Lagos Plants 13,401 Trees In Six Months

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the state planted 13,401 trees across its five administrative divisions in the first six months of 2026, representing 67 per cent of its annual target of 20,000 trees.

The governor said the remaining trees would be planted during the current rainy season, expressing confidence that Lagos would surpass its annual target by October.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, disclosed this on Tuesday during the 2026 Annual Tree Planting Day organised by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency at Eko Amore Gardens, Freedom Way, Lekki.

 

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According to a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs, LASPARK, Abiodun Adebayo, the governor said the state’s tree-planting target was part of efforts to expand its green infrastructure to address the effects of climate change.

He said, “Lagos had already planted 13,401 trees across its five administrative divisions as of June 30, representing 67 per cent of the state’s annual target of 20,000 trees. The remaining trees and more would be planted during the current rainy season.

“Tree planting is a vital investment in the future of Lagos. Expanding the state’s green infrastructure remains critical to combating climate change, improving air quality, reducing urban heat, preserving biodiversity and enhancing the overall well-being of residents,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu urged the chairmen of the 57 local government areas and local council development areas to serve as “Tree Custodians” by working closely with LASPARK to protect and monitor trees within their communities.

He also reminded residents that anyone who unlawfully fells a tree is required by law to replace it with five others.

As part of the event, the governor unveiled the 20 Lagos Tree Champions in recognition of individuals and organisations that have contributed significantly to the state’s greening initiative.

He called on private organisations, development partners, educational institutions, community groups and residents to support the government’s tree-planting campaign through strategic partnerships and sustained environmental stewardship.

“The government alone cannot achieve the vision of a greener and more resilient Lagos. Stronger public-private collaboration will significantly accelerate the state’s greening agenda while creating healthier and more sustainable communities for present and future generations,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu also commended LASPARK for promoting environmental awareness and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability under the THEMES+ Agenda.

The wife of the deputy governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, described this year’s theme, “Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility,” as a reminder that protecting the environment requires collective action.

“The future of our environment depends on the choices we make today and the actions we take as individuals and corporate entities,” she said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, described tree planting as one of the most practical and cost-effective responses to climate change.

He said the annual exercise underscored the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

“Beyond beautifying the environment, trees absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, enrich soil fertility, reduce erosion, conserve water resources and create habitats for wildlife while supporting agriculture, tourism and other green economic opportunities,” Wahab said.

He added that every tree planted under the state’s afforestation programme had been geo-tagged and was being actively monitored to ensure its survival.

The commissioner appealed to residents, schools, businesses, community associations, development partners and civil society organisations to protect existing trees and plant more.

The General Manager of LASPARK, Mrs Adetoun Popoola, said the agency was deploying geotagging technology and community-based monitoring systems to improve tree survival rates.

She added that LASPARK would continue distributing free tree seedlings to residents, corporate organisations, Community Development Associations, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to encourage wider participation in the greening campaign.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Agege Local Government, Mr Vinod Obasa, pledged his council’s support for the state’s afforestation drive and promised to encourage more tree planting across the local government area.

Recall that Lagos State, last month, unveiled a new environmental initiative aimed at combating climate change and rising urban temperatures, committing to planting 500 trees across the state while joining a global campaign to address extreme heat in cities.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olalekan Rotimi-Akodu, made the announcement on the occasion of the 2026 World Environment Day, where officials warned that rapid urbanisation and climate change were increasing heat-related risks for residents.

  

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Tension As Lagos NURTW's Organizing Secretary, Toba Ajiboye, Is Shot Dead Along Ikorodu Road, Police Launches Manhunt For Killers

There is palpable tension and fear of an imminent outbreak of violence and clash among members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)in Lagos, as its Organising Secretary, Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Ijaya, has reportedly died after he was shot by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in Lagos.

Ajiboye was said to have come under attack on Sunday night while returning home from his childhood neighbourhood in Fadeyi.

According to reports, the assailants intercepted his vehicle around the Ikorodu Road axis and opened fire, leaving the car riddled with bullet holes.

Photos and videos circulating on social media after the incident showed his white vehicle with multiple bullet holes on the windscreen and other parts

of the body.

Initial reports indicated that Ajiboye and other occupants of the vehicle survived the attack after sustaining gunshot wounds. However, subsequent reports

claimed that the union official later died from his injuries.

According to information reaching Lagos Today Extra!, the NURTW scribe was pronounced dead by medical experts at the St. Nichola Hospital in Lagos Island Local Government where he was rushed to after the attack.

 

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Confusion however, broke out on Tuesday, around St. Nichola Hospital between the Police and ardent supporters of the victim, after transporters prevented security operatives from accessing the medical facility to recover Ajiboye’s body after he was pronounced dead.

Reacting to the incident, Lagos NURTW Chairman, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, expressed grief over Ajiboye’s death, describing him

as a loyal ally and trusted friend.

In a tribute posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Sego said he was devastated by the loss, noting that Ajiboye’s commitment and dedication to the union

and their political structure would be greatly missed.

“The news of the sudden passing of Comrade Toba Ajiboye has left me deeply saddened and heartbroken. It is difficult to come to terms with the loss of

such a loyal, dependable, and committed ally,” he wrote.

Sego described the late union leader as “more than an ally,” saying he remained a pillar of TeamSego and SegoNation.

“Comrade Toba Ajiboye, the Organising Secretary of the NURTW Lagos State Council, was more than an ally; he was a trusted friend, a man of steadfast loyalty

and unwavering commitment, and a true pillar of TeamSego and SegoNation. His friendship, unwavering support, and selfless dedication to the union over

the years will forever remain etched in my heart,” he said.

The NURTW chieftain also extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, friends and members of the NURTW.

“My heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, and the entire NURTW family. May Almighty God forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest, and

give us all the strength and fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss,” he added.

Paying his final respects, Sego said, “Farewell, my dear friend. Your loyalty, friendship, and unwavering support will forever remain in my heart. You

will be deeply missed, and I will never forget the bond we shared.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident.

She said, “The incident happened on Sunday, and one person died. He is a member of the transport union in Lagos. Investigation has commenced, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the killers.”

Meanwhile, a source familiar with the incident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said Ajiboye had visited the community to meet his childhood friends as he usually did.

“He had visited the area on Sunday as he regularly did because that was where he grew up. He was leaving that evening when some gunmen shot at his vehicle.

“He was rushed to the hospital, and we believed he was responding to treatment until we were informed this morning that he didn’t make it,” the source said.

A member of the union, who identified himself simply as Taofeek, said three other occupants of the vehicle were also hit by bullets during the attack.

“There were about three other people in the vehicle. They also sustained gunshot wounds. Their condition is very serious as we speak. The doctors are battling to save them. We pray that they survive,” he said.

The killing has sparked anxiety among residents, who appealed for increased security to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

However, reacting to the development, Adebisi said, “There is no panic in the area. The policemen are on the ground, and more personnel have been added to the team of policemen in the area.”

 According to Adebisi, “Investigation is ongoing to get the perpetrators, the Command has also deployed to strategic locations to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order”.

  

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Why I Don't Consider Women Inferior - Vector

Rapper Olanrewaju Ogunmefun David, popularly known as Vector Tha Viper, has said that his childhood experiences with his sisters shaped his perspective on women.

Speaking during a recent episode of the MENtality podcast hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Vector stated that he rejects the notion that women are weaker vessels.

He explained that he was bullied by his sisters while growing up and described the experience as traumatic.

 

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According to him, the treatment he received from his sisters during childhood made it impossible for him to view women as inferior.

Vector noted that the experience also shaped his rejection of stereotypes that portray women as weak, adding that he had gone through difficult moments at the hands of his siblings.

“I have never in my life looked at a woman as inferior. My sisters were bullies when we were growing up; they gave me PTSD.”

Vector (born Olanrewaju David Ogunmefun) grew up in Lagos State as the fourth of five children, originally hailing from Ogun State. He attended several schools, including Ijebu Ode Grammar School and Saint Gregory's College, where he began performing on stage and formed his first rap group, "Badder Boiz," in 1999. [1, 2]

Born on August 7, 1984, Vector spent much of his youth navigating a lively but disciplined environment, which he has credited with building his resilience.

His musical journey started taking shape in 1994 when he was in junior high, writing and recording demos with his Badder Boiz bandmates, Crystal and Blaize. The trio performed at local talent showcases until they parted ways in 2004. [1, 2]

Vector later gained significant local prominence for his freestyle prowess during his time at the University of Lagos, where he famously maintained an unbeaten three-year streak in campus rap battles. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Philosophy in 2008.

  

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Mother Arrested In Shomolu Over Child's Unlawful Waste Disposal

The Lagos State Government has arrested a woman for allegedly instructing her child to dump refuse into a covered drainage channel, warning that parents who encourage environmental violations will face prosecution.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the arrest on his official X account on Monday, saying the suspect, identified as Mrs McCarthy, was apprehended after enforcement officers investigated a report from residents.

According to Wahab, the woman, who resides at No. 56, Adaranijo Street, Pedro, Shomolu, allegedly directed her child to dispose of waste into a drainage channel, contrary to the state’s environmental laws.

 

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“Earlier today, we received a report that a woman identified as Mrs McCarthy, of No 56 Adaranijo Street, Pedro, Shomolu, allegedly encouraged her child to dispose of refuse into a covered drainage channel.

“Following the report, our enforcement officers promptly carried out an investigation, which led to her arrest for violating the State’s environmental laws,” the commissioner said.

Wahab said the incident underscored the need for parents and guardians to teach children responsible environmental practices instead of encouraging actions that could obstruct drainage systems and worsen flooding.

“We expect every resident to act responsibly and to educate their children on the importance of protecting public infrastructure, particularly drainage systems.

“Encouraging acts that contribute to blocked drains and environmental degradation is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” he said.

Wahab added that maintaining a clean environment required collective action from residents.

“A clean, safe, and flood-resilient environment is a shared responsibility. We urge all residents to dispose of waste properly and support the collective effort to keep Lagos clean,” Wahab stated.

The commissioner also disclosed that the state had stepped up enforcement activities along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway as part of efforts to restore environmental order.

According to him, enforcement teams have, over the past three weeks, intensified the removal of shanties, illegal structures and other environmental nuisances along the corridor.

“Over the past three weeks, our enforcement team has intensified the clearance of shanties, illegal structures, and other environmental nuisances along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

“This exercise will be followed by sustained surveillance and continuous monitoring to ensure that environmental order is restored and maintained along the corridor,” he said.

Wahab warned residents against converting public spaces into illegal markets or using them for unauthorised private activities, stressing that offenders would be prosecuted.

“We urge members of the public to respect and preserve our environment by refraining from converting public spaces into illegal markets or for any unauthorised private use.

“Anyone found encroaching on public spaces or using them for unlawful purposes will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State,” he said.

  

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Bogo Beverages Unveils N20 Billion Factory In Ikorodu, Targets Nigeria’s Growing Market

Bogo Beverages Limited has commissioned a N20bn manufacturing facility in Ikorodu, Lagos, as the Nigerian beverage maker seeks to expand its production capacity, compete across multiple product categories and strengthen its position in one of Africa’s largest consumer markets.

The new facility, which will produce carbonated soft drinks, juices, spirits, bitters and water, represents one of the company’s biggest investments since it was established in Nigeria in 2022. Bogo Beverages operates as a food and beverage manufacturing, distribution and marketing company with a portfolio spanning alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage categories.

The investment comes as manufacturers in Africa’s most populous nation continue to increase local production capacity amid efforts to reduce reliance on imported products, strengthen domestic supply chains and take advantage of the country’s large consumer base.

 

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Chief Executive Officer of Bogo Beverages, Godwin Oche, said the facility represented a long-term investment in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and the company’s confidence in the country’s consumer market.

“This factory represents much more than investment in infrastructure. It is an investment in people, innovation, quality and the future of our nation,” Oche stated at the commissioning ceremony.

He said the facility would enable the company to expand its product portfolio, improve operational efficiency and create value for consumers, employees, distributors and other stakeholders.

The factory features automated production lines, a quality assurance laboratory and energy-efficient systems designed to meet international manufacturing standards.

According to the company, production will begin immediately, with products expected to reach the market in the coming weeks.

The facility gives the beverage firm direct access to Nigeria’s largest commercial market while also serving as a base for expansion into other African markets, including Ghana and Kenya.

Oche said the company plans to use the facility to support its wider growth strategy, including expansion into additional markets across Africa: “We have the opportunity to distribute to our other branches like Ghana and Kenya, and the new markets that we intend to expand to around Cameroon and neighbouring African countries.”

The company said the investment is expected to create more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs across production, logistics, distribution, retail and related activities.

Beyond employment creation, government officials at the inauguration said the investment would contribute to Nigeria’s industrial development by expanding productive capacity and strengthening linkages across the agricultural and manufacturing value chains.

Representing the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya and Olushina Shobande said the facility demonstrated confidence in Nigeria’s private sector and its economic potential.

“Today’s event represents much more than the opening of a new factory. This is a vision of enterprise, innovation, confidence in our economy and the resilience of the Nigerian private sector,” Shobande said.

She said private investments of this scale strengthen infrastructure, expand production capacity, create employment opportunities and support sustainable economic growth.

According to her, the expansion of manufacturing operations in Lagos reflects confidence in the business environment created by government policies aimed at improving infrastructure, supporting investment and promoting ease of doing business.

She added that the facility could create opportunities across the agricultural value chain by improving demand for locally sourced raw materials and strengthening partnerships between manufacturers, farmers and suppliers.

“As the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, we are particularly excited about the opportunity this expansion presents for stronger partnership between manufacturers and our agricultural value chains,” she said.

The company’s Supply Director, Richard Edzeame, said the factory was equipped with multiple production lines covering both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, disclosing that the non-alcoholic beverage section includes a carbonated soft drinks line with a production capacity of 24,000 bottles per hour and an annual capacity exceeding eight million cases.

The facility also includes a Doypack production line with a capacity of 5,000 pouches per hour, which will support the production of pouch-based beverages, including fruit juices and water products.

The alcoholic beverage facility consists of two production lines, including a PET line with an annual capacity of 1.3 million cases and a glass beverage line for products including Giga bitters and Tribal beverages.

Edzeame said the factory also includes a 45,000-litre ethanol tank, a 10,000-litre bitters and spirits processing facility, a syrup and juice processing room, cold storage facilities and a utilities management system to support operations.

“This is a complete factory of world-class standards,” he said, adding that the company plans to introduce additional products in the coming months as part of its innovation pipeline.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, industry stakeholders and business partners, including Customs Area Controller, Lagos Industrial Command, Adebola Salawu; Alajede of Ijede Kingdom, Oba Adefarasin Saheed Hassan; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bogo Beverages, Godwin Oche; representative of the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Olushina Shobande; and Managing Director of Sanden Intercool Nigeria Limited, Aziakpono Festus.

Bogo Beverages said the Ikorodu facility reflects its strategy to build manufacturing capacity, support local production and participate in Nigeria’s expanding consumer market.

  

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How Lagos Emmergency Responders Saved 7-Month Old Baby In The Middle Of A Rainy Night

A resident of Lagos State, Muhammad Armayau has applauded the state’s emergency responders for acting swiftly to save his 7-month old daughter.

Armayau who resides in Badagry area of the state disclosed this to journalists on Monday, saying his daughter fell seriously sick in the middle of the night, during a heavy downpour and there was no car to take the child to the hospital.

He said his family heaved a sigh of relief when they put a call through to 112, the state’s government emergency toll free line.

Armayau explained that, ” My seven-month-old daughter developed a high fever after battling an elevated temperature for two days.

When the thermometer read 38.5°C, panic set in. With heavy rain falling and no means of transportation, my wife and i tried to bring the fever down by gently wiping the baby with a wet towel while waiting for the rain to subside.”

 

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According to him, at about 4:07 a.m., he called 112 and explained the situation to an emergency response officer, who immediately requested his address and a nearby landmark after hearing the baby crying in the background.

“Twenty minutes later, the Lagos Emergency Response Call Centre called back to confirm that an ambulance had already been dispatched. Because it was still dark, the officer discussed the best way for the ambulance crew to locate the family.

“By 5:07 a.m., the rain had eased, and another call informed me that the ambulance was waiting at the Checkpoint Bus Stop. The family quickly rode on a motorcycle to the location, where the ambulance team was already waiting.

“After assessing the baby’s condition, the medical personnel recommended taking her to General Hospital, Badagry, since the family’s nearest Primary Health Centre at Ilepo does not operate round the clock.”

According to Armayau, the ambulance was unable to reach his home because of the poor condition of the Ibiye–Checkpoint–Magbon road, which had become difficult to access due to the heavy rainfall.

He described the response as remarkable, noting that the ambulance travelled approximately 24 kilometres from General Hospital, Badagry, simply to attend to their emergency.

Armayau noted that at the hospital, the baby received immediate medical attention, saying,” i paid ₦2,000 to open a new patient file, ₦8,000 for laboratory tests, including a Full Blood Count (FBC) and malaria test, and about ₦4,000 for prescribed medications.”

He added that if their Lagos State Health Insurance coverage had still been active, the total cost would have been just ₦1,400.
Apart from those payments, he said there were no consultation fees or ambulance charges, describing the experience as an example of public services funded by taxpayers delivering real value to residents.

Armayau also commended the cleanliness of General Hospital, Badagry, and acknowledged the dedication of the healthcare workers on duty.

While praising the emergency response and healthcare services, he appealed to the Lagos State government to rehabilitate the Ibiye–Checkpoint–Magbon road, employ more doctors at General Hospital, Badagry, upgrade the Ilepo Primary Health Centre to a 24-hour facility, improve electricity supply in the community, and work towards a unified electronic medical record system across government hospitals.

He also appreciated ongoing infrastructure projects in Badagry, including road rehabilitation and improvements around the General Hospital, noting that better roads significantly enhance emergency response and save lives.

Describing the experience as one he had only seen in developed countries, Armayau expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Emergency Response Team and all frontline health workers for their commitment to protecting lives.

  

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Lagos ADC Governorship Candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, Loses Mother

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has announced the death of his mother, Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour.

Rhodes-Vivour disclosed the development in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday.

The statement, issued on behalf of the family by Olawale Rhodes-Vivour, described the deceased as a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother.

 

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“With sadness in our hearts and gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the call to glory of Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour (née Waboso). A loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother. The epitome of love,” the statement read.

The family said she would be deeply missed and prayed for the repose of her soul.

“She will be sorely missed. May her beautiful soul rest in perfect peace,” it added.

The family said details of the funeral arrangements would be announced at a later date.

Rhodes-Vivour contested the 2023 Lagos State governorship election on the platform of the Labour Party.

He has since joined the ADC and emerged as the party’s candidate for the 2027 Lagos governorship election after securing its ticket in May 2026.

  

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Why The Abductors Killed Our Mathematics Teacher - Rescued School Principal

The whole world was thrown into shock when footage of the beheading of Mr Michael Oyedokun, the Mathematics teacher of the Community High School in Oriire Local Government Area,  was released by the bandits that struck the school in May 15, abducting dozens of pupils. Also killed by the abductors was Mr Esiyan Adegboye, who was shot dead during the invasion.  Armed attackers simultaneously stormed three schools—Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), L.A. Primary School (Ahoro-Esinele), and Community Grammar School (Ahoro-Esinele)—in the Oriire Local Government Area, abducting dozens of students and staff. After enduring a harrowing 56-day captivity, the victims were successfully rescued by joint security forces.

The rescued principal of the school, Mrs Rachael Alamu, has now explained the reason why the kidnappers killed the two teachers. Alamu made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen on Monday.

 

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The principal, the other rescued children and teachers were received by Governor Seyi Makinde at the State Government House.

She said, “There are times that we have hope that we will all come out alive. The terrorists killed Mr Michael, the first teacher, on the second day of our abduction and Deacon, the second teacher, was killed on the first Sunday of June.

“They killed them purposely because they thought it would force the hand of the government to provide them whatever they wanted. They already knew that the whole world was interested in our case. We have scars already, and we believe that God will heal us. We appreciate everyone that contributed to this success.”

Recounting their experience in captivity, the principal stressed that the victims spent most of the 56 days in the open forest, exposed to harsh weather conditions while trying to keep the children alive and emotionally stable.

“You can only imagine it. It was not easy. We were in the forest, in the open, most of the time, under the sun and under the rain, with the children. But we kept going because there was no way out.

“We knew it was only God that could help us, and we believed people were praying for us. That kept us going,” she said.

Alamu disclosed that although she was not physically assaulted, several of the younger pupils suffered severe beatings whenever they cried or made noise.

The rescued pupils and teachers were handed over to the state government by the Federal Government.

A video shared by Oyo Affairs showed the rescued victims alighting from a van under heavy security provided by military personnel upon their arrival at the secretariat.

The footage captured the victims stepping out of the vehicle as armed security operatives escorted them into the premises.

The arrival follows the Federal Government’s announcement on Friday that security agencies had successfully secured the release of all the abducted pupils and teachers after more than 50 days in captivity.

Before Monday’s handover, the rescued pupils and teachers had been receiving medical treatment and psychosocial support at the Military Hospital in Ibadan, where Governor Seyi Makinde visited them on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, also visited the rescued pupils and teachers at the Military Hospital.

  

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You Learn More From The Street Than From School — Portable

Nigerian singer and entertainer Portable has opened up on his childhood struggles, street experiences and the lessons he learnt outside the classroom, stating that life on the streets taught him valuable skills.

The singer shared his experience during an interview on The Honest Bunch Podcast, where he spoke about losing his mother at the age of 13 and how the loss affected his upbringing.

 

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According to Portable, although people were available around him, nobody could provide the same care and support his mother would have given him.

“You learn from the street more than school. I lost my mother at the age of 13, nobody to take care of me. It wasn’t like they couldn’t take care of me, but they wouldn’t take care of me the way my mother would have taken care of me.”

The singer recalled how his mother used to provide him with basic needs such as food and pocket money, adding that he had to engage in small businesses as a young boy to survive.

“My mother would give me pocket money and food. Would anyone have been able to do that for me? I sold pure water at Joju inside School 3.”

Portable also defended comments made by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, encouraging unemployed Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses.

The singer argued that many successful Nigerians were raised through income generated from petty trading and informal businesses operated by their parents.

“Nigerians misunderstood what Remi Tinubu meant. If you look at many wealthy people in this country, their mothers trained them by selling pepper and roasted corn.”

He stated that small-scale businesses can be profitable, sharing an experience he claimed to have had during a visit to London, where he saw a corn seller who owned a luxury vehicle. “When I went to London, I even saw someone selling corn while using a Benz.”

  

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Lagos, CCECC Partner To Establish Railway Training Centre

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority has partnered with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation to establish a Railway Training Centre as part of efforts to build the skilled workforce needed to support the expansion of Lagos’ rail network from six to 11 rail lines.

The agreement, signed in Lagos, comes as the Lagos State Government updates its Strategic Transport Master Plan, increasing the rail component from the original six rail lines and one monorail to 11 rail lines and one monorail in response to the state’s growing transportation demands.

 

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Speaking at the signing ceremony on Saturday, the Managing Director of LAMATA, Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, said the proposed training centre would ensure that the state’s expanding rail infrastructure is operated and maintained by highly skilled Nigerian professionals, reducing dependence on foreign expertise.

She noted that the authority had already made considerable progress in developing local manpower through the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue and Red Lines, where hundreds of Nigerians have been trained to manage critical aspects of rail operations.

She said, “Since we started the Blue and Red Line operations, we have trained over 400 personnel, including train drivers, customer service representatives, and operations staff. On the Blue Line alone, we have achieved over 90 per cent local staffing, with technical partners filling only the remaining gaps.”

Akinajo explained that the expansion of the state’s rail network made it imperative to establish a structured and internationally certified railway training institution capable of producing professionals across key areas of the industry.

According to her, “The Strategic Transport Master Plan has now been updated to include 11 rail lines and one monorail. For a network of this scale to be sustainable, we need a proper certified training system covering signalling, maintenance, operations, and customer service. Our goal is to ensure that the infrastructure we build is operated and maintained by Nigerians.

“This will guarantee the longevity of our transit systems, create meaningful employment opportunities for our youths, and contribute significantly to the growth of the Nigerian economy.”

She described the partnership with CCECC as a strategic investment in human capital, saying it would equip young Nigerians with globally recognised railway skills while supporting the state’s vision of an integrated and sustainable mass transit system.

Responding on behalf of CCECC, the company’s Vice President, Sun Xiangchun, commended LAMATA for championing the initiative, describing vocational education as the bedrock of industrial development and a key driver of sustainable infrastructure growth.

He said the project aligns with the China-Africa Vocational Education Plan jointly endorsed by the Presidents of Nigeria and China, adding that the collaboration would deepen technical education and accelerate Africa’s industrialisation agenda.

According to Xiangchun, having delivered the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue and Red Lines, CCECC understands that the next phase of Lagos’ rail development will require a new generation of highly trained professionals in railway operations, maintenance and management.

He said, “The establishment of a professional and integrated railway training centre is not only timely but essential for the sustainable development of Lagos’ rail transit system.”

Xiangchun added that the facility would combine classroom learning, simulation-based training, practical field experience, and professional skills assessment to produce world-class railway personnel capable of managing Africa’s fastest-growing urban rail systems.

  

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