I Don't Need To Sleep With Any Man To Make Money - Nollywood actor, Sarah Martins

Nollywood actress, Sarah Martins, has described herself as a serial entrepreneur whose success is driven by strategy, confidence and hard work rather than transactional relationships.

Speaking in an interview, the actress stressed that she has built her career and businesses through personal drive and a strong entrepreneurial mindset.

“I can look at you and know the service I can render to you that will make you give me the money in your pocket without having to sleep with me,” she said, describing herself as a strategic thinker who understands how to create value.

Reflecting on her acting career, Martins said Nollywood has always been more than a source of income.

“Acting has always been a passion for me. It has never been about the money. It’s been something that I grew with. It’s been a part of me, part of my journey and it has shaped me into the disciplined woman I am today. I am really grateful to God for the opportunity of Nollywood because, from the beginning, it has been a major part of my success story,” she said.

She also praised the growth of the Nigerian film industry while expressing a desire for stronger bonds among practitioners.

“To be honest, everybody is doing what they can, and I can’t deny the fact that Nollywood has improved so far. The major thing I would love in Nollywood is loving ourselves genuinely,” she added.

Speaking on balancing her career, businesses and public life, Martins said discipline and structure have helped her stay focused.

She said, “I only allow into my life what adds value to me. There is time for everything. When it is time for family, it is family time. When it is time for business, it is business time.”

The actress also discussed her charitable activities, revealing that she has consistently funded weekly outreach programmes from her personal income for years.

“I cook once every week. So in a month, I spend no less than N2m. In a year, that’s about N24m, and over eight years, it adds up to about N192m from my pocket.”

The actress also stated that she is often misunderstood by people who dismiss her humanitarian work as content creation despite its consistency and scale.

Reflecting on how public criticism has influenced her outlook on relationships and trust, Martins added, “People will always judge you. They will always see you differently no matter what you do. That actually taught me about loyalty, so I decided not to be vulnerable with just anybody anymore.”

She also stated that she sees herself as more than an entertainer, pointing to her multiple business ventures while maintaining that she is still striving for greater success.

“I am not where I want to be yet, but I’m definitely not where I used to be. I am a strategic thinker. I don’t follow the crowd. I build my own presence from scratch,” she concluded.

Culled from the Punch 

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Baba Ijesha Did Not Get A Chieftaincy Title, He Only Got A Car - Ooni's Palace

The palace of the Ooni of Ife has denied claims by actor, James Olarenwaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, that he was conferred with a chieftaincy title

by the monarch.

In a chat with the media, the Ooni’s spokeperson, Moses Olafare, said he was aware that the actor received a car from the monarch but knew nothing

about any chieftaincy title.

“I am not aware of the chieftaincy title, but I am aware of the car,” Olafare said.

His reaction came after Baba Ijesha announced on Facebook that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, honoured him following the birth of his son with

several royal gifts, including a new car and a chieftaincy title.

Expressing gratitude to the monarch, the actor described the gesture as a display of fatherly love and royal honour extended to him and his wife, fashion

designer Abiodun Tokunbo, popularly known as Luminee.

According to Baba Ijesha, he was bestowed with the title, “Baba Awada Konge Oduwa. Ile Ife, Ile Oodua!”

However, Olafare maintained that while the monarch is known for giving out cars, he could not confirm the claim about the title.

“Kabiyesi gives cars to people. This is not the first time. He has given cars to so many people, including kings and individuals, and it is not a new thing.”

He added, “So many people have benefited from Kabiyesi’s car gifts, including me and popular people like Haruna Ishola and Sefiu Alao. He gives out cars

almost every day.”

Another palace source also dismissed the claim that Baba Ijesha received a formal chieftaincy title, insisting that such honours were not conferred in

that manner.

The source described the claim as “probably a joke,” adding, “I am not aware of the chieftaincy title.”

The development comes as Baba Ijesha continues to attract public attention following the birth of his son.

The actor recently shared a video showing him travelling with his wife and their newborn child. In the caption, he stated that it was the first time in

his life he had embarked on a trip with his own family.

Speaking with visible excitement, Baba Ijesha praised his “wife”, describing her as a beautiful queen and thanking her for standing by him. He also prayed

for God’s protection over their home, asking for long life and declaring that no one should separate them.

 

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How Security Fears Renewed Crackdown On Lagos Street Beggars - Report

Fresh security concerns and a surge in the number of beggars across Lagos have prompted the state government to intensify its crackdown on street beggars in an ongoing statewide enforcement operation.

According to a report in Saturday Punch, in one of the largest operations in recent times, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Task Force, in conjunction with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, arrested 226 beggars on June 8 as part of a renewed daily enforcement exercise.

It was gathered that the intensified raids were driven by growing concerns over insecurity in the country, increasing complaints from residents and the rising influx of street beggars into different parts of the state.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, had, in a statement confirming the arrests, described the exercise as part of the state’s ongoing clean-up and enforcement operation aimed at improving public safety and maintaining environmental standards.

He said street begging had continued to constitute an environmental nuisance and contribute to the degradation of public spaces.

However, sources, including government officials and security personnel, told Saturday PUNCH that the operation went beyond environmental sanitation, disclosing that it formed part of proactive measures to prevent security breaches amid growing public anxiety over insecurity.

A senior government official, who spoke  on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said the exercise, coordinated by officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline unit, had been intensified and would continue in the coming weeks.

“The state government is currently taking proactive steps because of the security situation in the country. At the same time, the state has witnessed an increase in the number of street beggars like never before. It is already becoming alarming.

“The decision also followed complaints from residents who have become increasingly disturbed by the influx, especially at a time like this. That informed the government’s decision to step up the exercise,” he said.

The renewed enforcement comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of the country, particularly the South-West, where security agencies and state governments have stepped up surveillance following reports of the infiltration of the region by terrorists.

Another government official said authorities had observed a noticeable migration of street beggars into highbrow areas of the state, prompting increased enforcement in Victoria Island, Lekki and Ajah.

“We have recorded an increased migration of beggars to the Island. They are now in almost every nook and cranny of the area. In the past, enforcement was more common on the mainland, but their movement to the Island has become significant.

“Their presence has become a major concern for residents, and we have received numerous complaints. The people living in those areas are particularly sensitive to security issues and have become worried because of the increasing number of beggars amid the prevailing insecurity in parts of the South-West,” he said.

The source explained that there had also been isolated cases where some persons picked up during previous operations were allegedly found with firearms and other dangerous objects.

“There were concerns that criminal elements could exploit some of them (street beggars). Beyond that, the level of environmental abuse associated with their activities has become excessive,” the source added.

The spokesperson for KAI, Lukmon Ajayi, said the enforcement was ongoing and was gradually reducing the number of street beggars in the state.

He also noted that some of them were being used as decoys to carry out criminal activities.

“The exercise has been routine, and we are also recording a gradual reduction in the state. We have arrested beggars, especially the physically challenged ones using rollers, with dangerous objects. We have arrested them with knives and machetes. They hid them in the rollers. They have attacked us with these objects during enforcement operations.

“Also, the previous Saturday, a disabled person helped others to scale the fence into the next building. So, they also pose a security risk. They can be used as decoys to attack people. Security is part of our main duty, which is to ensure that the environment is sanitised,” Ajayi added.

However, a police source clarified that the Lagos State Police Command had not received any intelligence linking street beggars to any specific security threat and was not involved in the operation.

The senior police officer also acknowledged their increased presence in most parts of the state.

“The police have not received any security intelligence about them, and the police are not involved in the operation. If there is any such development, the police will be involved.

“What we have observed is that the exercise is largely a response to public concerns arising from the general security situation in the country. The government appears to be taking proactive measures to reassure residents and prevent situations where members of the public may begin profiling or attacking vulnerable persons based on suspicion,” the source said.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, could not be reached for comment as calls to her telephone line were not answered.

A text message sent to her had yet to be replied to as of the time this report was filed.

Culled from the Punch. 

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Lagos To Receive First State-Funded HIV Medicine August

The Lagos State Government says it will become the first sub-national government in Nigeria to independently procure antiretroviral medicines for people living with HIV, with the first shipment expected to arrive before the end of August.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, Folakemi Animashaun, announced the development during a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, where she also challenged a recent report by the Federal Ministry of Health, which ranked Lagos as the state with the highest number of new HIV infections in Nigeria.

Animashaun described the state’s procurement of HIV medicines as a landmark step towards reducing dependence on international donors and guaranteeing uninterrupted access to treatment.

“We are pleased to inform Lagosians that the first consignment of these state-procured ARV medicines is expected to arrive in Lagos by the end of August 2026.

“This marks a historic milestone, making Lagos State the first sub-national government in Nigeria to independently procure antiretroviral medicines for people living with HIV,” she said.

Animashaun said the initiative demonstrated the state’s commitment to sustaining HIV treatment regardless of fluctuations in donor funding.

“This landmark initiative demonstrates the unwavering commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to safeguarding the health of Lagos residents, reducing dependence on external donor support, and ensuring uninterrupted access to life-saving HIV treatment,” she said.

Animashaun added that the state was also working with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS to explore local production of antiretroviral medicines, drawing lessons from Kenya’s pharmaceutical and health commodity management system.

“Furthermore, the state is exploring opportunities to strengthen local health security through sustainable antiretroviral commodity production by leveraging international best practices, including lessons from Kenya’s pharmaceutical and health commodity management experience, while collaborating with global partners such as UNAIDS,” she added.

The CEO explained that local production would strengthen supply chains, lower long-term treatment costs and improve access to HIV medicines.

The announcement came as the agency faulted recent reports arising from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s State of the Health of the Nation Report 2025, which listed Lagos as recording 10,430 new HIV infections, the highest in the country.

Animashaun argued that the figure had been widely misunderstood.

“The figure widely reported in the media requires important technical interpretation. It does not literally translate to the state recording 10,430 new HIV infections in 2025.

“The number that has been widely circulated refers to newly diagnosed HIV-positive cases, not necessarily new HIV infections that occurred within the year. These are two very different public health indicators,” she said.

She further explained that many of the people captured in the figure may have contracted HIV years earlier but only recently underwent testing.

“These include persons who may have acquired HIV several years earlier but were only recently tested. The figure may also include people who travelled to Lagos for testing or treatment, referrals from other states, and individuals identified because of the state’s expanded access to HIV testing services,” she said.

Animashaun maintained that new HIV infections are estimated through scientific surveillance and epidemiological modelling rather than routine testing data.

 

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Panic As Explosion Rocks Apapa Tank Farm

Panic erupted at the Lagos tank farm cluster in Ibafon, Apapa, on Friday morning after a fire broke out at the Bono Tank Farm, located within the Best Energy Tank Farm complex.

The inferno sent residents and workers in the area fleeing for safety as emergency responders moved in to contain the blaze.

Although details of the incident at the time of this report were still sketchy, it was gathered that the fire service departments of both the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) moved in to curtail the spread of the fire.

Confirming the incident, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said no casualties had been recorded as of the time of filing this report.

Adeseye said firefighters and other emergency responders were fully deployed at the scene to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to adjoining tank farms and other nearby facilities.

The spokesperson for the LSFRS, Shakiru Amodu, had confirmed the incident in a short update earlier on Friday.

Giving an update on the incident, Margaret Adeseye, said the fire was successfully contained at about 2 pm.

Adeseye noted that the fire involved a 5-million-litre Automotive Gas Oil storage tank which went up in flames at about 12 pm.

She noted that following the emergency report, emergency responders were deployed to the scene and the fire was successfully contained without any casualties.

She stated, “The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has successfully extinguished a fire involving a storage tank at the Bono Energy Terminal, located within the Ibru Jetty Complex along the Apapa–Oworonshoki Expressway, by Coconut Bus Stop, Olodi Apapa, Lagos.

“The emergency was reported at 12:04 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026. Firefighters from the Ajegunle, Sari Iganmu, and Isolo Fire Stations responded immediately and arrived at the scene at 12:16 hours. The incident involved a 5-million-litre Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) storage tank, which was engulfed in flames.”

The LSFRS CG said the prompt intervention prevented the fire from spreading to adjoining facilities.

She added, “Through the swift, coordinated, and professional efforts of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, working alongside emergency response teams from neighbouring oil and gas facilities, the fire was successfully brought under control and completely extinguished by 13:54 hours.

“The prompt intervention prevented the fire from spreading to adjoining tanks and critical infrastructure, thereby minimising potential losses. No casualty was recorded.”

Adeseye added that “the cause of the fire is yet to be determined and is currently under investigation.”

A major disaster was averted earlier on Friday after emergency responders contained a leaking Liquefied Petroleum Gas tanker at Owode Elede, inward Onirin, along Ikorodu Road, with no casualty recorded.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency had disclosed that the incident happened in the early hours of the day after the tanker developed a fault.

  

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I Didn’t Sell My Husband Properties Alone – Mr Ibu’s Widow, Stella Maris, Opens Up On Struggles And Conflict With Late Actor's Family

The widow of late Nollywood actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, Stella Maris Okafor, has refuted allegations that she secretly disposed of her late husband’s properties and kept the proceeds for herself.

Speaking in a video interview with content creator King Mitchy, Stella Maris insisted that the sale of the property was carried out legally and in compliance with a court order.

According to her, the transaction was jointly handled by herself and Mr Ibu’s two sons, Valentine Okafor and Daniel Okafor, adding that she possesses documents to support her claims.

“I have to show you this document. This is a court order. We—I didn’t, not me alone. My husband’s two sons, Valentine Okafor and Daniel Okafor, and I did it according to the court order. Every evidence is here. We sold the house. I am not the one that sold the house,” she stated.

The clarification comes amid renewed public attention on the late actor’s family following revelations about their financial struggles after his death.

Stella Maris also spoke about her current source of livelihood, revealing that she operates an online jewellery business. She explained that she had wanted to venture into the business years ago but was

discouraged by her late husband because she was actively pursuing her acting career.

“I have a page online where I sell jewellery, and I am still selling my jewellery. When I wanted to start this business, my late husband stopped me because I was acting. My late husband was my colleague in the industry,” she said.

She further disclosed plans to leave her current residence, describing the accommodation as too expensive to maintain. According to her, she only moved there because of security concerns and public pressure following her husband’s death.

“I did not intend to come to this place. It’s because of pressure and security, but I am packing out.”

Addressing claims made online by a young man alleging he is one of Mr Ibu’s children who was denied financial support, Stella Maris said disputes over money began shortly after the actor’s burial.

She alleged that some members of the late actor’s family demanded that she share money donated to her during the burial ceremony, despite her insistence that the funds were meant for the welfare of her children.

“Before they sold the land, we were still in the village, and they were dragging with me over the money that was given to me during the burial. They insisted that I should share the money with them. I told them that this was money given to me for my children. Why should I come and share it with you people?”

  

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South Africa Protest: 271 More Evacuated Nigerians Arrive Lagos On Friday - FG

The Federal Government has announced that another 271 Nigerians affected by the recent xenophobic protests in South Africa will arrive in Lagos on Friday as the ongoing evacuation exercise continues.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the latest batch would bring the government closer to completing the evacuation of Nigerians who voluntarily registered to return home.

According to the ministry, the third evacuation flight is expected to land at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 5:30 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, with 271 returnees on board.

The ministry disclosed that a total of 593 Nigerians have already been evacuated from South Africa in previous operations.

It explained that the first batch of 258 evacuees arrived in Lagos on June 11 aboard a special Air Peace flight and were received by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb Sola Enikanolaiye, on behalf of the Federal Government before being handed over to relevant ministries, departments and agencies for documentation and profiling.

The ministry said logistical challenges delayed the second evacuation flight, resulting in some Nigerians being temporarily accommodated at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, where they were cared for by the mission.

It added that a Nigerian philanthropist voluntarily paid the airfare for 66 of the stranded nationals, who returned to Lagos on June 24, while another 269 evacuees arrived on June 30 through the second government-arranged evacuation flight.

The ministry said three additional evacuation flights would be operated in the coming days to bring home about 700 more Nigerians who had voluntarily registered, been screened and cleared for evacuation.

Addressing allegations that officials of the Nigerian Mission demanded money from intending evacuees, the ministry dismissed the claims.

It stated, “For the avoidance of doubt, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to place on record that all the special evacuation flights are fully paid for by the Federal Government and at no cost to the returnees.

“This clarification is necessitated by insinuations and false allegations that some staff of the Nigerian Mission were requesting money before enlisting our nationals for the evacuation flights. That is totally false, fake news, and should be discarded.”

The ministry also commended the cooperation of relevant ministries, departments and agencies involved in the exercise.

It said, “The ministry appreciates the very positive coordination and collaboration with relevant MDAs in making this process a success, and we will continue to work together for the good of our country.”

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to Nigerians abroad, the ministry added, “The evacuation process clearly underscores the priority accorded to the protection of Nigerian citizens overseas, which remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy and a core responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“It also reflects the Government’s determination to ensure that Nigerians affected by crises abroad receive the necessary support, dignity, and care.

“The lives of Nigerians living abroad matter, and we are trying our best as a Ministry to give them a sense of belonging.”

South Africa has in recent days witnessed a renewed wave of anti-illegal immigration protests and sporadic unrest, beginning around June 30, 2026, in parts of major urban centres and migrant-heavy communities.

The demonstrations have been driven largely by groups demanding stricter enforcement of immigration laws, accusing undocumented foreign nationals of worsening unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.

While the protests initially began as organised street demonstrations and community marches, they reportedly escalated in some areas into violent confrontations and looting incidents targeting foreign-owned shops and residences.

Authorities in South Africa have maintained that the protests are aimed at illegal migration rather than specific nationalities, but in practice, foreign nationals from several African countries have again been caught up in the tensions, prompting concern from affected governments and renewed evacuation efforts by diplomatic missions.

The current unrest has also revived longstanding concerns about xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has surfaced intermittently over the past decade during periods of economic strain and heightened political rhetoric around migration control.

  

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ASUU Warns Gov Sanwo-Olu, Other State Governors Over Failure To Implement 2025 Agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities on Thursday warned of a fresh wave of industrial unrest in state-owned universities, accusing several governors of failing to implement the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement on salaries and welfare.

The union specifically alerted Lagos, Gombe and Plateau states to the growing discontent among lecturers, saying continued delays could trigger avoidable strikes and disrupt academic activities at institutions including Lagos State University, Lagos State University of Education, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Gombe State University and Plateau State University.

For the past few days, members of ASUU across various zones have agitated over the failure of state governments to ensure the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU agreement in state-owned universities.

Addressing separate press conferences in Ikorodu and Gombe, ASUU leaders said six months after the agreement took effect on January 1, 2026, many state governments had yet to implement its provisions, despite participating in the negotiations that culminated in the deal signed on December 23, 2025.

The Federal Government and ASUU formally signed an agreement on December 23, 2025, replacing the protracted 2009 pact.

The renegotiated deal, which took effect on January 1, 2026, includes a 40 per cent salary increase for lecturers and introduces the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance to cover publication and research costs.

The union warned that unless urgent action is taken, more state universities could join institutions already affected by industrial disputes arising from the non-implementation of the agreement.

The union warned Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently implement the 2025 agreement or risk a fresh industrial crisis that could shut LASU, LASUED and LASUSTECH.

The union specifically called on Sanwo-Olu to urgently intervene and avert what it described as “brewing unrest” in the three universities.

Addressing a press conference at LASUSTECH, Ikorodu, on Thursday, the ASUU Lagos Zonal Coordinator, Adesola Nassir, said six months of discussions with representatives of the state government had produced “no concrete results.”

He added, “The non-implementation of the agreement being experienced by our members has left academic staff in the Lagos State-owned universities feeling neglected, undervalued, and increasingly uncertain about the government’s commitment to their welfare.”

Nassir recalled that ASUU spent “eight torturous years” renegotiating the 2009 agreement with the Federal Government before the 2025 agreement was eventually signed.

“To our utter disappointment, the Lagos State Government appears to be playing the ostrich on this matter,” Nassir said.

He argued that Nigeria operates “one university system,” describing the reluctance of state governments to implement the new ASUU/FG agreement as “totally unacceptable.”

Nassir warned that the prolonged uncertainty was already affecting morale in LASU, LASUSTECH and LASUED.

“Where staff begin to feel despondent, as is now the case at LASU, LASUSTECH and LASUED, management of the system becomes problematic and this triggers institutional decline in all its ramifications, inclusive of staff apathy, ethical drift and sharp practices, reduced graduate quality and eventually disruption in the academic calendar,” he said.

He added that Lagos had become “synonymous with delayed attention to legitimate staff welfare” and criticised what he called the “lackadaisical manner” in which local crises in LASU and LASUED were being handled.

“ASUU remains committed to constructive engagement. But we would not allow any state to trivialise our committed struggle to improve the lot of our universities in producing high-quality graduates that would power societal development at state and national levels,” Nassir said.

The union noted that it had written to all state governments that own universities, including Lagos, through their vice-chancellors, and that the NUC had also communicated with universities on the matter.

Nassir said several state universities across the country had already shut down over the non-implementation of the agreement and that ASUU was “giving full backing to this movement.

“The Lagos State Government is also yet to indicate when it plans to implement the agreement.

“We feel strongly that Lagos State should not be on this negative pedestal as it has the resources not just to implement the agreement, but to enhance it given the peculiarities of the state.”

He announced that the Lagos Zone would support whatever decision the branches in LASU, LASUSTECH and LASUED take to press for implementation.

“We at the Lagos Zone of ASUU will give our full support to LASU, LASUED and LASUSTECH in whatever decision they choose to take to get the agreement implemented by the Lagos State Government.

“We are thereby alerting the Lagos State Government of brewing unrest in the state.

“Government, not ASUU, should be held responsible if all universities belonging to Lagos State are thrown into avoidable crises or totally shut down on account of the poor response of the government to the concerns of our members. A stitch in time saves nine,” he said.

The union urged Sanwo-Olu, as Visitor to the three universities, to “crown his tenure with a crisis-free Lagos State” by resolving the matter urgently.

ASUU also demanded the immediate resolution of other disputes, including what it described as the weaponisation of “a flimsy administrative matter” to terminate the appointment of its chairperson at LASUED, outstanding entitlements owed members in the institution and the dismissal of ASUU officers at LASU, which it said had lingered for almost 10 years.

“Finally, we call on the governor, his lieutenants and all stakeholders in Lagos State to mediate in these matters and resolve them in earnest,” Nassir said.

The Bauchi Zone of ASUU, on Thursday, accused the Gombe and Plateau State governments of failing to implement the agreement, warning that the development could trigger industrial unrest in the affected universities.

The union said despite the agreement reached, both Gombe State University and Plateau State University had yet to comply with its provisions.

Speaking at a press conference held at Gombe State University, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Timothy-Aku Namo, said the refusal of the two state governments to implement the agreement had worsened the living conditions of academics and heightened frustration among lecturers.

Namo noted that although the Federal Government later released funds for the salary component of the agreement and constituted an implementation monitoring committee, many state governments had yet to honour their commitments.

The ASUU leader disclosed that following a forensic audit conducted by the union’s National Executive Council on June 21, 2026, only Sa’adu Zungur University in Bauchi State and Ekiti State University were found to have implemented the agreement among state-owned universities reviewed.

He lamented what he described as the worsening welfare of academics, saying Gombe State University and Plateau State University had become flashpoints of the implementation crisis.

Namo appealed to the visitors to the two universities to intervene before the situation degenerated into another round of industrial action.

  

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LASCOPA Facilitates N200 Million Refund For Lagos Electricity Consumers

Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA)

In a major win for consumer rights, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has facilitated the recovery of over ₦200 million in credit adjustments for electricity consumers across the state.

The financial recovery was achieved through LASCOPA’s ongoing monthly Stakeholders’ Parley with the state’s primary electricity distribution companies (DisCos), Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) and Ikeja Electric.

The initiative has directly impacted and resolved grievances for more than 10,000 Lagos residents facing systemic billing issues.

The monthly parley serves as a direct intervention platform where consumers, service providers and regulators confront critical sector challenges. Key issues tackled during these sessions include, estimated billing discrepancies and overcharging, metering delays and distribution faults and customer service failures and slow dispute resolution.

Speaking on the impact of the initiative, the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, Esq., emphasized that the engagements reflect the agency’s unwavering commitment to fair play.

“This engagement reflects the Agency’s unwavering commitment to fostering constructive dialogue between consumers and electricity distribution companies while ensuring that complaints are resolved through transparent, fair, and efficient mechanisms,” Solebo stated.

According to him, the programme has empowered thousands of consumers with valuable information on their rights and responsibilities, dispute resolution processes, energy conservation and the various channels available for lodging complaints and seeking redress.

Solebo noted that sustained collaboration among regulatory agencies, utility providers, and consumers remains vital to strengthening consumer confidence, promoting accountability, and enhancing service delivery across the electricity sector.

He commended EKEDC and Ikeja Electric for their continued partnership and willingness to engage directly with consumers, describing the initiative as a practical example of stakeholder collaboration in the public interest.

The General Manager disclosed that the Stakeholders’ Parley holds on the last Wednesday of every month with EKEDC and on the last Thursday of every month with Ikeja Electric, providing consumers with regular opportunities to interact directly with service providers and relevant stakeholders.

He encouraged electricity consumers across Lagos State to report service-related complaints through LASCOPA’s online and offline complaint channels. He also urged consumers to remain informed about their rights and obligations, promptly report grievances through appropriate channels, and actively participate in stakeholder engagements aimed at strengthening consumer protection and improving electricity service delivery.

  

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Security: Lagos Donates Protective Gear To NDLEA

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining what officials described as Nigeria’s safest security environment with the donation of bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets and 100 raincoats to the Lagos Strategic Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The donation, facilitated by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), forms part of the state government’s continued investment in strengthening security agencies through the provision of operational equipment and logistics.
Presenting the items to the NDLEA command, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to ensuring that security agencies operating in Lagos are adequately equipped to safeguard lives and property.

“Let me commend the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, in whose authority I am here today. He is the brain behind all that we do for security agencies in Lagos. I have come to celebrate the best governor as far as security is concerned in Nigeria. Lagos is the best and the safest state in the country,” he said.
Ogunsan said the protective equipment would enhance the safety and operational effectiveness of NDLEA officers in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse across the state.

“We have come to offer these bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets and raincoats so that you can do more and achieve more. This will support your patrol operations and ensure that the vital organs of our officers are protected. Please make good use of these items, and we remain open to further collaboration,” he added.

He also commended the leadership of the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, describing it as one of the agency’s best-performing commands.
“I also celebrate the best NDLEA command in Nigeria under Assistant Commander-General of Narcotics, Wali Liman Abubakar. Since his assumption of office, we have witnessed remarkable achievements. The energy and commitment he has brought to the job are commendable. You play a crucial role in Lagos’ security architecture, and we are pleased to partner with you.”

Ogunsan warned criminal elements against operating in the state, stressing that Lagos would not provide a haven for crime.
“This is a warning to anyone planning to cause trouble. Lagos is not vacant. We will accept nothing short of safety. Lagos is security-conscious and will not harbour criminals. We are monitoring activities on land, at sea and in the air,” he said.

Responding, the Commander of the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, Assistant Commander-General of Narcotics, Wali Liman Abubakar, thanked the Lagos State Government and the LSSTF for the donation, describing it as timely.

  

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