Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA TO Build Smart Classrooms For Primary School Pupils

The Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area of Lagos State has begun moves to address the shortage of public primary schools in the area with the construction of a 30-classroom smart primary school.

According to a statement issued on Friday, the Chairman of the LCDA, Olalekan Aroyewun, said the council recently flagged off the project at Zumratul Islamiyah Primary School, Igbogbo.

Aroyewun said the project followed an assessment of about 30 communities within the LCDA, which revealed that many lacked adequate public primary school facilities.

He said the council decided to build not just another conventional school but a modern smart school that would prepare pupils to compete globally.

 

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He said, “We discovered that there is no [adequate public primary school provision] in Igbogbo/Bayeku. We saw the need to provide one, but we are not building just a conventional primary school. We are constructing a 30-classroom smart school that is 21st-century compliant and will prepare our children to compete with their peers anywhere in the world.”

The chairman said the three-storey facility would comprise 30 classrooms equipped with modern learning facilities and digital technology.

He added that the two-year project was designed to blend technology, creativity and sustainability while equipping pupils with technological skills from an early age.

Aroyewun said the council was targeting completion of the project within 24 months.

The groundbreaking ceremony formed part of activities marking Aroyewun’s first year in office.

  

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New US Consul General, Brandon Hudspeth, Arrives Lagos

The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced the arrival of Brandon Hudspeth as the new Consul General at the US Consulate General in Lagos.

Hudspeth will serve a three-year tenure as the senior US government representative across the 17 states in southern Nigeria.

He succeeds Rick Swart, who retired from the US Foreign Service in July.

According to U.S. Consulate General Lagos Press Office in a statement on Friday, Hudspeth, a career member of the US Senior Foreign Service, is returning to Lagos for the second time. He previously served as the Political-Economic Section Chief at the US Consulate General in Lagos between 2020 and 2022.

Speaking on his return, Hudspeth said he was honoured to resume his diplomatic assignment in Lagos.

“I am honoured to return to Lagos as the U.S. Consul General. I know firsthand the strength of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership and the extraordinary energy, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial spirit that Nigerians and Americans share,” he said.

 

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He said he looked forward to reconnecting with old friends and building new partnerships while working with Nigerians to strengthen bilateral relations.

According to him, his priorities would include expanding trade and investment, driving innovation, strengthening collaboration in the technology and creative industries, and creating new opportunities for shared prosperity between Nigeria and the United States.

Hudspeth brings about two decades of diplomatic experience spanning Africa, Asia, Latin America and Washington, DC.

Before his Lagos posting, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Windhoek, Namibia.

His previous assignments include Director of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement at the US Embassy in the Philippines, where he led US civilian assistance programmes supporting law enforcement, rule of law, counter-narcotics efforts and maritime security cooperation.

He also served as Political-Economic Section Chief in Bamako, Mali; Nonimmigrant Visa Chief in Havana, Cuba; and Political-Military Officer in Kabul, Afghanistan.

In Washington, he worked at the Department of State’s Operations Centre, on the Secretariat Staff supporting the Secretary of State, and as a Desk Officer in the Bureau of African Affairs.

A native of Texas, Hudspeth is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Morehouse College, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics.

  

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LASODA Partners Lawyers With Disabilities For stronger Rights Advocacy For PWDs In Lagos

The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs  (LASODA ) is partnering with the Association of Lawyers with Disabilities to explore ways of strengthening legal advocacy and accessibility for persons with disabilities in the state. This followed a courtesy visit by members of the association, led by its President, Tosan Ene, to the General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal.

Ene said the association visited LASODA to identify areas where its legal expertise could complement the agency’s efforts to advance the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

He said the proposed partnership would focus particularly on advocacy and accessibility, with both organisations working to address barriers limiting the participation of persons with disabilities in society.

“We are here to explore areas of partnership that will contribute to advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Lagos State,” Ene said.

He added that involving lawyers with disabilities in the agency’s advocacy efforts could strengthen interventions aimed at addressing rights and accessibility challenges affecting the community.

Responding, Oyetunde-Lawal highlighted some of LASODA’s existing measures on accessibility and advocacy, including its engagement with government agencies and other stakeholders.

She cited the agency’s collaboration with the Lagos State Motor Vehicle Administration Agency on the provision of special number plates for persons with disabilities and their caregivers, aimed at making the vehicles easier to identify and facilitating access.

 

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The LASODA general manager also mentioned the agency’s accessibility checklists and awareness programmes, which she said were being used to identify barriers and promote greater inclusion across the state.

“We remain open to partnerships that will advance disability inclusion and promote the rights, dignity and welfare of persons with disabilities,” Oyetunde-Lawal said.

No specific joint programme or implementation framework was announced at the meeting. Rather, the two sides agreed to explore possible areas of collaboration, with the association expected to submit a formal proposal to LASODA for consideration.

The development therefore represents an initial step towards a possible institutional partnership rather than the launch of a new disability inclusion programme.

Other members of the association at the meeting were Gbelupe Joseph, Lukman Salami, Mariah Kazeem and Enough Agofure, while LASODA’s Head of Legal Department, Babatunde Safiu, also attended.

  

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How We Will Support Winners Of Miss Surulere Beauty Heritage Pageant Beyond The Competition - Lagos Government

The Lagos State Government has pledged to support winners of the Miss Surulere Beauty Heritage Pageant beyond the competition, with opportunities for partnerships, community projects and wider government-linked initiatives.
The state’s Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Idris Aregbe, gave the assurance while interacting with contestants and stakeholders during a courtesy visit to Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja yesterday.

Aregbe said the government was prepared to support contestants who demonstrated commitment and capacity to use the platform to promote tourism, culture and community development.
He said the contestants should not see the pageant merely as a contest for a crown but as an opportunity to develop ideas and initiatives capable of making lasting contributions to society.

“You can do much. It depends on where we are standing. I think you have self-capacity, and also the power of association,” Aregbe told the contestants.
He urged them to take ownership of their ideas and turn them into practical programmes, stressing that they could use their visibility and networks to champion causes within their communities.

 

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Aregbe also encouraged the contestants to remain connected to Surulere and preserve the community’s identity, saying their roots should remain part of the legacy they build.
“When you think of Surulere, what comes to mind? Surulere is a small city, a cool, passionate city. My request to you: hold on to that identity. Don’t let it be lost,” he said.

He advised the contestants to learn from people who contributed to Surulere’s development and maintain relationships that could help them sustain their projects. “Your own identity is what people will remember you by,” he added.
Aregbe said government support would extend beyond the eventual winner, stressing that contestants who showed readiness and potential would also be considered for future opportunities.

“We pledge our full support to the contestants. There will be a partnership with our Chinese partners and other partners for the eventual winner. However, our commitment does not end there. We will also work with those who show readiness and potential, even if they do not emerge as the winner,” he said.
He also assured the organisers of support with necessary approvals and documentation, saying relevant processes would be handled in collaboration with the organisers.

Aregbe said efforts would also be made to ensure that the Lagos State Government and partners remained involved in major events associated with the initiative.
Calling on the contestants to aspire to make a difference beyond the competition, he said, “Give us a queen who will inspire us to do more. You are the face of Surulere.” He added: “The crown is temporary, but the impact is permanent.”
Meanwhile, the Show Producer, Mr. Adebayo Adegbe, said the contestants were undergoing training designed to prepare them for both the pageant and responsibilities that could follow afterwards.

Adegbe said they were being trained in etiquette, poise, speech, public speaking and catwalk, adding that the programme was intended to build their confidence and help them discover their potential.
He said the contestants would also have opportunities to meet role models and engage with local government officials on tourism, thereby creating opportunities for learning and networking.

According to him, the contestants had met with the Local Government Chairman, who assured them that the council was willing to work with any contestant with a viable plan or project that could benefit the community.
Adegbe disclosed that the winner would receive a ₦1.5 million cash prize, while the first and second runners-up would receive ₦1 million and ₦500,000 respectively.

He added that additional prizes worth about ₦2 million would be distributed among other participants, while the winner would also receive a three-day stay at the Transcorp Hotel.
Beyond the prizes, Adegbe said there would be opportunities for the winner to participate in wider government-linked projects, with further opportunities potentially extending beyond Nigeria.

He expressed confidence in the contestants, describing them as intelligent and capable of representing Surulere effectively.

  

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How Omotola Made Only N22 Million From Cinema Movie Despite N103 Million Gross

actress and filmmaker Omotola Ekeinde has revealed that her movie ‘A Mother’s Love’ grossed N103,094,633 during its cinema run, but only N22 million accrued to the producers after various deductions.

Omotola made the disclosure in a video shared online, where she gave an account of the movie’s cinema journey and the financial returns from its theatrical release.

According to the actress, the film’s total cinema gross was reduced significantly after deductions involving exhibitors, distributors, print and advertising, Value Added Tax (VAT), entertainment tax, withholding tax and other expenses.

“At the end of our run, we had made N103,094,633,” Omotola said, explaining that after the various deductions, the amount accrued to the producers was N22 million.

She also disclosed that 100 per cent of the N22 million was donated to Slum to School, an organisation supporting children from disadvantaged communities, in line with a commitment made by Red Hot Concepts.

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Reflecting on her cinema experience, Omotola said the movie’s final cinema run was on April 19, describing the experience as challenging but rewarding. The actress explained that she had to withdraw the movie from cinemas because of pressing personal issues, saying she did not want the film to remain in theatres without her being available to promote it and engage with audiences.

She noted that producers are expected to be actively involved in promoting their films during cinema runs, adding that showing up for the movie was a challenge she had not initially anticipated.

A Mother’s Love had earlier attracted attention with its premiere in Lagos, which was attended by several personalities, including actors Rita Dominic, Toke Makinwa and Nosa Rex, as well as former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

  

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Anxiety As Celestial Church Vows To Probe Actress Tope Osoba’s Death

The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) has said it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Nollywood Yoruba actress Temitope Osoba, amid allegations linking her fiancé, Prophet Itunu Onadeko, to the controversial circumstances surrounding her death.

Osoba, who was 40, died on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

Her death has generated reactions across the country, particularly following reports and allegations concerning the circumstances surrounding her passing.

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In a statement signed by the Head of Media and Publicity of the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide, AVSE Kayode Ajala, the church expressed sadness over Osoba’s death and concern over the controversy involving Onadeko, a shepherd of the church.

The church said the allegations had also affected its reputation, stressing that it does not condone practices such as idolatry, black magic, cultism or the use of charms.

The statement described the allegations surrounding Onadeko’s alleged involvement as “quite embarrassing to the Celestial Church of Christ.”

It added that the church was “not folding our arms and watching from the kerb” while its name was allegedly being dragged into the controversy.

According to the church, it has commenced a discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding Osoba’s death and is committed to establishing the truth.

“As a church, we are already discreetly investigating the circumstances that led to the death of Temitope Osoba, and we wish to assure the general public that the Celestial Church of Christ would leave no stone unturned to unearth the truth, and to ensure that anyone found culpable in the death of Temitope Osoba is brought to justice.”

The church also called on the police and other relevant law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the actress’ death.

“The Celestial Church of Christ is ready to work hand-in-hand with the relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that all culprits are brought to book,” the statement said.

The church further stated that its Pastor and Spiritual Head Worldwide, Reverend Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa, had directed its internal machinery to work towards ensuring that the truth emerges and justice is served.

The CCC said that if the allegations against Onadeko are established at the end of the investigations, he would face both internal disciplinary measures and the full force of the law.

“If the allegations against Prophet Itunu Onadeko of the Celestial Church of Christ are found to be true at the end of ongoing investigations, he would not only be made to face the internal sanctions of the church, but he would also be made to face the full length of the law.”

The church concluded by expressing condolences to Osoba’s family and praying for the peaceful repose of the actress’ soul.

  

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Why I Often Play Wicked Roles In Nollywood Movies – Patience Ozokwo 'Mama G'

Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwo, popularly known as Mama G, has offered insight into her decades-long career, addressing public curiosity surrounding her frequent portrayal of villainous and antagonistic characters.

​Speaking during a live-streamed interview hosted by content creator Carter Efe on Monday, the legendary actress clarified the reasons behind her signature film roles.

The interview clip quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking widespread discussion among movie fans.

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”I think God gave me that niche,” Ozokwo stated, describing her recurring typecast as a “wicked woman” or antagonist not as a mere business choice, but as a divinely assigned calling.”

“I hate every ill because I don’t like injustice, war, and rancour. When you give me those roles, I try to bring everything in them,” she continued.

“If you are taking part in any of them, you have to be careful and know the end thereof, for the end justifies the means. Know what will happen to you if you live a terrible life, and know what you will gain if you are a good person.”

​The actress noted that her performances were carefully crafted to expose the consequences of bad behaviour, framing her portrayals of villainy as a form of social instruction through storytelling.

Ozokwor was born in the village of Amaebo, Ngwo in present-day Enugu State and attended Abimbola Gibson Memorial School in Lagos. She developed a passion for acting in primary school, where she took part in various stage plays. She later attended the Institute of Management and Technology Enugu (ESUT), where she obtained a degree in fine and applied arts. Before starting as an actress, she was part of a radio drama.

Ozokwor worked as an announcer and broadcaster with Radio Nigeria before becoming an actress. She rose to fame with her role in the 1999 film Authority and her first TV drama was a soap opera titled Someone Cares on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA. Since her breakthrough, she has appeared in over 100 Nollywood movies.

She starred in the Mo Abudu Netflix films Chief Daddy (2018) and Chief Daddy 2: Going for Broke (2022) as Madam Pat. In 2026, Ozokwor starred in the Dammy Twitch-directed romantic comedy Call of My Life alongside Uzoamaka Power and Nkem Owoh. The film earned 628 million Naira within 6 weeks of release and entered the list of Nollywood's Highest-grossing Films

The actress got married at the age of 19 but became a widow in 2000 following her husband's death from a terminal disease. She has three biological children and seven adopted children all of whom bear her name. She also has several grand children. Ozokwor is an ordained evangelist.

  

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Lagos Internship Beneficiaries Hit 8,000 As Sanwo-Olu Inducts 1,000

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said more than 8,000 young graduates have passed through the state’s Graduate Internship Placement Programme as his administration seeks to ease the transition from university to employment.

Sanwo-Olu made this known on Monday at the onboarding ceremony for 1,000 new beneficiaries of the GIPP, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment at the De-Blue Roof, LTV Complex, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat, represented by Musiliu Obanikoro; Chairman of the House Committee on Wealth Creation, Stella Osafile; Head of Service, Bode Agoro; Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe; Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Lolade Aina; other senior government officials and representatives of participating private-sector organisations.

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The governor, who was represented by the Chairman of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Boladele Dapo-Thomas, said the programme was established to address the gap between academic qualifications and the practical experience increasingly required by employers.

He urged the latest beneficiaries to treat the internship as a pathway into the labour market rather than merely a short-term placement.

“Learn. Ask questions. Be punctual. Be disciplined. Be innovative. Wherever you are placed, bring value,” Sanwo-Olu told the graduates.

According to him, the experience gained during the placement could improve the beneficiaries’ employability, while their conduct and performance could determine the opportunities available to them after the programme.

The governor said many graduates encountered difficulties entering the workforce because, despite having academic qualifications, they lacked exposure to professional environments and the practical competencies required to function effectively in them.

He said GIPP was intended to close that gap by placing graduates in workplaces where they could acquire hands-on experience, develop professional competencies and build networks that could support their careers.

Sanwo-Olu said the number of beneficiaries recorded so far reflected the administration’s continued investment in youth employment and human capital development.

He, however, challenged the 1,000 new beneficiaries to take personal responsibility for maximising the opportunity provided by the state.

“Wherever you are placed, bring value,” he said, stressing that professionalism, integrity, consistency and initiative would be essential to making the internship meaningful.

The governor also urged participating employers to see the programme as more than an avenue for receiving temporary workers, calling on private-sector organisations to provide meaningful assignments, mentorship and opportunities for young graduates to develop relevant workplace skills.

He called for greater collaboration between government, businesses and development partners to expand internship placements and establish clearer pathways from internships to employment.

Sanwo-Olu said sustainable job creation could not be achieved by government alone, arguing that businesses had an important role to play in providing young people with the experience and competencies required to compete in the labour market.

He said youth employment and skills development remained priorities under his administration’s THEMES+ development agenda and that Lagos would continue to pursue programmes aimed at preparing young people for the changing world of work.

The governor also told the beneficiaries that their participation in the programme came with a responsibility to represent Lagos positively in their host organisations.

He said the state could provide the platform, but the outcome would depend on the beneficiaries’ willingness to learn, adapt, demonstrate initiative and contribute to their host organisations.

  

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Temitope Osoba's Candlelight: Speak Out On Personal Struggles, Nollywood Actress Daramola Urges Colleagues

Nollywood actress Foluke Daramola has urged her colleagues in the entertainment industry to speak out more about the personal struggles they face, warning that silence born out of shame or fear of judgement often leaves people to suffer alone.

Daramola made the appeal on Tuesday while speaking at a candlelight night held in honour of late actress, Temitope Osoba, at LTV 8 (Blueroof), Ikeja, Lagos.

The event, tagged “An Evening of Love, Music & Memories,” was organised by friends of the deceased actress to celebrate her life, creativity and contributions to the arts.

Speaking at the event, Daramola said many people within the industry battle personal issues silently, often putting up appearances that mask deeper struggles.

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“We don’t speak out, maybe because of shame or body shaming, but I feel we should speak out more. At the end of the day, when we speak out, we can be there for one another, because everyone is going through something different,” she said.

She noted that outward appearances could be deceptive, as people often present a composed front while dealing with difficult circumstances privately.

“Sometimes we wear clothes and put on a front like everything is okay, when it’s not. It’s difficult to open up,” Daramola said.

The actress called on colleagues struggling with personal challenges to confide in others, stressing that doing so could open doors to help, even indirectly.

“For those of us struggling, speak out, that’s how we can help each other. And to whoever you speak to, even if you can’t do anything yourself, please tell one or two people who can,” she said.

Daramola, however, acknowledged that individuals could not be entirely faulted for not showing up for others at all times, given that everyone carries their own burdens.

“We can’t blame anyone for not being there for us, because we all have our own personal issues. That’s the truth,” she added.

The candlelight night comes days after the death of Osoba, which was announced on August 5 by fellow actor, Alesh Sanni, who described her as his “dearest sister” in an emotional tribute shared on Instagram.

Osoba died at the age of 40, about two years after she first opened up publicly about her battle with breast cancer and sought support from fans and colleagues for her treatment. She had returned to the movie industry in August 2025, describing her recovery in an emotional Instagram post as a “life-changing journey” that reshaped her career.

The circumstances surrounding her death have since generated controversy on social media, with her fiancé, Prophet Itunu Onadeko, alleging that she died at a police station in Ikorodu, Lagos State, contrary to widespread speculation that she died from complications related to her cancer battle.

Her family has also pushed back against what it described as false and unverified reports circulating online, urging the public to desist from spreading misinformation that deepens their grief.

Osoba’s burial is scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 13, in Iperu Remo, Ogun State, with a funeral service at Saint James Anglican Church before her interment at Iperu Remo 

  

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American Cola Unveils Creative Basketball Court In Lagos, Blends Sport With Urban Culture

Planet Bottling Company, makers of American Cola, has unveiled a renovated basketball court in Ilupeju, Lagos, as part of an initiative aimed at promoting grassroots sports, youth creativity and urban culture.

The American Cola Creative Court was launched in partnership with the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, transforming an existing basketball facility into a multi-purpose community space.

The renovated facility is designed to serve not only basketball players but also young people interested in music, dance, fashion, content creation and other forms of creative expression.

 

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The initiative reflects the company’s efforts to create platforms where young people can develop their talents while strengthening connections with their communities.

The launch also featured the American Cola Courtside basketball competition, held under the theme “Basketball Meets Art”.

The competition brought together young players from different communities across Lagos, who competed in half-court and shoot-the-hoop contests.

The tournament, which began as a community sports initiative in 2024, has evolved into a platform for promoting grassroots basketball, community engagement and opportunities for emerging players.

Speaking at the launch, Naji Awada,
Marketing Manager Planet Bottling Company, said the renovation was driven by the need to revive interest in basketball and create opportunities for young players.

He said the project was intended to go beyond improving the appearance of the court by creating a space where young athletes could build relationships, develop their abilities and pursue their ambitions.

“When it comes to basketball, we are looking to do more, especially in different communities, to bring together all of the people under the same roof, which is the talent that mostly we miss because no one is giving them the right attention,” Awada noted.

He said the company hoped to extend similar initiatives to other communities and contribute to the development of basketball at grassroots level.

Planet Bottling Company’s Communication Manager, Franklyn Eluagu, said the partnership with Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA formed part of a broader effort to improve basketball facilities and support players in communities where the sport is popular.

“All the communities that play basketball, starting with Lagos, we’re identifying them and seeing what we can do as a brand to improve the conditions when it comes to the community and the court,” Eluagu said.

He said the company was also interested in supporting creative activities around the renovated facility.

“For those who love to create content, for those who love music, for those who love to dance, we made the court to look a lot better  and to ensure that for the communities, those who love basketball can find a place that they can come to and feel very welcome,” he said.

The renovated court therefore seeks to combine sporting activity with wider forms of youth culture, providing a venue where basketball and creative pursuits can take place alongside one another.

Young basketball players from communities across Lagos participated in the launch tournament and had the opportunity to use the newly transformed facility.

Officials from the local council who attended the event included the Leader of the House, Lekan Adeyi; Special Adviser on Sports, Shotanwa Ahmed; Supervisor for Special Duties, Kamoru Fajolu; Supervisor for Youth Affairs and Socials, Tosin Mabinuori; Senior Special Assistant on Sports, Ifeoluwa Jimoh; Senior Special Assistant on Social Services, Samson Temim; Senior Special Assistant on Media, Abiodun Shonibare; and Media Aide to the Chairman, Alayo Kehinde.

The project comes amid efforts by private organisations and community stakeholders to support grassroots sports and improve recreational facilities, particularly in areas where access to quality sporting infrastructure remains limited.

For residents and young athletes in Ilupeju, the refurbished facility provides a renewed space for basketball, recreation and creative activities, while the organisers hope it will help more young people discover and develop their talents.

 

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