Gospel Singer Yinka Alaseyori Under Fire For Recommending Prayer As Solution For Oyo Abduction

Gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori has come under criticism on social media after suggesting that prayers are key to securing the release of students and teachers abducted in Oyo State.

The singer sparked controversy in a viral video where she defended President Bola Tinubu and security agencies amid growing concerns over insecurity in the country.

According to Alaseyori, Nigerians should not allow themselves to be used for political purposes, insisting that the president, vice president and security personnel are doing their best to rescue the victims.

“You cannot say that the president and vice president are not doing what they are supposed to do. They are working,” she said.

“We all need prayers, from the president to the last person. Those children there are our children, my children. Even security personnel could have proceeded to save the children but could have been prevented by a spiritual darkness. So, that is where prayers come into play,” she added.

Her remarks quickly triggered backlash online, with many Nigerians arguing that insecurity requires decisive government action rather than religious appeals.

A user identified as @chidozic40637 criticised the comment, saying, “For how long are we going to continue to pray instead of taking full responsibility for what is happening in our society?”

Another user, @OmoniyiShola5, acknowledged the importance of faith but argued that Nigeria’s security crisis is largely man-made.

“Prayer works but there are some things we don’t have to disturb God for. What is happening in Nigeria right now is man made and a sensible government that is transparent should be able to solve it,” the user wrote.

Similarly, @ChidiUkaonu questioned the level of effort being made by authorities, noting that Nigerians want tangible results rather than assurances.

“What do you call prayer without work? How much of work has been done? Nigerians want to see results,” the comment read.

Echoing similar sentiments, @Fashrules argued that countries that introduced Christianity and Islam to Africa tackle security challenges through swift action instead of relying solely on prayers.

“The people that exported the Abrahamic faiths to us don’t do reach us. They face their security challenges head-on by acting swiftly and ruthlessly within their capacities,” the user said.

Another commenter, @til_theng, lamented what they described as an excessive dependence on prayer in Nigeria, saying citizens are often encouraged to pray over issues that require practical solutions.

However, some social media users defended Alaseyori’s position. @Sanni4islam maintained that prayer remains effective and suggested critics might change their views if faced with a similar situation involving a loved one.

Others accused the singer of overlooking the government’s responsibility to protect citizens. “Prayer can’t do the primary duty of our government,” @SmithRyan321932 wrote.

The criticism comes as outrage continues over the abduction of 46 students and staff members from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State since May 15, 2026.

One of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, has reportedly been killed by the abductors.

  

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APM Raises The Alarm Over Growing Fear And Security Challenges In Lagos

The Allied People’s Movement, Lagos State Chapter, has expressed concern over what it calls growing security challenges in the state.

The party said reports of kidnappings, armed robberies, cult-related violence and other criminal activities had heightened fears among residents.

In a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Ayodele Kazeem, said the situation raised questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures.

Kazeem described Lagos as Nigeria’s economic nerve centre and a destination for millions seeking opportunities.

According to him, recent reports and videos circulating on social media have amplified public concerns about criminal activities across communities in the state.

“Recent reports and videos circulating on social media have further amplified public concerns about the possibility of criminal elements infiltrating communities across the state.

“While security agencies must continue to investigate and verify such reports, no responsible society can afford to treat security matters with indifference.

“The protection of lives and property must remain a top priority,” he said.

Kazeem urged residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious at all times.

He noted that many criminal activities thrived because suspicious movements and behaviours were often left unreported until it was too late.

“The Allied People’s Movement notes with concern that many criminal activities thrive because suspicious movements, behaviours and activities often go unreported until it is too late.
“We therefore urge Lagosians to remain vigilant and security-conscious at all times.

“Residents should promptly report any suspicious persons, activities or movements within their communities to the appropriate security agencies,” he said.

The publicity secretary called for stronger collaboration between residents and security agencies to enhance crime prevention efforts.

He said community members should provide timely and useful information capable of helping law enforcement authorities safeguard lives and property.

“Community members must also collaborate closely with law enforcement authorities by providing timely and useful information that can help prevent crime and safeguard lives and property.

“Security is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of everyone.

“When citizens speak up, remain alert and work hand-in-hand with security agencies, communities become safer and criminal elements find it more difficult to operate,” he said.

Kazeem also urged residents to support legitimate security efforts and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic.

“Together, through vigilance, cooperation and responsible citizenship, we can strengthen the security of our communities and preserve the peace and stability of our dear state.

“APM remains committed to policies and programmes that will guarantee the safety, prosperity and well-being of all Lagos residents,” he said.

(NAN)

  

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Influx Of Strangers Into Ibeju-Lekki: Abdullahi Olowa Warns Against Ethnic Profiling

The Executive Chairman of the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State, Hon. Abdullahi Olowa, has issued a public security advisory urging residents to remain calm and desist from ethnic profiling or self-help over the influx of “certain groups of persons” into various communities.

He said this in a statement released amidst growing apprehension among residents regarding the identities and motives of the new arrivals.

In the statement, Olowa acknowledged the rising tension, stating that his administration has already escalated the situation to both state and local security agencies to prevent any breach of public peace.

“The attention of the Local Government has been drawn to reports and concerns regarding the recent arrival of certain groups of persons into parts of our communities. As an administration that places the safety and security of our people above all else, we have taken these concerns seriously and immediately engaged the relevant security agencies.

“I am pleased to inform residents that security authorities at both the state and local levels are fully aware of the situation and are actively monitoring developments. Necessary intelligence and security measures are being implemented to ensure the continued peace and stability of our communities,” the statement read.

While encouraging residents to maintain a high level of vigilance and report suspicious movements to the police, the chairman warned against jungle justice, harassment, or unlawful profiling of the newcomers.

“I strongly advise against taking the law into your own hands. No individual or group should be subjected to harassment, intimidation, profiling, or any form of unlawful treatment.

“Security matters are best handled by the appropriate authorities, who have the legal mandate and capacity to do so,” Olowa wrote.

“At a time when security concerns remain a national challenge, it is important that we remain vigilant and support lawful efforts aimed at safeguarding lives and property,” he added, urging residents to remain calm and go about their lawful activities.

  

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Reports Of Bandit Invasion In Lagos Are False - Lagos Police Command

Parents in parts of Lagos State rushed to schools on Monday to pick up their children following reports of a suspected bandit attack in communities around Eleko and Imota, prompting authorities and the police to dismiss the claims as false.

The panic reportedly spread across schools in Eleko, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, after messages circulated alleging the presence of bandits in the area.

One parent whose children attend Davdan Nursery and Primary School, Eleko, told Punch correspondent that parents were contacted by school authorities and asked to pick up their wards.

“I was called from my children’s school that bandits are around Eleko and that we should pick up our children from school,” she said.

According to the parent who chose to remain anonymous, the directive affected several schools in the community.

“The directive was issued across the schools around this place, that schools should be closed and that parents should pick up their children. Children are all over the place now. They said all children should go home,” she added.

However, school authorities and government officials dismissed the reports, attributing the panic to misinformation.

The panic was also linked to claims made during a call-in programme on a broadcast station, alleging that two schoolgirls were killed by bandits at a primary school in Imota Local Council Development Area.

A headmaster at LG Nursery and Primary School, Agbowa, Odumeru Adekunle, said the alarm was triggered by an accident and not a security incident.

Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Benson Ayodele, in a statement, described the claim as false and unverified.

“We wish to state categorically that the information contained in the video is false, misleading, and entirely unfounded. There is no verified report, official record, or credible security information confirming the alleged incident within Imota LCDA,” the statement said.

The council warned that the spread of unverified reports could create unnecessary panic and urged residents to rely on credible sources and official security agencies for information on public safety.

The station later apologised for airing the report without verification.

“During our live phone-in segment, we received calls from listeners alleging that ‘Imota is on fire’ and that ‘bandits are in a public school’ with ‘two girls affected’. In the urgency to inform, the information was aired without full verification from security agencies and community leaders,” the station said.

The Lagos State Police Command also dismissed the claim. The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, described the alleged attack as “false.”

Reacting to viral videos circulating on the incident, the police said they would carry out appropriate investigations before issuing further details.

While responding to the media on the issue, the PPRO said, “We will analyse the video and make a comment.”

  

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Building Collapse Risks: Lagos Seals 827 Construction Sites

Lagos State Government has sealed 827 construction sites across the state in the last 12 months as part of intensified enforcement measures aimed at tackling building collapses and ensuring compliance with construction safety standards.

The government said the enforcement drive forms part of a broader strategy to stem the persistent challenge of building failures, particularly in informal settlements and unapproved developments where many developers operate outside established quality control procedures.

General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL), Engr. Olayinka Abdul, disclosed this while answering questions at the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

Abdul said the agency had moved beyond conventional testing methods and adopted a proactive, intelligence-driven quality assurance system designed to detect violations before they result in structural failures.

According to her, the agency issued 3,181 notices to property owners and developers during the review period, while enforcement teams carried out 822 compliance operations across construction sites statewide.

She disclosed that 439 sites were sealed following non-compliance with regulatory directives, while hundreds of others were shut down over violations linked to destructive and non-destructive testing requirements, bringing the total number of sealed facilities to 827 within one year.

“These sealings are not just statistics; they send a clear message that no structure is too big and no developer too connected to escape quality control measures in Lagos State,” Abdul said.

The LSMTL boss attributed many building collapse incidents to developments in informal settlements where developers often evade statutory testing procedures and regulatory oversight.

To address the challenge, she said the agency has introduced sweeping reforms anchored on technology, stricter enforcement and industry-wide compliance monitoring.

Among the reforms, she said, was the introduction of the electronic Materials Testing Management System (e-MTMS), a digital platform that assigns unique tracking codes to every construction sample submitted for testing, thereby eliminating human interference and reducing opportunities for result manipulation.

Abdul said the agency has also enforced a mandatory three-stage testing regime requiring developers to conduct tests at foundation, structural frame and roofing stages before construction can proceed.

She added that all registered construction sites are now geotagged and mapped using GPS technology, enabling enforcement teams to verify compliance remotely and monitor projects in real time.

“The agency has also introduced a private laboratory accreditation programme under which only laboratories that pass bi-annual proficiency assessments are authorised to issue test certificates recognised by the Lagos State Government,” she disclosed.

In a further push to strengthen oversight, Abdul disclosed that a dedicated whistleblower and rapid response system had been established to enable residents report suspicious construction activities.

According to her, the agency responded to such reports within 48 hours and took immediate enforcement action where necessary.

The General Manager said LSMTL had also partnered with professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers, the Nigerian Institute of Building and the Association of Real Estate Developers of Lagos, to implement compulsory training and certification programmes for key construction stakeholders.

She revealed that the agency conducted 7,077 steel destructive tests, 5,959 concrete tests, 1,818 water tests, 333 pile integrity tests, 948 steel stanchion tests and 226 geotechnical tests involving construction materials such as sand, granite and cement during the review period.

Abdul urged Lagos residents to demand valid test certificates before occupying newly completed buildings, stressing that preventing building collapse requires collective vigilance from regulators, developers and the public.

“We are working towards zero building collapse in Lagos, but residents also have a role to play by insisting on quality assurance and compliance before moving into any building,” she said.

  

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Gender Based Violence: Lagos Records Over 6000 Cases, Secures Justice For Over 2000 Victims

The Lagos State government has  disclosed that 6,753 cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) were reported across the state in 2025, with 2,460 survivors obtaining justice through various intervention and support mechanisms put in place by the government.

The government also revealed that 116 offenders were prosecuted during the period, while 3,099 survivors received recovery and support services, underscoring ongoing efforts to combat domestic violence and protect vulnerable residents.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, disclosed the figures on Monday during the ministry’s ministerial press briefing commemorating the second year of the second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

According to the commissioner, of the 6,753 reported GBV cases, 6,213 involved female victims, while 540 involved male.

She added that 2,263 female survivors and 197 male survivors secured justice through legal and institutional interventions.

Dada said the ministry had continued to strengthen its response framework through mediation, counselling, awareness campaigns, emergency intervention services and partnerships with relevant agencies and development organisations.

She noted that 273 survivors were provided with livelihood support programmes aimed at helping them rebuild their lives and attain financial independence, while 3,099 victims benefitted from recovery, counselling and support services.

The commissioner explained that the Domestic Violence Unit of the ministry remains at the forefront of efforts to address domestic violence and sexual and gender-based violence across Lagos.

“The Domestic Violence Unit remains dedicated to its mandate of eradicating domestic violence and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all residents of Lagos State. Through sustained collaboration, policy support and resource allocation, we are expanding our reach and impact in the fight against domestic violence and gender-based abuse,” she said.

Dada disclosed that the ministry implemented 75,037 preventive actions against GBV during the review period through community sensitisation campaigns, advocacy programmes and public enlightenment initiatives conducted across urban, rural and riverine communities in the state.

She said the interventions targeted schools, religious institutions, community leaders, men and boys, as well as vulnerable groups, with the objective of preventing abuse and promoting non-violent conflict resolution.

According to her, the ministry has also strengthened emergency response mechanisms through its Call Service Centre, which is integrated with the Lagos State Command and Control Centre via the 767 emergency number.

Dada said the centre serves as a critical platform for receiving reports, conducting initial assessments, providing information on available support services and connecting survivors to counselling, shelters, legal aid and law enforcement agencies.

She revealed that 340 cases were reported through the contact centre during the period under review, demonstrating growing public confidence in the state’s response system.

The commissioner further highlighted the state’s collaboration with agencies such as the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and development partners including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Dada also pointed to the completion of a survivor shelter in Agidingbi and the launch of the Lagos State Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) Policy as major milestones in strengthening protection for survivors and promoting safer learning environments across tertiary institutions in the state.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to domestic violence and all forms of gender-based abuse, stressing that the protection of women, children and vulnerable persons remains a key priority of the Sanwo-Olu administration.

“The success of our interventions is a reflection of the state’s commitment to social inclusion, protection of vulnerable groups and the creation of safer communities where residents can live with dignity and security,” she said.

  

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Pastor Adeboye Blows Hot Over Insecurity: End Terrorism Within 90 Days Or Quit, He Tells Service Chiefs

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has thrown his weight behind those calling for a change of the current security chiefs if they can no longer guaranty the safety of Nigerians. This is coming on the heels of a video circulating online, in which popular teak talker , Mama G, heaped curses on the man of God for allegedly stopping members of his church when they wanted to join the protest over the abduction of school children in Oyo state. The cleric urged the Federal Government to give Nigeria’s security chiefs a 90-day ultimatum to eliminate terrorists or resign from office.

Adeboye made the call in a video shared on his X handle on Tuesday.

He expressed concern over the country’s worsening security situation and called for urgent action against perpetrators of violence.

According to him, security chiefs should be held accountable for results in the fight against terrorism.

He said, “You can only advise the commander-in-chief. You can’t command him, because if you command the commander-in-chief, then you become the commander of the commander-in-chief. That doesn’t make sense.

“But I’ve tried. And God is my witness. I don’t want to take much of your time.

“What should we do now? I’m talking to you as my children. If I were asked to make suggestions, I would say quietly to our government, move fast. And tell our security chiefs, get rid of these terrorists within 90 days, or resign.”

The cleric also urged the government to target not only terrorists but also their sponsors, regardless of their influence.

He said, “When giving orders to the service chiefs this time around, we should make it clear to them that they are not only to eliminate the terrorists; they should eliminate their sponsors, no matter how influential they may be.”

Adeboye recalled that a former Nigerian president once issued a similar directive to security chiefs, but said the order was not fully enforced after the deadline elapsed.

He said, “There was a president, unfortunately he’s dead now… who called the service chiefs together and said, I give you three months. Get rid of all these Boko Haram people, or resign.”

He added, “He ran with that advice, but he didn’t follow it through… because he gave the order as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. But security operatives moved fast.”

Adeboye said he later met the late president after the deadline passed, noting that the experience shaped his current recommendation.

He said, “So I went to see him… this time, somehow, the press got to know that I visited him… unfortunately, like I said, he’s not alive now.”

The cleric added that his advice to government remains that security chiefs must not only be tasked with eliminating terrorists but also their sponsors “no matter how influential they may be.”

Adeboye reshared a video that suggested he had campaigned for a government or political party and that he called for the cancellation of a planned protest against insecurity.

Earlier on Tuesday, RCCG defended the General Overseer against what it described as persistent falsehoods and deliberate misrepresentations.

In a statement issued through its official public relations handle on X, the church said it would no longer remain silent in the face of inaccurate narratives about its leader.

According to the church, both Adeboye and the church have, for years, been subjected to false narratives driven by personal interests.

It accused some commentators, bloggers, and media organisations of circulating misleading claims about Adeboye’s positions on politics, governance, and national issues without proper verification.

Addressing allegations that Adeboye had campaigned for a government or political party, the church described such claims as untrue, maintaining that the cleric has consistently encouraged civic participation without endorsing candidates.

The church explained that he had merely communicated a directive from the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria concerning changes to the format of a nationwide prayer programme.

The church further rejected suggestions that the cleric has remained silent on major national issues.

“Pastor E.A. Adeboye has, on several occasions, spoken about national issues such as insecurity, corruption, economic hardship, elections, governance, and the need for righteous leadership. However, he often chooses the language of moral guidance, prayer, and counsel rather than partisan political confrontation,” the statement added.

All this is coming amidst the outburst of a popular teak talker known as Mama G, who heaped curses on the man of God for allegedly preventing members of his church from embarking on a peaceful protest against the kidnap of school children in Oyo state. According to Mama G, this “suppression” happened because the church has close ties with Nigeria's First Lady, who currently serves as an RCCG pastor. She also criticized high-profile Nigerian religious leaders for keeping quiet while ordinary Nigerians continue to suffer from banditry and economic hardship under the Tinubu’s administration. 

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Why Lagosians Should Exist In Religious Harmony And Peace - Sanwo-Olu

Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has urged residents to draw lessons from Eid-el-Kabir by embracing values of sacrifice, integrity and peaceful coexistence, saying the future of society depends on the moral foundation laid within families and communities.

Speaking at the 2026 (1447 AH) Eid-ul-Adha celebration organised by the First Family of Lagos State in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs at Lagos House, Ikeja, on Sunday, Sanwo-Olu said the significance of the festival extended beyond celebration and should inspire deeper reflection on faith, obedience and service to humanity.

Addressing a gathering of clerics, traditional rulers, public officials, community leaders, women and youth groups, the Lagos First Lady said the occasion provided an opportunity to revisit the example of Prophet Ibrahim, whose willingness to submit to divine instruction remains central to the message of Eid-ul-Adha.

Drawing from the Qur’anic theme selected for the celebration, she urged residents to make righteousness, compassion and humility guiding principles in their daily lives.

“Our diversity is a blessing and a source of strength. By embracing unity and peaceful coexistence, we can continue to build a prosperous and inclusive Lagos where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” she said.

Sanwo-Olu argued that the message of the festival holds particular relevance for Lagos, a city shaped by diverse ethnic, cultural and religious identities, noting that social cohesion remains essential to its continued growth and stability.

She called on residents to preserve the culture of tolerance which has distinguished the state for decades, saying mutual respect across religious and social divides remains one of Lagos’ greatest assets.

The First Lady also placed emphasis on the role of parents in shaping future generations, urging families to pay closer attention to the moral and spiritual upbringing of children.

According to her, discipline, character and reverence for God must remain at the centre of efforts to prepare young people for leadership responsibilities in the years ahead.

She reiterated her office’s commitment to youth-focused interventions, pointing to programmes designed to equip young people with educational opportunities, mentorship and leadership skills.

Among the initiatives highlighted was the recently held Muslim Sisters Seminar, which featured discussions on personal development, security awareness, health education and success from an Islamic perspective.

Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Home Affairs and religious stakeholders in promoting interfaith understanding and sustaining the atmosphere of peace for which Lagos is known.

She expressed hope that the enduring lessons of Eid-ul-Adha would encourage residents to contribute positively to the state’s development and strengthen the bonds that unite its diverse communities.

  

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Waste-To-Wealth: How LAWMA Is Converting Old Tyres Into Household Tables

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has achieved a milestone in environmental innovation and waste-to-wealth initiatives, as Team Zero Trace, a group of intern students at the agency’s academy, converted abandoned tyres retrieved from the Olusosun Landfill into creatively crafted decorative tables for household use.

The Director of Public Affairs at LAWMA, Mukaila Sanusi, disclosed this in a statement.

Speaking during the presentation of the project in his office, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, commended the ingenuity and creativity demonstrated by the interns, describing the initiative as a practical reflection of the authority’s vision of transforming waste management into a sustainable circular economy system.

Gbadegesin explained that the initiative further reinforces the message that waste materials are valuable resources that can be repurposed through innovation, technical knowledge and creative thinking.

“What these young interns have achieved is highly commendable and inspiring. Transforming abandoned tyres into a beautiful decorative table clearly demonstrates that waste can become wealth when creativity meets knowledge. This is exactly the kind of innovation we seek to encourage through the LAWMA academy,” Gbadegesin said.

He stated that LAWMA remained committed to empowering young people with practical environmental and entrepreneurial skills capable of promoting sustainability while creating economic opportunities.

The LAWMA boss added that environmental sustainability extends beyond waste evacuation to include innovation, resource recovery, recycling and the development of practical solutions from materials often considered useless.

Gbadegesin encouraged young Nigerians to embrace recycling and environmental innovation, stressing that the circular economy offered enormous opportunities for job creation, economic growth and cleaner communities.

He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to strengthening environmental education, practical learning and waste-to-wealth initiatives through the LAWMA academy.

Speaking on behalf of the team, the Class Representative, Sadiq Boluwatife, expressed appreciation to the management of LAWMA and coordinators of the academy for providing the students with the opportunity to acquire practical knowledge and hands-on experience in sustainable waste management practices.

Boluwatife noted that the project had expanded their understanding of environmental sustainability and inspired them to view waste materials from a different perspective.

According to her, the experience gained during the training had strengthened their passion for innovation, creativity and environmental responsibility while motivating them to contribute meaningfully towards building a cleaner and greener Lagos.

The handcrafted table, produced from two discarded tyres, features neatly designed storage shelves beneath, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal. The project highlights the growing potential of recycling and upcycling in converting waste materials into valuable household products while promoting sustainable environmental practices in Lagos State.

Members of Team Zero Trace include Boluwatife (Class Representative), Iyiomo Oluwaseun, Ogunsami Elizabeth, Mustapha Aisha, Adewoyin Adedoyin, Ogunfowora Yewande, Hundeyin Sunday and Ibraheem Tolulope.

  

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Ebola Threat: Lagos Moves To Limit Passenger Interaction

Authorities in Lagos are exploring measures to reduce interaction between passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries and other travellers passing through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, as authorities strengthen safeguards against the possible importation of the virus into Nigeria.

The proposal formed part of deliberations during a high-level inspection and preparedness exercise at the airport on Sunday, where state health officials, aviation regulators and airport authorities reviewed surveillance systems, emergency response plans and passenger screening protocols amid renewed Ebola outbreaks in parts of Central and East Africa.

The Lagos delegation was led by the Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, and included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Dayo Lajide; Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Dr Ismail Abdus-Salam; and senior officials of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.

They were received by the Airport Manager and Regional General Manager, South-West MMIA, Olatokunbo Arewa, alongside representatives of Port Health Services, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and other airport agencies.

The discussions come as health authorities across the continent heighten surveillance following the spread of Ebola in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, prompting Lagos to reassess its frontline defences at Nigeria’s busiest international gateway.

The visit underscored growing concern among public health authorities that increased international mobility could heighten the risk of cross-border disease transmission if surveillance systems are not continually strengthened.

Addressing airport officials, Abayomi said Lagos was determined to preserve the efficiency of airport operations while introducing safeguards to rapidly identify and isolate potential Ebola cases.

“Our objective is to create a bottleneck for the virus, not for passengers,” he said.

He said the state was examining practical ways to limit unnecessary contact between travellers arriving from countries of concern and other passengers in the airport environment, while ensuring that airport operations remain efficient and unobstructed.

For a city that served as the entry point for Nigeria’s 2014 Ebola outbreak, Abayomi said complacency was not an option.

He recalled how the virus entered the country through an infected traveller from Liberia and threatened to trigger a major public health emergency before being contained through intensive surveillance, contact tracing and the intervention of frontline health workers.

The commissioner paid tribute to the late Dr Ameyo Adadevoh, whose actions, he said, helped prevent wider community transmission.

“The experience taught us that vigilance can never be relaxed in a globally connected world,” he said.

Abayomi described MMIA as the country’s most critical international gateway, accounting for roughly 70 per cent of inbound international passenger traffic, making it the most likely route through which imported infectious diseases could enter Nigeria.

He identified rapid case detection, immediate isolation, safe evacuation procedures and stronger digital monitoring of travellers from affected countries as the pillars of the state’s preparedness strategy.

Ogunyemi said the battle against infectious diseases could only succeed through coordinated action involving federal and state institutions, airport operators and frontline personnel.

“The frontline actually begins here at our ports of entry. As passengers arrive, you are among the very first people to interact with them, making your role critical in our disease surveillance and response efforts,” she said.

She conveyed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s support to airport workers and argued that health security deserved the same level of national attention accorded to conventional security threats.

Lajide stressed the need to protect frontline personnel tasked with screening travellers and implementing disease-control measures.

She commended airport agencies for their collaboration and urged workers to maintain strict adherence to infection prevention protocols.

Responding on behalf of airport authorities, Arewa disclosed that MMIA had begun strengthening its preparedness infrastructure through the deployment of touchless sanitiser systems, temperature-monitoring equipment and enhanced passenger screening arrangements.

He said discussions were ongoing regarding dedicated processing channels for travellers arriving from countries classified as high-risk.

“Ebola is a highly dangerous disease, and any suspected case must be isolated quickly and professionally to prevent transmission,” he said.

Arewa noted that cooperation between airport authorities and the Lagos State Government, which deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic, remained central to future emergency responses.

Further details of preparedness measures were provided by the Head of Port Health Services at MMIA, Lawal Abdullahi, who revealed that the airport reviewed and updated its Public Health Emergency Contingency Plan on March 18, 2026, before the latest Ebola developments on the continent.

He said the Airport Public Health Emergency Management Team had already been activated, while risk assessments had been conducted to identify countries requiring enhanced surveillance.

According to Abdullahi, passenger screening procedures were already in place before the activation of the national health declaration platform, with information routinely shared with Lagos State disease surveillance teams.

He added that discussions were underway to improve access to passenger data in order to strengthen contact tracing and monitoring capabilities when necessary.

The NCAA’s Aeromedical Assessor, Dr Abayomi Asunbo, said airlines operating international routes had been directed to ensure strict compliance with public health protocols before passengers are cleared for entry into Nigeria.

Also speaking, FAAN’s General Manager for Aviation Medical Services, Bilkis Ibrahim, said additional protective equipment, multilingual health advisories, awareness materials and personnel training programmes were being deployed across the airport network.

The Head of Medical Services at MMIA, Dr Uche Ofoegbu, said airport stakeholders had intensified sensitisation programmes to ensure staff understood their responsibilities regarding surveillance, infection control, isolation procedures and emergency response.

The inspection concluded with a tour of screening facilities and other critical airport infrastructure, during which officials reiterated their commitment to coordinated preparedness, information sharing and rapid intervention mechanisms.

Although the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has maintained that no Ebola case has been recorded in Nigeria, authorities say sustained vigilance remains essential as outbreaks continue to spread elsewhere in Africa.

The World Health Organisation said the Ebola outbreak linked to Bundibugyo virus disease continues to evolve across the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

As of May 27, the WHO reported 906 suspected cases and 223 deaths among suspected cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The organisation also confirmed that a healthcare worker from the United States who treated Ebola patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had tested positive and was receiving treatment in Germany.

  

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