Customs Intercepts Expired Vape Worth Over N800 Million In Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service’s Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command said it intercepted a 40-foot container, registration number TIIU4739360, loaded with expired disposable vapes during a thorough cargo examination, with a total duty-paid value of N809.6m

The Acting Customs Area Controller in charge of KLT Command, Bolaji Adigun, announced this during a press briefing at the command recently.

Adigun also highlighted the command’s revenue performance for June 2026, announcing that the KLT Area Command generated a total revenue of N19.4bn in June 2026, as against the total sum of N14.3bn generated in the corresponding period of June 2025.

“This reflects an increase of N5.041bn, representing a 35 per cent increase. In furtherance of this mandate, officers of the command, through diligent cargo examination, intercepted a 40-foot container with container number TIIU4739360 containing expired disposable vape with a total duty-paid value of N809.6m,” Adigun said.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

Adigun explained that physical examination of the container revealed 18 pallets of disposable vape products.

He added that each pallet contained 60 cartons, with some cartons containing 20 packs and others 40 packs, respectively.

“Each pack contained 10 pieces, bringing the total quantity to 484 cartons and 182,340 pieces. Further examination established that the products had different expiry dates of 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively, rendering them unfit for use and posing a potential risk to public health,” he added.

The CAC stressed it had commenced the process of handing over the seized items to the appropriate government agency for further regulatory action and proper disposal in line with established procedures and the command’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration.

He attributed the achievement to the dedication of officers and men of the command, improved stakeholder compliance, enhanced trade facilitation, and the deployment of intelligence-driven strategies.

Adigun stated that the command remains committed to its statutory responsibilities of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement activities, adding that the briefing was an opportunity to present the command’s performance and highlight significant achievements recorded in the Enforcement Unit.

He said the command remains dedicated to facilitating legitimate trade and boosting revenue generation while maintaining a strong enforcement stance to protect the nation’s economy and the welfare of Nigerians.

Adigun noted that the interception demonstrates the vigilance, professionalism, and commitment of the officers and men of the command in enforcing extant laws and preventing unsafe and non-compliant goods from entering the Nigerian market.

He urged importers, licensed customs agents, and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with all applicable import regulations.

The CAC also encouraged licensed customs agents and importers to take advantage of the NCS’s Authorised Economic Operator Programme and the Advance Ruling System, which are designed to promote trade facilitation, enhance compliance, provide greater predictability in customs processes, and improve the ease of doing business.

He also assured that the command will continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations, effective risk management, and stringent cargo examination procedures to detect and intercept expired, falsely declared, prohibited, and other non-compliant goods while contributing to national economic growth, public health, and security.

Adigun expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their visionary leadership and strategic guidance.

He also commended the officers and men of the command for their dedication, resilience, and commitment to duty, which have continued to translate into outstanding operational achievements.

The Acting CAC further appreciated stakeholders, including licensed customs agents, terminal operators, importers, and the compliant trading community, for their cooperation and adherence to extant laws and regulations.

He equally acknowledged the invaluable support of partner government agencies, whose collaboration strengthens collective efforts in protecting the nation’s economy, securing borders, and safeguarding public health.

Adigun reaffirmed the command’s commitment to consolidating achievements in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement activities while remaining steadfast in protecting the nation’s economy and improving the wellbeing of Nigerians.

  

Read More

Ajao Estate Residents Reject Waste Collection Fee Hike, Cite Poor Service

Residents of the Ajao Estate area of Lagos have rejected an increase in monthly waste collection charges, accusing their waste management service provider of imposing the hike despite months of poor and irregular refuse collection.

The residents said they were shocked to find notices announcing the new charges pasted on their doors, describing the increase as unjustifiable given what they claimed had been four to five months of inconsistent service.

Speaking on behalf of the residents on Thursday, the chairman of the state, Olu Isijola, said the company had repeatedly failed to evacuate refuse, sometimes leaving waste uncollected for one to two weeks.

He said residents had continued paying the existing fee despite the irregular service and questioned the rationale behind the increase.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

He said, “We just saw an unexpected notice placed on our doors, announcing an increment in the monthly refuse collection fee.

“In fact, this company has been neglecting us for over four or five months. Sometimes they won’t come for a whole week or even two weeks. When they eventually come, they give excuses that they have problems somewhere.

“Now, what we are having is an increment, so we consider it unjustifiable. They were not collecting our refuse regularly, yet we still paid them. Now, we are saying no.”

The estate chairman also decried the poor condition of roads within the community, lamenting that residents were being asked to pay more despite the absence of basic service improvements.

 “Apart from the fact that the road is completely messed up, this street is in a very bad condition. We are now talking about refuse again. We are in a dilemma.

“A place so close to the airport should be an ideal place where refuse is collected at the right time, and the roads are in good condition. We are not happy.

“We demand that they should keep the fee at what we have been paying. You increase payment when you improve service. When there is no improvement in the service, you don’t just impose an increase.

“If they have their own challenges, they should not transfer those problems to us. We are really suffering here because the refuse is not being collected,” he said.

The residents also criticised the company for introducing the increase without prior consultation or adequate notice.

“As good business practice, they should have given us notice and engaged us before reviewing the charges. Not just compel us to pay. If there was competition, they wouldn’t do that,” the chairman added.

He urged the waste management company to suspend the increase, improve refuse collection across the estate and engage residents before implementing it.

However, the notice shows that the service provider acknowledged the disruption in waste collection and attributed it to challenges with waste disposal infrastructure in Lagos.

In the notice titled “Marginal Tariff Review,” the company apologised to customers for the inconsistent service experienced in recent weeks.

“We sincerely apologise for the challenge in our service gap in the last several weeks; that service was inconsistent. This is due to the infrastructural challenge of the disposal site in Lagos,” the notice read.

The company said it had been left with no option but to introduce a “marginal” 33 per cent increase in its tariff, representing an additional N2,000 for flat occupants.

According to the notice, the last tariff review was carried out in March 2024 when diesel sold for about N800 per litre, compared to the current price of between N1,700 and N2,000 per litre.

It also explained that the closure of nearby disposal sites had forced its trucks to travel to Ikorodu, about 53 kilometres from Ajao Estate, or Badagry, nearly 100 kilometres away, thereby increasing operational costs, including vehicle maintenance, staff wages and other logistics.

“We seek your understanding this time to embrace this marginal increase to survive and continue to offer services seamlessly,” the notice stated.

The company added that pending the completion of repairs to government disposal facilities, waste would be evacuated once every two weeks and advised residents of multi-flat buildings to acquire additional waste bins and ensure refuse was properly bagged for collection.

Under the revised tariff, occupants of flats are to pay N8,000 monthly, wing duplexes N9,000, standard duplexes N10,000 and mini flats N5,500.

Despite the explanation, residents insisted that the increase was ill-timed and unfair.

Another resident, who identified himself simply as Clinton, also faulted the increase.

He wrote, “I just noticed that LAWMA has pasted a notice of waste disposal increase from N6,000 per flat per month to N8,000.

“It is worrisome that after abandoning waste disposal since March and only being able to dispose of the waste last week, the next thing is an increment. Isn’t this insensitive enough for us to say no?

“We kept paying while they weren’t doing their jobs. No apologies, no explanations, and certainly no form of compensation. All they could do was increase the charges.”

  

Read More

How To Apply For Lagos Climate Grant Worth Up To 5,000 Dollars - Environment Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab

Young people in Lagos with innovative ideas to tackle climate change can now apply for grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 under the Lagos Youth Climate Action Fund, an initiative supported by the Lagos State Government and Bloomberg Philanthropies.

The programme is designed to support youth-led projects aimed at making Lagos greener, cleaner and more resilient through practical climate solutions.

Announcing the initiative on his X handle, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, encouraged young people to take advantage of the opportunity.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

“Got an innovative idea to make Lagos greener, cleaner, and more resilient? This is your opportunity to rise, lead, and demonstrate that meaningful climate action starts here.

“The future is in YOUR hands – and this is your chance to help shape it.

“The Lagos Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, is calling for bold, innovative, and youth-led projects that will drive climate action and contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient Lagos.

“Apply now and become part of the movement transforming ideas into impactful solutions for a better Lagos. Be the change. Lead the future,” Wahab wrote.

According to the organisers, eligible youth groups made up of individuals aged 15 to 24 years can receive microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to implement climate action projects across Lagos State.

As part of the application process, interested participants are expected to attend a pre-launch information webinar, where details on eligibility, project requirements and application procedures will be explained.

The webinar is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

How to apply

Applicants are required to:

* Register for the pre-launch webinar using the official registration link: https://tinyurl.com/ycafwebinar
* Fill in their first name, last name, and email address during registration.
* Attend the webinar to receive guidance on the grant application process, project eligibility and funding requirements.
* Prepare a youth-led climate action proposal that addresses environmental challenges in Lagos after the official application portal opens.

The organisers said the initiative seeks to equip cities with new ideas from young people, support them through small grants and strengthen youth participation in advancing local climate priorities.

  

Read More

How Hoodlums Killed 32-Year Old Dispatch Rider For Resisting Extortion In Alimosho Area Of Lagos

A 32-year-old dispatch rider, Emmanuel Jegede, has lost his life after suspected hoodlums allegedly pushed him off his motorcycle while attempting to extort him along the Ikotun-Idimu Road in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred on Wednesday around 10am after the rider completed a delivery and was heading to another destination.

On getting to the Alhaja end of the road, two suspected hoodlums who were planning to extort him suddenly pushed him while in motion.

An eyewitness who spoke to the media on the condition of anonymity, citing personal reasons, said the rider rammed into the median in the process and died on the spot.

“The rider was passing through the Ikotun-Idimu road, and when he got to Alhaja, two hoodlums who usually stay around the junction tried to stop him and suddenly pushed him while he was in motion.

“He lost control of the motorcycle, veered off the road and rammed into the median. By the time people got to the spot to rescue him, he had already died,” the source disclosed.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

Another eyewitness said the deceased had earlier been involved in a minor collision with a tricycle rider after emerging from a street in the area.

Residents and some youths, including the suspected hoodlums, reportedly intervened and resolved the dispute amicably.

However, the hoodlums allegedly demanded money from the dispatch rider for mediating the matter.

The eyewitness, who pleaded not to be named for security reasons, said the rider explained that he had no money on him, adding that the response angered the suspected hoodlums.

He said, “The man had just finished making a delivery and was on his way to another location. Earlier, while coming out of a street, he mistakenly hit a tricycle rider. People in the area, including the boys, intervened and settled the issue.

“After everything was resolved, the boys demanded that he should settle them for helping him. He told them he did not have any money. They then crossed to the other side of the road and waited for him before pushing him in the process.”

The source noted that his chest hit the culvert with great force, leading to his instant death.

It was gathered that the hoodlums also fled the scene immediately after the incident.

The policemen from the Idimu Police Division were later said to have arrived at the scene and evacuated the corpse.

As of the time of filing this report, the identity of the deceased has yet to be established.

When contacted on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident.

She said investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the rider’s death.

She said, “A Federal Road Safety Corps officer came to the station and reported that he had seen a corpse at the scene of the accident. Our officers immediately visited the location and found the lifeless body of the victim alongside his motorcycle.

“When the police spoke with people in the area, we got two different versions of what happened. One account claimed that a pedestrian was trying to cross the road, and the rider lost control while attempting to avoid hitting the person.

“The second version was that some boys fled the scene immediately after the accident, raising suspicion that they might have attacked or pushed the rider before he crashed.

She added that the police were investigating the incident and working to obtain CCTV footage from the area to determine exactly what happened.

  

Read More

FG, LASCOPA Join Forces To Tackle Unfair Trade Practices In Lagos

Federal and state regulatory authorities have intensified their joint campaign against market infractions in Lagos, issuing a firm directive to businesses to strictly comply with mandatory price tagging, product labelling and legal refund obligations or face administrative penalties, sealing of premises and prosecution.

The charge was delivered during a Joint Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum co-hosted by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Alausa, Ikeja.

The forum, themed “Price Tagging, Minimum Labelling Requirements and Return/Refund: The Implications of Non-Regulatory Compliance,” brought together key regulatory partners, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), alongside industry leaders, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumer advocacy groups.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

Delivering the welcome address, the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, Esq., declared that compliance with market regulations is a mandatory legal requirement under both the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 and the LASCOPA Law 2025 (as amended).

Solebo emphasized that the joint initiative operationalizes a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between both agencies in April 2026 to enhance institutional synergy, market surveillance and consumer protection across Lagos State, serving over 20 million residents.

“Compliance with pricing regulations, product labelling standards and consumer redress mechanisms is not a matter of discretion; it is a legal obligation,” Solebo said. “Displaying goods without price tags, selling expired products, misleading consumers with deficient labelling, and refusing legitimate requests for returns and refunds are systemic gaps that erode consumer confidence and distort fair competition.”

Outlining the core objectives of the forum, Solebo noted that transparency in pricing, detailed product labelling and accessible redress channels are essential pillars for a healthy commercial ecosystem.

He reassured attendees that the forum was designed as a platform for collaborative engagement and voluntary compliance rather than a punitive tribunal.

Echoing these sentiments, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, represented by the Southwest Regional Coordinator of the Commission, Dr. Olubunmi Dorcas Otti, stressed that regulatory compliance is fundamentally a strategic business asset that builds market trust.

Addressing common retail violations, the FCCPC Chief highlighted everyday consumer grievances, including non-disclosure of prices prior to checkout, unlabelled or hazardous goods and arbitrary no refund after payment policies.

He clarified that statutory consumer rights guarantee repair, replacement or refund for defective goods, rendering illegal any private disclaimers that attempt to override national law.

“The law requires businesses to display prices clearly in the currency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the Keynote Address stated. “When the law gives a consumer the right to a remedy, a business cannot simply rely on notices such as ‘No refund after payment.’ Such notices cannot take away rights guaranteed by law.”

While affirming that education and constructive dialogue remain the primary tools of regulatory engagement, the Commission warned that deliberate non-compliance would attract swift enforcement action. Sanctions under the law include compliance notices, administrative fines, temporary sealing of non-compliant business premises, and court orders for consumer compensation.

The dual regulatory leadership urged trade associations, business owners, and corporate leaders to audit their pricing structures, train frontline staff, and ensure end-to-end transparency across supply chains. Consumers were equally encouraged to remain vigilant, inspect product labels, demand purchase receipts and promptly report market infractions to statutory authorities.

  

Read More

Lagos Urged To End Lands Registry Delays Disrupting Property Transactions

A Lagos-based legal practitioner, Mr Oluwole Kehinde, has called on the Lagos State Government to urgently intervene in the prolonged delays at the Lagos State Lands Registry, warning that the situation is crippling commercial activities linked to land transactions.

Kehinde, speaking to The Guardian on the issue, decried what he described as a persistent administrative breakdown at the registry, which has lasted for over three months.

According to him, the delay has stalled critical processes such as the processing of Governor’s Consent and perfection of title documents, despite applicants meeting all statutory requirements.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

He noted that the development has significantly disrupted commercial activities in Lagos, widely regarded as the country’s economic nerve centre, as property transactions remain incomplete and pending.

The lawyer explained that the situation is taking a toll on key stakeholders, including real estate developers, financial institutions, legal practitioners and business owners whose operations depend on timely documentation and title regularisation.

“Several transactions have been delayed, financing arrangements disrupted, and contractual obligations placed at risk due to the inability to conclude documentation processes,” he said.

Kehinde warned that the continued delay could erode investor confidence in the state’s land administration system and weaken Lagos’ reputation as a leading investment destination.

He stressed that an efficient land registry is essential to economic growth, ease of doing business and the protection of property rights, adding that the current situation falls short of these expectations.

The legal practitioner therefore urged the state government to investigate the cause of the disruption, provide clarity on the backlog, and implement immediate measures to restore normal operations.

He also called for transparency and accountability, including a clear timeline for resolving pending applications, to reassure affected stakeholders and prevent a recurrence.

The delay at the Lands Registry has, in recent weeks, drawn growing concern among industry players, with many insisting that swift government intervention is critical to restoring confidence and ensuring the smooth flow of property transactions in the state.

  

Read More

Xenophobia: South African Grammy-Winning Singer Tyla Cancels Lagos Concert After Calls For Boycott By Nigerians

South African singer Tyla Laura Seethal, popularly known as Tyla, has removed Lagos from the schedule of her A*POP World Tour amid calls by some Nigerians to boycott the concert over xenophobia concerns.

A review of the Grammy-winning singer’s official tour schedule on Friday showed that the Lagos concert, initially scheduled for December 22, was no longer listed.

The updated schedule retained her planned performances across Europe, North America and South Africa, but Nigeria was omitted from the destinations.

Her African tour dates now include Cape Town on January 4 and Johannesburg on January 9.

Tyla had announced Lagos as the only Nigerian city on the tour on Monday, generating mixed reactions among Nigerians on social media.

Some Nigerians demanded the cancellation of the concert, arguing that South African entertainers should not be welcomed in Nigeria while Nigerians continue to face reported xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Others opposed the boycott, saying musicians should not be blamed for the actions of governments or individuals.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

The Grammy-winning singer announced on Monday that she will perform in Lagos on December 22. The tour will wrap up with shows in Cape Town on January 4 and Johannesburg on January 9.

Her announcement quickly ignited debate on social media, where users expressed opposing views on whether the concert should go ahead.

While some Nigerians argued that the concert should be boycotted in solidarity with victims of the reported attacks, others maintained that entertainers should not be held responsible for the actions of governments or citizens.

Media personality Do2dtun took to X to question the identity of the concert promoter and called on the Nigeria Immigration Service to deny visas to Tyla and members of her team.

“Who is the promoter for the Tyla show? Nigerian Immigration, we are collectively imploring you to intentionally deny Tyla and her team visas as well. They can’t do this to our own and we welcome their own. Madness must match madness,” he wrote.

Author and relationship adviser Solomon Buchi also opposed the planned concert, saying Tyla had not publicly condemned the reported xenophobic attacks.

“Tyla is scheduled to perform in Nigeria this December, and that show must not take place. This is one time Nigerians have to come together and stand for something. After the xenophobic attacks we witnessed in South Africa and the way Nigerians have been treated, Tyla didn’t say a word. Now, all of a sudden, she wants to perform in Nigeria,” he wrote.

Content creator Buchi Laba criticised both the singer and the event organisers, saying it was insensitive to host the concert while many Nigerians remained upset over reports of attacks on Africans in South Africa.

“It is Tyla wanting to come do a show in Lagos that’s mind-boggling, and the promoters too. Your people told us to go back home and now you want to come to our home to perform. If Tyla cannot speak out when fellow South Africans are busy attacking Africans, then she should not perform in any African country,” he wrote.

However, activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore urged Nigerians not to direct their anger at the singer, arguing that political leaders should bear responsibility for the situation.

“Nigerians should direct their anger at their real enemies, the criminal leaders who destroyed our country, reduced our people to second-class citizens across Africa and the rest of the world, and the irresponsible South African leaders whose failures helped create the conditions for xenophobic violence.

“No one should hold a talented musician like Tyla liable for the crimes of xenophobia. Artistes are not responsible for the failures of politicians except where there is ample evidence they are enablers. Tyla’s Lagos concert must go on,” he wrote.

Some critics also faulted Tyla for not publicly commenting on the reported attacks. However, there is no evidence that the singer has supported or endorsed xenophobic violence.

The controversy comes as concerns continue to grow over the treatment of Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa, with recurring incidents of xenophobic attacks repeatedly straining relations between citizens of both countries

  

Read More

28-Year Old Widow Locked Out Of Her Matrimonial Home By Father-In-Law Eight Days After Husband's Death

A 28-year-old widow identified as Tosin has become the centre of a viral case involving alleged threats, intimidation, and attempted dispossession by her late husband’s family, just eight days after his death.

The incident, shared on Tuesday by activist Harrison Gwamnishu on his X handle, has prompted a response from the Lagos State Government, which confirmed that the alleged perpetrator had been arrested.

In a video posted by the activist, a man identified as Tosin’s father-in-law is seen padlocking the gate of the property, apparently locking the widow out of the house.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

Sharing the footage, Gwamnishu wrote, “Standing with young widow TOSIN. This man here is Tosin’s father-in-law. See him padlocking the gate, locking Tosin outside.

“He has his own house. They are after properties and forgetting there are two children left behind. Tosin is now being threatened for going public.”

He added that while awaiting intervention from the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, a petition would be submitted to the Lagos State Police Command.

“Our demand is simple: In-laws move to your house and allow Tosin to mourn her late husband,” he stated.

In an earlier post, Gwamnishu alleged that Tosin’s husband died on July 20, 2026, after which members of his family moved into the deceased’s residence at No. 8 Jumofak, Igbo Oluwo Estate, Koya Adeniran, Ikorodu.

According to him, the widow’s father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law and his wife allegedly ordered her to move all her personal belongings and those of her two young sons into a single room in the house.

He further claimed that some of the deceased’s belongings had already been shared among family members, while plans were underway to sell his car.

“This grieving widow is now living in fear for herself and her two children,” Gwamnishu said.

“She is appealing to the Lagos State Government, especially the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, to urgently intervene and protect her and her children from intimidation, unlawful dispossession and any further actions that may deprive her children of their late father’s inheritance.

“No widow should have to fight for dignity, shelter and justice just days after losing her husband.”

Responding in a statement on Tuesday, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency said it became aware of the viral report and immediately contacted the widow.

According to the agency, the survivor alleged that she had been subjected to threats to her life, physical assault and intimidation following her husband’s death.

 “The Agency successfully established contact with the survivor, who alleged that she had been subjected to threats to her life, physical assault, and intimidation following the recent death of her husband.

“She further informed the Agency that the matter had already been reported to the Owutu Police Division.

“As part of its intervention, the Agency commenced engagement with the investigating police officers handling the case.

“Preliminary feedback from the Police confirms that the alleged perpetrator has been arrested and is currently in custody, while investigations continue,” the statement read.

The agency said the Lagos State Government remained committed to ensuring the safety and protection of the widow and her children while working with relevant stakeholders to ensure justice is served in accordance with the law.

It also urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of domestic and sexual violence through its official reporting channels.

  

Read More

Don't Glorify Ignorance, Sanwo-Olu Admonishes Proponents Of Olodo Uprising Debate

The Lagos state governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has admonished Nigerian youths not to glorify ignorance no matter their position on the olodo uprising debate.

Delivering the lecture of the 2026 Undergraduate Convocation Ceremony of Babcock University themed, Breaking New Grounds, Sanwo-Olu said that there is nothing wrong with building an audience but let what you offer that audience be built on substance.

“Decide today that you will always be hungry for opportunity, hungry for learning, hungry for new challenges.”

“Let me offer this piece of advice, which speaks directly to your generation. The internet has recently been abuzz with debate about a so-called “Olodo Uprising” — the worry that our society is beginning to celebrate virality over value, popularity over proficiency, and entertainment over expertise. Whatever your opinion of that debate, make up your mind today that you will never glorify ignorance or a lack of curiosity. There is nothing wrong with building an audience — but let what you offer that audience be built on substance. Decide today that you will always be hungry for opportunity, hungry for learning, hungry for new challenges.

“There are many paths ahead — find your own. Do not try to copy and paste another person’s life. Some of you will pursue the creative industries, like Davido and BNXN, who walked this Babcock path before you. Some will follow the startup life, like Shola Akinlade and Ezra Olubi, who met here at Babcock and went on to co-found Paystack, one of Nigeria’s most beloved technology success stories. Some of you will build careers in medicine, law, public health, accountancy, nursing, music, ministry and public service.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

“Never forget that your real value does not lie in your social media following — important as that may be. Start before you feel ready. Build a track record of finishing small things. Treat your first job or venture as a training ground, not a destination. Seek mentors deliberately. Guard your integrity as your only non-renewable asset. Dig your well before you are thirsty. Under-promise and over-deliver — not the other way round. And in all of it, remain purposeful and godly in service: let the fear of God, and the love of neighbor, be the compass by which you break new ground.”
Going personal, Sanwo-Olu recalled that almost forty years ago, he took stood in the same existential spot at the University of Lagos, where he completed an undergraduate degree in Surveying, in 1988.

“It was a very different world back then. If any of you were taken from the present and dropped into 1988, you would find it near impossible to recognize. No internet, no mobile phones, no email. The digital screens we knew were mostly television sets and simple calculators — everything else was analogue: print newspapers, wooden billboards, paper posters, analogue clocks and watches.

“Unlike you, we did not have the world at our fingertips. Access to information was limited to physical libraries. There were no virtual meetings or remote work opportunities. If you were fortunate, you had access to a fax machine; otherwise, you sent a letter that travelled slowly through the post and demanded extreme patience of you.

“But it was the world we knew and accepted, and we tried our very best to make the most of it. The same challenge now confronts you all — to accept the world as it is and to make the most of it. Do not waste your time wishing it were a different world. Embrace it, and then work to shape it into what you would like it to be.

“Like many of you, I harbored some anxiety about what lay beyond the walls of the University of Lagos. I wasn’t absolutely sure I wanted to build a career in surveying, even though I had spent years studying it. More than anything, I did not want to limit myself early on.

“Therein lies an important lesson. You do not need absolute clarity or certainty to take the next step. More important is 

faith

 — a concept you will all be familiar with, as products of a Christian university. The Bible tells us that faith is the evidence of things not seen. New ground is broken by institutions and people willing to act without full knowledge or certainty, knowing that what matters most is a capacity and willingness to press forward, put the past behind, learn fast, and adapt nimbly.

“In the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:13–14: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Get used to trying and failing. Life rewards, most of all, the people who rise fastest after failing — not those who wallow in self-pity and a defeatist mindset.

“After graduating from university, I tried my hand at a string of businesses that failed. Sometimes the lesson is that you need to try again. Other times, the lesson is that this is not the line for you, and you need to try something else. The more you try and fail, the more you build the capacity to know exactly what lesson failure is teaching you, and how to use that lesson to propel yourself to the next level of your life.

“You may have heard the parable of the Chinese farmer. Once upon a time, there was a farmer in rural China whose horse ran away. It was his only horse, a prized possession, and now it was missing. Friends and fellow villagers flocked to his home to sympathize with him. “We are so sorry to hear this bad news,” they said. “It is so sad.”

  

Read More