Lagos, World Bank And FCMB Partner To Boost Education And Health With 5 Million Dollars

The Lagos State Government, the World Bank, and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) are advancing the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity–Governance (HOPE-GOV) programme.

The $500 million initiative is designed to strengthen the systems behind basic education and primary healthcare in Nigeria.

Backed by the Federal Government and operating across all 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, the programme focuses on improving resource management and outcome measurement.

Funding is tied not to plans, but to verified progress. For Lagos, the shift is already taking shape.

At a public presentation on the state’s progress in implementation, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pointed to early gains.

He highlighted improvements in education and healthcare delivery, driven by a shift from input-based spending to performance-led outcomes.

“For us in Lagos, this is about people,” he said. “It is about ensuring that a child has access to the right learning materials, that a mother receives quality care at a primary health centre, and that public resources are managed transparently for all to see.”

The changes are rooted in systems that are less visible but more decisive: procurement processes that work, funding that follows results, and institutions held to clear standards.

According to Akin Onimole, Senior Procurement Specialist at the World Bank, the programme addresses long-standing structural gaps in service delivery. He noted that Lagos has shown a strong commitment to strengthening its procurement and institutional frameworks. These efforts help translate reform into practical outcomes.

FCMB supports the programme’s fund flows. The bank says its role reflects a broader commitment to expanding access and opportunity.

“We are working with our partners to open up more opportunities for children and communities,” said Yemisi Edun, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FCMB.

“By supporting education and primary healthcare, we are contributing to a system where more people can participate and progress.”

Since 2025, HOPE-GOV has united government and private sector capacity around one goal: improving human capital to make public systems work better. The key results will take time to fully materialise, but the direction is clear—stronger systems, deeper accountability, and services that deliver consistent value to people.

  

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Outrage As Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere Offers Financial Inducement For Any Man Willing To Marry His Disabled Daughter

    

Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, the founder of Omega Power Ministry, has sparked outrage with his announcement of financial inducement for any man willing to marry his    21-year-old autistic adopted daughter, with disability advocates raising concerns about consent, dignity, and the ethics of arranging marriages for people with disabilities .

One of those who have lent their voices to the development is actor Damola Olatunji who criticised the man of God, saying the situation “has crossed a line and must be addressed seriously”.

In a statement, Olatunji questioned whether the woman could genuinely consent to such an arranged marriage, arguing that Apostle Chibuzor should instead establish a proper care home for her.

Apostle Chibuzor had announced the plan on Facebook, offering incentives to any man willing to marry his daughter, including financial support and housing.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Chinyere, who described the arrangement as being in the young woman’s best interests.

“I am giving out another of my adopted daughters in marriage. Her name is Chiemeka Chibuzor. She is 21 years old and has autism. She can speak and hear well,” the statement read.

Chinyere listed conditions for prospective suitors, stating that the man must be young and “physically and mentally fit in all forms.”

In exchange, he outlined a suite of benefits including lifetime financial support, free housing for life, a jointly built property in both spouses’ names, and regular unannounced visits by OPM staff to monitor the woman’s welfare.

“This arrangement is to ensure that she is properly cared for, protected, and lives a happy life,” the statement added.

But advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities say the apostle’s action would amount to buying a husband for the woman simply because she is a PWD. They argue that persons with disabilities deserve to choose their own partners, not forced to marry a man who, from all indications, would be attracted by the incentives being offered and not necessarily because of his love for her.

Actor Olatunji countered the plan, stating that people with autism deserve dignity, protection, and better support systems, adding that exploiting vulnerable individuals is unacceptable.

He wrote, “This situation has crossed a line and must be addressed seriously. Marriage is a decision that requires full, informed consent from both parties. Rather than pursuing marriage, establishing a proper care home would be a far more appropriate and compassionate solution.

“The key question to ask is: would this person genuinely choose to get married at 21 under normal circumstances, free from any external influence? If the answer is no, then that must be respected unconditionally.

“No one should exploit a vulnerable person’s condition as an opportunity for marriage. People living with autism deserve dignity, protection, and better-structured support systems, not situations that could potentially be manipulative or harmful. There are far more ethical and effective ways to provide care and support for individuals with autism”, he said.

 The announcement follows a similar and widely publicised arrangement by the cleric in which he organised the marriage of a non-verbal autistic man, widely known as Aboy, to an older woman in a ceremony held on March 29.

That wedding drew mixed reactions, with critics raising concerns about the dignity of people with cognitive disabilities.

Chinyere had subsequently responded to the backlash by gifting Aboy, now renamed Elijah, a Lexus car and a plot of land, and appointing him as an ambassador for the church’s free school for children with autism and Down syndrome.

  

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Love Has Always Been Transactional - Omawumi

Singer Omawumi has pushed back against claims that modern relationships are more transactional than past ones, arguing that the nature of exchange has simply shifted over time.

Speaking on a Pulse podcast, the singer said women have always expected gestures from partners, but the form of those gestures has changed.

She contrasted secondary school and university-era courtship, marked by simple acts like buying ice cream and popcorn, with present-day expectations such as iPhones.

Omawumi noted that the term “transactional” is often misunderstood.

“I disagree because we women have had long throat since the beginning of time, you know, but our transactional was different because if it was all those like secondary school to university days of holding hands or crushing on a girl or a boy, you know, you just stay there, buy them ice cream and popcorn. But now, it’s an iPhone”, she said.

She said some form of exchange has always existed in relationships and described mutual effort as a normal component of dating.

She added that when a partner gives her gifts, she makes a conscious effort to match that energy.

“Some sort of transaction has always existed. Therefore, the word “transactional” has a lot of power when used. If I’m dating a man who gives me presents, I always strive to equal that energy,” she added.

The singer also addressed public perception of women in relationships, stating that women are frequently viewed as only receiving while their contributions go unnoticed.

She said some men pursue what she called “shiny objects,” and often go overboard in the process.

“However, the majority of people don’t think that women have the same level of energy. They just see the women collecting. So men, they go overboard sometimes, just especially because some men tend to like shiny objects. And shiny objects, not the only person they like. So everybody is struggling to get that shiny object.”

Omawumi concluded by identifying consistency as a major problem in modern relationships.

She said effort tends to fade once initial attraction is secured, stressing that partners should maintain the same energy they showed at the start.

“And once you’ve finished obtaining it, you’ll need to cut back on all the paparazzi you were doing earlier. No, no. You must maintain your energy”.

  

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Comedian Okey Bakassi Places N5 Million Reward For The Recovery Of Phones Stolen At Ikoyi

Nigerian comedian Okey Bakassi has announced a N5 million reward for information that could lead to the recovery of eight mobile phones stolen during a private football game in Ikoyi.

In a video posted on Instagram on Thursday, Bakassi disclosed that the incident occurred during the group’s regular Wednesday evening session on April 15, 2026.

He explained that an unidentified individual joined the game and was permitted to participate out of goodwill.

According to him, the suspect played briefly before claiming to be injured and moving to the sidelines. While the match continued, the individual allegedly seized the opportunity to steal eight phones belonging to players and fled the venue.

Bakassi stated that the stolen devices belong to businessmen whose daily operations depend heavily on their phones, heightening the urgency of recovery.

He cautioned potential buyers to be wary, noting that the suspect might attempt to dispose of the devices quickly at discounted prices.

The comedian added that the police have been informed and are making efforts to track down the suspect, although he declined to disclose specific operational details.

He also issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the return of the stolen phones to the security post at the venue, warning that failure to comply would result in intensified efforts to apprehend the suspect.

“If you’re the one who came out this evening to play with us and you feel that the way to pay us back is to cart away phones and vanish, we will find you. It will only take time. In your best interest, you have the next 24 hours to return those phones back to the security post where you took them from,” he said.

The comedian appealed to the public for assistance, promising N5 million to anyone who can trace any of the stolen devices.

“For everyone else who knows how to track phones, contact me in my DM. There’s a five million naira waiting for whoever can track any one of those phones,” he added.

He advised second-hand phone buyers to verify sellers’ identification to avoid purchasing stolen items.

  

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Men Should Dump Marriages Where They Are Not Respected - Yul Edochie

Actor Yul Edochie has advised men to walk away from marriages or relationships where they are not respected.

In a post made on X, Edochie stated that respect for men in marriage is non-negotiable and should not be compromised.

He discouraged men from tolerating what he described as ‘nonsense’ in the name of marriage or a relationship.

The actor said men facing disrespect from their wives or girlfriends should end the relationship immediately and find partners who treat them with respect.

“Men stop tolerating nonsense in the name of marriage or relationship. If your wife or girlfriend doesn’t respect you, dump her immediately and get someone who respects you”, he said.

Yul Edochie is in a public, contentious polygamous situation. He is actively living with his second wife, Judy Austin, with whom he has children, while his first wife, May Edochie, is separated from him and has filed for divorce, citing adultery and refusing to accept the polygamous marriage. 

 Yul and Judy frequently appear together in social media videos and have continued their relationship despite online rumors of, or public demand for, a breakup. Recent reports suggest they have multiple children together.

The situation remains highly volatile, with reports of ultimatums and public warnings between Yul and May.

The actor has faced extensive social media backlash for his public proclamations about his second wife and his advice regarding marriage, which many contrast with his split from May. It is believed in some quarters that his recent admonition for men to leave relationships where they are not respected, is an attempt to correct the narrative. 

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I Once Dated A Bus Driver - Otedola's Daughter, DJ Cuppy

Disc jockey Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, has said she could date anyone, revealing that she once dated a bus driver. She however says she currently prefers dating working-class men who are not active on social media.

Speaking on The ZEZE Millz Show, the entertainer said she has dated men from different backgrounds but now favors partners with 9-to-5 jobs and a low public profile.

She added that she finds such men through dating applications.

She said, “I’ve dated all kinds of men—well, not every single kind, but a lot of different types. What I find is working for me right now is the 9-to-5, no social media, super-like-doesn’t-care type. I find them on apps”.

DJ Cuppy disclosed that she is subscribed to exclusive platforms including Raya and The League, stating that membership on The League costs £400.

“I’m on Raya, but I’m also on something called “The League” as well. But I love—thing is, I wanted to do like… oh no. “The League” is definitely £400 to join, I can’t lie. Yeah”, she added.

The 33-year-old, who is the daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, emphasised the importance of being open-minded when dating.

She noted that she has gone on dates with a bus driver, a man who lived with his mother, a model, and a footballer.

She described dating as an opportunity to converse and understand people.

She added, “You have to be open-minded! This is what I’m saying. Zeze, you have to be open-minded. I’ve dated a bus driver… well, okay, let me not say ‘dated,’ I’ve gone on a date with a bus driver. And there’s nothing wrong with that! No.”

“I’ve literally gone on a date with this annoying guy that lives with his mom, I’ve gone on a date with a model, I’ve been on a date with a footballer… so many! With dating, you have to be open-minded. I actually enjoy dating. I feel like we’re on a date; it’s talking and getting to know each other,” she concluded.

  

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Twin Brothers Jailed 14 Years For Armed Robbery

    Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Ikeja Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Wednesday sentenced four men to 14 years imprisonment each for armed robbery, following a plea bargain agreement.

Amongst the convicts are two twin brothers a 34-year-old driver, Taiwo Ojomo, 34-year-old security guard, and Kehinde Ojomo.

The other convicts are 34-year-old rewire, Emmanuel Bamidele (a.k.a. “DPO”); and 27-year-old cobbler, Peter Samuel (a.k.a. “Mogaji”).

They were sentenced by Justice  Abike-Fadipe after they admitted guilt to amended two-count charges bordering on conspiracy and armed robbery.

The Prosecution told the court that the convicts while armed with guns, robbed one Sodiq Abiodun Ezekiel of Android phone, iPhone, ATM card, the sum of N15,000 and a blue-coloured 2005 Toyota Sienna with registration number LSR 771 GG.”

The court was told that the incident occurred on June 5, 2020, at about 23:30, at Oshodi Bridge, Lagos, when the convicts boarded a blue 2005 Toyota Sienna with registration number LSR 771 GG, driven by Sadiq Abiodun Ezekiel.

According to the prosecution, the men pretended to be stranded and requested a ride, but after entering the vehicle, they allegedly pulled out a gun and attacked the driver.

They were said to have dragged him to the back seat, beaten him, and robbed him of an Android phone, an iPhone, ATM card, and N15,000 in cash before dispossessing him of his vehicle.

The prosecution said the stolen vehicle was later recovered the same day at Ikeja Shopping Mall and returned to the victim.

It was further revealed that during inspection of the recovered vehicle, the complainant discovered a double-barrelled locally made pistol with four cartridges, which he immediately handed over to the police.

The convicts were initially arraigned in 2020 and pleaded not guilty.

However, they later changed their plea following an amended charge filed on April 14, 2026, which reflected a plea bargain agreement reducing the punishment exposure from 21 years to 14 years imprisonment.

Justice Abike-Fadipe confirmed that the convicts entered the agreement voluntarily.

“The court is satisfied that the defendants understood the terms of the plea bargain and entered into it without coercion,” she said.

State counsel, Director J.A. Ogunode, urged the court to adopt the plea bargain terms and sentence the convicts accordingly.

However, the judge noted that the court was not strictly bound by the terms of a plea bargain agreement.

“The court retains the discretion to ensure that sentences imposed meet the ends of justice,” Justice Abike-Fadipe held.

She thereafter sentenced each of the four men to 14 years imprisonment.

She ordered that the sentence shall take effect from the date they were first remanded in custody at the correctional facility.

  

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Irede Foundation Expands Scope Of Operation To Include More Disability Clusters

The Irede Foundation has expanded its disability inclusion outreach in Lagos, reaching more than 1,000 residents through an annual programme that combines

awareness advocacy, fundraising and direct support for people living with disabilities.

The initiative, held in Lagos, brought together volunteers, supporters and beneficiaries who contributed personal resources to support empowerment efforts

for persons with disabilities. The programme also featured a 32-kilometre awareness walk aimed at drawing attention to mobility challenges, social exclusion

and access gaps affecting the disability community.

The outreach forms part of the foundation’s broader push to improve access to prosthetic limbs and promote inclusion across education, mobility and economic

participation.

Speaking at the event, the foundation’s Founder and Chief Executive of the foundation, Crystal Chigbu, said the organisation’s work now extends beyond

Nigeria, with operations across all 36 states and growing international footprints in countries including Ghana, Germany, Canada and Namibia.

She said the initiative, themed “No Limits, Just Motion”, was focused on promoting access to transportation, education and information for people living

with disabilities, while encouraging them to demonstrate their abilities. As part of this year’s programme, more than 200 children are expected to receive

prosthetic limbs.

Chigbu added that the foundation is increasingly deploying 3D-printed prosthetic limbs, following successful pilot runs over the past six months. The technology

is expected to account for more than half of the limbs distributed this year, a move she said would accelerate delivery and expand access for both children

and adults.

Beyond amputees, she noted that the foundation’s interventions now cover a broader spectrum of disability groups, including people with albinism, the deaf,

the visually impaired and others requiring mobility and social support.

Government officials present at the event reiterated Lagos State’s commitment to inclusive development. Commissioner for Youth and Social Development,

Mobolaji Ogunlende, described the outreach as a critical platform for advocacy and collaboration, aligning with the state government’s pledge to ensure

that no resident is left behind.

He said the state, through the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, continues to coordinate programmes targeted at people living with disabilities

while calling for stronger partnerships with private organisations and civil society groups.

According to him, while government support remains essential, collaboration is key to scaling impact, noting that assistance could range from financial

backing to policy support and access to infrastructure that enables organisations to expand their reach.

Also speaking, a member of the foundation’s board of trustees, Folake Okunubi, said the outreach was designed not only to raise funds but also to challenge

societal perceptions about disability.

She stressed the need for inclusive infrastructure, education and social systems, noting that many children with limb loss face stigma and barriers to

schooling, often resulting in isolation. Creating an enabling environment, she said, would allow beneficiaries described by the foundation as “champions”

to fully participate in society and access economic opportunities.

One of the beneficiaries, Michael Alan, a 14-year-old participant in the walk, said the programme had helped raise awareness and demonstrate that people

living with disabilities can perform at the same level as others.

He said the initiative had not only provided support but also challenged perceptions, adding that increased awareness and sustained empowerment programmes

would enable more children with disabilities to live independently and contribute meaningfully to society.

  

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How Suspected Cultists Killed Ikorodu Monarch's Teenage Son

A teenager identified simply as Quadri has been beaten to death by suspected cultists in the Itunmeko area of Ikorodu, Lagos State.

It was gathered from sources in the community on Tuesday that the incident occurred on Saturday.

According to sources, the violence erupted after a disagreement between some youths, believed to be suspected cultists, in the community.

The deceased, who was also the son of the Alashe of Itunmoja in Ikorodu, was reportedly called from his residence to the scene of the dispute to intervene.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the nature of the incident, said the situation escalated quickly and resulted in a violent attack on the victim and one of his friends.

“That night, there was an issue between Quadri’s friends and some boys in the area. The moment it degenerated into a confrontation, one of Quadri’s friends called him to inform him of what was going on.

“So Quadri went there to intervene, but the issue further escalated, and the boys descended on him and beat him until he became almost unresponsive,” the resident said.

A police source, who also requested anonymity due to a lack of authorisation to speak on the incident, said Quadri was left at the scene until some residents rushed him to the hospital for medical attention.

“He was attended to when taken to the hospital, but later died due to the severity of the injuries he sustained during the attack,” the source disclosed.

Meanwhile, an anti-cultism platform, Naija Confra, in a post on Monday, stated that the area was dominated by Eiye cultists, adding that Quadri was not a member.

“Yesterday, Naija Confra reported an incident in Ikorodu, Lagos State, where the son of a traditional ruler was killed.

“The incident occurred around midnight on Saturday in Itunmeko, Ikorodu, an area dominated by Eiye.

“The attackers targeted some young boys, including a boy named Quadri, who was the son of the Alashe of Itunmoja in Ikorodu.

“Quadri was described as a rugged street boy who was also a Yahoo boy and had many Eiye friends, but he was not a cultist,” the platform wrote.

It further noted that Quadri’s friend, identified simply as Adio, was also beaten during the attack but survived.

“Quadri and another friend named Adio, alias Ogbara, were seriously beaten. Quadri was rushed to the hospital, where he later died, while Adio was said to have survived,” it stated.

Although the police have yet to officially respond to the incident, Naija Confra revealed that some suspects had been arrested in connection with it.

When contacted on Tuesday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, told the Punch that she was not aware of the incident and promised to revert.

However, she had yet to do so as of the time this report was filed.

  

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Ikeja Court Sentences Man To Life Imprisonment For Sexually Assaulting A Six-Month Old Baby

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday convicted and sentenced a man, Victor Dickson, to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting his neighbour’s six-month-old baby.

While delivering judgement, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution proved the charge of sexual assault by penetration beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge said the circumstantial evidence presented before the court was compelling and clearly pointed to the convict’s guilt, noting that Dickson’s attempts to distance himself from the crime were unconvincing.

Oshodi observed that the convict lacked credibility, as his testimony in court contradicted his earlier statement to the police.

“In your extra-judicial statement, you admitted carrying the child but denied penetrating her. However, in your oral testimony before this court, you denied ever carrying the child and instead alleged that the child’s mother fabricated the accusation because you rejected her sexual advances,” the judge said.

He added that the convict showed no remorse and chose instead to fabricate allegations against the child’s mother.

The judge who held that the victim was extremely vulnerable, recounted how the child’s mother testified that Dickson took the naked baby from her potty while she was outside washing clothes, carried her into his room, shut the door, and assaulted her by inserting his finger in her vagina.

He said, “The victim in this case is an infant of six months old, among the most defenceless human beings in existence, and her mother testified before this court how you carried her naked child from her potty while she was washing clothes outside.”

“You betrayed the trust reposed in you. The child cried throughout but could not speak or call for help,” the judge said.

The court stressed the need to protect society and deter similar crimes, describing the act as “animalistic”.

“I hereby sentence you, Victor Dickson, to life imprisonment,” Oshodi ruled, adding that the convict would serve the term at a maximum-security custodial centre.

The court also ordered that Dickson be registered as a sex offender under Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021.

When the convict was arraigned on June 20, 2022, he pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him by the Lagos state government.

The court ordered that he should be remanded in a correctional centre until the commencement of trial.

  

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