LASTMA Seals Nightclub Over Persistent Traffic Violations

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), has sealed Vaniti Club House on Adeola Odeku Street,

Victoria Island, over repeated violations of the state’s traffic regulations.

The enforcement action, led by LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki, was carried out by the agency’s Rescue and Compliance Unit, following what authorities

described as the club’s “habitual and deliberate infringement” of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

The club was accused of facilitating illegal roadside parking and encroaching upon public highways, actions which have severely disrupted vehicular movement

and endangered public safety.

Bakare-Oki stated, “Despite extensive sensitization efforts—including public enlightenment campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and multiple warnings—the

management of Vaniti Club House has continued to violate traffic laws and undermine the operational integrity of the state’s traffic system.”

He added that the sealing of the club is indefinite and will remain in place until its management fully complies with all existing traffic laws and regulations.

This move comes on the heels of a public warning issued by LASTMA at the weekend, cautioning owners and operators of event centres, nightclubs, and lounges

to stop obstructing traffic or face severe consequences.

Citing the Transport Sector Reform Law, Bakare-Oki emphasized that any obstruction to free movement or activities that jeopardize the safety of road users

are considered serious offences under Lagos law and attract strict penalties.

“This enforcement action is not a one-off. It marks the beginning of a broader and sustained compliance campaign,” he said, noting that the agency is monitoring

other nightlife venues and recreational facilities, especially those located in high-traffic areas like Victoria Island.

The state government reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward individuals, organizations, or businesses that compromise public order and road safety.

LASTMA urged Lagos residents to report traffic-obstructing venues via its toll-free hotline: 0800-00-LASMA (080000527862).

Bakare-Oki concluded, “The Lagos State Government is committed to fostering a safe, disciplined, and efficiently regulated traffic environment as part

of its vision for a world-class, livable urban landscape.”

He also reiterated LASTMA’s collaboration with security agencies and regulatory bodies to sustain the enforcement drive across the state, regardless of

social or commercial influence.

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MTN Unveils "Next Afrobeat Star" To Discover, Groom Musical Talents

MTN Nigeria has unveiled a new reality television show called, “Next Afrobeats Star”, to groom musical talents by providing a lifetime opportunity to turn their dreams and aspirations into reality.

Speaking at a news conference in Lagos on Saturday night, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the show would feature a competition and grooming sessions to discover and elevate the next global icon of Afrobeats.

According to her, the winner of the show will receive a record deal valued at 100,000 dollars, which is N155 million.

She explained that the top four finalists will also be rewarded with deals ranging from 25,000 dollars  to 75,000 dollars, to support the production of their debut projects.

She said: “Tonight, we are not just launching a show, we are launching a dream. A dream that will rise from the streets of Lagos, echo through the valleys of Jos, and reach the furthest corners of Nigeria.

“At MTN, we believe in progress, not just as a brand stance but a purpose. We believe that every Nigerian, regardless of background, location, or education, deserves a chance to be connected, seen, heard, and celebrated.

“That is why we are taking this message to every corner of Nigeria from the bustling cities to the most remote villages so that no youth is left behind, because talent knows no boundaries, and neither should opportunity.

“It is a platform where raw talent meets real opportunity. Where the rhythm of Nigeria meets the reach of the world.”

According to Ikenna-Emeka, the initiative also aligns with the Federal Government’s bold vision to transform Nigeria into Africa’s creative capital.

She said through the Destination 2030 strategy, the government was working to position Nigeria as a leading global hub for creative excellence by the year 2030.

“This vision is about more than economic growth; it’s about cultural pride, global influence, and national identity.

“It is about creating an enabling environment for artistic brilliance, promoting diversity and creativity, and preserving the rich heritage that makes Nigeria unique.”

She called on the youth to embrace the opportunity to make a difference on the global stage.

According to her, the “Next Afrobeats Star” is a bold initiative by MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm.

Also, Temilolu Salako, Senior Manager, Youth Segment at MTN Nigeria, noted that renowned afrobeats producers would be engaged as judges and mentors during the show.

“Today, we’re not just launching a talent search, we are kicking off a movement. The Next Afrobeats Star is more than a campaign. It’s a spotlight.

“It is a microphone, a stage for the next voice that will shake the charts and shape the sound of Nigeria and beyond, and powering this bold journey is a brand that’s all about youth empowerment, creativity, and self-expression, that is MTN Pulse.”

Alexander Uwaifo, known professionally as Andre Vibez, a music producer who is one of the judges for the show, said: “I am excited to showcase my experience in helping to discover the crop of stars in the Afrobeats business.”

Another judge for the show, Femi Ayeni, Chief Executive Officer of Ultima Studios said, “Nigerians should expect that this will be different from other talent shows.”

 

 

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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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Lagos Named Among Best In Nightlife

Lagos Nightlife has been ranked amongst the best in the world. It ranks second in Africa behind Cape Town, South Africa according to Time Out Magazine.

Nightlife in Lagos according to the international magazine was rated positively by seventy-nine percent (79%) of locals who were interviewed. It beats Cairo in Egypt and Marrakech, Morrocco to the third and fourth places respectively.

Time Out Magazine, a global media and entertainment brand that focuses on inspiring and enabling people to experience the best of their cities asserted that the Nigerian city’s nightlife scene is shifting from exclusive lounges to inclusive underground raves such as SweatItOutLagos and Our Group Therapy.

This rating, according to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, is a testimony to the security and safety of lives and property in Lagos State.

“It shows that the security architecture put in place by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is working. It speaks to the number of tourists who pour into Lagos daily and the success of the last detty December”

According to a release from the state government, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is planning to calendarise tourism activities, which are many in the last quarter of the year. This year, Lagos will make history as the first African City to host the EI (water race) Championship. The African Union (AU) has also chosen Lagos as the host city of the African Music Awards from November 25 to 30.

The end of the year events, popularly described as detty December, always have huge positive effects on the socio-economic landscape of the State.

“Nightlife” according to the magazine, “takes on lots of different forms, and cities all over the world have adapted to our changing habits when it comes to going out. So, to uncover which cities are the best of the best when it comes to going out after dark in 2025, we quizzed thousands of city-dwellers and consulted a panel of experts to curate a list of the planet’s best nightlife cities.”

 

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