Lagos Taskforce Clears Agege Under-Bridge, Impounds 55 Vehicles

In a bold effort to decongest traffic and restore sanity to the Agege underbridge area, the Lagos State Taskforce, has cleared illegally parked vehicles and impounded 55 commercial transport units during a major enforcement operation.

Led by the chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, the operation targeted long-standing traffic disruptions caused by commercial vehicles — including Danfo, Korope, and tricycles (Keke Marwa) — which had turned the Agege roundabout along Ogba Road into an illegal parking hub.

The enforcement, which also extended to Ogba, Iju, and Ishaga roads, followed surveillance by the agency’s Monitoring Unit and reports submitted through its “See Something, Say Something” platform. Dozens of vehicles obstructing the free flow of traffic were removed, bringing immediate relief to motorists and residents in the area.

Speaking during the operation, CSP Akerele condemned the habitual recklessness of commercial drivers, describing traffic gridlock as a man-made problem.

“Traffic logjam is not natural, not created by God, but a product of human recklessness. We will not tolerate or surrender to any form of indiscipline on our roads,” he said.

The Taskforce boss emphasized that the clean-up marks a significant shift in Lagos State’s traffic enforcement strategy, aimed at reducing travel time, improving safety, and upholding road laws. 

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to sustaining operations that promote traffic order and discipline across the state.

“We urge all motorists and commuters to comply with traffic regulations. Our roads must remain safe and motorable for everyone at all times,” Akerele added.

According to the agency, a total of 55 vehicles — including Danfo, Korope, and Keke Marwa — were seized during the operation. The drivers of the impounded vehicles are set to be charged in court for various traffic offenses.

According to the director, press & public affairs of taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the Lagos State Taskforce has vowed to continue its crackdown on illegal parking and other road offenses in its ongoing bid to keep Lagos traffic flowing.

 

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Nollywood Star Actress Omotola Odunsi Dies At 31

Nollywood has again been thrown into mourning following the death of actress Omotola Odunsi.

Omotola’s death was confirmed by her colleague, Akinola Akano, popularly known as Segbowe.

Segbowe posted an emotional tribute on his Instagram page on Thursday.

He shared screenshots of his last chat with Omotola, where she told him she was feeling better after being unwell.

“Motola! Strange but I tried checking on you at the wee hours of that morning.

“You said you were FINE & BACK! This is a rude shock, Omotola! Journey well, sister. God be with your family,” Segbowe wrote.

Though the cause of her death has not been officially disclosed, her sudden demise has shocked many in the Nollywood community.

Veteran actor Odunlade Adekola, under whose mentorship Omotola trained, also confirmed her passing in a short but emotional Instagram story post:

“Jesus Christ. RIP Omotola.”

Ashabi Simple, actress and mother to singer Portable’s child, recalled their recent meeting on a movie set and expressed disbelief:

“You’re one of the best actors I’m rooting for… You laboured and didn’t wait to reap. Most of your wishes didn’t even come true. GOD, we can’t question you. Death is deep.”

Omotola Odunsi began her Nollywood journey in 2018 after successfully auditioning for Odunlade Adekola Films Production (OAFP). She left her job as a credit officer in a state-owned bank in 2019 to pursue her passion for acting full-time, with her family’s support.

She graduated in 2023 and featured in a number of well-received Yoruba films, including: Lisabi: The Uprising, Officer Adaeze, Amonata, Ayanmo Ire, Ifedayo, Ajanaku, Darkness, Dagogo, Doctor Adunni, President Kuti, Folagbade

Omotola Odunsi was widely admired for her emotional range, on-screen presence, and dedication to her craft. Her passing is a significant loss to Nollywood, particularly the Yoruba film industry.

 

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Second Semester Exams At Risk As Striking Workers Shut LASU

The second-semester examinations of undergraduate students at the Lagos State University (LASU), scheduled to begin on Monday, August 4, may not hold following the indefinite strike embarked on by the university’s workers.

The industrial action, which began on Thursday, July 31, has already crippled both academic and non-academic activities at the institution.

Findings on Friday indicated that the examinations could only proceed as scheduled if something dramatic happened over the weekend that would prompt the suspension of the strike.

All members of staff of the university and its affiliate campuses (LASUCOM and LASU Epe Campus) downed tools last Thursday to protest poor welfare and other unresolved issues with the management.

In a letter to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, dated July 31, 2025, the leadership of the four unions in the institution vowed not to call off the strike until all their demands were met.

Operating under the auspices of the Joint Action Committee, which comprises the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, and National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT, the unions stated that the decision to embark on the indefinite industrial action was reached at an Emergency Congress of the committee.

The letter, signed by Prof. Ibrahim Bakare (Chairman, ASUU-LASU), Sylvester Idowu (Secretary, ASUU-LASU), Oluwaseyi Lawal (Chairman, SSANU-LASU), and Waheed Majekodunmi (Secretary, SSANU-LASU), and titled “Notice of Indefinite Strike Action”, reads in part: “Sequel to the decision reached at the Emergency Congress of the Joint Action Committee of the Lagos State University Staff Unions (ASUU-LASU, SSANU-LASU, NAAT-LASU & NASU-LASU) that an indefinite strike action should commence effective from Thursday, July 31, 2025, we write to notify you that the indefinite strike action has commenced in Lagos State University. The strike action will remain in force indefinitely until all the demands of staff members are met by the appropriate authorities.

“Consequently, all members of staff of the University and its affiliate campuses (LASUCOM and LASU Epe Campus) are hereby directed to withdraw their services and vacate their official duty posts with immediate effect. While we thank you for your kind gesture and support always, please accept the assurances of the unions’ kindest regards.”

 

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Five Killed, Five Seriously Injured In Car Accidents Along Lekki-Epe Expressway

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has confirmed the death of five people in two separate accidents that occurred along the Lekki-Epe Expressway on Thursday.

This is just as five other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries in the crashes.

According to a statement by the LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, on Thursday, the first accident occurred at the Abijo Bus Stop along the expressway when a van crashed into a stationary construction company’s equipment.

He stated, “The first catastrophic incident unfolded during the early hours of the day at the Abijo Bus Stop, precisely under the pedestrian bridge on the inward Epe corridor, where a Mitsubishi pick-up van bearing registration number AKD 733 JM, travelling at an exceedingly perilous speed, lost control and crashed into a stationary Craneburg Construction Company equipment, lawfully parked.

“The colossal impact resulted in the instantaneous death of four occupants (three males and one female) whose bodies were recovered lifeless at the scene of the accident.

“Demonstrating their operational dexterity and swift emergency response capabilities, LASTMA operatives successfully rescued three additional female occupants from the wreckage and handed them over to officers of the Eleko Division of the Nigeria Police Force for onward transfer to nearby medical institutions for urgent care and further evaluation.”

Taofiq stated further that another road crash at the Frajend Group area inward Bogije along the expressway led to the death of a driver who rammed into a stationary truck.

“The devastating collision resulted in the immediate death of the SUV driver, while two other passengers, grievously injured and entrapped within the crushed vehicle, were meticulously extricated by LASTMA personnel after a laborious and delicate rescue operation.

“Upon successful recovery, both survivors were immediately placed in the custody of officers from the Elemoro Police Division, who ensured their prompt conveyance to medical facilities for life-saving intervention,” the spokesperson added.

Reacting through Taofiq, the LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased, while warning motorists and drivers of the dangers of speeding.

“We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families during this moment of unspeakable loss and anguish. It is our earnest prayer that the Almighty grant them the strength to bear these irreparable losses.

“These deeply saddening occurrences serve as grim reminders of the catastrophic consequences that stem from the wilful violation of established speed regulations.

“The Lagos State Government has made substantial investments in traffic control infrastructure, ranging from road signage and speed limiters to high-visibility furniture, to mitigate such disasters,” Bakare-Oki said.

He urged members of the public to report traffic-related emergencies, obstructions, or accidents through LASTMA’s dedicated toll-free hotline: 0800 00 527 862.

 

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Nigeria And Ghana Hold Talks Over Anti-Nigerians Slogan

    The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has appealed for calm, following calls by some Ghanaians for the deportation of Nigerians from the country.

A statement on Thursday by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, said she spoke during a joint press conference with Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Ablakwa, in Accra, on Wednesday.

She said the viral videos depicting protests had raised concerns in Nigeria, prompting President Bola Tinubu to dispatch her as a special envoy to assess the situation firsthand.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, “We are here in the Republic of Ghana on a fact-finding mission as special envoy of President Bola Tinubu as a result of recent disturbances that have made the rounds in Nigeria.

“We are pleased to note that things are rather calm here. Since we arrived, I haven’t seen people burning tyres in the streets or carrying placards everywhere calling for Nigerians to be deported.”

She attributed the calm to the Ghanaian government’s intervention, adding that the fears raised by the videos seemed to have subsided upon assessment of the actual situation.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu reiterated the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Ghana, cautioning against the spread of inciting content that could escalate tensions between citizens of both countries.

She disclosed that her delegation had met with Ghanaian officials, community leaders, and individuals involved in the situation to ease tensions.

She also called for the institutionalisation of the Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission to promote stronger bilateral relations and citizen-to-citizen engagement.

In his remarks, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ablakwa, said the government was engaging both Ghanaian citizens and the Nigerian community to address concerns and maintain peace.

“The Ghanaian government will ensure that everyone in the country, citizens and non-citizens, is protected,” he said, adding that residents must also be law-abiding and avoid divisive actions.

He stated that the viral videos were not a true reflection of the situation and disclosed that he had met with the Nigerian accused of attempting to form a kingdom in Ghana, clarifying that territorial intentions were not the motive.

Ablakwa recalled past episodes of diplomatic strain between the two countries, including Ghana’s Aliens Repatriation Order and Nigeria’s 1983 “Ghana Must Go” expulsion, stressing the need for both nations to learn from history and manage relations carefully.

“Regardless of our shared history, if these things are not managed well, it will take us back to certain dark occurrences in our history,” he said.

 

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Ilaje Community Rejects The Renaming Of Street After Sunny Ade

The Ilaje community in the Bariga area of Lagos State has vowed to resist the renaming of Ilaje Street after the music legend, King Sunny Ade, accusing the local council authority of attempting to erase its historical identity.

Last Friday, the immediate past Chairman of the Bariga Local Council Development Area, David Kolade Alabi, announced the renaming of several streets, including Ilaje Street, as part of efforts to honour notable figures.

However, the move has sparked intense backlash both on the streets and online, where critics allege it reflects ethnic bias and a disregard for local history.

Protesters from the Ilaje community took to the streets on Wednesday, demanding a reversal of the name change, arguing that the council’s decision undermined the cultural and historical heritage of their people.

The President General of Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide, Raphael Irowainu, condemned the renaming as a “calculated attempt to decimate” the Ilaje people in Lagos State.

“It was a calculated attempt by the political elites and some Yoruba ethnic groups to erase the historical and cultural involvement of the Ilaje people in the creation of Lagos State.

“The Bariga community was founded in 1948 by our great-grandfathers. The entire place was like a forest. They were the ones who made the road before the state government took over later,” Irowainu said.

He further alleged a pattern of targeted and deliberate marginalisation of his people in the state.

He said, “On March 7, the Lagos State Government, in connivance with some persons, went to another Ilaje community and demolished the area.

“A monarch in Oworo sent people to demolish parts of Ilaje in Oworonshoki. Go to Majidun, and you will hear a similar story. These are calculated events to erase and decimate the Ilaje people.”

Highlighting the group’s historical significance, Irowainu added, “The Ilaje are among the three early settlers of Lagos State —alongside the Awori and Ijebu.

“We are not strangers. We are Yorubas just like any other Yoruba. Ilaje is a recognised sub-ethnic group in Yorubaland.”

He also questioned the rationale behind honouring King Sunny Ade in an Ilaje territory when other areas could be named after the revered music icon.

He said, “They now want to rename Ilaje Street to King Sunny Ade Street, when we have Ondo Street in Ebute Meta. Why not rename that one if they truly want to honour him? This is a war against the Ilaje people.”

Disclosing that the community had already filed a petition against the decision, Irowainu threatened legal action, arguing that the LCDA lacks constitutional authority to rename streets.

“If it requires going through legal means, we will do it. Even the so-called LCDA is illegal.

“The constitution recognises only 20 local governments—not LCDAs. It’s only the local governments that have the power to rename streets, and even at that, there must be consultation with the affected communities,” he maintained.

The former council chairman, who initiated the renaming, had defended the decision, saying it was meant to celebrate individuals who had brought global recognition to Bariga.

“As an administration, we took our time to reflect on a number of our people who have put the name of our local council out on the global map through their respective God-given talents and crafts,” David had stated.

 

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Lagos PDP Faults The Renaming Of Streets In The State

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted the recent renaming of streets in some local government areas of the state.

The recent renaming of streets and public landmarks in the state has sparked angry reactions  and  protests,

Reacting in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, the PDP Vice-Chairman (Lagos Central), Mr. Hakeem Olalemi, who advised the ruling party to tread carefully, alleged that the remaining targets are a section of society.

“The Lagos PDP is hereby rejecting in totality the renaming of streets by some council chairmen. We should not erase history because of politics.

“It is against the spirit of unity in diversity, and it will certainly affect the image of the state as a cosmopolitan state.

“We should be seen to be promoting unity and not to give the wrong impression to non-indigenes in the state.

“We have various ethnic nationalists in our state, who have contributed immensely to the development of our state, hence the reason why some streets were named after them initially.

“This current action by some council executives should be reconsidered. Most of the streets affected were bearing Igbo names before and this leaves  so many questions in the heart of non Indigenes,.”

Describing the street renaming as totally unconstitutional, Olalemi said that the decision and consequent reactions showed that some leaders failed to consult widely.

“The APC should, as a matter of fact, revert to the status quo.

“If the steps were not reversed, the party could seek legal redress in court in order to preserve the identity of Lagos State as a cosmopolitan state.

“We cannot erase history in the name of politics. The ruling party should know that this renaming of streets arbitrarily can lead to riot, unrest and serious chaos if care is not taken,” he said.

Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, has also recently condemned the change of street names as unconstitutional.

 

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Federal Government Approves N145 Billion Electrification Project For Unilag, Others

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Thursday approved ₦145 billion for electrification projects in eight federal universities and one teaching hospital.

The Council also approved the sum of ₦68.7 billion for solar power for some rural communities and agricultural clusters that remain off-grid.

The two strategic electrification projects are targeted at expanding access to clean, renewable energy across Nigeria’s educational and rural agricultural sectors, in line with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, speaking shortly after the FEC meeting, said the approved projects are part of a deliberate shift toward sustainable energy delivery, aimed at reducing dependence on the national grid while promoting development, innovation, and inclusivity.

Giving the breakdown of the projects, the Minister said the first major approval is for the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) of solar hybrid power systems under the Energizing Education Programme (EEP), to be executed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

This initiative targets eight federal universities and one teaching hospital and is funded through the Special Intervention Window of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.

According to Adelabu, the total cost of this component is ₦145 billion, which is inclusive of 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT). Implementation is scheduled for completion within 7 to 9 months.

“This is a major milestone in the transformation of our tertiary education infrastructure,” the Minister said.

“It will significantly lower energy costs, reduce reliance on diesel generators, and provide a clean, stable source of power to support learning, research, and healthcare delivery.”

The Minister disclosed that the beneficiary institutions under this new phase are:

University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), University of Ibadan (UI), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and Federal University, Wukari (Taraba State).

The Minister said the others are to be confirmed upon project kickoff.

This project builds on earlier World Bank-supported phases that delivered solar mini-grid systems to institutions such as the University of Abuja (3MW), UNN (12MW), University of Calabar (8MW), and the Nigerian Defence Academy (2.6MW).

The second approval covers the rollout of solar-powered infrastructure in Agricultural Centres of Excellence, also under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund and implemented by the REA.

According to the Minister, this phase targets rural communities and agricultural clusters that remain off-grid.

With a total contract value of ₦68.7 billion, inclusive of VAT, this component is expected to be delivered within three months. It is designed to power homes, agro-processing units, cold storage systems, and small rural enterprises, boosting productivity and rural economies.

“The goal here is not just lighting homes, but energizing agriculture, creating jobs, and enabling value addition right in the communities,” Adelabu said.

Both interventions, the Minister stressed, reflect the Tinubu administration’s resolve to make access to reliable electricity a key driver of inclusive development.

He added that the projects will serve as models for scaling renewable energy adoption across other sectors, particularly education, health, and agriculture.

“These approvals reaffirm our commitment to bridging the energy access gap, ensuring no Nigerian is left behind as we transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable, and economically viable power sector,” Adelabu added.

 

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Your Borrowing 10 Times Worse Than Buhari - ADC Tells Tinubu

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Tinubu administration over what it called fiscal vandalism, saying the president is borrowing far more than his predecessor, Late Muhammadu Buhari, and placing Nigeria on the edge of a financial disaster.

This was contained in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.

According to him, the ADC said President Tinubu’s government has borrowed more in two years than Buhari did in eight, warning that the country’s total debt could hit ₦200 trillion before the end of 2025.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is deeply concerned by the Tinubu administration’s dangerous obsession with borrowing. What Nigerians are witnessing, following the approval of a fresh $21 billion in foreign loans, is nothing short of a calculated decision to mortgage the country’s future just to cover up the failures of today.

“Under President Buhari, Nigeria borrowed an average of N4.7 trillion per year, and even that caused widespread concern. But under President Tinubu, borrowing has jumped to N49.8 trillion per year. In just two years, this administration has borrowed more than ten times what Buhari borrowed in the same timeframe,” the statement read in part.

The statement revealed that at this pace, Nigeria’s total debt could go beyond ₦200 trillion before the year ends.

“We are heading straight into a financial crisis, and those leading the country don’t seem to know how to stop. They keep borrowing money instead of finding smarter and more careful ways to fix the economy.”

According to the statement, some say Tinubu borrows less in dollars than Buhari, but that’s misleading.

“This is because the naira has crashed, the loans now cost Nigeria much more. Tinubu’s foreign borrowing is about ₦25.5 trillion a year far higher than Buhari’s ₦2.2 trillion. This shows we’re sinking deeper into debt due to poor economic decisions,” it added.

The ADC accused the National Assembly of failing in its duty to protect Nigerians by rubber-stamping every loan request without asking tough questions.

“This constant borrowing without a clear plan or real results means future generations will pay for debts they didn’t benefit from. Despite all the loans, roads are bad, schools lack funding, hospitals are poorly equipped, and electricity is still unreliable. Nigerians want to know: what are these loans really for? Yet, the National Assembly keeps approving them without asking tough questions or defending the people,” the statement added.

“While other countries are working to reduce their debts, the APC keeps borrowing more. Even after the naira was devalued, which should have slowed borrowing, the government used it as a reason to take more loans.”

The ADC is calling for full details of all loans taken in the last 10 years, including how much was borrowed, interest rates, repayment plans, and where the money went.

The party also urged President Tinubu to stop the reckless borrowing and focus on real reforms by using funds wisely and spending responsibly.

According to the ADC, borrowing to cover poor policies must stop.

 

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US Warns Canada Over Palestinian State Recognition

Donald Trump has threatened Canada after it moved to recognise a Palestinian state, reacting to Mark Carney’s announcement by saying that signing a US trade deal would now be “very hard”.

The Canadian prime minister said on Wednesday that if the Palestinian Authority promised to meet certain conditions, including demilitarising and holding elections without Hamas, Canada would join France, the UK and other allies in formally recognising a state of Palestine at the UN general assembly in New York in September.

Portugal said on Thursday it was also considering recognition, and Germany said such a move should come at the end of talks on a two-state solution.

Trump, who had appeared to give tacit approval to the UK prime minster, Keir Starmer, for Britain’s own declaration earlier in the week, has since reacted to the growing movement toward recognising Palestine by doubling down on his support of Israel’s position, saying that doing so “rewards Hamas”.

“The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable,” Carney said in his announcement. He said the leader of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, had assured him it could meet the goals he had laid out, but acknowledged that “much has to happen before a democratic viable state is established”.

“The deepening suffering of civilians leaves no room for delaying coordinated international action to support peace, security and the dignity of human life,” Carney said on Wednesday.

Israel has been accused of refusing to allow international organisations to bring aid into Gaza, where dozens of people have starved to death in recent days, with images of emaciated children horrifying the world.

Trump, however, reacted to Carney’s decision by posting on social media: “Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them.”

With many of his supporters increasingly opposing Israel’s war in Gaza, Trump previously criticised the UK’s plan to grant recognition as “rewarding Hamas”, telling journalists on Air Force One that the US was “not in that camp”. Trump also said: “You’re rewarding Hamas if you do that. I don’t think they should be rewarded.”

Trump’s latest broadside at Canada comes amid other attempts to use tariffs as leverage over the domestic and foreign policies of other nations.

He has promised to raise tariffs on Brazil to 50%, linking it to the prosecution of his ally, former president Jair Bolsonaro, and recently threatened 15% additional tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, having fallen out with Putin over the war in Ukraine.

Thursday’s announcement of a US trade deal with Thailand and Cambodia also followed Trump’s demand that the two sides end the military skirmishes that broke out last week.

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WAFCON: Morocco Petitions CAF Over Super Falcons’ Victory

Morocco’s Football Federation has officially submitted a petition to the Confederation of African Football, alleging “refereeing injustices” during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Nigeria’s Super Falcons.

As reported by Morocco World News, the FRMF claimed that the Centre Referee failed to award a “clear” penalty in the 82nd minute, with the score level at 2-2 during the finals.

Video evidence suggested a potential handball by Super Falcons defender Tosin Demehin, but following a video assistant referee review, the referee overturned her initial decision.

Following the incident, Morocco’s coaching staff and players expressed their frustration as the federation contended that the referee’s decision significantly impacted the match’s outcome, which ultimately saw the Super Falcons’ 3-2 triumph.

Moroccan head coach, Jorge Vilda, who previously led Spain to victory at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, remarked after the match: “It was a small detail that cost us the game.”

Vilda, typically reticent on refereeing issues, also acknowledged that fatigue contributed to his team’s second-half collapse.

In contrast, Nigeria’s coach, Justine Madugu, praised Morocco for their strong first-half performance and noted that tactical adjustments at half-time changed the game’s trajectory in favour of his side.

“The substitutions made a significant difference,” he stated. “Morocco have a bright future ahead.”

The final, held at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, saw Morocco establish a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half.

However, the Super Falcons emerged revitalised in the second half, with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and substitute Jennifer Echegini turning the tide.

With this defeat, the Atlas Lionesses marked an unfortunate milestone as the first hosts to lose consecutive WAFCON finals.

The victory secured a record-extending 10th WAFCON title for the Super Falcons.

In the third-place play-off, the Black Queens of Ghana emerged victorious, defeating former champions Banyana Banyana of South Africa on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.

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Airtel Nigeria Revenue Soars 30% On Data Surge

Airtel Nigeria generated $333m in revenue for the quarter ended 30 June 2025, representing a 30 per cent year-on-year increase in reported currency and

a 48.9 per cent rise in constant currency.

The figures were disclosed in the second-quarter financial report of Airtel Africa Plc.

The growth was primarily driven by strong performance in data and voice services. Data revenue rose to $164m, reflecting a 40.2 per cent increase in reported

currency and 60.3 per cent in constant currency. Voice revenue also climbed to $134m, up 19.1 per cent in reported terms and 36.7 per cent in constant

currency.

Earlier this year, the Nigerian Communications Commission approved a 50 per cent tariff increase for telecommunications operators, resulting in higher

prices for data bundles and voice calls, an intervention that significantly contributed to the revenue boost.

The company’s average revenue per user increased from $1.70 to $2.10, marking a 22.9 per cent rise in reported currency and 40.8 per cent in constant currency.

Meanwhile, Airtel Africa, parent company of Airtel Nigeria, posted total revenue of $1.42bn for the second quarter of 2025, reflecting a 24.9 per cent growth in constant currency and 22.4 per cent in reported currency. The group said it benefited from improved macroeconomic conditions, data usage growth, and tariff adjustments in Nigeria.

Airtel Africa operates in 14 countries across the continent, with Nigeria remaining its largest and most strategic market. The company noted that while Nigerian operations played a central role in the overall growth, strong performance in Francophone Africa also contributed to the acceleration in revenue, driven by a continued focus on customer experience.

Its Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said, “We are very pleased with the strong growth in our operating and financial performance in the first quarter. The strength of this performance and the scale of the growth we achieved, reflects the sustained demand for our services and the strength of our business model to meet these demands.

“Operationally, the acceleration in customer base growth to 9 per cent, and 17.4 per cent growth in our data customers to 75.6 million reflects the strong on-ground execution with a relentless focus on digitisation and the simplification of the customer experience.”

 

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We Will Recognise Palestinian Statehood Unless - UK

The United Kingdom will recognize Palestinian statehood in September unless Israel takes significant steps to end the "appalling situation" in Gaza and meets other conditions, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said.

"Our goal remains a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state," Starmer said, according to a Downing Street statement.

He said that the UK government has always intended to recognize a Palestinian state "as a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution," which he said is "now under threat."

"As part of this process towards peace, I can confirm that the UK will recognize the state of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza," Starmer said.

The UK leader also called on Israel to "agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution."

This includes, Starmer continued, "allowing the UN to restart the supply of aid, and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank."

He also reiterated his government's stance on Hamas, the Iran-backed Palestinian militant group that governs the Gaza Strip. 

"Our message to the terrorists of Hamas is unchanged and unequivocal. They must immediately release all the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza," Starmer said. 

Amid heightened fears of mass starvation in the enclave, Starmer called for more aid to reach Palestinians in Gaza.

"We need to see at least 500 trucks entering Gaza every day. But ultimately, the only way to bring this humanitarian crisis to an end is through a long-term settlement," Starmer said at 10 Downing Street.

The British leader said his government supports mediation efforts by the US, Egypt and Qatar to secure "a vital ceasefire."

"That ceasefire must be sustainable and it must lead to a wider peace plan, which we are developing with our international partners," he added.

The UK, like the US, EU and Israel, has designated Hamas a terrorist organization, which would likely complicate any potential efforts to recognize a Palestinian state if the group were involved in governing.

Starmer's announcement comes after French President Macron said his country would formally recognize Palestinian statehood in September.

International pressure on Israel to end its military campaign and allow the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged territory has been mounting in recent weeks as aid groups and the UN have warned of a famine in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has either downplayed or outright rejected claims of mass starvation in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Starmer's announcement "rewards Hamas' monstrous terrorism and punishes its victims."

"A jihadist state on Israel's border TODAY will threaten Britain TOMORROW," Netanyahu warned in a post on X.

Israel's Foreign Ministry also rejected the UK's announcement, saying London's shifting position, "following the French move and internal political pressures, constitutes a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of hostages."

 

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Nurses Embark On 7-Day Strike Nationwide

Healthcare services across Nigeria face major disruption from today (Wednesday) as 25,000 nurses, under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Health Institutions Sector, embark on a seven-day nationwide warning strike.

The action, which began at midnight, followed the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued by NANNM to the federal government.

This is coming amid the faceoff between doctors and the government over welfare and other issues.

Speaking with newsmen on Monday, the National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, Morakinyo Rilwan, said the strike would involve a total withdrawal of services across all federal health institutions.

“The 15-day ultimatum ends by Tuesday, July 29, 2025, by midnight, and the warning strike commences on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 12.01am.

“The action would include 74 federal hospitals – teaching hospitals, federal medical centres, specialist hospitals like orthopaedic, neuro-psychiatric, and eye centres, as well as all general hospitals and primary healthcare centres in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and 774 local government areas.

“Private hospitals are not included. This is because for now the private practitioner nurses are not spread over Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, the strike was in response to issues which include poor remuneration, staff shortages, unpaid allowances, and unsafe working conditions.

On July 14, 2025, the union issued a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government, demanding immediate intervention to prevent a total healthcare shutdown.

Rilwan noted that despite the ultimatum, the federal government had not initiated any negotiations.

Rilwan said the strike became necessary after the federal government and the Federal Ministry of Health failed to respond meaningfully to its July 14 ultimatum.

“Since the 15-day ultimatum was given, there has been no invitation by the federal government or federal ministry of health. So, it is imminent that the strike will take place and it is going to be a total of seven days in all federal institutions, secondary and primary health care in Nigeria,” he said.

He said the decision was aimed at drawing urgent attention to the critical issues affecting nurses nationwide.

“The strike is a follow-up to the ultimatum given to the federal government through the federal ministry of health on the 14th July 2025 and this is as a result of our unmet demands,” he said.

The organisation’s demands include gazetting of the nurses scheme of service approved by the NCE in 2016 in Minna, Niger State, implementation of the National Industrial Arbitration Court (NIC) judgment of January 27, 2012, upward review of professional allowance for nurses and midwives, and employment of nursing personnel and adequate provision of health facility equipment.

Other demands include creation of a department of nursing in the federal ministry of health, inclusion of nurses in the headship of the health policy-making body, a fair representation by the association on the board and membership in federal health institutions, centralisation of internship posting for graduate nurses, and consultancy for nurses and midwives.

The association is also demanding the withdrawal of the content of the recently released circular on revised allowances for health workers (Nurses).

Rilwan said: “We want the government to employ more nurses because of the Japa syndrome. Those of us on ground working are not ready to travel out. The workload on us is too much, that’s why we want the government to employ more nurses.

“But the government is actually embarking on this propaganda that there are no nurses in Nigeria, we have enough nurses in Nigeria. In fact, the majority of them are working in private hospitals where they are being paid peanuts and we want the government to employ them so that the work load on us will be reduced.

“For now, based on the data collected from the association, we have about 10,000 nurses that are unemployed.

“Talking about our shift allowance which presently the circular on ground actually stipulated 30 percent basic, what we have been receiving since 2009 is about 8.6 percent as against 30 percent of our basic, so we want this to be implemented. We want a 200 percent increment over all allowances including allowances to nurses and call duty allowance.

“We want nurses to be included in policy making. As the largest health professional in the health sector, we hardly participate where decisions on the health system are being taken.”

Asked the last time nurses went on strike, he said: “Nurses alone have not gone on any strike in Nigeria for the past 40 years. Nurses went on strike last in 1984 and then some consensus was reached that made them suspend the strike at that time.

“We’ve been appealing to the government not to let us reach the situation where we are going to go on strike but the government has remained adamant. After the seven days warning strike, if nothing tangible comes from the government, we are going to give a 21-day  ultimatum according to labour law before we embark on an indefinite strike.

“The government is not serious because they don’t consider the masses. They can easily travel abroad so they don’t bother what happens to the poor masses, that is why they are being insensitive.”

Rilwan, who described the warning strike as a “total shutdown”, said there would be no services, including emergencies.

“There will not be emergency services, the strike is a total shutdown, and there will be no skeletal services,” he said.

He listed the services to be affected to include operating theatres; Intensive Care Units (ICUs), labour wards; anaesthesia; accident and emergency; and general outpatient clinics.

Others are special care baby units; all specialty clinics (for example ophthalmic, dialysis, orthopedic, neuropsychiatric, antenatal, oncology clinic, fertility clinic, etc); all in-patient admission wards; and central sterile supply units.

The NANNM’s seven-day warning strike coincided with the ongoing three-day warning strike embarked upon by doctors in Lagos under the Medical Guild, which started on Monday.

“It is high time they started to consider the masses. I just can’t imagine what would happen in hospitals affected from Wednesday when there is an emergency. Private hospitals are quite expensive,” a nurse said.

Another medical practitioner, Adeniyi Kolawole, also corroborated this stance.

He said: “The government has no reason whatsoever not to heed to the demands of the nurses. Anyway, it’s not surprising as top government officials through tax payers’ money travel abroad for treatment when need be.

“It’s going to be disastrous if the government let this happen. Many of these nurses cannot even afford the food they eat, the clothes they wear, or the medicine they need.”

While urging the government to take decisive action, a practicing nurse, Oyekanmi Blessing, said: “Our only crime is staying in Nigeria to care for Nigerians. My colleagues serving as nurses in Saudi Arabia are treated with respect, honour and dignity.”

 

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LASTMA To Carry Out Psychiatric Test On 18 Drivers For Driving Against Traffic

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it will commence mandatory and comprehensive psychiatric evaluations for 18 drivers recently arrested for driving against traffic.

In a statement, Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA director of public affairs, said the directive from the Lagos state government is a “strategic effort to curb the menace of one-way traffic violations” in the state.

Olalekan Bakare-Oki, general manager of LASTMA, said the psychiatric tests aim to protect the public from “dangerously reckless” road users.

The agency said it has finalised prosecutorial frameworks for the immediate arraignment of the 18 vehicle owners  apprehended for “wilfully driving against traffic flow”.

“In a strategic effort to curb the menace of one-way traffic violations in Lagos, the Lagos state government has directed the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to ensure that 18 motorists apprehended for brazenly driving against traffic flow (one-way) undergo mandatory psychiatric evaluation,” the statement reads.

“This directive is part of a multi-faceted approach to restore road discipline, ensure public safety, and maintain order on Lagos roads.

“The Lagos state government views this measure as a preventive and restorative step, rather than a punitive one, aimed at rehabilitating errant drivers and deterring potential violators.

“As part of their prosecution, each offender will be required to undergo a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to assess their cognitive fitness and behavioural disposition.”

Bakare-Oki said that the initiative reflects global best practices in advanced traffic psychology and behavioural enforcement.

“The deployment of psychiatric testing serves as both a corrective instrument and a deterrent to those who may be tempted to emulate such hazardous behaviour,” he said.

“This measure is more than just a traffic enforcement initiative; it is a moral and civic imperative, reflecting the Lagos state government’s vision to promote responsible motoring, safeguard human life, and maintain order on our roads.”

The LASTMA manager added that despite sustained public sensitisation, some drivers continue to act with impunity, causing crashes, traffic congestion and road damage.

Bakare-Oki reiterated that the Lagos government is determined to enforce traffic laws in order to prevent further loss of lives and ensure public safety.

 

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Medical Services Grounded As Lagos Doctors Embark On Warning Strike

Medical services were disrupted across several public hospitals in Lagos on Monday as doctors under the state government’s employment commenced a three-day warning strike to protest salary deductions and unpaid arrears.

At the Orthopaedic Clinic of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), four patients sat quietly in the waiting area after scheduled appointments were cancelled due to the strike.

One of the patients, a middle-aged woman with rheumatism who declined to give her name, said her pain had worsened and she had looked forward to the consultation.

“I have severe pain in my legs and was hoping the doctor would help today. But they’ve postponed my appointment to 4 August,” she said, looking distressed.

“Now I have to manage with just the medicine. You shouldn’t have met me; I should have gone home, but my leg is aching. It feels like a hook, I can’t walk properly.”

The union, which represents doctors employed by the Lagos State Government, is protesting what it describes as “illegal and disrespectful” deductions from July salaries and unpaid 12-month arrears under the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

Despite appeals by the Lagos government to shelve the action, the strike commenced early Monday, affecting services across LASUTH and other hospitals in the state.

It was observed that while some departments, such as physiotherapy, were attending to patients, most clinics were limiting care to only admitted patients.

New patients were not being allowed in, and appointments were being rescheduled.

A patient named Bolu Alao, seen outside the Medical Emergency Unit, confirmed that no new patients were being taken in. “They just told us to come back later,” she said.

Another woman, who had accompanied her elderly mother to the orthopaedic department, was informed that her mother’s appointment had also been cancelled due to the strike.

At the General Hospital in Ifako-Ijaiye, a woman who identified herself as Mrs Kasali shared a personal story of negligence involving her sister-in-law.

Although unrelated to the current strike, she used the opportunity to express frustration with the healthcare services.

She said her sister-in-law laboured for two days at the hospital, and was eventually moved for a Caesarean section, and later referred to a private facility where she died after complications.

The family, she added, was now being told to pay a balance of N120,000 before they could take custody of the child.

“They are still holding the baby. We’ve already spent over a million. It’s heartbreaking,” she said.

An elderly woman, Victoria Bolatito, was seen waiting at the Traige and Oxygen centre, but expressed uncertainty about whether she would be attended to.

In a statement posted on its X account, the Medical Guild said the warning strike followed repeated breaches by the government in honouring previous agreements.

“We are prepared to escalate our measures if the government does not respond swiftly. The welfare of our members and the integrity of the health system are at stake,” an official of the Guild said.

The union has warned that failure to meet its demands could lead to an indefinite strike after a 21-day ultimatum that will follow the warning action.

In a message to its members, it urged full compliance and warned that sanctions would be applied for non-compliance.

“Our monitoring and strike enforcement team will be on patrol to ensure adherence,” the message read.

The Lagos state government, in a statement, said it was concerned about the issues raised and was engaging with the Medical Guild through an existing conciliation committee.

“Meetings have been held, and documents submitted by the Guild are being carefully reviewed in line with existing policies and fiscal regulations,” the statement signed by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, said.

   

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Lagos APC members protest, Demand Chairman’s Removal

AGGRIEVED members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, from 57 Local Government Areas, LGAs, and Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, yesterday, stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly in protest over alleged manipulation and meddlesomeness in council affairs by some party leaders.

Armed security agents, however, prevented a possible breakdown of law and order during the protest.

The protesting APC members chanted solidarity songs and demanded the removal of the Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and a member of the House of Representatives, James Faleke, accusing them of poor leadership and manipulating party processes.

The protesters, however, urged President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other senior APC leaders to intervene in the matter, warning that unresolved grievances could deepen internal party divisions and threaten the APC’s prospects in the 2027 general elections in Lagos.

One of the protesters from Onigbongbo LCDA, Talibu Lawal, who spoke to newsmen, said: “We are loyal members of the APC, but we are not happy with how things are going.

“The leadership at the state level is not doing well. If this continues, it will affect our chances in subsequent elections in Lagos State.

“There were lots of manipulations in the processes leading to the emergence of chairmanship candidates in the last primaries.

“Candidates were imposed on party members over popular wishes by our leaders in Lagos.

“There are moves to impose candidates in the appointments of council executives on newly sworn-in chairmen. We will resist this move.”

The Spokesperson of the party, Mr Seye Oladejo, while reacting to the development, said: “Our attention has been drawn to the reported protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly concerning the constitution of local government cabinets.

“We wish to recognise, acknowledge and respect the rights of party stakeholders and members to express grievances democratically.

“Peaceful protests are a legitimate feature of civic engagement, and we commend those who have conducted themselves calmly and orderly.

“We wish to reassure that the selection of cabinet members for the 20 Local Government Councils and 37 Local Council Development Areas will follow the laid down rules and the internal party guidelines, and the proposition by local leadership of the party after due consultations.

“Please note that the party at the state level only plays an advisory role. The party vehemently denies any allegation of imposing nomination on any local government.

“We want to advise interested members to approach their local leadership, who are the custodians of the powers to nominate.

“We remain committed to constructive dialogue to review concerns and disputes to ensure fair outcomes in line with party values.

“We appeal for constructive participation and plead with the protesters to channel their concerns through official party organs. Our structures exist precisely to address dissent, evaluate claims, and foster unity.

“APC remains confident in its capacity to resolve internal issues without external escalation. Our ultimate goal is stability within both the party and the state governance structure.

“We trust our leadership at various levels to follow the guidelines and endeavour to be fair to all and sundry. 

“We urge patience and understanding on the part of the protesters to achieve the desired objectives.”

 

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Golden Penny commits To quality nutrition At Food Fest

Golden Penny Foods, a Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc brand, has pledged to nourish Nigerian families with quality food products, following real-time feedback from consumers during its debut food festival in Enugu.

According to a statement, the event, held at Ngwo Park, Uwani, drew hundreds of residents, families, students, and food lovers who participated in live cooking demonstrations, food tastings, and interactive brand experiences. The company noted that the event was to deepen its regional presence, particularly in the Southeast.

Managing Director of Golden Penny Foods, Devlin Hainsworth, said the food fest exemplified the brand’s focus on producing nourishing and innovative products that meet consumer expectations.

Hainsworth said, “The Golden Penny Foods festival is a celebration of our wide range of superior quality and nourishing food products produced as an innovative response to the consumers’ need for tasty nutrition.”

He described the turnout as “applaudable,” noting that it reflects the brand’s “established trust over the years between the Golden Penny brand and our consumers, a journey marked by the organisation’s unwavering commitment to delivering excellence across various generations.”

Marketing Director, Illyas Kazeem, explained that the food festival builds on earlier efforts such as the Semovita Soup Festival, noting, “We started this journey two years ago with the Semovita Soup Festival across some regions, and this is a step further, bringing it to a full food fest. You can see the wide variety we have here, from pasta to noodles, cereals, oil, and many more.

“The goal is to let consumers experience our brand directly and get acquainted with our endless brands of tasty nutrition.” Golden Penny Foods added that it also designed the festival to connect more meaningfully with consumers by offering product sampling, experience centres, and cooking education that showcase the versatility of its product lines.

Associate Marketing Director, Pasta and Noodles, Foluke Makinde, emphasised the strategic importance of the region, remarking, “The South East is a very important part of the country, and as a company, it is a strategic focus for us to win here and win strongly.”

She noted that the brand wants consumers to associate food with enjoyment and not just sustenance. “We want people to know that food can be fun, and that nutrition can be enjoyable. Beyond just the products, we are giving people a full brand experience,” Makinde stated. “They are not just tasting pasta or noodles but learning new ways to enjoy them and leaving with new memories.”

Golden Penny noted that it gathered consumer insights that will shape future product development and marketing strategies from the event.

Associate Director for New Product Development, NTW & RS, Oluwatooni Odewole, said the feedback mechanism is central to the brand’s innovation drive. She said, “Feedback is a major part of how we ensure that our products are directly responding to our consumers’ nutritional needs. From social media to in-person surveys and direct interactions like this, we are always listening and using those insights to serve our consumers better and reach more communities across Nigeria.”

 

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Goldberg Salutes Super Falcons On Historic 10th WAFCON Title Win, Reaffirms Commitment To Women’s Football

Goldberg Lager, one of the flagship brands of Nigerian Breweries, has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria on their hard-fought victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they lifted their record-extending 10th continental title.

According to a statement from the brand, the Super Falcons' 10th WAFCON win truly aligns with the ongoing #GoldStandard campaign, showcasing the rest of the continent's best in beauty, fashion, and style on and off the field of play.

The Nigerian women’s team edged past hosts Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night, capping off a remarkable campaign that showcased their strength, unity, and experience.

In its congratulatory message on Saturday, Goldberg hailed the Super Falcons’ journey as a “true symbol of Naija resilience and pride,” celebrating a team that continues to inspire millions of Nigerians and football fans across the continent.

 “The Super Falcons have once again shown why they are the pride of Africa,” the statement read. “Their courage, discipline, and unity reflect the true spirit of champions. We are proud to celebrate this achievement with them and with all Nigerians,” the Brand Manager, Goldberg, Titilayo Famodimu stated.

Nigeria kicked off their campaign with a 3-0 thrashing of Tunisia before edging out South Africa in the semi-finals after a fierce contest. 

Beyond matchday cheers, Goldberg and Nigerian Breweries have been fuelling the rise of women’s football in Nigeria through consistent brand partnerships, grassroots engagements, and national team support campaigns.

From spotlighting female athletes in their advertising to backing platforms that promote the women’s game, the brand has stayed committed to breaking barriers and opening more opportunities for Nigerian women in sports.

Goldberg noted that this WAFCON title is not only a victory for the Super Falcons but for every girl who dreams of wearing the green and white.

 “We believe in the power of women, and we’re proud to be part of this journey. This win is for all of Nigeria, and we look forward to doing even more to support the women’s game,” she concluded.

The Super Falcons had truly aligned with the brand’s ongoing campaign at #GoldStandard, showcasing the rest of the continent's best in beauty, fashion, and style on and off the field of play.

 

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President Tinubu Rewards WAFCON Champions As Super Falcons Bag National Honors And $100,000 Each

    In a grand reception held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday evening, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu honored Nigeria’s Super Falcons for their sensational comeback victory over Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Super Falcons, who secured their record 10th WAFCON title with a 3–2 win after coming from two goals down against hosts Morocco on Saturday in Rabat, were received by the President in a jubilant atmosphere as the pride of a grateful nation.

As part of the national honor and appreciation, each player and member of the technical crew received:

• Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)

• A 3-bedroom flat each

• $100,000 cash reward

• $50,000 to each to all members of the technical crew

And an additional 10 Million Naira was awarded to the players by the Governors’ Forum.

President Tinubu, who had placed a post-match video call to the team on Saturday night, spoke with pride and admiration for the team during the ceremony, saying:

“I am very, very proud of you. The entire nation is proud of you. You have lifted our spirits. You are a pride to your generation, and we are all very happy.”

“You will be celebrated, and I look forward to receiving the trophy in Abuja,” he had added during that call.

The Super Falcons arrived in coaster buses at exactly 4:35 p.m., where they were received at the forecourt of the State House, before being ushered into a formal meeting with the President.

Leading the squad were Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and head coach Justin Madugu, who masterminded the incredible comeback win.

With this 2024 title, Nigeria’s Super Falcons have won four WAFCON tournaments in the last decade (2014, 2016, 2018, and now 2024), maintaining their dominance in African women’s football.

Their victory in Rabat was one of the most historic and dramatic in WAFCON history, coming back from 0–2 down to win 3–2, and sending shockwaves through the continent and breaking the hearts of the Atlass Lioness of Morocco and it’s fans in general.

According to a statement from the Villa, “Today’s event will be written as one of the most generous reward packages ever given to an African women’s national team.

“The national honours, real estate gifts, and dollar rewards highlights President Tinubu’s commitment to women’s sports and youth development.”

The Super Falcons will now return to their various clubs and countries as national heroines, but they leave the Villa with a message of pride, unity, and recognition that their excellence has been etched in the nation’s history.

 

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Union Bank Rewards Customers With N5 Million Each In Save And Win Palli Z Season

The Union Bank of Nigeria has proudly concluded the fourth edition of its acclaimed Save and Win Palli Promo, awarding three fortunate customers a life-changing ₦5 million each at the grand finale. Since its inception, this transformative campaign has disbursed over ₦330 million in cash and gift prizes, touching the lives of more than 5,000 customers nationwide and elevating their financial prospects.

The grand prize winners, representing diverse regions across the country, emerged through transparent electronic draws supervised by regulatory authorities. The celebrated recipients, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Isah (Zaria Branch, North), Atilabor Seikemefa Friday (Sapele Branch, South-South), and Oluranti Ogunluyi (Ilaro Branch, South-West), received their prizes at The Stallion Plaza, Union Bank’s Head Office, Marina, Lagos, in the presence of other winners, and the Bank’s executive leadership led by Managing Director/CEO Yetunde Oni.

Vivian Imoh-Ita, Head of Retail and SME Business, while reflecting on the enduring impact of the campaign, stated, “Over the past four years, the Save and Win Palli Promo has enriched the lives of thousands, providing crucial financial relief and rewarding diligent savers. We are unwavering in our commitment to empowering our customers so they may thrive and achieve their ambitions.”

Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Olufunmilola Aluko, highlighted the Bank’s broader mission: “Union Bank is delighted by the ripple effect our targeted savings initiatives have created. We have seen a significant boost in savings culture, allowing customers to reach their financial goals, while our innovative promotions continue to cushion economic challenges and foster responsible financial habits.”

Kicking off in December 2024 and concluding in May 2025, the latest season saw over 3,000 customers rewarded with gifts and cash, including motorcycles, tricycles, fuel vouchers, and substantial cash prizes, with total giveaways exceeding ₦131 million.

To qualify, customers maintained a minimum balance of ₦10,000 and completed at least five transactions monthly. Monthly draw winners received ₦100,000, while quarterly draws featured exciting prizes such as motorcycles and tricycles.

As Season 4 draws to a close, Union Bank reaffirms its dedication to nurturing customer growth and extending robust financial support nationwide. Through continued innovation, the Bank remains steadfast in its mission to empower Nigerians and foster sustainable wealth for all.

 

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NDLEA Arrests Chinese Businessman With Drugs In Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has disclosed that its operatives arrested a Chinese national, Liang Tak You, with 50 parcels of Loud upon his arrival at the Muritala Muhammed Airport, Lagos State.

The agency, in a statement, on Sunday by its  Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, noted that Liang was arrested on Friday after arriving in Nigeria from Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.

Babafemi continued, “The suspect, who arrived in Nigeria from Bangkok via Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on an Emirates Airline flight, is a Chinese national, naturalised and based in Malaysia, but flew to Thailand where he picked up two suitcases filled with 50 parcels of Loud weighing 26.10kg before heading to Nigeria via the UAE.

“Upon his arrival at the Lagos airport, the NDLEA operatives who were tracking his movement from his port of departure allowed him to pass through the necessary protocols before picking him up on his way out of the airport.”

The NDLEA spokesperson also disclosed that an octogenarian, Grace Ekpeme, was arrested in the Calabar South area of Cross River State with items suspected to be skunk in an intelligence-led operation.

He added that the operatives in Lagos, one suspect, Chidi Agbafo, along the Epe-Ajah Expressway, while taking consignments of 21.7kg of Colorado, some of which were packaged in moimoi cooking sachets and 3.8litres of codeine based syrup in a commercial bus to deliver in Warri and Oghara, Delta State.

Babafemi continued, “The octogenarian grandma, Grace Ekpeme, was arrested at Edet-Nsa Street, Base Site, Calabar South, Cross River State, with over 3kg of skunk in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, following intelligence on her drug-dealing activities.

“At the Apapa seaport in Lagos, a total of 101kg of Canadian Loud factory, packed in 202 tins of imported food items labelled Bean Salad Mix and concealed in two Toyota Sienna buses in a container that came from Canada, were recovered. The discovery was made during a joint examination of the container by the NDLEA officers, men of the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies on Friday, July 25.

In another operation in Borno, Babafemi disclosed that 30.1kg of skunk was recovered from a lady, Binta Usman, leading to the arrest of her suspected accomplice, Bala Abdullah, in Maiduguri, the state capital.

He added that three brothers, Nanna Ozirinye, Chizom Ozirinye and Maxwell Ozirinye, were arrested on Saturday during a raid of a cannabis plantation located at Bend Corner forest, in the Idoani area of Ose Local Council, Ondo State, and 2,500 kilograms of skunk were destroyed.

The statement continued, “In Edo State, the NDLEA officers on Wednesday, raided the Asakpa community in Benin City, where they arrested a 26-year-old lady, Bright Sunday Okon, and recovered various quantities of Colorado, Loud, Arizona and skunk, all strains of cannabis, as well as Methamphetamine from her.

While a total of 105.4kg of skunk was recovered by the NDLEA operatives from an abandoned Honda car marked ABC 204 KM in Keffi, Nasarawa state, their counterparts in Niger State on Monday arrested a suspect, Bashir Abdullahi, with 6,400 pills of tramadol 225mg at Kasuwan Gwari area of Minna.

“A notorious drug dealer, Jamiu Omolaja, was taken into custody and 113kg of skunk retrieved from his enclave in Ifo, Ogun State, on Thursday after a violent resistance and attack on NDLEA operatives by members of his gang.”

He concluded that 10,910 capsules of tramadol were seized from a suspect, Adamu Adamu, along the Gombe-Bajoga road, Gombe State, on Saturday, while a consignment of skunk, concealed inside garri, dried scent leaves, and other food items, was intercepted along the Okene-Lokoja highway, Kogi State.

 “A follow-up operation in Abuja led to the arrest of 27-year-old Kindness Bala, who was planning to travel to Katsina state with the cargo and later to Qatar. Similarly, operatives in Kogi on Saturday recovered 23,600 pills of tramadol, 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 700 grams of skunk from a truck at a motor park in Ayingba area of the state,” Babafemi stated.

 

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Charly Boy: Falana condemns Lagos Street renaming As Illegal, Authoritarian

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has condemned the recent renaming of streets and bus stops in Lagos State, describing

the actions as unconstitutional, illegal, and authoritarian.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Falana accused certain individuals and local council officials of usurping powers exclusively vested in local government

councils under Nigerian law, particularly as it concerns the naming of streets, roads, and public places.

He cited specific cases, including the controversial renaming of the iconic “Charley Boy Bus Stop” to “Baddo Bus Stop” by the former Chairman of Bariga

Local Council Development Area, Kolade Alabi.

He also referenced the naming of two streets after President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as well as the alleged naming of streets by billionaire

industrialist Aliko Dangote in honour of his late friend, Herbert Wigwe, and President Tinubu, actions Falana claimed lacked proper statutory approval.

“It is pertinent to point out, without any fear of contradiction, that the naming of roads and streets, and numbering of houses in any part of Nigeria

is one of the exclusive functions of Local Governments outlined in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as

amended,” Falana said.

He further referenced a legal precedent in Chief Obidi Ume v. Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, where the High Court ruled that only the Abuja Municipal

Area Council possessed the authority to name roads and streets within its jurisdiction.

“The usurpation of the exclusive functions of local governments on street naming by certain individuals and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State

cannot be justified under the Nigerian Constitution,” he said.

Falana was especially critical of the renaming of Charley Boy Bus Stop, a notable landmark long recognised in the Bariga and Gbagada communities.

He described the move as an erasure of local history and identity.

“We have confirmed that the Charley Boy Bus Stop was not named by the authorities of the Bariga Local Council Development Area but by the people of Bariga

and Gbagada communities.

“Notwithstanding that fact, it should be adequately appreciated that the Charley Boy Bus Stop acquired its name sociologically due to its functionality

and the positive impact which Charley Boy has historically made in the area.

“Renaming it without consulting the Bariga and Gbagada people smacks of authoritarianism,” Falana said.

The senior lawyer also expressed concern over what he described as misplaced priorities, noting that many colonial-era names honouring figures linked to

oppression remain unchanged, while names celebrating Nigerians who contributed positively to society are being hastily discarded.

He urged local government legislative councils across Lagos to reject arbitrary renaming of public spaces and instead adopt structured legal processes,

including community consultations and public hearings, before making such decisions.

 

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Detailed Analysis Of How Super Falcons Defeated Morocco To Win 10th WAFCON Title

The CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations came to a close on Saturday with Nigeria defeating Morocco in an epic final. Trailing 2-0 at half-time in front of a partisan Moroccan crowd, the Super Falcons showed their pedigree and resilience, clawing their way back into the match with a display of clinical finishing and sheer determination to cement their status as queens of African football.

Goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and a late winner by Joe Echegini overturned Morocco’s strong first-half lead, stunning the Atlas Lionesses who were hoping to clinch their first-ever continental title on home soil.

The final had all the ingredients of a classic: a host nation looking to crown a golden generation with history, and Africa’s most successful women’s side eager to reaffirm their dominance.

Morocco got off to a dream start. With just 12 minutes on the clock, captain Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring with a brilliant strike from outside the box, curling the ball low past Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

The home crowd erupted, sensing history in the making.

Things got even better for the Atlas Lionesses in the 24th minute when Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled Morocco’s lead.

A slick pass from Ibtissam Jraidi found Mssoudy in space, and the forward made no mistake with a composed finish into the bottom right corner.

Nigeria appeared stunned and went into the break trailing by two goals, facing an uphill battle. But coach Justin Madugu’s half-time talk sparked a spirited response from the Super Falcons.

The comeback began just after the hour mark when a VAR review handed Nigeria a lifeline.

A handball by Nouhaila Benzina resulted in a penalty, which was coolly dispatched by Okoronkwo to make it 2-1.

From that moment, momentum swung Nigeria’s way. In the 71st minute, Okoronkwo turned provider, slipping a neat ball into the path of Ijamilusi, who drilled a left-footed effort into the bottom corner to bring Nigeria level.

With the match heading towards extra time, Nigeria found the winner.

A well-worked set-piece situation saw Esther Okoronkwo once again involved, delivering a clever assist to Joe Echegini, who calmly slotted home in the 88th minute to seal a dramatic turnaround.

Despite late pressure and a flurry of Moroccan attacks, the Super Falcons held firm through a tense final few minutes of stoppage time.

It was a heartbreaking end for Jorge Vilda’s Morocco side, who had impressed throughout the tournament and were bidding to become only the fourth nation ever to lift the WAFCON trophy after Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.

But the night belonged to the Super Falcons, whose experience, depth and never-say-die spirit propelled them to yet another African title — their 10th in 13 editions.

Nigeria’s triumph not only extended their unmatched legacy on the continent but also served as a resounding statement that, even in the face of rising challengers, they remain the team to beat in African women’s football.

 

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Sanwo-Olu Swears In Newly Elected 57 Council Chairmen

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, swore in newly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 20 local government areas(LGAs)and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs).

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Sports Ground of the Governor’s Office, Lagos House, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu urged the council leaders to deliver inclusive governance, fairness, and quality leadership at the grassroots.

He charged them to uphold trust, accountability, and to use the autonomy granted to local governments wisely for the benefit of their communities.

“This is not the time for politics, govern with empathy and equity regardless of those who voted or those who did not vote for you.

“You have been called to service and I strongly believe that you will deliver good governance being the closest government to the people.

“We have given you the platform, the tools and the opportunity. This is not the time for politics, it is a time to work.

“I urge all of you to use your office to drive the THEMES+ development agenda in your various councils. Govern with empathy and equity,” he said.

The governor assured that his administration would continue to support and train the newly elected officials to help them maximise their leadership potential.

He also advised them to be deliberate and thorough in constituting their cabinets, stressing the need to appoint competent and people-oriented individuals.

“Your emergence is a call to duty,” Sanwo-Olu said adding, “You must show Lagosians that they made the right choice.

“Be deliberate about service delivery and align with our vision of a greater Lagos,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Bolaji Robert, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, said the election results reflected public confidence in the newly elected leaders.

“The victory of today’s sworn-in chairmen and their deputies is not just political, it is a demonstration of public trust and a call to deepen democracy at the grassroots,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the new council leaders, the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Mr Sesan Olowa, expressed gratitude to the governor for creating an enabling environment and for his continued support for local governance.

“We are grateful to the electorate for this mandate and to governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support.

“We assure the people that we will not disappoint—we will deliver grassroots governance that works for all,” Olowa said.

The event drew party leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and residents who gathered to witness the historic ceremony. 

 

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