Third Rotary Club Sports Festival Holds In Lagos

The third Rotary Club Sports Festival, Rosfest ‘26, ended on Sunday with organisers describing the event as a success in promoting unity, healthy living, and community service through sports.

District Governor of Rotary Club District 9112, Rotarian Lanre Adedoyin, said the festival demonstrated sport’s power to unite people regardless of their differences.

“For us, sports is a unifier and globally for all nationalities regardless of their differences. In our country, you will note that anytime there is a sports event, we are all united in ensuring the victory of our country,” Adedoyin said.

“For us, it is an event we will continue to hold annually so we can bring people together and reconnect with more Rotarians in our various communities who want to know what we do.”

The festival, held in Lagos, featured 14 sporting events, including scrabble, chess, snooker, draughts, ayo olopon, athletics, tug-of-war, volleyball, table tennis, and football.

Rotary Club Victoria Island East emerged as champions in football, while Rotary Club Shomolu won the tug-of-war competition. Revolution Lagos claimed the volleyball title, with Rotary Club Gbagada finishing as runners-up.

In scrabble, Femi Awopetu of Rotary Club Shomolu won gold in the men’s category, while Chinwe Anyanwu of Rotary Club Lekki Novare took the women’s title.

Peter Akpan of Rotary Club Victoria Island East clinched gold in chess, with Johnson Alabi of Rotary Club Shomolu winning the snooker competition.

Ikoyi Metro Rotary Club won the 4×4 relay race, while Faith Godwin of Rotary Club Ikoyi and Arinze Achume of Rotary Club Ikoyi Metro won gold in the women’s and men’s 100 metres dash, respectively.

Chairman of the organising committee, Rotarian Alozie Nsirimobi, said the festival was instituted to help Rotarians monitor their health and drive unity.

“This was instituted to help Rotarians initially monitor their health, as Rotarians who are busy helping communities and others don’t have time to take care of themselves, so we used this for them to have time to exercise and look after themselves. Secondly, so we can also have fun and relax among ourselves,” Nsirimobi said.

“Another very important part is to drive unity as a whole. We believe that sports is one thing that unites us, and we want to drive the message of peace and unity. The theme of the tournament is ‘Sports for service’, we are using sports to serve humanity.”

Rotarian Lukman Olusesi, captain of X-Riders Cycling club, Ijebu Ode, said his team had an exciting time at the festival.

“We are happy we were able to make this journey; we have had an exciting time at this Rotary Festival after missing the last one. Rotary is all about making the world a better place, and we are doing that with cycling. The theme is ‘Riding for Unity’, and we showcased this in the communities,” Olusesi stated.

Since its inception in 2023/2024, Rosfest has grown in bounds, with the vision to encourage healthy living in the Rotary world and beyond through sports.

  

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Norrenberger Opens New Office In Lagos

Norrenberger Financial Group has intensified its push into Nigeria’s competitive asset management market with the opening of a new group office in Lagos, a move the firm said would accelerate asset growth, deepen institutional partnerships and position it among the country’s top five asset managers within five years.
 The office located in Ikoyi marked the group’s formal consolidation in Nigeria’s commercial capital, where the bulk of financial market activity, corporate headquarters and institutional capital pools are concentrated.
 Industry analysts said the expansion underscored the growing importance of physical presence in Lagos for firms seeking to scale in wealth and investment management.

Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Tony Edeh, described the move as a strategic necessity tied to the firm’s long-term ambition to compete at the highest level of Africa’s financial services industry.
 According to him, Lagos represents Nigeria’s largest aggregation of entrepreneurs, corporate entities and institutional investors, making proximity critical for deal execution, client acquisition and faster investment decisions.
 “For a financial-centric group like ours focused on wealth creation, asset management and capital deployment, Lagos is essential,” Edeh said during the opening ceremony, noting that the state’s economy rivals some African sovereign economies.

He added that a stronger Lagos footprint would allow the firm to respond more quickly to market opportunities and align its operations with the pace of Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
 Group Chairman, Ibrahim Bala, said the expansion was part of a deliberate growth plan aimed at increasing the firm’s asset base and market share in a sector dominated by a handful of large players.
 He disclosed that Norrenberger was targeting a top five position in Nigeria’s asset management space within the next five years, a goal that will require aggressive client acquisition, product innovation and stronger institutional partnerships.

“Lagos is the economic nerve centre of Nigeria. Being here is a critical step in our growth journey and in our commitment to supporting economic development,” Bala said.
  Senior Partner/CEO of KPMG Nigeria, Tola Adeyemi, described the Lagos expansion as a signal of Norrenberger’s long-term intent to compete at scale.
 He said credibility, governance and ethical leadership would remain key differentiators in an industry where investor confidence is closely tied to corporate reputation.

“Skills can be learned and markets will fluctuate, but what endures is character and how institutions conduct business,” Adeyemi said, urging financial firms to prioritise trust as they pursue growth.
 Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the investment reflected private sector confidence in the state’s economic environment and its ambition to evolve into a regional financial hub.
 He noted that financial institutions play a critical role in capital formation, job creation and business expansion, adding that the state government is positioning Lagos as a gateway for international investment through the Lagos International Financial Centre initiative.

  

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NICRAT Activates Skin Cancer Screening Centres For Persons With Albinism

The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has intensified efforts to tackle the high burden of skin cancer among persons with albinism by activating targeted screening services in three Nigerian cities.

Through the integration of skin cancer checks and structured referral pathways into its National Preventive Oncology Clinical Services, the institute is seeking to improve early detection and access to care for a group it identifies as particularly vulnerable to the disease.

The Director General of NICRAT, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, disclosed this at the launch of the institute’s “Shade the Sun” campaign at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta Cancer Centre in Lagos.

He described the initiative as an awareness and prevention drive specifically designed for Nigerians living with albinism, noting that their heightened sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation places them at increased risk of developing skin cancer.

According to him, the campaign is being implemented under the National Initiative for Cancer Early Detection, Screening and Coordinated Access to Networked Care, a framework aimed at strengthening prevention strategies, promoting timely diagnosis, improving treatment outcomes, and ultimately reducing cancer-related deaths nationwide.

As part of the intervention, beneficiaries received sun protection kits and were urged to use them consistently and correctly. The NICRAT boss emphasised that protective measures, when combined with routine screening and early care-seeking behaviour, could significantly reduce avoidable complications and save lives.

He also acknowledged the support of key partners, including the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, the Albinism Association of Nigeria, and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, as well as the management of the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, for their collaboration in driving the campaign.

The Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists and Consultant Dermatologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr Ayesha Akinkugbe, said the partnership extends beyond screening to include capacity building for health workers.

She explained that NICRAT supplied protective materials such as sunscreen, long-sleeved T-shirts, wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective glasses, while designated centres in Lagos, Abuja and Kano were equipped with dermoscopes, magnifying lenses, cryoguns and liquid nitrogen to aid diagnosis and minor procedures.

“This programme is running in Lagos, Abuja and Kano,” she said, adding that stakeholders are advocating the creation of a national albinism register to generate reliable data for effective planning and resource allocation.

Also speaking, Consultant Physician and Dermatologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr Folakemi Cole-Adeife, stressed that early detection remains critical in preventing severe outcomes. She advised persons with albinism to undergo skin examinations at least every six months and to limit exposure to direct sunlight, particularly during peak hours.

“You cannot completely avoid the sun, but if you must go out, you should go prepared and protected,” she said.

Representing the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Kehinde Ososanya noted that primary healthcare workers across the state are being trained to identify suspicious skin lesions early and refer patients promptly for specialist care. He added that Lagos has 376 primary healthcare centres serving as first points of contact within communities, positioning them as critical entry points for early detection and referral under the programme.

  

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Despite Being Married, Admirers Still Send Me Gifts - Omotola

Award-winning actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde (aka Omosexy) has revealed that her admirers still send her gifts despite knowing she is married. The actress also commended the role of women in Nigeria’s film industry, stating that they dominate key segments and often run multiple businesses alongside their acting careers.

Speaking during an interview on Naija FM 102.7, Omotola underscored the pivotal role women have played in sustaining Nollywood, citing their entrepreneurial drive and capacity to balance diverse ventures.

“Women are the ones who hold this industry, right from the start. Women are the ones who do well for this industry. Women are mostly the producers. Women are the ones who hold Nollywood really,” she said.

The actress added that many female actors combine their film careers with enterprises such as modelling, brand influencing and retail businesses.

“I don’t know any female actor, even small ones who just entered this industry, that don’t get at least like three or four businesses. A lot of the females get businesses. They run different things. Most of them are influencers. They are doing acting, modelling, they have shops.

“You will hear say this one get boutique, that one gets this one, virtually everybody I know gets one or the other. Our job is very intense. You have to be on call. With acting, this is crazy to me. I think the balance must be there”, she said.

She compared the experiences of male and female actors, stating that while men receive admiration, the level of attention women get is more intense.

“Male actors too dey try, but I don’t think it’s as intense as the women,” she said. “Women get admirers. Men too get admirers wey dey help them, but women have more”, she added.

Omotola also shared her personal experience, revealing that she continues to receive gifts and assistance from admirers despite being married.

“Me, wey be married woman sef, I know how many people don dash me things. Asin women and men not be just men, women and men just see me, just say, ‘Oh, I’m sending you this, they don dash me car before sef”, she said.

However, she emphasised that her husband remains secure in their marriage, describing him as the most secure person she has ever met.

“My husband is the most secure. How you go marry Omosexy and you no go Dey secure. My husband is the most secure human being you will ever meet. The most secure, you know, no shaking,” she concluded.

  

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Pastor Kingsley Lashes Out At Ministers That Criticize His Tattoo, Says They Are Biased

Founder of David Christian Centre, Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, has responded to backlash over his recent Bible-inspired tattoo, expressing feelings of insult

over comments from some ministers.

The cleric had sparked controversy with a video showing him getting a tattoo of John 3:16 in Roman numerals, “III: XVI,” on his body.

Okonkwo claimed that only a few ministers understood his decision, while others reacted out of “religious bias.”

He criticised pastors who questioned his actions, arguing that spiritual authority and understanding vary among ministers, and not everyone is qualified

to criticise others.

“On my tattoo issue, only one or two ministers were grounded and sound enough to understand it. Most of them are just religious people,” he said.

“They said, ‘Tattoo is not a sin, but is it expedient? Why did you post it? Why must you do it?’ That is stupid talk, and I am insulted,” he added.

The pastor cited other Christian leaders with tattoos, including Joyce Meyer and Max Lucado, to justify his action.

“Am I higher than Joyce Meyer? She had a tattoo at eight years old. Am I higher than Max Lucado? He got his tattoo at 70,” he noted.

He explained that he shared the tattoo publicly due to his personal calling and constituency.

Okonkwo emphasised that individual styles and choices shouldn’t be judged, stressing that people should be free to make their own decisions without affecting

others’ faith. 

“I posted it because my own position, my own calling, my own constituency requires that. Even Peter said he could not understand Paul. In Christianity,

there are different flavours. It is not only your style that matters. You don’t want to wear shoes—so what? I want to wear shoes. How does that affect

anybody’s faith?” he said.

  

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Why I Stopped Paying Tithes To Churches - Toke Makinwa

Media personality Toke Makinwa has revealed why she stopped paying tithes to churches, citing concerns about the wealth of religious institutions and the needs of struggling individuals.

In a conversation with Chude Jideonwo, Makinwa questioned the practice of giving money to churches that already possess wealth, while many people struggle to survive.

“I kinda stopped paying tithes to the church because all the churches I know are rich, and I decide that I’m not doing that anymore”, she said.

According to her, she now directs her support to hospitals, maternity wards, and individuals with urgent needs.

“I started thinking, if I have money and someone tells me they need it to pay rent, why should I pass it into a building that’s already rich.

“I would rather give my tithe to strangers who tell me their actual needs. The church is built. The pastors have money. Let’s help people the church cannot reach.

“Every church is building. Every Sunday, there’s a building fund envelope. You guys have so much money and it’s not taxed. It’s a business, if we are going to be real. Because if that pastor dies today, either his wife or his child becomes the next pastor,” she said.

Jideonwo also expressed concerns about the unintended harm caused by religion, including “post-traumatic church syndrome.”

Reflecting on her past experiences, Makinwa recalled handing over her entire brand endorsement deals to her church, seeking blessings.

“Ten years ago, I didn’t touch one naira from an endorsement deal; I carried it all into the church. Now, I give where it directly helps someone in need.”

                     

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Child Custody Case: Sophia's Lawyers Warn Davido, Fans Against Online Intimidation

A law firm representing Sophia Momodu, the estranged lover of Afrobeats star Davido, has cautioned the singer and his supporters against making public statements that could compromise the ongoing child custody case.

Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors condemned Davido’s social media posts, which criticised their partner, Ebelechukwu Enedah, representing Momodu for mentioning his deceased son during court proceedings.

The firm emphasised that the matter is sub judice and should be decided by the court alone, warning that attempts to intimidate legal practitioners could undermine the rule of law.

Davido had expressed frustration over the remarks, stating that mentioning his deceased son was a “lowest blow” and announcing his decision to withdraw the custody case, which sought joint custody of his daughter Imade.

The law firm’s statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to statements chiefly engineered by a Nigerian Afrobeat artiste, via social media, directed at our partner arising from her professional conduct in a custody matter presently pending before a court of competent jurisdiction in Lagos State.

“Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors will deploy every lawful measure available to it to resist any attempt to intimidate counsel or undermine judicial proceedings.

“Those who engage in conduct calculated to interfere with the administration of justice will be met with the full consequences provided by law,” the statement partly read.

Davido’s decision to withdraw the case has sparked reactions, with the singer stating that he never sought full custody and was disappointed with the turn of events in court.

  

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Lagos RCCG Province Inaugurates Community-Focused Projects

The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos Province 28, has inaugurated several projects aimed at repositioning the province for improved worship experience and greater community impact.

According to a statement from the church, the projects include a generator house, solar-powered poles, and an ultra-modern LED altar background fitted with new equipment and television screens.

The province also dedicated new video cameras to strengthen its media unit and enhance service delivery.

The Pastor-in-Charge, who doubles as the Assistant Pastor-in-Charge of Region 63, Bola Orekoya, was quoted in the statement as saying that the projects were executed to position the church for more impact, attract more worshippers, and win more souls.

He noted that the province was committed to aligning with the RCCG Vision 2032, which targets winning 40 million souls before 2032.

Orekoya urged Christians to love one another, stressing that dedication to God must remain unwavering despite challenges.

The statement read, “The province of the latter glory, known for excellence also dedicated brand new video cameras to make the media more effective and service delivery friendly, as the church services will now be beamed live on various social media platforms.

 “Pastor Bola Orekoya, the pastor in charge of the province who also doubles as the assistant pastor in charge of Region 63, said the overall objective of putting this equipment in place is to position the church for more community impact, attract more worshipers and souls to the kingdom of God.

“He also said his province is doing everything possible towards ensuring proactive compliance with RCCG vision 2032, which centres on winning 40 million souls between now and 2032.

“Pastor Orekoya, a quintessential leader who believes in total commitment and dedication to the things of God, even in the midst of storms and any distractions said Christians should love one another just as Christ love us the commissioning the legacy projects was rounded up with a special service tagged Turning point which attracted several worshipers.”

  

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Deaths Of Nollywood Production Team Mates In Lekki: Police Arrest Two Suspects

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the deaths of two Nollywood production crew members found lifeless inside a parked vehicle at a movie location in Lekki, Lagos.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abimbola Adebisi, told newsmen that the suspect was a member of the production team who allegedly delivered food to the deceased before they were discovered unresponsive.

“One suspect has been arrested. The suspect was the one who delivered food to the victims in the vehicle. Investigation is still ongoing,” she said.

The victims — lighting director Ekemini “GeeTee” Imeh and his associate, Ayodeji Walter Odediran — were found dead on Saturday, February 7, within the premises of Evercare Hospital Lekki, which was being used as a filming location.

According to a police source, the two crew members arrived early at the set to install lighting equipment ahead of shooting. After completing the setup, they reportedly entered a tinted Nissan vehicle parked within the premises to rest while awaiting further production activities for a film said to be directed by former Big Brother Naija housemate, Boma.

“At about 11am, a production staff member delivered breakfast to them inside the vehicle. The air-conditioning was on, and both men appeared relaxed at the time. Subsequent calls to their phones went unanswered. After filming wrapped up around 8pm, they were found lifeless in the vehicle,” the source said.

The source added that both men were reportedly foaming at the mouth, with one showing blood stains around the nose and lips.

Another police source disclosed that the matter was initially reported at the Maroko Police Station, while CCTV footage from the premises is being reviewed as part of ongoing investigations.

“The bodies have been deposited in a morgue for autopsy and toxicology examinations,” the source added.

Adebisi confirmed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further probe, noting that investigators are working to determine the exact cause of death.

Until his death, Imeh was the Chief Executive Officer of a lighting company and was known for his work on major productions, including King of Boys, as well as music videos for artistes such as Davido.

The incident comes days after gospel artiste Matthew Ogundele, popularly known as Segun Praise, and three of his crew members were found dead inside a music studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos State.

  

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Truckers Protest Over Extortion And Brutality By Lagos Officials

Truckers in Lagos have cried out over alleged harassment, brutality and extortion by operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce and other traffic enforcement agencies. Members of the umbrella union of truckers, Nigerian Union of Haulage Truck and Trailer Drivers, on Monday, staged a peaceful protest.

The truckers, who gathered at The PUNCH headquarters, said the protest was triggered by the alleged assault of one of their members during a night operation in an industrial area of Ikeja on Saturday— an incident they claimed nearly cost him his life.

Carrying placards bearing the photograph of their injured colleague, Comrade Prince Ogunkanmi Adekunle, the protesters displayed messages such as, “Lagos State Government help us, we are dying oo!” and “Enough of trailer drivers’ brutality.”

Speaking to PUNCH Metro on behalf of the union, the National Chairman, Okunola Omogbolahan, accused operatives of the Lagos State Task Force, the Vehicle Inspection Office and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority of targeting truck and trailer drivers for extortion under the guise of enforcement.

According to him, the alleged harassment had persisted for years, resulting in the deaths of several drivers.

“We are here to complain about task force brutality and harassment. They almost took the life of one of our members. We thank God he is still alive, and that is why we want this matter escalated,” Omogbolahan said.

“This has been happening for many years. Many truck and trailer drivers have suffered, and we have buried several of them. We have come together to say enough is enough.”

He maintained that members of the union were law-abiding citizens striving to earn a living.

“We are not criminals. We work overnight because of the nature of our job, yet we are treated like offenders even when we have committed no wrong,” he added.

Recounting the incident that allegedly sparked the protest, Omogbolahan said Adekunle was attacked around 1.30am on Saturday while resting inside his truck near the Guinness gate in Ikeja, where he was waiting to load goods.

“He was inside his truck when someone knocked on the door. Before he knew what was happening, the person forced his way in and attempted to seize the key. When the driver stepped down to ask questions, he was attacked,” he alleged.

He further claimed that the operatives often arrived in buses or Hilux vans, sometimes accompanied by suspected hoodlums, and would beat up drivers before towing their vehicles.

“They don’t initially state any offence. They come around midnight, beat up the driver and seize the truck. When you get to Alausa, they accuse you of illegal parking and demand between N600,000 and N700,000 for offences you did not commit,” he alleged, adding that drivers were typically parked within industrial zones and not obstructing major roads.

Narrating his experience, Adekunle said he mistook the man who knocked on his door for a traffic marshal.

“When I opened the door, he jumped inside and started dragging my key. I shouted ‘thief’ because I didn’t recognise him. They beat me up and hit me with a gun. They took my vehicle to their office in Alausa and detained me,” he said.

He further alleged that officers fired shots to disperse other drivers who attempted to intervene.

“They later returned my key and vehicle that same night after seeing the extent of my injuries,” he claimed.

Another driver, Ojewole Samuel, alleged that some private company security personnel colluded with enforcement operatives to target truckers parked near their premises due to limited parking space.

“Many companies in Ikeja do not provide adequate parking for trucks. Drivers are left waiting outside, and we believe some security men alerted the task force. Their goal appears to be extortion, not orderliness,” he alleged.

Samuel claimed that some drivers were forced to pay cash and surrender fuel before their trucks were released.

“In one night, they can make between N100,000 and N150,000. A driver told us he paid N30,000 and was made to sell 60 litres of diesel before his truck was released, even though he was not blocking traffic,” he said.

The protesters said they turned to the media after repeated complaints to authorities allegedly yielded no results, warning that they would seek legal redress if the situation persisted.

Responding to the allegations, the Director of Press and Public Affairs of the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said he was unaware of the incident.

“I am hearing this for the first time. There are many individuals impersonating our officers. We need to be certain that those involved are genuinely from the Lagos State Taskforce,” he said.

Abdulraheem urged the aggrieved drivers to file a formal complaint at the agency’s headquarters, adding that efforts were ongoing to clamp down on impersonators.

However, when contacted, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, declined to respond over the phone, stating that official inquiries should be channelled through his office or the ministry’s Public Relations Officer.

“I don’t know who I’m speaking to. You can’t just call me on the phone and expect that I’ll have a conversation. I don’t know the person I’m speaking to; you must be introduced as somebody I know. Do you understand?

“I can’t just pick up my phone and start getting this. The appropriate thing to do is to contact my PRO, or you can visit my office. I can’t just pick up the phone and start talking to someone I’ve never spoken to before,” Osiyemi said in a telephone conversation with our correspondent.

 

Culled from the Punch 

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Man Killed, Wife Critically Injured As Over-speeding Truck Rams Into Car Along Lekki-Ajah Expressway

A man has died while his wife sustained critical injuries after an articulated truck laden with granite crushed their car at Eleko Junction along the Lekki–Ajah Expressway.

The spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the fatal crash occurred in the early hours of the day.

According to Taofiq, preliminary investigations revealed that the truck, which was travelling at high speed from the Epe axis towards Eleko Junction, suffered brake failure, causing the driver to lose control.

He said the truck veered off its lane and rammed into a Toyota saloon car heading from Ajah towards Epe, before toppling onto the smaller vehicle.

“The mechanical failure precipitated an abrupt loss of vehicular control, causing the truck to stray from its designated path and collide forcefully with a Toyota saloon car travelling from Ajah inward Epe,” Taofiq said.

He added that the impact crushed the car beneath the truck’s weight, trapping the driver inside the wreckage.

“LASTMA officials, in collaboration with operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps and bystanders, rescued the victims from the mangled vehicle. However, the husband was pronounced dead at the scene.

“His wife, who was seated in the front passenger seat, sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention,” he added.

Taofiq noted that the remains of the deceased and the injured woman were evacuated by the Federal Road Safety Corps ambulance team for medical and mortuary procedures.

He further disclosed that the truck driver fled the scene shortly after the crash.

“In a most condemnable abdication of responsibility, the driver of the articulated truck absconded immediately after the incident,” the statement said.

Reacting, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the incident as a distressing and preventable tragedy, while commiserating with the bereaved family and wishing the injured woman a speedy recovery.

Bakare-Oki reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcing traffic regulations, particularly against reckless driving and poor vehicle maintenance.

 

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How A Food Vendor Was Electrocuted To Death In Unilag

A male food vendor, identified simply as Lekan, died on Sunday morning at the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Idi-Araba campus.

It was gathered from eyewitnesses that the vendor was electrocuted at a water point within the campus premises.

The incident reportedly occurred in the morning at the South Side of the Idi-Araba campus when Lekan allegedly went to dispose of waste and stopped to wash his hands.

A student, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the incident, said the deceased was elect rocuted after holding a metal railing near a tap.

The Secretary-General of the UNILAG Students’ Union Government, Joshua Saanumi, also confirmed the incident.

He said, “From the report we got, he wanted to dispose of waste. After that, he went to wash his hands at a tap. When he finished washing, he wanted to turn off the tap and held a railing close to it. That was how he got electrocuted,” said the insider.

According to the source, the student was alone at the scene when the incident occurred and only got help after a security operative noticed the situation and raised the alarm.

“He was alone there. It was a security man who noticed something was wrong and started shouting, which attracted people to the scene. By the time I got there, people were already trying to help him,” the source stated.

He disclosed that the incident happened around 10 a.m., adding that efforts were immediately made to revive the victim before he was rushed to the school’s medical facility.

“I got there past 10 a.m. Some of us performed CPR on him for about 10 minutes. He regained consciousness briefly and was rushed to the Accident and Emergency unit inside the school,” he explained.

He, however, noted that the student later died at the hospital.

“He was not confirmed dead at the spot. He died later at the A&E inside the school,” he added.

The operatives of the state police command, according to the insider, were notified and arrived at the scene shortly after the incident.

“The police came to the location where it happened. From there, we all went to where the body was and later returned to the scene. Engineers were also around to assess the situation,” the source stated.

He added that preliminary findings did not immediately indicate a faulty railing, noting that students and security personnel regularly used the area without prior incidents.

“Even a security man said he washed clothes there earlier that morning. The place was still wet, showing that people used it regularly. So, at the moment, it’s difficult to conclude that the railing was faulty,” he said.

On the response of the school authorities, the source said several officials were present, including security heads and engineers, although the provost could not be reached at the time.

“We called the provost, but he didn’t pick up. However, the chief security officer, engineers, and the chairman in charge of the complex were all around,” he stated.

In a statement signed by the Head of the Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the varsity confirmed the fatal incident.

The statement read, “The University of Lagos Management regrets to confirm a fatal electrocution incident at the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba campus.

“The tragic incident involved a sales assistant of a food vendor within a commercial outlet at the CMUL premises.

“The University is deeply saddened by this unfortunate development and extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the deceased.

“We urge members of the University community and the general public to refrain from speculations on the incident, which is currently under investigation by the appropriate authorities.

“Please be assured that the safety and wellbeing of all members of the University community remain our highest priority.”

 

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Lagos Taskforce Arrest Two Omotaku Urchins

OPERATIVES of the Lagos State Taskforce have arrested two suspected street urchins, popularly known as Omotaku, along the Oshodi–Agunlejika–Apapa Expressway for allegedly extorting motorists.

The suspects, AbiodunAjasa, 44, of No. 18 Jimoh Meji Street, off Agunlejika Street, and JunaidFolami of No. 12 Agunlejika Street, Itire-Ikate, were alleged to have targeted motorists whose vehicles developed mechanical faults, demanding money before allowing them to continue their journey.

Their arrest followed a tip-off from a civil society group, ICU – To Save A Soul. Acting on the intelligence, taskforce operatives apprehended the duo while they were allegedly attempting to extort a motorist. The suspects initially claimed to be a bystander and a revenue collector, respectively, but investigations later linked them to a group accused of illegal revenue collection activities.

Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP AdetayoAkerele, said the suspects had been on the agency’s watchlist following numerous public complaints about a syndicate allegedly involved in unlawfully arresting motorists and negotiating financial settlements for the release of their vehicles.

“I receive numerous calls and online complaints from residents who report that these individuals operate deceptively and appear legitimate, making them difficult to apprehend,” he said.

During interrogation, Ajasa reportedly confessed that their targets were vehicles transporting goods from Apapa Port that broke down along the expressway. He said they approached such motorists under the guise of revenue collectors, claiming to protect them from rival groups, before threatening vehicle impoundment unless certain sums were paid.

The second suspect was said to have admitted that his role involved preventing drivers from accessing their vehicles in order to create fear and compel them into negotiations.

Akerele assured the public that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, urging residents to continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies for prompt action.

 

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Army Arrest Fake Major General In Lagos

The Nigerian Army has arrested one Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf for allegedly impersonating a retired Major General and misleading the public while abusing the prestige of the military institution.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army at any time, nor did he attain the rank of General or retire from the service in any capacity.

According to Anele, further findings showed that Abdul Rauf also falsely claimed to have attended the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and fraudulently asserted that he was a recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).

“All these claims have been conclusively confirmed to be entirely false and fabricated,” she said, adding that no retired Army General bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf.

The Army spokesperson disclosed that the impostor consistently exploited the false credentials to intimidate unsuspecting members of the public, including during court proceedings where he presented himself as a retired senior military officer to command undue respect, sympathy and influence.

She added that during interrogation, media reports published in two nationally recognised newspapers were recovered, in which Abdul Rauf was repeatedly described as a “retired Major General.”

“These misrepresentations, now established to be false, further demonstrate the extent to which the individual sustained his deception within the public space,” Anele said.

According to her, one of the publications identified the suspect as “Major General Abdul Rauf Tijjani (rtd)” in a suit instituted against the Lagos State Government and other respondents, in which he sought ₦8 billion in damages. Another report, dated November 9, 2020, similarly referred to him as a “retired Major General” while reporting his appeal against the dismissal of the same suit, which the court had earlier described as a gross abuse of court process and incompetent in law.

“The Nigerian Army categorically states that no retired officer of the Nigerian Army bears the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, nor has any officer with such identity ever held the rank of Major General or above within the service,” she said.

Anele strongly condemned the act of impersonation, describing it as a grave offence that undermines public trust and tarnishes the honour and integrity of officers who have genuinely served the nation with distinction.

She reiterated the Army’s commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of its ranks, honours and institutions, adding that it will continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that impostors and fraudsters are brought to justice.

“The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in upholding professionalism, integrity and accountability in the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she said

 

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Tension In Lagos APC: Over 200 Days After Swearing-In, Chairmen Still Operate Without Supervisory Councilors, Aides

On July 27, 2025, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, sworn in the newly elected chairmen and councillors across Lagos State’s 20 local councils and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) following the July 12, 2025 elections. But many local councils in the state, if not virtually all, have no full executive committees to run the affairs of the councils, a critical component of grassroots governance.

Despite the democratic mandate conferred on July 27 2025, when they were sworn-in although with the subsequent directives by state leadership that council chairmen should not make any appointments except that of Chief of Staff, the delay in constituting executive council members, including supervisory councilors and secretaries, many stakeholders claimed, has stalled decision-making and service delivery at the local level, raising concerns about governance effectiveness and accountability in Africa’s largest urban state.

Some analysts argued that the councils not having supervisory councilors for environment contributed to the dirt that has taken over different parts of Lagos.

Worthy to mention is that the Local Government Administration Law 2025 provided for an Executive Committee for each local council in the state. The law stated that the executive committee for each of the council shall comprise the chairman, vice chairman, supervisors, special advisers, Secretary to the Local Government, council manager, council treasurer, and the Head of Legal Unit.

Section 6 of the law stipulated that any appointment, not recognised by the guidelines, local council bye-laws, or other relevant laws shall require the express approval of the Governor of Lagos State.

However, some stakeholders argued that the council chairmen have not made appointments based on directives. They alluded to the instruction the council chairmen got on the day they were sworn in. Speaking at the ceremony, Sanwo-Olu instructed the new chairmen and vice chairmen not to appoint secretaries to the local council, aides, or supervisor councillors until they get approval from the state government.

He, however, said that the chairmen could appoint a Chief of Staff to enable them hit the ground running as they assume office. And truly, many of council chairmen have only appointed Chief of Staff in compliance with the directive.

Commenting, a resident, John Adigun, said that it is a misnomer for a critical unit in governance delivery in any state would be left incapacitated without having the appropriate man power to drive its activities, especially in terms of policy formulation and execution.

“And this is happening when local councils are getting more money to execute programmes and projects. This is because the statistics from federal allocation to state and local council has doubled if not more than doubled. So, I hope whatever is the stumbling block will be removed for smooth and effective administration at the grassroots.”

However, a party man, who pleaded to be anonymous, disclosed that tension within the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state and 2027 interests are major factors why the council chairmen have not fully formed their executive committee by appointing aides, supervisors and secretary to the council.

According to him, the emergence of the elected council chairmen polarized the party greatly because of the allegations that some of the chairmen and councilors were imposed on party members and leaders. He said it was what informed why the governor instructed that the council chairmen not to make any appointments yet because the plan was to use the appointments to douse the tension and placate the leaders and aspirants that felt aggrieved.

He, however, said that the effort to ensure that the appointments do not lead to further polirisation of the party is why the list is still being compiled. He revealed that the Justice Forum and Mandate Group contest also contributed to the delay revealing that in the build up to 2027 elections, the two groups believed that to have an upper hand in case the party does not align with consensus candidates, the group in charge of majority in the council appointments will have the upper hand. He said that is also pushing a lot of pressure within the party.

He further said that in some cases, the infighting within the two major groups also contributes to the delay, mentioning that in Mushin Local Council, there is a contest among the Mandate Group on who should present the appointees zoned to them as there are two factions of Mandate Group.

 

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