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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I Cannot Survive Your Death - Afro House Singer Niniola Apata Mourns Her Husband

Afro house singer, Niniola Apata, has continued to mourn the death of her husband, Michael Ndika.

In one of her latest posts shared on Instagram on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Niniola revealed that she was still living in denial over her husband’s death, while expecting him to walk through the door like he never left.

In a lengthy and emotional post, she wrote, “I find myself waiting, expecting Michael to walk through the door… My best friend, my confidant, my pillar, my gossip partner, my laughter, my joy giver, my provider, my business partner, my husband, my brother. He was the air I breathe.

“I can’t survive this… I looked forward to him coming home every time he went out…

“Even in the house, we were always together; he never wanted me to be away from him. Always wanted me to be by his side. I’m naturally a loner, and Michael was all that I needed because he was one in a million… He touched my life in different capacities, and God took him from me.”

Niniola also took to her Instagram story to relive memories of moments she shared with the late Michael. She shared random moments of them having fun together, working, travelling and hanging out with friends.

Recall that Niniola shocked many last week when she made a series of posts revealing that her husband of 13 years had died.

The singer surprised many with the disclosure because several people were unaware that she was married.

“God took him. 13 years. 13 f***ing years,” she wrote in one of the posts.

“My husband died,” she added in a subsequent post.

The late Michael Ndika was Niniola’s longtime manager and the Chief Executive Officer of NaijaReview, a multimedia platform focused on afro house and contemporary African music, before his death.

  

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Nollywood Is Not For Jokers — Ronke Oshodi-Oke

Veteran actress, Ibironke Ojo, popularly known as Ronke Oshodi-Oke, has stressed that discipline, professionalism and consistency remain key to sustaining a successful career in the Nigerian film industry, while also addressing perceptions about younger actors.

Speaking in an interview, the actress said not all young actors are distracted by social media, as is often suggested, noting that many remain deeply committed to their craft.

“It’s not all of them. Most of them are serious. If you are doing something and you are not serious about it, you will face the consequences. We are not joking in Nollywood. If you come and you want to pose, you want to come and play, you will face the consequence. Take Timini, for example; he is a very lovely boy and takes his job very seriously,” she said.

Ojo, who spoke about her role in the film ‘Ajosepo: The Gathering’, said she approaches every character with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment.

“I see each and every role as an opportunity. So when I am acting, it is not me; it is God. When I am acting, I am always in that script. I always want to give the best. It’s mixed feelings,” she said.

Reflecting on her journey in Nollywood, she attributed her longevity in the industry to grace, hard work and consistency, rather than connections or lobbying.

“I don’t do anything; it has been God all the while. How many producers will I call? How many people will I say, ‘please come and give me jobs’? It has just been God, and also hard work. Even if I am given one or two scenes, I take it seriously,” she added.

Ronke Oshodi-Oke’s acting career spans over two decades as a renowned Nollywood actress, director, and producer. Known for her comedic flair, versatility, and commanding screen presence, she transitioned from a local theatre troupe into a celebrated veteran in both the Yoruba and English-speaking sectors of the Nigerian film industry. 

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Don't Call Me Unfaithful, Prostitute Or Ashewo - Frank Edoho's Estranged Wife, Sandra, Lashes out At Critics

The ongoing marital crisis between veteran broadcaster, Frank Edoho, and his estranged wife, Sandra Onyenucheya, has taken a new twist as Sandra has alleged that her ex-husband subjected her to domestic violence and sold her property without her consent.

Addressing online backlash following their highly publicised separation, she expressed her frustration at being branded unfaithful, stating she has always lived a very private life and never wanted her private affairs subjected to public scrutiny.

Sandra’s outburst came amid her ex-husband’s tagging her as a prostitute following her alleged romance with singer, Chike. 

The couple has been in the news in recent times, with Sandra facing heavy criticism on the internet after reports of an alleged extra-marital affair with singer Chike leaked online.

Sandra, who did not deny the cheating allegation, also accused Frank Edoho of being a deadbeat husband and father, and having extramarital affairs with multiple women, including some prominent celebrities. 

In a series of posts shared on her Instagram story and titled “Surviving Frank Edoho,” Sandra levelled fresh allegations against her ex-husband, including domestic violence and cheating on her. She shared picture evidence and chats of the ladies he was frolicking with to buttress her claim. 

She wrote: “I refuse to be tagged an unfaithful wife, a prostitute, or an ashewo as I have been pegged these past few days. 

“He didn’t come as the most eligible bachelor, however, I loved him with all my heart and soul, against the wishes of my family .

“Frank, you must come to equity with clean hands. You must acknowledge and take responsibility to how you led us here. I was constantly humiliated, physically abused and traumatized 

“You must acknowledge and take responsibility for how I was constantly humiliated, physically abused and traumatized. 

“It’s this social mentality that men and marriage is the price that keeps women in shackles of sadness all in the name of remaining in an unhappy marriage or relationship that saps the life of them.  

“As long as I am happy with who I am, that’s all that matters. And if the relationship   doesn’t work out ,   we still move. Women need to hold themselves in higher esteem. 

“I have always lived a very private life and I can’t believe that I am here having to explain and expose myself to public scrutiny. 

“I have never cared about public perception or opinions and it won’t start now. Nobody even knew me as Frank Edoho’s wife, that’s to show you how much I protected myself in privacy.“

Sandra said she’s returning to what she knows how to do best, designing the most exclusive homes around the world.  

Recall that in June 2025, Frank announced the end of his second marriage to Ms Sandra. The couple got married in 2013, while Sandra was expecting their son. They welcomed their first child in 2014 and a second in 2016. 

A year later, they held a private white wedding attended by close family members and friends. 

Edoho was previously married to TV personality, Katherine Obiang, with whom he had three children. Their marriage ended in 2010 after seven years, following allegations of domestic violence raised by Ms Katherine.

  

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Lagos To Generate 5000 Jobs From New Waste Recycling Project - LAWMA Boss

The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, says new material recovery facilities being developed by the Lagos State Government will create about 5,000 jobs.

Gbadegesin disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria while monitoring the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Apapa on Saturday.

He said the facilities would provide safer and more organised working conditions for people engaged in informal waste-picking activities, while strengthening recycling and resource recovery efforts in the state.

“The material recovery facilities will create about 5,000 jobs. Many of those currently working as scavengers will have opportunities to work in a cleaner environment and even earn more income,” he said.

According to him, the facilities are part of ongoing reforms aimed at modernising waste management operations and reducing reliance on traditional landfill sites.

Gbadegesin said the state was gradually winding down operations at the Olusosun and Solous landfill sites, while waste management firm Zoomlion Nigeria had commenced construction of transfer loading stations at the locations.

He explained that upon completion, Private Sector Participants would dispose of waste at the transfer stations instead of directly at landfill sites.

“Once the transfer loading stations are completed, waste will no longer be dumped directly at the landfill sites.

“The sites will be closed, covered and eventually repurposed for other uses.

“The waste will be transported to material recovery facilities where recyclable and valuable materials will be separated and processed,” he said.

Gbadegesin acknowledged challenges posed by the rainy season, noting that access roads within landfill sites often become difficult to navigate during periods of heavy rainfall.

He explained that the roads were temporary earth roads that frequently became waterlogged and slippery, causing waste collection trucks to get stuck.

However, he said the state government had begun plans to upgrade the road network within the landfill sites to rigid pavement to ensure all-year accessibility.

“The state government has a plan to convert the road network within the dump sites to rigid pavement.

“This will transform operations, particularly at the Olusosun and other landfill sites, which are most affected during the rainy season,” he said.

Gbadegesin also noted improved public participation in the monthly environmental sanitation exercise since its reintroduction.

“The positive aspect is that there is more awareness today.

“As we move around communities, we see people already cleaning the frontages of their homes even before officials arrive.

“That is encouraging. We need to do more, but as we continue, we expect to see greater compliance from residents,” he said.

He added that LAWMA was sustaining the gains through advocacy and enforcement, with environmental health officers issuing notices to residents whose premises and surroundings remained unclean.

(NAN)

  

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We Will Continue To Engage Lagos Residents On The Need For A Cleaner Environment - Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab

The Lagos State Government, on Saturday, said it will continue to step up advocacy and engagement on environmental sanitation to ensure a cleaner environment across the state while urging residents to dispose of their wastes properly.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab said this in an interview at Shasa-Orisumbare Alimosho Local Government after touring Dopemu Bridge in Akowonjo area and Apapa Local Government Area.

He also expressed confidence that the exercise would get better with time as Lagosians comply more as they get used to the monthly environmental Sanitation which normally takes place between 6:30am and 8:30am.

Speaking on the PSP operators in the state especially in the Alimosho area, the Commissioner, who was with the First Lady, Doctor Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the Lagos Waste Management Authority would continue to engage with them and take necessary actions.

The Wife of the Governor also participated actively in Alimosho in cleaning of the environment with school children and waste management officials among others dignitaries present to participate while the Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, led the team at Apapa to monitor and participate in the environment sanitation exercise including ensuring compliance.

The reintroduction of the monthly Saturday environmental sanitation in Lagos has sparked mixed reactions, highlighting ongoing issues regarding waste management, enforcement, and civic compliance. While the government pushes for a cleaner environment, residents and officials face several distinct challenges.

The exercise takes place on the last Saturday of every month between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Unlike the restrictions seen in the past, there are no total vehicular bans during these hours, though major transport unions voluntarily minimize their operations, and controlled movement is encouraged.

• While many residents embrace the cleaning tradition, others do not actively clean and simply stay indoors until the movement period, hence defeating the purpose of community hygiene.

  

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How We Are Preparing For Any Case Of Ebola In The State - Lagos Government

The Lagos State government says it is fully prepared to contain any case of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus as soon as it is detected in the state to prevent it from spreading.

Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on media and publicity, Gboyega Akosile, disclosed this on Friday, while reacting to the inclusion of Lagos by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), among other states, on high Ebola preparedness alert.

Although no confirmed case of Ebola virus has been recorded in Nigeria, the NCDC director-general, Jide Idris, in a statement on Thursday, listed Lagos, FCT, Rivers, Kano, Enugu, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Taraba, and Adamawa, as high-risk states, due to international airports, porous borders, and active trade or travel routes.

Mr Idris also identified Ogun, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Kogi, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Abia, and Bayelsa as moderate-risk states requiring sustained preparedness efforts against possible Ebola importation and transmission threats.

Mr Akosile said that while it is not the duty of the state government, the Sanwo-Olu administration is in contact with the federal government to prevent any possible entry of the virus into the country, while health agencies in the state have already been mobilised in readiness for any eventuality.

He said, “In terms of readiness for any form of eventualities, Lagos State has demonstrated that it is ready to tackle issues like this. We demonstrated this and tackled it head on, during the administration of Babatunde Fashola. We also demonstrated it when Covid-19 struck during our administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu. 

“The institutional experience, operational capability and capacity are there for us in Lagos, it’s just for us to activate it. I can guarantee that the health family, the first responders, are warming up, in case there’s any form of entry. We pray the entry will be controlled and curtailed by the appropriate authorities, but be rest assured that Lagos State, will respond as always, to any form of strain coming into our dear state.

“The state government is always in communication and partnership with the federal on several issues, not only on Ebola or other health related issues. Lagos State is seriously monitoring the situation.”

Asked if isolation centres are already in place at the borders and the airport in the state, Mr Akosile said, “Isolation centres are not places you can keep forever because they are not regular hospitals but the institutional knowledge is there for us in Lagos and it is for us, a plug and play situation.”

“As we speak, there are meetings going on and people gearing up, especially LASEMA, LASAMBUS, in case we have any entry into the state. I also know that the federal government is working very hard to ensure we don’t have such issue in Nigeria.”

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected health matters to the appropriate agencies.

The World Health Organization (WHO), on May 17, declared the Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

According to the international health body, while the new deadly Ebola strain has no approved cure or vaccine, the outbreak does not meet the criteria of pandemic emergency as defined by the International Health Regulations.

  

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Ice Prince Offers Explanation As Fans Condemn His Performance At APC National Convention

Music artist Ice Prince has addressed criticism over his performance at the 2026 All Progressives Congress, (APC), national convention.  

Critics faulted him for appearing at the partisan event amid concerns over insecurity and economic hardship, saying he should demand accountability from the government instead.  

Responding on the Black Box podcast, Ice Prince said he performed because of his personal ties to the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda.  

He clarified that Yilwatda is his uncle and booked him for the event.

“Who booked me for that event? My uncle – Nentawe Yilwatda who is the APC Chairman. He is not just a random person to me. He is my real uncle,” he explained.

Public outcry over hardship in President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been widespread, driven by intense inflation, soaring fuel and transport costs, and worsening insecurity. While the government has defended its policies as necessary to prevent national bankruptcy, citizens and opposition figures argue the reforms have severely worsened living conditions. 

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