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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

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Nollywood Is Not For Jokers — Ronke Oshodi-Oke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(NAN)

  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Why Women Should Not Cheat As Revenge For Their Husband's Cheating - Actress Eriata Ese

Actress Eriata Ese has cautioned women against cheating on their husbands as retaliation for betrayal.  

In an Instagram video, she said using infidelity for revenge only increases emotional pain and solves nothing.

She pointed out that many women give their best in marriage yet still face betrayal, but added that advising them to cheat back will not bring closure or healing.  

Eriata explained that cheating back intensifies the hurt from betrayal and slows emotional recovery.

It also makes it harder to identify red flags in future relationships.  She said real revenge is personal growth, encouraging women to heal and upgrade themselves mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

She also advised them to build a deeper relationship with God and take time to choose partners who will truly love, respect, understand, value, and adore them.  

She concluded that if a relationship cannot be fixed, women should let it go instead of cheating back.

Eriata wrote: “Women are being betrayed despite giving their best in marriage, and sadly, broken people are busy advising them to cheat back.

“Cheating back will never give you closure. The moment you do it, you return to the same painful feeling of betrayal your husband caused you. Not only that, but you also end up proving to yourself that you do not value yourself enough to heal properly. Instead, you begin expecting someone else to fill that emotional vacuum, but the truth is, they never really do.

“It is all temporary, and in the process, you deprive yourself of true healing. You may even continue attracting the same type of men because you never healed enough to recognise a red flag disguised as green.

“Your biggest payback is becoming a version of yourself that even he cannot reach. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually upgrading yourself. Know God more deeply than you used to, and take your time to choose someone ordained by God; someone who will truly love, respect, understand, value, and adore you.

“IF IT CANNOT BE FIXED. LET IT GO. DO NOT CHEAT BACK”.

  

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God Directed Me To Support Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid – Nollywood Star Actor Yul Edochie

Nollywood star actor Yul Edochie has revealed that his support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections is based on divine direction.  

Speaking on The Honest Bunch podcast, Edochie said God has always shown him who to support during elections and continues to direct him toward Tinubu.  

He stated that he intends to stand by the president because of what he described as clear instruction from God.  

“Because I want to support him and God — I have said it before in an interview — God has always shown me who to support, and he keeps showing me Tinubu, and I am going to stand by him”, he said.

When asked if God is involved in elections, Edochie affirmed that God is involved in his own decisions and has shown him where to go.  

“I don’t know if he is involved on your side, but he is involved in mine; he showed me where to go,” he said.

Edochie remains one of the most vocal celebrity supporters of Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.

His political stance has repeatedly attracted criticism on social media.

  

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Lagos Generated N80 Billion From Building Permits - Commissioner , Lists Conditions That Could Warrant Demolition

The Lagos State Government generated about N80bn in 2025 through building approval applications.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this on Friday in Lagos during the 2026 Ministerial Briefing in commemoration of the seventh year of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration as Lagos State Governor.

Speaking on the charges for obtaining building approval, Olumide explained that the rate is determined by the size of the development and the particular location.

“For example, somebody developing in Ikorodu may not pay the same thing as somebody developing in Ikoyi. So that is a good example,” he said.

He added that all payments are made through the bank, and the applicant will only present a receipt of payment to the ministry, where the approval will be issued.

“It is after getting that receipt that you come to us and show the receipt. So a copy of the receipt goes into your file here, and we process it. We don’t charge money; we don’t make it available.

“What we know is that at the end of the year, our total revenue will be estimated for revenue and taxation. It will display our performance. So far, we are gaining from our exercise in terms of planning and processing. Last year, I think we got about N80bn or so,” he said.

Olumide pointed out that discrepancies in tax payments can delay the processing of building approvals.

“Now, you have somebody who pays N200,000 as annual tax, and you bring in land, and you want to develop a N3bn building, something is not okay. You have not disclosed the right tax. So such an application would not work because your tax status is in doubt,” he added.

The commissioner warned against building under power lines and gas lines, adding that building outside what was approved attracts immediate demolition.

“Now, the condition that can warrant immediate demolition in Lagos: if you build on the gas line, we will remove it immediately. If you build on that power line, we will remove it immediately.

“If you build excessively and aggressively out of order, not in line with the approval granted, you can also be demolished. Those are areas that can warrant immediate demolition. I don’t want to go into the control part,” Olumide added.

According to him, a distressed building could also attract immediate demolition. “If you have a distressed building, that’s another one that can warrant immediate demolition. If your building is assessed or adjudged as no longer suitable, it can be brought down immediately.

“So if we say a building is not suitable, take it like that. And when we say buildings are not suitable, it doesn’t mean that the demolition is done. What it simply means is, take attention,” Olumide disclosed.

  

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Blogger Remanded Over Defamatory Post Against Tony Elumelu

The police on Friday arraigned a 19-year-old blogger, Nurenorue Surpruchi, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged cyberstalking and defamatory posts against the Chairman of United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu.

Surpruchi was arraigned before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, cyberstalking, bullying and defamation.

He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

According to the prosecution, the defendant and others still at large allegedly conspired on April 5, 2026, to use a computer system and network to disseminate false and injurious information against Elumelu.

When the matter came up for arraignment, prosecution counsel, A.G. Obi, from the Directorate of Legal Services, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, Lagos, informed the court that the prosecution had filed a four-count charge against the defendant and urged the court to direct that the charges be read to him for plea.

The charges were subsequently read, and the defendant pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following the plea, Obi told the court that although the prosecution was ready to proceed with the matter, it had only just been served with the defendant’s bail application earlier in the day.

She said the prosecution would require time to study the application and file an appropriate response, urged the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of the bail application.

The prosecutor also asked the court for a trial date.

Defence counsel, A. Edoh, confirmed that the bail application had only just been served on the prosecution and appealed for a short adjournment to enable the court to hear the application.

After listening to both parties, Justice Lewis-Allagoa adjourned the matter until June 19, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application.

The judge also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Correctional Service.

In one of the counts, the prosecution alleged that the defendant used an X account identified as “@PROBLElEMCHIMKYI,” allegedly registered in his name, to publish false and offensive statements claiming that Elumelu had divorced his wife after discovering through DNA tests that none of his seven children belonged to him.

The prosecution further alleged that the publication, which reportedly garnered about 1.9 million views, 1,600 reposts, 6,300 likes and over 600 saves, was intended to bully, threaten and harass the UBA chairman, thereby injuring his reputation and exposing him to public ridicule.

  

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We Have Recovered N270 Million From Fraudulent Estate Agents - Lagos Housing Commissioner

The Lagos State Government has recovered more than N270 million from fraudulent estate agents and property developers on behalf of residents affected by real estate fraud across the state.

The Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed the development during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja.

According to the government, the recovery reflects ongoing efforts to protect residents from exploitation, fraudulent transactions, and unethical practices within the real estate sector.

The Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) has intensified regulatory oversight through public sensitisation campaigns, stakeholder engagement, and enforcement operations aimed at restoring confidence in the property market.

The government also revealed that awareness campaigns were carried out across the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas to educate residents on safe property transactions and discourage illegal real estate practices.

The state government urged residents to verify estate agents and developers through official LASRERA channels before engaging in property transactions.

  

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App-Based Transporters In Lagos Cry Out Over Exploitation By Uber, Bolt And InDrive

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has petitioned the Lagos State Government over what it described as worsening exploitation and unsafe working conditions faced by drivers operating on ride-hailing platforms including Uber, Bolt and inDrive.

In a letter dated May 25, 2026 and addressed to the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the union called for urgent legal, legislative and regulatory intervention in the operations of the ride-hailing companies in Lagos.

AUATON said despite previous engagements with government authorities, drivers’ welfare and safety conditions had continued to deteriorate, while no sustainable regulatory enforcement had been achieved. The union also referenced a recent directive by the National Health Insurance Authority mandating app-based transport and logistics platforms to provide health insurance access for independent contractors and workers in line with the NHIA Act 2022 and the September 2025 Presidential Directive on compulsory health insurance.

According to the union, ride-hailing companies deduct various commissions and service charges from drivers without providing adequate welfare protection, including health insurance and social support schemes.

Highlighting security concerns, AUATON alleged that several drivers had been attacked, killed or dispossessed of their vehicles since 2017, while incidents involving passengers had also exposed gaps in safety protocols on the platforms. The union demanded mandatory National Identification Number linkage and compulsory facial verification systems for both drivers and riders.

The union also decried what it described as excessive commission charges imposed by the companies. It claimed that an average driver earning N60,000 daily loses as much as 27 per cent to commissions and booking fees, alongside rising operational costs including fuel, feeding, vehicle remittance and maintenance.

AUATON estimated that after deductions and expenses, many drivers are left with less than N3,000 daily despite working for long hours under harsh economic conditions. It blamed the situation for fatigue-related accidents among drivers.

The union demanded that commissions charged by ride-hailing companies should not exceed five per cent or that a daily subscription model ranging from N500 to N1,000 be adopted instead.

On welfare, AUATON proposed that at least two per cent of commissions collected by the companies should be set aside in a jointly managed escrow account to fund health insurance schemes such as ILERA EKO, vehicle insurance, pension schemes, soft loans, housing support and installation of trackers and dash-cams.

The union further accused the platforms of unilateral fare fixing, inconsistent pricing and alleged manipulation of trip calculations, while also criticising the refusal of the companies to formally recognise AUATON as a stakeholder in the industry.

AUATON called for a roundtable meeting involving all stakeholders and urged the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to compel the companies to comply with labour, welfare and safety standards.

The union warned that drivers across Lagos State had resolved to continue peaceful protests until meaningful reforms were implemented within the e-hailing sector.

  

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Lagos Comes Hard On 176 Illegal Estates Operating In The State, Defends High Cost Of Permits

As part of efforts to curb fraudulent property developments and restore order in the built environment, the Lagos State Government on Friday published the names of 176 illegal estates operating without approved layout plans.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing marking the third year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

According to the commissioner, the ministry intensified monitoring and enforcement operations across the state, with 205 estates inspected for compliance with approved layout plans.
He explained that the exercise was aimed at promoting sustainable urban development, improving infrastructure coordination, and ensuring orderly estate development across Lagos.
“Through continuous monitoring and enforcement activities, the department contributed significantly towards reducing incidences of unregulated estate development and promoting safer, more organised, and environmentally sustainable communities across Lagos State,” Olumide said.

The commissioner also highlighted major progress recorded in planning permit administration through the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).
He revealed that between June and December 2025, the state received 14,549 planning permit applications and granted 11,701 approvals, while an additional 7,054 applications were submitted between January and March 2026, with 5,578 approvals granted.
Olumide noted that the state’s 60-day planning permit amnesty programme significantly improved compliance among property owners and developers.

On reforms in permit processing, he said the state government introduced the Electronic Physical Planning Permit Processing System (e-PPPS) to simplify and modernise permit applications.
“The platform enables applicants to process planning permit applications online from any location, thereby improving transparency, accessibility, efficiency, accountability, and ease of doing business,” he stated.
The ministry further disclosed that Lagos completed major urban planning projects during the review period, including the Lagos Island Model City Plan, Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan, and the revised Badagry Master Plan.

Olumide said the government remained committed to building a resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive city through improved urban planning and stronger regulatory enforcement.
“We recorded significant improvements in planning permit submissions and approvals as more residents and developers embraced regulatory compliance and permit regularisation initiatives introduced by the government,” he added.
The Lagos State Government also defended the cost of building permits in the state, insisting that ongoing infrastructure projects across Lagos have significantly increased property values and improved living conditions.

Responding to concerns over the perceived high cost of permits, Olumide argued that every part of Lagos was currently benefitting from one infrastructure project or another under the Sanwo-Olu administration.
“Regarding the high cost of permits, I disagree. Mention any area in Lagos that is not witnessing one infrastructure project or another. There is virtually no part of Lagos where the governor is not carrying out developmental projects,” he said.
He maintained that government investments in roads and critical infrastructure have substantially enhanced property values across the state.

  

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Lagos APC Crisis Deepens As Tinubu’s Daughter Alleges Rigging, Threatens Protest And Demands Scrapping Of Justice Forum, Mandate Movement

The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress, APC, deepened as the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, on Wednesday, called for the disbandment of the influential Justice Forum and Mandate Movement groups over alleged manipulation of the party’s primaries.

Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, specifically faulted the conduct of the House of Representatives primary for Mushin Constituency I, Agege Constituency II, Ojokoro, alleging that the mandate of aspirants in the constituencies were stolen and handed to “a non-winner.”

Speaking during the weekly meeting of market leaders and stakeholders at the Iyaloja-General’s office in Alausa, Ikeja, she condemned what she described as political shenanigans and warned against attempts to subvert the will of party members.
She also decried the alleged marginalisation of traders by political office holders despite their contributions to the growth and electoral success of the APC in Lagos State.

The Iyaloja General cited the cases of Mutiu Olaide Oladeebo in Agege Constituency II, Seye Oladejo in Mushin Federal Constituency, and Olotu Emmanuel Ojo in Ojokoro, insisting that the aspirants won their respective primaries convincingly before moves were allegedly made to alter the outcomes.

She said: “We have to cry out now, Let the APC cancel Justice and Mandate Forums because our governroship candidate belongs to the Justice Forum. Everybody is now joking the Justice Forum because that is where our incoming governor’s belongs to. Are we not Lagosians?

“When he becomes the governor, he will not be the governor for APC alone, he has to balance it. Even when you are the governor, you have to lead both your friends and foes. It is saddening that when a Mandate Forum aspirant wins, he jumps to Justice Forum, it is saddening. It is a way of telling us that hard work doesn’t pay in politics.

“Something must be done on that because it is important. We are sure that Seye Oladejo won in Mushin Federal Constituency and Olotu Emmanuel Ojo in Ojokoro won in Ojoroko with a landslide.

“Infact, we decided to calm down and see what they will do about it because we are ready to protest. We know they won the election and their mandate should not be given to somebody else.”

She urged APC leaders at the state and national levels to immediately investigate the disputed primaries and ensure that justice prevailed before final ratification of the results.

She warned that failure to address the grievances could worsen internal tensions within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Tinubu-Ojo declared that market women across Lagos remained committed to supporting the governorship ambition of Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and other APC candidates nationwide, but stressed that traders deserved recognition and political appointments in return for their loyalty and sacrifices.

She also urged President Bola Tinubu to acknowledge traders as critical stakeholders in national development.

Meanwhile, aggrieved APC members and supporters in Mushin threatened mass protests if the alleged mandate of Oladejo was not restored.

The protesters accused leaders of the Justice Forum bloc of attempting to impose candidates and undermine internal democracy within the party.

“We know who won the election and the mandate should not be stolen. We are ready to protest if justice is not done,” one of the protesters said.

  

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Queen Favour Kalu Wins 2026 Face Of Itire-Ikate Beauty Pageant

Queen Favour Kalu has emerged the winner of the 2026 Face of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area pageantry after contesting alongside 10 other participants

at the maiden edition of the competition held on Friday in Lagos.

The Chairman of Itire-Ikate LCDA, Oluwafemi Odunayo, described the pageant as the first of its kind in the council, adding that the initiative was designed

to empower young people and boost their confidence.

Odunayo said the programme was aimed at “building the youths’ self-esteem and empowering them to be relevant in society.”

He added that he expected the winner to use the platform as a stepping stone for greater achievements.

According to him, the winner should “leverage the platform as an opportunity to move to the top and achieve more in life.”

The council chairman also highlighted some of the administration’s youth-focused initiatives, noting that the LCDA had become recognised for Adire production

while several youths had received vocational training.

“In response to the diverse initiative his administration has executed in the LCDA, Hon Femi enumerated that the LCDA is now identified as a hub for Adire

and the youth have also been trained on how to make shoes, bags and given certificates to the effect,” the statement noted.

Speaking on the selection process, the Supervisor for Tourism in the LCDA, Bamgbose-Ajala Oluwabukola, said contestants were assessed based on their ability

to represent the council effectively.

According to her, the criteria included “composure, boldness, intelligence and overall, a person who can represent the LCDA adequately anywhere.”

She further said the council was taking deliberate steps to position itself as a tourism destination in Lagos through the promotion of Adire and other

commercial activities.

Also speaking, the councillor representing Baruwa Ward and member of the tourism committee, Damilare Oyenekan, said the event would help foster unity among

youths and reduce insecurity through constructive engagement.

He said the programme was important in “ensuring unity among the Itire-Ikate youths, making them understand that they are important to the society,” adding

that such initiatives could help “dwindle the rate of insecurity through the engagements of youths into such vibrant and valuable activity.”

The Head of Department, Tourism, Itire-Ikate LCDA, Oluwajumoke Disu, said the initiative was created to inspire personal growth among young people.

She said, “The actual intention of the event is to make the youths better versions of themselves.”

Disu added that the winner could go on to become “a brand ambassador, stay connected and have things to live on.”

Other winners at the event included Deborah Gbemisola Ogunniyi as first runner-up, Aminat Sanyaolu as second runner-up, and Edjo Oghenetega as third runner-up. 

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Child Abuse: Foundation Takes Advocacy To School In Oshodi

An advocacy group, Edge Foundation, has sensitised children in the Oshodi area of Lagos State on the dangers of bullying, sexual abuse and child labour, urging them to speak up against all forms of abuse and prioritise their personal safety.

The founder of Edge Foundation, Casmir Ozuruigbo, spoke on Wednesday during a Children’s Day sensitisation programme held at the St John Catholic Church, Oshodi, Lagos State.

Speaking on the reason behind the initiative, the broadcast journalist said the programme was driven by a long-standing passion to protect children from sexual abuse, bullying and child labour.

According to him, many adults experienced different forms of abuse while growing up, making it important to educate children on their rights and personal safety.

Ozuruigbo stressed the need for children to understand that they deserve to live freely without fear of abuse or intimidation.

He said, “It’s not just about doing sensitisation. It has been a long-burning passion in me to help children and ensure they stay safe.

“If we are being honest with ourselves as adults, when we trace back to our childhood, most of us either experienced sexual harassment, child labour or some form of abuse.

“It is really important that today, being Children’s Day, we use it to highlight the need for children to understand the powers they have and to know they are just children and should simply live freely without being subjected to sexual abuse, child labour or bullying.”

Commenting on the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, Ozuruigbo said the rising insecurity could discourage many children from embracing education.

“Children currently do not have a sense of safety due to the rising insecurity in the country.

“We saw what happened recently in Oyo State, where children were abducted in large numbers, and teachers were killed. Even recently, 42 children were also abducted in Borno State.

“The government is trying, but they are not doing enough. It appears the government of Bola Tinubu is overwhelmed when it comes to tackling insecurity.

“Now, when children no longer feel safe in school, going to school will stop being interesting to them. They may begin to withdraw because when they hear stories of children being kidnapped from schools, they will tell their parents they do not want to go to school anymore,” he said.

Explaining why the initiative focused on Oshodi, Ozuribo described the area as one of the communities where children faced difficult living conditions.

“When you mention Oshodi, Agege, Mushin or Ajegunle, these are places we are currently focusing on.

“When you look around, you notice that children from such areas often grow up under tougher conditions compared to children raised in places like Ikeja, Magodo, Ikoyi or Lekki,” he said.

He disclosed that the foundation had obtained approval from the Oshodi Local Government to carry out sensitisation programmes in public primary schools within the area.

Ozuribo said the foundation hoped to reach as many Nigerian children as possible through its advocacy and awareness campaigns.

The highlight of the sensitisation included practical lectures on identifying sexual abuse, bullying and how to report them.

  

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