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.

  

Read More

Navy Commander Visits Oba Of Lagos Ahead Of Anniversary Celebration

The Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, has paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, at his palace in Isale Eko ahead of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.

Speaking during the visit on Wednesday, Adams-Aliu stated that the milestone represents a significant moment in the history of the service.

He said the visit was part of preparatory engagements for the week-long celebration scheduled for May 29 to June 4, 2026, and also served as a formal invitation to the Lagos monarch to participate in the anniversary events.

“Marking seven decades of maritime operations, national defence and regional security engagement, the Navy remains committed to strengthening cooperation with traditional institutions, particularly in coastal communities where maritime security and economic activities are closely linked,” he said.

Adams-Aliu stressed the importance of collaboration with local leaders in maintaining safety within Nigeria’s maritime environment.

“However, our partnerships with community leaders remain critical in addressing security concerns within the maritime domain and in sustaining public trust in naval operations,” he stated.

He said the anniversary celebration is expected to feature ceremonial parades, community outreach programmes, and an International Fleet Review at the Eko Atlantic waterfront.

“It will also highlight the Navy’s operational achievements and long-standing contributions to Nigeria’s security architecture.

“The event is expected to attract senior military officers, foreign naval delegations, government officials, and maritime stakeholders from across the country,” he added.

In his response, the Oba of Lagos commended the Nigerian Navy for its efforts in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters and ensuring security along the coastline.

The monarch expressed appreciation for the visit and pledged support for ongoing security initiatives.

“We will continue to support initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security and unity within the maritime sector,” the monarch said.

 

Read More

Lagos Seals Off Domina's Pizza Outlet In Lekki Over Environmental Infractions

The Lagos State Government says it has sealed off Domino’s Pizza, located at No. 38B, Freedom Way, Lekki, Eti-Osa, over the indiscriminate discharge of untreated sewage into the environment.

The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday.

According to him, the action followed a complaint from a resident and a subsequent investigation carried out by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office.

“Following a complaint received from a concerned resident and a thorough investigation, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), on Wednesday 12th May, 2026, sealed-off Dominion Pizza at No. 38B, Freedom Way, Lekki, Eti-Osa, Lagos, over indiscriminate discharge of untreated sewage from its chamber due to an overfilled septic tank into the environment and public drains, causing environmental nuisance, offensive odour, as well as endangering human health,” the statement read.

Wahab said the discharge created environmental nuisance, emitted offensive odour, and posed health risks to residents in the area.

The commissioner warned that residents and property managers must adhere strictly to proper wastewater management practices, adding that violators would face sanctions and possible prosecution under existing environmental laws.

“@followlasg reiterates the need for residents and property managers to adhere strictly to proper wastewater management practices, noting that any individual or organisation found contravening environmental regulations will be meted with appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution in accordance with the enabling laws,” he stated.

He also provided contact numbers for reporting environmental violations in the state as 08022022397 and 07025332163.

The action aligns with ongoing enforcement drives by the Lagos State Government against illegal sewage discharge, particularly in high-density residential and commercial areas like Lekki.

Similar operations have recently targeted estates, event centres, and other restaurants in the area.

  

Read More

Lagos Commission Okays N25 Million Compensation For Worker That Lost An Arm In Industrial Accident

A worker, Joshua Shapara, who lost his arm in an industrial accident at Anjia Prefabrication Limited in Lagos, has received N25m compensation from the company.

It was gathered, from a statement issued by the Lagos State Safety Commission, on Sunday that the incident occurred in 2024 while Shapara was working in the moulding section of the factory.

He reportedly sustained severe injuries during the accident and was rushed to a hospital, where his right arm was amputated.

The matter was later reported to the Ministry of Justice, which referred the case to the Lagos State Safety Commission for investigation and regulatory action.

Providing an update on the case, the commission disclosed that its Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs Department immediately carried out an assessment of the facility and reviewed the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Speaking on the development, the Director-General of the commission, Lanre Mojola, through the Head of Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs, Adekunbi Obamonire, said that although the compensation paid to the victim was commendable, the accident could have been prevented through strict adherence to workplace safety measures.

He stressed the need for employers to prioritise proper machine guarding, routine safety audits, and compliance with operational procedures to prevent avoidable industrial accidents.

Mojola noted that the incident exposed critical gaps in workplace safety practices and underscored the need for organisations to proactively identify and address hazards before they lead to life-altering injuries.

He reiterated the commission’s commitment to enforcing occupational safety standards across workplaces in Lagos State, adding that corrective measures introduced at the facility would continue to be monitored to prevent a recurrence.

The commission also urged employers across industries to strengthen workplace safety culture and ensure workers operate in environments that comply with established health and safety regulations.

  

Read More

Oshodi Residents Cry Out Over Three Months Growing Heaps Of Refuse Along Streets

Residents and business owners in the Oshodi area of Lagos State have decried the growing heaps of refuse littering major roads and inner streets in the community, accusing the Lagos Waste Management Authority of failing to evacuate waste for months.

During a visit to the area on Monday, PUNCH Metro observed large piles of refuse dumped outside residential buildings and business premises.

The stretch of Oshodi Road linking Mafoluku Road was dotted with overflowing waste heaps, while other affected areas included Daodu Street, Oluwole Street, Rufai Street, Yusuf Street, Afariogun Street and several adjoining roads like Adewale Crescent within the community.

A resident, Kemi Balogun, said repeated complaints by residents had yielded no result.

“The refuse has been here for over three months, and it keeps increasing every day. We can barely stay outside our building to get some fresh air because of the smell. Before you came, we were already discussing posting videos online so that maybe the authorities would feel embarrassed enough to act,” she said.

Another resident, Korede Salau, accused LAWMA of failing to provide services despite residents paying their monthly waste bills regularly.

“We pay our LAWMA dues regularly, yet the refuse is not evacuated. As you can see, heaps of waste are scattered across the streets. It is an eyesore, and the government needs to act quickly because the entire environment has become uncomfortable,” he said.

A business owner, Adetoun Fasasi, said the situation had begun affecting patronage.

“Customers complain whenever they come here, and some leave almost immediately because of the smell. Before now, we tried alternative means of disposing of waste through cart pushers, but we can no longer find them,” she lamented.

The worsening situation has also heightened fears of a possible disease outbreak, as residents described the stench emanating from the refuse dumps as unbearable.

Another resident, Wasiu Adebayo, described the situation as an embarrassment to people living in the area.

“This is not the first time this has happened. A few months ago, there was public outrage over waste disposal problems across Lagos, and now it has returned again. Everywhere is dirty, and nobody seems to care. We are exposed to the risk of disease outbreaks because of the offensive odour and unhygienic environment created by these refuse heaps. Flies and mosquitoes have taken over the area, and whenever it rains, dirty water flows into the streets and compounds. We are the ones suffering this every day,” he lamented.

A food vendor, who spoke on condition of anonymity for personal reasons, said the refuse heaps had become a health concern for residents and business owners alike.

“We cook and sell food around here, yet refuse is piled almost beside us. The smell becomes worse in the afternoon when the sun is hot. We are worried about diseases because children also pass through these roads every day,” she said.

Some residents also expressed fears that the mounting refuse could block drainage channels ahead of the rainy season and worsen flooding in the area. They called on the Lagos State Government to intervene urgently.

  

Read More

Customs, NDLEA Intercept Over N16 Billion Worth Of Cannabis At Tincan Island Port

The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Command, has collaborated with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to intercept 8,347 packages of cannabis indica weighing 4,173.5 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of N16.694bn, at the Tincan Island Port.

This comes weeks after operatives of both agencies recorded a similar seizure at the command.

Speaking while displaying the seized drugs to journalists at the port on Wednesday, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Frank Onyeka, said the successful interception followed credible intelligence jointly gathered by the NCS and NDLEA.

He explained that officers of the Enforcement Units of the command intercepted a 40-foot container marked HAMU 247034/8 and subjected it to thorough physical examination following credible intelligence reports jointly gathered by both agencies, which led to the discovery of the illicit drugs.

The CAC disclosed that the container, which originated from Canada, “was found to contain 8,347 packages of cannabis indica weighing 4,173.5 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N16.694bn.”

Onyeka noted that the seizure represented a deliberate attempt by criminal syndicates to undermine national security and endanger the lives of Nigerians, especially young people.

“This is not just another seizure. This represents a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to jeopardise national security, endanger lives, and profit from the destruction of our hardworking young men and women.

Thankfully, due to the vigilance and professionalism of our officers and partner agencies, that consignment will not get to the streets,” Onyeka stated.

He stressed that the command would intensify surveillance, strengthen intelligence gathering, and sustain collaboration with the NDLEA and other security agencies to prevent Nigerian ports from being used for illegal importation.

The Tincan Island Command boss vowed that individuals and insiders aiding criminal activities at the ports would be identified, traced, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Onyeka commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Buba Marwa, for fostering the partnership and intelligence-sharing framework between both agencies in the fight against illicit trade and drug trafficking.

Receiving the seized drugs on behalf of the NDLEA, the Director of Seaport Operations, Ibinabo Abia, described the interception as a major victory against transnational criminal networks involved in drug trafficking.

She said the recovered substances had tested positive for cannabis indica and would undergo legal forfeiture procedures in line with the law.

Abia revealed that the successful operation was the outcome of months of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and international collaboration involving Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

According to her, the container originated from Toronto, Canada, before passing through Montreal and Tanger Med Port en route to Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. She added that traffickers deliberately changed routes multiple times in a bid to evade security monitoring before the consignment was eventually intercepted on arrival in Nigeria.

The NDLEA official praised the professionalism and resilience of officers of the NCS, the Nigerian Ports Authority and other security agencies involved in the operation.

She further noted that the latest seizure followed recent interceptions of 4,729 kilograms of cannabis indica on April 27 and another 610.5 kilograms on April 30, 2026, highlighting the growing success of intelligence-driven anti-narcotics operations at the nation’s seaports.

  

Read More

How NSCDC Busted A Human Trafficking Gang In Badagry And Rescued 17 Foreigners

The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has uncovered a suspected human trafficking and fraud syndicate operating in Badagry, Lagos, under the guise of a network marketing business, rescuing 17 victims and arresting four suspects.

The victims, mostly foreign nationals from West and Central Africa, were allegedly lured into Nigeria with promises of better job opportunities, only to be detained, extorted, and forced into a fraudulent internet-based scheme identified as QNET.

The Commandant of the Lagos State NSCDC Command, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, while parading the suspects and victims at the Badagry Divisional Office on Monday, said the raid followed a report by a victim of the syndicate.

The victim, a national of the Central African Republic, had reported an experience of “deception, extortion, unlawful detention, human rights abuses, human trafficking and fraud by a syndicate operating at Torikoh, Badagry and other locations under the guise of a network marketing business.”

He raised the alarm after claiming he had been deceived by a Facebook acquaintance, Lansu Alex, a Togolese national.

“I was told there was a better job opportunity in Nigeria. But when I arrived, I was forced into a fraudulent internet marketing scheme.

“My phone and power bank were seized, my SIM cards destroyed, and I was detained in the camp. A sum of N10,000 was then handed over to me to cater for my feeding until I was able to source the money needed to register for the supposed business,” he alleged.

Acting on the report, Keshinro said intelligence suggested that the syndicate operated multiple camps across Badagry, including Aradagun, Mowo, Badagry Town, and Limca, with foreign recruits continuously being deceived into the country under false pretences.

During the operation, Keshinro said four suspects, including three Togolese nationals and one Beninese, were arrested, while 17 victims, comprising 12 males and five females, were rescued.

The NSCDC said its investigations revealed that recruits were allegedly required to pay about 650,000 CFA as registration fees before participating in the scheme, which was reportedly structured as a pyramid-style network with promises of product shipments from Malaysia.

“Further investigation into this operation has also revealed that intending members of this fraudulent internet scheme are mandated to pay the sum of 650,000 CFA as registration fee before they are allowed to participate in the business and thereafter select the products of their choice, which are allegedly suspected to be shipped from Malaysia into Nigeria through a yet-to-be-verified channel with a view to operating an uplines and downlines marketing system.

“It was also gathered that some new business recruits travelling from various African countries are currently on their way to Nigeria because they want to join the supposed profitable scheme. Also, prospective recruits were usually deceived into Nigeria through false pretences and promises that life is better and more profitable in Nigeria,” Keshinro disclosed.

Keshinro, who was represented by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Oluwaseun Abolurin, said the victims were subjected to extortion and inhumane treatment while being given minimal stipends under coercive conditions.

“Operatives acted swiftly on actionable intelligence and stormed the camp where victims were being held under inhumane conditions,” he said.

“Acting on credible intelligence and the distress report, operatives of the NSCDC Badagry Division stormed a camp located at Torikoh in a coordinated operation on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

“The operatives swung into action in a combat-ready but tactically coordinated operation and recorded the arrest of four male suspects — three Togolese and one Beninese — while 17 victims comprising 12 males and five females were rescued. The names of suspects and victims were withheld.”

Recovered exhibits included an HP laptop, QNET-branded documents, mobile phones, leather bags, files, and other items believed to have been used in the operation of the syndicate.

The command further disclosed that the suspects allegedly attempted to bribe operatives with 130,000 CFA, which was rejected and recovered as evidence.

“The perpetrators of these heinous crimes, in a sinister move, again decided to bribe the Badagry operatives of the corps with a sum of 130,000 CFA, but it was rejected and recovered as part of the exhibits linked to the crime,” Keshinro said.

Keshinro warned perpetrators of human trafficking, fraud, and economic sabotage to desist or face prosecution.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid involvement in fraudulent schemes promising unrealistic returns or overseas opportunities.

The commandant added that investigations were ongoing to identify collaborators, dismantle additional camps, and determine the full extent of the network’s operations.

He confirmed that the suspects had been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and prosecution.

“We will not tolerate any form of human trafficking, illegal migration, or economic sabotage. Anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” he said.

Recall that last month, in the same Badagry area of Lagos, operatives of the NSCDC busted a baby factory in Okuju, Ilado area of Badagry.

The operation led to the rescue of 18 pregnant women and 10 children.

The victims, between the ages of 18 and 30, were said to have subscribed to the facility through an offer on Facebook.

The pregnant women, upon delivery, allegedly had their children sold and were paid between N500,000 and N1.8 million.

It was also revealed that some of the pregnant women came to the centre with children and infants who were also put up for sale to willing buyers.

  

Read More

How The Song Dorobucci Originated - Don Jazzy

Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy has opened up about the spontaneous origin of the 2014 hit single ‘Dorobucci’, tracing its roots to a fun persona he adopted at Tiwa Savage’s wedding in Dubai.

In a recent interview on the Crea8torium podcast, the producer explained that while dressed in a suit for the occasion, he introduced himself to guests as Don Dorobucci.

According to him, the name circulated among guests and later gained wider attention after he posted a freestyle on Instagram. 

He said: “We went to Tiwa’s wedding in Dubai but then I was wearing suit and anytime I am wearing suit i just normally introduce myself to people with an Italian name. In this wedding, I was telling everybody I am Don Dorobucci so Tiwa was like which one is Don DorobuccI. Everybody I met was like hello make way for don Dorobucci so as they started complaining which kind of name is that I’m like I’ll use it and make a song when you sing it”.

The clip prompted a dance challenge that spread across Nigeria before the full song was released.

On returning to the country, Don Jazzy said he saw the challenge growing and developed the freestyle into a track. 

“Then I did the freestyle on instagram singing Dorobucci and people just started doing a challenge to it and I am like what is going on we came back to Nigeria I saw bunch of people doing the challenge and I just created a song to it”, he added.

Released under the Mavin crew, the song featured Tiwa Savage, Dr SID, D’Prince, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, and Di’Ja.

It became one of the most played Afrobeats songs of its time and remained popular at events more than a decade later.

  

Read More

How I Will Fight Poverty, Unemployment And Illiteracy If Elected To Represent Kosofe - Hon Oluremi Odunsi

An aspirant for the House of Representatives seat for Kosofe Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Oluremi Oluwalogbon Odunsi, has pledged to tackle illiteracy, unemployment, and poverty in the constituency if elected.

Odunsi made the pledge on Sunday while formally declaring her intention to contest at an event held at the premises of Lotus Bank in Ketu, Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Speaking before party supporters and residents, the grassroots politician and philanthropist said her ambition was driven by a desire to improve the lives of young people, women and struggling families in the constituency.

“I strongly believe that when we intentionally invest in our young people, we are not just changing individual lives, we are shaping the future of our constituency and our nation,” she said.

According to her, she already has workable plans to empower over 10,000 constituents through skills acquisition, education and enterprise support programmes.

Odunsi, who recalled growing up in Kosofe, described the constituency as home and said her upbringing shaped her passion for community development and service.

“I spent my formative years right here in Kosofe. This is where life shaped me, and where I built my businesses. This place is not just my constituency; it is my home,” she said.

She lamented the growing number of out-of-school children in the area, stressing the need for alternative education systems and community learning centres to support children and adults unable to access formal education.

“No child should be left behind simply because life was difficult,” she stated.

The APC aspirant said many young people in Kosofe possess talents and innovative ideas but lack the opportunities and support needed to succeed.

She noted that through her NGO, Threefold Impact, over 4,000 youths and women had been trained in tailoring, catering, makeup, photography, digital skills and entrepreneurship.

According to her, the initiative also provided grant support to beneficiaries to help them establish businesses and become financially independent.

“Many of them are now running their own businesses and feeding their families,” she said.

Odunsi added that her intervention programmes had also included the provision of solar-powered boreholes, renovation of schools, medical support for indigent families and food distribution to thousands of residents during festive periods.

She further disclosed that market women had also benefited from financial literacy training and grant support through the Street Enterprise Academy initiative in partnership with Lotus Bank.

Outlining her plans if elected, the aspirant promised to establish two modern Digital Skills and Enterprise Centres in Kosofe to train youths in relevant skills for the modern economy.

She also pledged to facilitate access to finance and markets for women and young entrepreneurs, while advocating improved healthcare and education.

“I will take your voice to the House of Representatives and fight for better schools, quality healthcare, especially for pregnant women and children, and an enabling environment where hard work is rewarded, and dignity is restored,” she said.

Odunsi appealed to party members and residents of the constituency to support her aspiration, assuring them of inclusive and people-oriented representation.

  

Read More

Crisis Looms In Surulere APC As Stakeholders Reject Imposition Of Anointed Candidate Over Desmond Eliot

A fresh crisis is brewing within the Surulere chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following allegations that influential party leaders are attempting to impose a preferred aspirant ahead of the Lagos State House of Assembly primaries.

  The controversy has heightened tension within the party, with aggrieved stakeholders accusing powerful political interests of undermining internal democracy and plotting to edge out actor-turned-politician, Desmond Elliott, despite his years of legislative experience and grassroots support.

  Some stakeholders alleged that the growing “power arrogance” and political domination linked to the camp of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, must be resisted to preserve internal democracy in Surulere APC.

  Speaking about the issue, a party stakeholder alleged that the process had already been tilted in favour of a female aspirant even before the commencement of the primaries.

  The stakeholder, who said he was only interested in fairness and justice within the APC, insisted that aspirants should be allowed to compete freely rather than be subjected to imposition by powerful political interests.

  “Nobody should play God in Surulere politics. The arrogance of power must stop. Party members should be allowed to choose their candidate freely,” he said.

  He alleged that appointees and party loyalists were being intimidated and warned that they could lose their appointments if they refused to support the preferred aspirant.

  “They are scaring people and intimidating people, especially those who have offices, that if you do not support this lady, your appointment can be removed,” he alleged.

  The stakeholder also questioned why some party leaders and council officials were openly campaigning with one aspirant ahead of the primaries.

  “How can a council chairman leave his work and be following an aspirant around? Leaders should create a level playing field, not openly take sides,” he said.

  He further alleged that there was no genuine consensus arrangement within the Surulere APC, claiming that the political structure had from the outset been directed to work for the emergence of the female aspirant.

  According to him, the Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Sharif Balogun, had openly declared support for the aspirant and allegedly instructed ward chairmen and party executives to mobilise for her.

  The aggrieved stakeholder also claimed that loyalists backing rival aspirants had been removed from party structures, while others were excluded from empowerment programmes organised within the council.

  The controversy has reignited debate over the political future of Desmond Elliott, who is seeking another term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

  While critics continue to question his performance in office, supporters argue that the attacks against him are politically motivated and aimed at preventing him from becoming a ranking legislator capable of occupying principal positions in the Assembly.

  A political commentator familiar with the situation argued that many Nigerians misunderstand the constitutional role of lawmakers, noting that legislators are expected to represent constituents, sponsor bills, move motions, and attract development projects — not personally fund major infrastructure.

  He referenced a 198-page compendium titled, “My Surulere and I So Far”, which reportedly detailed Elliott’s legislative achievements and constituency interventions.

  According to the document, the lawmaker sponsored 11 motions, co-sponsored 42 motions, and participated in the passage of 32 bills into law.

  The compendium also listed two bills associated with him, the Lagos State Tourism Promotion Agency Bill and the Lagos State Public Works Corporation Bill.

  Elliott was also said to have chaired four committees and served on 12 House committees, alongside interventions in infrastructure, health, welfare, sports, and entertainment.

  

Read More