associations, property owners, and business operators to maintain proper sanitation around their premises, patronise only their assigned PSP operators, and desist from indiscriminate waste disposal, adding that environmental cleanliness remained a shared responsibility.

He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to combining sustained public enlightenment with firm enforcement to promote responsible environmental behaviour, protect public infrastructure, and sustain a cleaner, healthier, and more liveable Lagos.

As part of Saturday’s enforcement operation, LAWMA sealed Owode Market, Omo Oba Shopping Complex, Oja Oba Market, Irewolede Market, Egan Junction Market, BoA Shopping Complex, Blissful Electronics Stores, as well as several other defaulting shops and commercial premises for environmental sanitation violations.

  

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How Woman And Her Three Daughters Escaped From Kidnappers After Spending 180 Days In Captivity

A woman abducted from Ariko village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State has regained her freedom after spending about 180 days in captivity alongside her three surviving daughters following an escape from their abductors’ hideout.

The woman, whose identity was withheld, was reportedly kidnapped while pregnant along with her daughters, aged four, six and 12.

According to a statement issued today by security analyst and former Kaduna governorship aide, Reuben Buhari, the woman and her daughters escaped from the camp on Saturday and embarked on a long trek through the bush despite being weak and exhausted.

Buhari said the woman gave birth while in captivity, but the newborn reportedly died about three weeks later.

 

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He added that the family’s youngest daughter, four-year-old Christy, was ill during the escape.

“Her mother carried her on her back, but when she became tired, the 12-year-old sister took over,” Buhari said.

According to him, the family trekked until nightfall on Saturday and spent the night in the bush before continuing their journey the following day.

Buhari said the four-year-old later died during the trek. He said the mother and her daughters eventually reached a community in Kachia Local Government Area on Sunday, where residents assisted them and arranged medical attention before their planned transfer to Kaduna for further treatment.

The security analyst said the woman and her daughters were among residents abducted from Ariko village and neighbouring communities several months ago.

He added that 33 other abductees from Ariko, including 11 people reportedly kidnapped from Awon village, were still being held by their captors.

  

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I Was Dollar Millionaire At 30, At 35 I Was Working As A Labourer — Farooq Oreagba

Businessman Farooq Oreagba, popularly known as Mr. Steeze, has reflected on the highs and lows of his financial journey, revealing that he went from being a dollar millionaire at the age of 30 to working as a labourer in England just five years later after losing his banking job.

Oreagba made the revelation during an appearance on Ebuka Obi-Uchendu’s MENtality show, co-hosted by Banky W, where he spoke about wealth, materialism and the importance of life over money.

During the conversation, Oreagba posed a hypothetical question to Ebuka to illustrate his belief that life is more valuable than any amount of wealth.

“Ebuka I’m going to drop a few nuggets here. How much is money to you. Will a billionaire dollar satisfy you?” he asked.

 

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Responding, Ebuka said, “I’m not looking for satisfaction.”

Oreagba continued, “Okay now I’m going back to the first question about materialism and people chasing money but if I gave you 10 million dollars now, what would you say?”

Ebuka replied, “What would I say? I’ll call you from Miami to thank you.”

Oreagba then added, “But what if I told you you can have it but not live more than 24 hours to spend it what would you do?”

Ebuka responded, “I mean I could make 10 million dollars, so it’s not worth it.”

Using the exchange to make his point, Oreagba reflected on his own experience with wealth and hardship.

“Right. Then all of a sudden living now has more value. I was a dollar millionaire at 30, at 35 I was working as a labourer in England. I had my dream and all them I lost my job as a banker. To maintain that lifestyle I was hustling, doing all kinds of stuff… I had my priorities wrong.”

Oreagba said the experience taught him that many people spend too much time chasing money while neglecting what truly matters, noting that wealth alone does not define the value of life.

  

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I’m Strict When It Comes To Dating – Actress Teniola Aladese

Nollywood actress Teniola Aladese has opened up about her dating life, revealing that she is currently not in a relationship while describing herself as a strict person when it comes to dating.

Aladese made this known during an appearance on Pulse Nigeria’s Drink or Spill, where she was asked about her current relationship status. “I am trying my best, guys. I date, but currently I am not dating,” she said.

 

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The actress, who was also asked to name the most dramatic celebrity she knows, mentioned fellow actress Bisola Aiyeola, describing her as one of the most dramatic celebrities she has ever met. “That will be Bisola Aiyeola because I love her. She is one of the most dramatic celebrities I have ever met. She is one of my favourite people in the world and I love her for that,” Aladese said.

Sharing how she behaves in a relationship, Aladese described herself as strict when it comes to dating, although she believes her approach reflects a healthy level of firmness. “I am strict when it comes to dating. I disagree. I think a healthy level of strictness,” she said.

The actress also identified being overly analytical as one of her biggest red flags, explaining that her tendency to analyse situations extensively is also connected to her desire for communication. “My biggest red flag is probably that I am over analytical. I overanalyse a lot of things, which is why I like to communicate a lot,” she said.

Aladese also spoke about her on-screen chemistry with male actors, revealing that her preferred pairing has changed over time. “It used to be Uzor Arukwe; right now, I would say Taiye Arimoro,” she said.

  

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Female Driver Dies After Crashing Into Building At Mangoro

A female motorist has died after losing control of her vehicle and crashing into a roadside building at Mongoro, inward Ile-Zik, along one of Lagos’ busiest roads.

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority confirmed the incident in a statement issued today by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq.

LASTMA said preliminary security investigations showed that the deceased, who was driving a Toyota Sienna with registration number LND 162 HB, lost control of the vehicle before it veered off the road and rammed into a building.

“The deceased, who was driving a Toyota Sienna (LND 162 HB), lost control of the vehicle, which subsequently veered off the carriageway and violently rammed into a roadside building.

“The ferocity of the impact proved catastrophic, resulting in her instantaneous death. She was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the unfortunate incident,” the statement read.

 

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LASTMA said its personnel, who were on routine patrol in the area, responded immediately to the incident by cordoning off the crash scene and managing traffic to prevent congestion and secondary accidents.

According to the agency, although the accident temporarily disrupted traffic, its officers restored the free flow of vehicles within a short time.

It added that security operatives from the Afonka Police Post under the Shasha Divisional Police Headquarters provided security throughout the evacuation exercise.

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described “the incident as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences associated with excessive speed and reckless driving.”

“Every journey must be undertaken with prudence, patience and an unwavering commitment to established traffic regulations. No destination is worth the ultimate sacrifice of human life.

“Excessive speed remains one of the foremost causes of fatal road traffic crashes, and motorists must, at all times, exercise the highest degree of caution, restraint and responsibility while behind the wheel,” he said.

Bakare-Oki also urged motorists to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy before embarking on any journey.

He advised drivers to stop using any vehicle showing signs of mechanical defects until the faults had been professionally repaired.

The LASTMA boss extended the agency’s condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for the fortitude to bear the loss.

  

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How Police Officers Allegedly Pushed Motorist Off Maryland Bridge

Police officers attached to the Odo Iya Alaro Link Bridge in the Maryland area, off Ojota, Lagos, have been accused of pushing a motorist off a bridge during an altercation over allegedly driving on a Bus Rapid Transit lane.

According to a video shared by Objectv Media on Facebook, the incident reportedly occurred after the officers flagged down the vehicle for an alleged BRT lane violation.

The encounter was said to have escalated into a heated argument over the penalty before the alleged assault occurred.

In the video, some police officers could be seen arguing with no fewer than 10 young men on top of the bridge.

The footage also captured the alleged victim, who was said to have been pushed off the bridge, surrounded by people believed to be sympathisers.

 

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Speaking in the video in Pidgin English, the narrator could be heard saying, “All those BRT people who stay at the BRT lane in Maryland have pushed someone from the top of the bridge. This is how they hold motorists all the time and make them withdraw N50,000 or N80,000 as a fine.

“Look at them here. This is how they operate. They will stop vehicles on the BRT lane and impose fines of N80,000 or N100,000. Just because he refused to withdraw money for them, they pushed him off the bridge where everyone else was driving. Look at the person on the ground.

“This is how they stand at Odo Iya Alaro Bridge and harass people, claiming they drove on the BRT lane. They cause traffic and detain people. See what has happened now. While arguing with the man, they pushed him down from the top of the bridge.”

The identity of the alleged victim could not be identified at the time of filing this report nor could it be confirmed whether he was alive or dead.

BRT lane enforcement and monitoring in Lagos are managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority under the Ministry of Transportation.

In July last year, the Lagos State Government temporarily suspended enforcement of the BRT lane along the Eko Bridge and Odo Iya Alaro corridor to ease growing traffic congestion.

However, in October, the state government announced the resumption of BRT lane enforcement on the two bridges.

When contacted, the Head of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs at LAMATA, Mr Kolawole Ojelabi, referred the reporter to the Ministry of Transportation for comments.

However, calls made to the Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation, Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola, did not connect, while a text message sent to her requesting comments had not been responded to as of the time of filing this report.

Efforts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone were not answered and a text message sent to him had not been replied to as of the time of filing this report.

From the Punch 

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