Lagos Government Engages LASU Students On Housing Administration And Delivery In The State

The Lagos State Government is addressing the challenge of mass housing delivery through innovation and robust public-private partnerships across multiple fronts. The delivery of over 11,000 housing units in nearly seven years under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is evidence that the housing deficit could be effectively reduced.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Abdulhafis Toriola, made this known while receiving Master’s students of the Centre for Planning Studies, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, who visited the Ministry.

The visit was designed to expose the postgraduate students to the realities of housing administration, policy implementation, and service delivery in Lagos State, while reinforcing the value of collaboration between academic institutions and government agencies.

 Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Akanji Shadare, Toriola, an engineer, commended the students and their lecturers for the initiative and applauded their desire to deepen their understanding of the practical application of academic concepts in the built environment. He emphasized the need for the centre and similar departments within the university to continually share research outputs, innovative ideas, and solutions relevant to housing delivery.

 On housing investment, the General Manager of Lagos Building Investment Company (LBIC), represented by Mrs. Olabisi Funsho-Peters, Head, Mortgage and Credit Department, engaged the students and staff, highlighting the critical role of mortgage institutions in the real estate value chain. She explained that LBIC is an accredited mortgage bank insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), providing mortgage loans strictly for housing purposes, with up to 70 per cent financing and repayment tenures of 10 years and above.

 Also addressing the team, the Executive Director, Enterprise Services, Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), Mr. Adeniyi Aromolaran, outlined the Corporation’s mandate in providing real estate services, including construction, sale, and rental of properties. He clarified, however, that LSDPC does not engage in social housing.

 Earlier, the Programme Coordinator, Centre for Planning Studies, LASU, Professor Aliyu Ibrahim, stated that the visit aimed to provide firsthand insight into how housing policies and data are generated and managed. He identified four key takeaways: understanding how the Ministry coordinates housing provision across public and private sectors; how housing investment is undertaken; the challenges affecting housing delivery; and how housing provision and distribution have evolved in Lagos State.

 In his remarks, the Director of the Centre, Professor Fatai, noted that the Centre, established in 1989, organized the visit to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical experience. He added that the engagement was particularly important, as much of the housing data used in academic institutions was sourced from the Ministry of Housing.

 

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Makoko Demolitions: Ezekwesili Accuses Lagos Government Of ‘Class Cleansing’, Land Grabbing

Former Minister of Education and founder of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), Obiageli Ezekwesili, has issued an open memorandum to President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, condemning the demolition of homes in Makoko and describing the exercise as unconstitutional and unjust.

In the memorandum dated 19 January, Ezekwesili argued that the demolitions amounted to “state-sanctioned oppression of the poor” and an assault on the rights of Nigerian citizens. She questioned whether poverty nullifies citizenship, stating, “Makoko residents are not squatters on the Nigerian soil. They are citizens of Nigeria. They are preyed on by your same political class to vote for your parties during elections. They work. They raise families. Their children, whose education is now disrupted, are some of the most brilliant Nigerians I have met.”

She criticised the Lagos State Government for breaching agreements with community leaders, noting that officials had initially informed residents that demolitions would be limited to structures within 30–50 metres of high-tension power lines.

“Despite the acceptable distance stipulated by law falling within the 30–50 metre range, the demolition has continued far beyond those limits, reportedly surpassing the agreed metre mark and extending deep into the residential core of Makoko,” she wrote. Human rights monitors cited demolitions extending between 277 and 522 metres from the power lines.

Ezekwesili described the exercise as a “fundamental breach of trust and legality” and likened it to a land grab. She referenced reports that at least four people were killed during the demolitions, comparing the situation to the biblical story of Naboth and King Ahab.

“What has happened in Makoko is not about safety nor urban development. What is happening in Makoko is that individuals in authority of the Nigerian State are engaged in a vicious Class Cleansing,” she stated.

She warned that the demolitions had created a humanitarian emergency, with thousands of families rendered homeless. “Many are sleeping in the open, exposed to rain, heat, disease, violence, and hunger. Children have been pulled out of school. Livelihoods have been destroyed overnight,” she said.

Ezekwesili demanded an immediate halt to demolitions, disclosure of the legal standards governing power-line setbacks, provision of emergency shelter and healthcare for displaced families, compensation, and a transparent process for long-term solutions developed with the community. She also called for accountability for the use of force against civilians.

She argued that the demolitions violated constitutional guarantees of dignity, fair hearing, and social justice. “A government cannot create homelessness and then plead administrative delay. A state that leaves citizens homeless after state action has violated everything that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees,” she wrote.

Ezekwesili urged both federal and state authorities to adopt inclusive urban development practices rather than forced evictions. “What will make Lagos a respected mega-city is to strategically build up to the status of an inclusive city. Inclusive cities invest in in-situ upgrading, secure tenure, sanitation, schools, and livelihoods,” she said.

Sending a warning to political leaders, the ex-minister said, “A nation that fails to govern well and turns around to criminalise poverty while celebrating wealth has lost completely its moral compass. Start immediately with the grieving children of Makoko and their families. It is fiercely urgent.”

 

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Traders Lament As Fire Guts Ikeja Computer Village

A major fire gutted a commercial building at Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, destroying goods valued at several millions of naira, officials said.

The blaze broke out in the early hours of Tuesday on Somoye Street, a busy part of the technology hub, affecting traders dealing in computers and related accessories. The structure, a one-storey building used mainly for storage and sales, was engulfed by flames before emergency services arrived.

Witnesses said the fire began around midnight, with thick smoke and flames quickly consuming the building due to the presence of highly flammable materials. Shop owners were unable to salvage their goods. No fatalities were reported, although one Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service officer sustained minor injuries and received first aid at the scene.

Emergency responders, including personnel from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), were mobilised following distress calls. Officials said their prompt intervention contained the fire and prevented it from spreading to neighbouring buildings.

Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, confirmed that all goods and properties in the building were “completely destroyed by the conflagration.” He said emergency teams immediately secured the area and implemented precautionary measures to protect adjacent structures.

“The LASEMA Response Team conducted a risk assessment and cordoned off the affected area. Safety and precautionary measures were activated to forestall damage to adjoining buildings and the immediate environment,” Oke-Osanyintolu said. He added that the structure suffered partial damage and would require further evaluation before reopening.

Firefighting operations concluded after several hours, while cooling activities continued to prevent a fresh outbreak. Traders and residents gathered at the scene to assess the damage, expressing shock and frustration over the losses.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities said they are examining both immediate and underlying factors that could have contributed to the incident.

 

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Red Cross Mobilizes 5000 Volunteers For The Measles–Rubella Vaccination Exercise In Lagos

    The Nigerian Red Cross Society has mobilised about 5,000 volunteers across Lagos State to support the measles–rubella vaccination exercise across Lagos State.

The project, jointly funded by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Red Cross, will see the deployment of 4,857 trained community-based volunteers across all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.

Speaking at the ongoing training in Lagos, the Lagos State Branch Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross, Mr. Olakunle Lasisi, said the organisation would work across all 20 local government areas, ensuring that every ward and community is reached.

He said, “Our volunteers are community-based. They live in the communities they serve, and that makes it easier to reach caregivers directly. What we are doing now is the training of trainers. These trainers, known as supervisors, will oversee the volunteers at the local government level.”

According to him, programme coordinators, divisional secretaries and data officers are also being trained to support daily reporting, data collection and monitoring of the exercise. 

He said that any case of resistance or refusal to vaccinate would be flagged and referred to local government health educators and local immunisation officers for follow-up.

Lasisi stressed that the Lagos State Government remains the lead agency for the campaign, with the Red Cross serving as an auxiliary to public authorities. 

After the training of trainers, Lasisi said, step-down training would be conducted at the local government level, ahead of field mobilisation scheduled to begin two days before the commencement of vaccination.

“From experience, our involvement has always yielded strong results. In 2018, we recorded about 99 per cent coverage. With nearly 5,000 carefully selected volunteers this time, we expect nothing less,” he added.

Also speaking, Senior Project Officer of the Nigerian Red Cross, Dr. Ahmad Majid, said the organisation was deploying more than 4,800 volunteers across every local government, ward and community in Lagos to support vaccination teams through mobilisation, referrals and community engagement.

He said, “Our volunteers will also address rumours, myths and misconceptions surrounding vaccines.”

He explained that, in addition to the measles–rubella vaccine, other routine immunisation vaccines, including the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for adolescent girls, would be available during the campaign.

Majid noted that the measles–rubella campaign is part of a national programme being implemented in phases, with earlier phases conducted in northern states, including Kano, where the Red Cross supported mobilisation and capacity building across 14 states.

He urged parents and caregivers to rely on credible sources of information, assuring them of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines.

“The vaccines are safe, effective and fully paid for by the Nigerian government. People should avoid misinformation and consult health workers, community leaders and trusted platforms such as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, WHO, UNICEF and Red Cross channels,” he said. 

IFRC representative Mrs. Sandra Kanezi said the Lagos campaign would run for 12 days, supported by two days of pre-mobilisation and two days of follow-up activities. 

She added that more than 400 supervisors would coordinate over 4,000 volunteers conducting house-to-house mobilisation across the state.

“This campaign is meant to complement routine immunisation and ensure that no child is missed,” she said, expressing optimism that Lagos would record high coverage and reduced measles and rubella burden.

 

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Remove My Name And Image From Your Disgusting Contents - Nollywood Actor Emeka Ike Warns Popular Sex Therapist Jaruma

Nollywood star actor Emeka Ike has publicly distanced himself from a viral video involving his son and popular sex therapist, Jaruma, demanding the immediate removal of his name and image from the content.

In a strongly worded post shared on his Instagram page, the actor expressed outrage over what he described as the use of his identity in “disgusting” and indecent material, stressing that he has no association with Jaruma or her products.

He wrote, “JARUMA! JARUMA!! JARUMA!!! What the hell is this?

What’s my name and picture got to do with these disgusting videos?

Most definitely, you’re looking for my trouble, right? 

We fit run am, sha  

“If you know what’s good for you, remove my name and picture from all your rubbish contents of indecent posts immediately.

I have nothing to do with your products, and I dissociate myself from your brand. 

The actor also addressed his son directly, expressing deep disappointment over what he described as a drastic change in the young man’s life path.

“Michael, I sent you to the university, and your mother pulled you out when you were about to enter year 2, told you school na scam, encouraged you to become an influencer, singer, and actor LIKE ME, and you will BLOW… SO, IS THIS IT? Is this how to go about it?

“As Emeka Ike, I wanted you under my wings, as my first son in pride. I was firm on you finishing school first, like I did before I became an actor! IS THAT MY CRIME? You refused home training, now JARUMA of all brands is training you    

“Hmmm, last time I checked, you told the press that u wanted nothing to do with my name…

Ike revealed that he had once sponsored his son’s education and even planned for him to study and work abroad, but lamented that those plans were abandoned.

“I got you a home abroad, where you can go to school and work, start your life, make money, and become your own man. got lots of plans and big dreams for you and there you lay, like a lame duck, looking lost   on JARUMA’s bed  Y’all need REHAB and my legal team is looking at it…

“This was not the same brand of Michael that was taken from my CUSTODY. Whatever they did to mentally numb you this far, GOD will judge …Pls say AMEN !!!   Not even a classic brand, JARUMA ? 

He stressed that he is a “decent man” who has worked hard to build his name and would not tolerate any association with indecent content.

“Now get my name and picture off your disgusting business and page.. I AAM A DECENT MAN, and the world knows this.

“I worked hard for that name. Stop messing with the huge brand.”

 

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Stop Spreading Unfounded Rumours, Opral Benson Is Not Missing - African Refugees Foundation

Contrary to news making the round, that Chief Mrs.Opral Benson, popularly known as the Iya Oge of Lagos, is missing,   the(AREF) has put up a statement, saying the chief is not missing but is on a visit to Liberia. 

The statement read in part,  “the African Refugees Foundation (AREF) wishes to formally address the recent reports circulating on social and online media  regarding Chief Mrs.Opral Benson, Hon. President AREF popularly known as the Iya Oge of Lagos.

“Contrary to the claims suggesting that Mrs. Opral Benson has been declared missing by her family, the Foundation has verified that Mrs Opral Benson AREF Honorary President is safe, in good health, and not missing.”

The statement went on: “According to the Chief Executive Officer of AREF, Mr. Olujimi Olusola III, Chief Opral Benson is hale and hearty, and there is absolutely no cause for concern.

“AREF confirms that Mrs. Benson is currently in Liberia, her presence there is voluntary and known.

“We urge members of the public, media organizations, and community stakeholders to disregard the false and misleading reports and refrain from spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary alarm.

“The Foundation remains committed to promoting truth, protecting the dignity of individuals under its care, and ensuring that accurate information is made available to the public.”

 

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50th Court Of Appeal Anniversary: 16 Panels, 48 Justices To Hear 360 Appeal Cases In Lagos

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, on Monday, presided over a special court session in Lagos, announcing that 360 appeals have been listed for hearing before 16 panels made up of 48 Justices, in a coordinated effort to reduce the growing backlog of cases.

The special sitting, held in Lagos where the Court of Appeal was originally established, also forms part of activities marking the court’s golden jubilee.

“Today’s sitting reflects the court’s deliberate and sustained commitment to enhancing efficiency in the administration of justice by addressing the growing volume of appeals across its divisions,” Justice Dongban-Mensem said.

She explained that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, naturally carries a heavy appellate burden, making proactive intervention inevitable.

“It has become timely and necessary for the court to take proactive measures to be conscious of the docket of appeals,” she added.

The Court of Appeal President disclosed that the 48 Justices, drawn from different divisions across the country, will sit throughout the week in Lagos and at the National Industrial Court.

“I wish to express our profound appreciation to the Office of the Attorney-General of Lagos for collaborating with the court to ensure this week happens. Otherwise, our slim resources would not be able to carry as many Justices as are here today,” she said.

She added that the National Industrial Court had consistently supported the Court of Appeal with both court and residential accommodation.

Justice Dongban-Mensem urged lawyers and litigants to ensure their matters were ripe for hearing and cautioned against unnecessary delays.

“Counsel and parties are urged to take full advantage of this opportunity by ensuring readiness and strict adherence to applicable rules of procedure,” she said.

She recalled a previous special sitting where many appeals could not be heard due to lack of preparation by counsel.

“It was very painful for me because our limited resources had been spent on air tickets, accommodation and logistics, yet we could not take most of the appeals because many counsel were not prepared,” she said.

While acknowledging Lagos’ appeal as a city, she stressed that the sitting was strictly for work.

“It’s always exciting to be in Lagos… but Justices do not have that much time for leisure travel. When we set out time to work, we want to work. This is not a vacation,” she declared.

She further noted that several divisions were temporarily left with fewer Justices due to the deployment to Lagos.

“In appreciation of this sacrifice, I appeal to all lawyers to take this session seriously,” she said.

Justice Dongban-Mensem also called on lawyers, litigants, and the media to protect public confidence in the judiciary.

“If we do not encourage people to have faith in the judiciary, we may not be able to contain the lawlessness that will occur when people lose confidence,” she warned.

She reminded the public that justice depends on evidence and participation.

“Judges are not magicians. Law enforcement agencies are not magicians. They need evidence. They need people to come up and say what they saw,” she said.

She urged journalists to prioritise accuracy.

“We appreciate your work in telling the world about the judiciary, but it is important that the correct information goes out. Where there is confusion, seek clarification,” she said.

In her closing remarks, Justice Dongban-Mensem urged all stakeholders to uphold integrity and professionalism as the court marks its golden jubilee.

“Justice must not only be done, it must manifestly be seen to be done,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the Bar, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, described the special sitting as historic and praised the initiative of the Court of Appeal President.

“It is an auspicious event, a rare and unprecedented opportunity for us within the Lagos Bar to be blessed with an array of wise and learned Justices from the various divisions of the Court of Appeal,” Adegboruwa said.

He assured the court of the Bar’s cooperation in ensuring speedy hearings.

“We, on behalf of the Bar, assure My Lords of our readiness to facilitate a speedy and expeditious hearing of all pending cases. It is in our own interest and in the interest of our clients,” he stated.

Adegboruwa also congratulated the Court of Appeal on its 50th anniversary.

“We congratulate the Court of Appeal for contributing immensely to the administration of justice in our nation, in the past, now and in the future,” he said.

However, he used the occasion to call attention to the judiciary’s funding and infrastructure challenges.

“We know the challenges being faced by the judiciary in respect of lack of funding from the Federal Government. The Bar will continue to work with the judiciary to ensure that this important arm of government is well funded,” he said.

He expressed hope that ongoing efforts to improve facilities at the Lagos Division would materialise.

“We are glad that My Lord is already working on creating facilities within the premises of the Lagos Division, and we pray that this will come to pass,” he added.

 

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Foundation Warns Of An Imminent Humaniterian Crisis Over Makoko Demolition

The Foundation for Peace Professionals has raised the alarm over the ongoing demolition of houses in the Makoko waterfront community, warning that the exercise could trigger a major humanitarian and social crisis in Lagos State if not addressed.

The organisation, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, on Sunday, expressed concern over the manner of the demolition, describing it as inhumane and potentially destabilising.

While acknowledging the constitutional powers of the state government to enforce urban planning regulations and ensure public safety, PeacePro said such enforcement must be guided by human rights principles and social responsibility.

“Makoko is a long-established waterfront community whose residents have lived and worked in the area for generations, adding that the settlement evolved largely due to decades of planning neglect and socio-economic exclusion rather than deliberate disregard for the law,” he said.

Hamzat noted that the ongoing demolition has displaced many residents and exposed them to severe hardship.

“Women and children were the most affected. Urban development must not be pursued through shock enforcement.

“When planning intervention produces homelessness overnight, it ceases to be development and becomes displacement,” Hamzat said.

The organisation called for the immediate suspension of further demolitions and urged the government to open a transparent and inclusive dialogue with affected residents.

PeacePro also demanded the release of a clear resettlement and transition plan that would protect human dignity while addressing legitimate safety and environmental concerns.

The group warned that cities are not made safer by pushing vulnerable populations deeper into poverty and insecurity, stressing that sustainable urban renewal requires inclusion, patience and political will.

It reaffirmed its commitment to peacebuilding and constructive engagement, noting that true governance is defined not by force, but by fairness and empathy.

Makoko, a densely populated waterfront settlement in Lagos, has long faced threats of eviction and demolition due to its informal status and proximity to key urban infrastructure.

Over the years, rights groups and civil society organisations have repeatedly called on the government to adopt inclusive urban renewal policies that balance development with human rights protection.

Previous demolition exercises in waterfront communities across Lagos have often drawn criticism from local and international observers, particularly over the absence of resettlement plans and the impact on livelihoods.

The latest demolition comes amid renewed debate over urban renewal policies in Lagos, with advocacy groups insisting that development must not come at the expense of the poor and vulnerable.

 

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Sanwo-Olu Signs 2026 'Budget Of Shared Prosperity' Into Law

The 2026 Appropriation Bill, tagged the “Budget of Shared Prosperity”, has been signed into law By Gov. Sanwo-Olu. The governor signed the bill into law on Monday, saying it would be implemented accountably by his administration.

Lagos Today Extra! had reported that members of the Lagos House of Assembly approved a budget of about N4.4 trillion, up from the N4.2 trillion presented by the governor in December.

Sanwo-olu who noted that this year’s budget is the last budget his administration will implement fully, expressed hope that residents would be the greatest beneficiaries.

He commended the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and other lawmakers for their due diligence, maintaining that the Executive and the Legislature would continue to work hand in hand for good governance.

Representative of the Speaker of Lagos Assembly, the Majority Speaker, Noheem Adams, commended Sanwo-olu’s people-oriented policies, saying the budget was well scrutinised by assembly members and was optimistic that it reflects the economic realities for the benefit of Lagosians

Earlier, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, said the budget of shared prosperity was designed to accelerate economic growth, deepen infrastructure development, improve the transportation system and maintain fiscal responsibility.

In other news, Governor Sanwo-Olu pledged the Lagos State government’s continued support for the armed forces, whether dead or alive.

Speaking at the parade and laying of wreaths ceremony to commemorate the 2026 armed forces celebration and remembrance day, Sanwo-Olu maintained that the state government appreciates the efforts and commitment of members of the armed forces, and will always be supportive to ensure they do their work in the best of environments.

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr Kadril Obafemi Hamzat, stated that the state government supports the armed forces annually and is always ready to do more because the officers and men of the armed forces make many sacrifices to keep the nation secure.

He implored them to keep giving their best and to continue making concerted efforts to secure lives and property, despite the huge challenges they face in doing so.

The governor who led the wreath-laying ceremony also asked for prayers for the armed forces. Others who laid wreaths included the Deputy Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, represented by Jubril Abdulkareem; the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba; representatives of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force; the Oba of Lagos; the widow of a fallen hero; and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh.

 

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Sanwo-Olu Expresses Disappointment At The Scooping Of Fuel From A Fallen Tanker In Apapa

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is not happy with those who scooped fuel from a fallen tanker in Apapa on Monday. The governor expressed disappointment over the scooping of fuel dripping from a fallen tanker at Liverpool Bridge, Apapa, by some residents of the state, describing the act as reckless.

He lamented that they did not prioritise safety, as they endangered their lives during the act.

Sanwo-Olu, who commended the swift actions of first responders, including the police, for securing the area before any eventualities, warned residents to desist from such acts.

The governor also spoke on the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the road median, Saying stiffer penalties would be served this year.

He hinted that the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) had been directed to arrest scapegoats as a deterrent to others.

Speaking on the demolition exercise at the Makoko area of the state, Sanwo-Olu insisted that evacuation notices had been served for over two years before the demolition to those within 150 meters to 250 meters of high-tension wires.

However, he restated his commitment to the safety of lives and the safeguarding of residents’ property in the state, noting that, as a compassionate government, affected residents would be given palliatives and relocation grants as compensation.

The governor emphasised that his administration would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safety of the lives and property of Lagos residents.

 

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