Xenophobia: 270 Nigerians Evacuated From South Africa To Land In Lagos On Thursday

A group of at least 270 Nigerians, who are expected to make up the first batch of returnees from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, is scheduled to arrive in Lagos on Thursday morning as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to assist affected citizens.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

According to the ministry, the evacuees will be flown back to Nigeria aboard an Air Peace aircraft departing Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport on Wednesday night.

The flight is expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 5 a.m. on Thursday.

Ebienfa said the Federal Government had taken responsibility for the evacuation exercise, including funding and arrangements for the reception of the returnees upon arrival.

“Upon arrival, the evacuees will undergo documentation and profiling procedures and will receive the appropriate assistance and support before being reunited with their families,” the statement added.

The repatriation exercise was initially scheduled to commence on Monday but was postponed until Wednesday due to what the ministry described as “unforeseen logistical considerations.”

Providing further clarification on the delay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, explained that additional time was required to conclude documentation and screening processes being carried out in collaboration with South African authorities.

She noted that more than 1,000 Nigerians in South Africa had participated in the screening exercise, adding that the number of individuals seeking repatriation continued to rise.

The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria also revealed that discussions with South African authorities resulted in concessions for some Nigerians facing immigration-related issues.

According to the mission, it had “negotiated waivers with host authorities” to ensure that individuals with “immigration-related offences” could depart through the repatriation programme instead of being detained.

The evacuation operation is being coordinated by the National Emergency Management Agency alongside other relevant government agencies.

The repatriation follows growing concerns over attacks on foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting Nigerian authorities to facilitate the voluntary return of citizens who wish to leave the country.

FG has repeatedly assured Nigerians residing in South Africa of its commitment to their safety and welfare while continuing diplomatic engagements aimed at addressing the situation

  

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15 Arrested In Jibowu For Reselling Used Plastic To Food Vendors

Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps have arrested over 15 suspected environmental offenders around the Jibowu railway corridor

in Lagos State.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a post shared on his verified X handle.

The suspects were apprehended for allegedly collecting used disposable plastics and plates from refuse bins and reselling them to food vendors in the area.

The statement said, “Earlier today, operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) apprehended over 15 suspected environmental offenders

around the Jibowu railway corridor for allegedly collecting and reselling used disposable plastics and plates recovered from refuse bins to food vendors.”

The enforcement exercise was part of ongoing efforts by the state government to curb environmental violations and ensure public health safety.

144 people were arrested across Lagos State last week Wednesday for allegedly engaging in street begging.

  

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How Commercial Driver Lost His Life In Multiple Crashes At Cele Oshodi

A commercial bus driver has lost his life in a fatal multiple-vehicle collision at Cele inward Oshodi, Lagos, prompting an emergency response from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

The crash, which occurred on the busy corridor on Monday, involved a commercial mini-bus popularly known as a “Korokpe” and a Toyota Tundra pickup truck with registration number EPE 554 YC.

According to preliminary findings by security personnel at the scene, the driver of the commercial bus sustained severe injuries from the impact of the collision and died instantly.

LASTMA officials, who were on routine traffic monitoring duties in the area, quickly responded to the incident by securing the accident scene, managing traffic and coordinating emergency operations to prevent further disruption along the route.

Working alongside officers of the Nigeria Police Force from the Cele-Ijesha Division, LASTMA personnel recovered the body of the deceased driver and facilitated its release to family members living in the area.

The agency also evacuated the wreckage and all vehicles involved in the crash to restore normal traffic flow and ensure the safety of other road users. The vehicles have been handed over to the police for a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident and establish liability where necessary.

Despite the heavy traffic disruption caused by the incident, normal vehicular movement was restored within a short time following the intervention of traffic officials.

Reacting to the tragedy, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and urged motorists, especially commercial drivers, to strictly adhere to traffic regulations and drive responsibly to prevent avoidable road crashes.

LASTMA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining order on Lagos roads through prompt emergency response and effective traffic management.

  

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2027 Governorship Race: Lagos African Action Congress Unveils Manifesto, Promises To Take Back Lagos Pledges 500,000 Jobs, Infrastructure

The governorship candidate of the African Action Congress in Lagos State, Engineer Oluwadamola Adesoca Sol-Nuyi, has in his manifesto pledged to create over 500,000 jobs and improve infrastructure across the state ahead of the 2027 election.

The AAC candidate, whose campaign is themed “FAMILY FIRST • PEOPLE FIRST • LAGOS FIRST” with the slogan “TAKE BACK LAGOS,” said his administration would focus on improving the lives of residents through economic reforms, housing, healthcare, education and transportation.

He made this known while delivering his speech before party members and supporters during an unveiling held in Ikorodu, Lagos.

With the hall filled to the brim and the party leadership in the state backing the candidate, Adesoca promised to take back what belongs to Lagosians from those who have mismanaged the state over the years.

In the preamble to the manifesto titled “The Adesoca Manifesto: Family First Agenda for a New Lagos,” Adesoca said: “Lagos is blessed with extraordinary human and economic resources. Yet millions of our people struggle daily with unemployment, poor housing, insecurity, inadequate healthcare, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and declining living standards.”

He added, the purpose of government is not merely to administer power but to improve lives.

According to him, the first pillar of his programme is an economic revolution aimed at creating jobs and supporting businesses.

The manifesto stated, “Create over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs,” adding that the administration would launch the Lagos Enterprise Development Fund for SMEs, provide low-interest loans to small businesses, establish industrial clusters in Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry, Ikeja and Lagos East, and support technology and innovation enterprises.

V On education, Adesoca promised to upgrade public schools, recruit qualified teachers and establish four Special Universities of Sports in Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry and Surulere.

The manifesto said the initiative is aimed at positioning Lagos as “Africa’s Sports Capital.”

Adesoca also pledged to tackle housing challenges through a Right to Housing Policy, stating that housing is a human right.

Under the policy, his administration pledged to end arbitrary and forced evictions, expand affordable housing schemes and ensure the protection and redevelopment of communities such as Makoko, Oworonshoki, Maidan-Orile and riverine settlements.

On infrastructure, the AAC candidate promised to reconstruct roads, improve drainage systems, expand ferry transportation and upgrade rural and riverine infrastructure.

“My administration will be guided by one principle: FAMILY FIRST. A government that protects families, creates opportunities, develops communities, and restores hope.

“Together, we can build a state that works for all and not just a privileged few. Together, we can restore hope. Together, we can create a government that truly belongs to the people,” he added.

The party’s chairman, Olanrewaju Samson, rallied members to support the candidate, describing him as a credible alternative in Lagos politics.

  

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Insecurity: Confusion And Panic In Ojokoro As A Teacher's Lesson On Banditry Sends Parents Running Helter-skelter For Their Children In School

Confusion and panic gripped Ijaiye Ojokoro Junior College in the Ojokoro area of Lagos on Wednesday morning, after a classroom demonstration on banditry was mistaken for a real attack, triggering a stampede among students, teachers and residents.

The incident occurred at Tigbetigbe Street in the Ojokoro area of Lagos during the weekly National Awareness Day programme observed in schools across the state.

According to reports, the theme of the day’s awareness session was banditry.

In an effort to make the presentation more practical and engaging, a teacher reportedly dressed up as a bandit to illustrate the appearance and tactics of criminal groups to students.

However, the exercise took an unexpected turn when the teacher arrived at the school assembly ground.

An eyewitness explained that the sight of the teacher in the costume caused immediate panic among students, who believed an actual bandit had invaded the school.

“As soon as the teacher stepped out of his vehicle and approached the assembly ground, confusion erupted. The students thought he was a real bandit and began running in different directions,” the witness said.

The panic quickly spread beyond the school, affecting students in three other schools located within the same educational complex.

“Students from the neighbouring schools heard people shouting, ‘Bandits! Bandits!’ and also fled. Some teachers joined in the rush to safety, and the entire school environment, including nearby streets, became chaotic,” the eyewitness added.

The situation prompted worried parents and guardians to rush to the schools to evacuate their children after hearing reports of an alleged attack.

Another resident who witnessed the incident recounted how rumours of a violent invasion spread rapidly.

“I was on my morning walk when I saw students running frantically. When I asked what was happening, they said bandits had entered their school and were killing people,” the resident said.

Alarmed by the claims, the resident proceeded to the school premises to verify the situation.

“On getting there, I met one of the principals, who explained that the panic was caused by a teacher attempting to dramatise the awareness topic on banditry,” the witness added.

A resident of the area, Joshua Ekong, also confirmed that the misunderstanding generated widespread anxiety among residents and caused significant disruption in the community before the true circumstances became known.

 According to the Residents Association of the LSDPC Estate close to the school complex, while the educative aspect of the method was aimed at stimulating realism, the effort was ill-timed and a mismatched initiative, given the current security climate in the country.

“Furthermore, the teacher failed to inform the school authority, other staff, or the rest of the student body about his proposed drama, which included the use of realistic special effects.
 “This lack of communication resulted in severe panic within the school. In the ensuing rush to escape what they believed to be a real threat, a large number of students fled into our estate, causing the rowdiness and alarm many witnessed,” the Association stated in its address to residents on its Whatsapp platform.
 “We want to assure all residents that there was no actual security breach, kidnapping, or bandit attacks within or around our estate. The police were immediately contacted and are fully involved. The teacher responsible for the false alarm has been taken to the police station for questioning. The situation has been completely brought under control”. 

Dr. Olufunke Idowu Oyetola, Tutor General/Permanent Secretary (TG/PS), explained the part of the educational body in its response to the incident. She explained how she abandoned her make-up and picked up an unscheduled head gear to respond to the development. “You know as teachers, we have different ways of communicating. What the teacher wanted to use was role-play and demonstration to create awareness using scenarios. However, they should have sought my permission especially because of the sensitivity of the topic and society.

 “Secondly, since they are in a school complex, the other principals should have been informed or carried along. Although the teacher had good intentions in effort to enlighten the students, unfortunately, it went wrong.
 “The major reason is that the environment is tense. Also, parents most likely already cautioned their wards on being alert. The news got to me almost immediately and I left all I was doing and got officers to respond,” she said.

 

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Many Celebrities Have More Influence Than Politicians - Charly Boy, Set To Release Book About His Life

Veteran entertainer and activist, Charly Boy, has called on musicians and other public figures to use their platforms to address societal issues, insisting that entertainers have a responsibility to reflect the realities of the communities they serve.

Speaking ahead of the July 2026 release of his memoir, ‘999’, Charly Boy argued that many celebrities possess greater influence than politicians and should not shy away from speaking on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.

According to him, artistes can play a significant role in shaping public discourse through their music and public engagements.

“They can do more. They have larger platforms than politicians. It won’t hurt them to speak up or make music that reflects reality,” he said.

The entertainer expressed concern about the state of the nation, particularly the growing insecurity across the country. He warned that the situation could worsen if urgent steps are not taken to address the underlying problems.

“It’s going to explode in our faces,” he said.

Charly Boy also pointed to what he described as the erosion of family values as one of the factors contributing to Nigeria’s social challenges. He argued that economic hardship has placed immense pressure on families, with some parents encouraging their children to pursue questionable means of making money.

He further criticised traditional parenting approaches, noting that methods that worked for previous generations may no longer be effective in raising Gen Z and millennial children.

Despite his concerns, the activist expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying the country’s hopes lie with exceptional young people who are willing to create opportunities for themselves rather than wait for them.

He also praised the emergence of a new generation of activists and social commentators who are increasingly using their voices to advocate for change.

Beyond his views on society and governance, Charly Boy described his forthcoming memoir as a deeply personal account of his life. He said the title symbolises transformation, renewal and the beginning of a new chapter.

The entertainer explained that while many people still associate him with his biker persona, he has evolved into a phase focused on storytelling, reflection and legacy.

Promising readers an unfiltered account of his journey, Charly Boy said the memoir would contain “the good, the bad and the ugly”, adding that too many people go through life without ever telling their complete stories.

Reflecting on his past, he admitted that he was rebellious and “irresponsible” in his younger years but maintained that he never lost sight of his goals, even when he found himself at odds with his father over the course of his life.

  

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How Scan Detected My Baby Had No Nose – Gospel Singer Judikay Opens Up On Pregnancy Scare

Gospel artist Judikay has shared details of a distressing medical experience she had while 34 weeks pregnant with her second child in Canada.

The singer, whose real name is Judith Kanayo-Opara, said a routine ultrasound led to alarming claims about her unborn daughter.

During her daughter’s dedication service, she recounted that the sonographer told her the baby was not breathing, had no nose, and recommended a Down syndrome test.

She said she called her husband, who told her to “tear the report” and not proceed with further tests.

In her words: “At 34 weeks, I traveled to Canada to have my baby, and I went for a scan. They said she did not have a nose and that I would need to do a Down syndrome test, and also that she was not breathing. I called my husband, and he said I should tear the report and that we were not going to do any test.”

The couple chose to pray and thank God for their child instead and Judikay said her daughter was eventually delivered safely, though doctors found the umbilical cord had been wrapped around the baby’s neck twice in the womb.

The singer, who waited several years to welcome her second child with her husband, shared the testimony to reflect on the challenges she faced during pregnancy.

 Judikay is a prominent gospel artist, songwriter, and music minister. Known for her soul-stirring worship, her career highlights include major hits like "More than Gold" and "Capable God," two albums (Man of Galilee and From this Heart), and millions of streams across global platforms. 

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You Don’t Need To Expose Your Boobs To Be Sexy — Nollywood Star Actress Shaffy Bello

Nollywood star actress Shaffy Bello has said she understands why some young women engage in transactional relationships popularly known as “runs,” but urged them not to remain in the lifestyle, stressing the need for growth and self-worth beyond survival choices.

Bello made the remarks during an interview on The Morayo Show hosted by Morayo Afolabi-Brown, a conversation that has since gone viral on social media.

Speaking on self-worth and the pressures many young women face, Bello said women do not need to expose their bodies or chase online attention to be seen as attractive or successful.

She said, “There are too many children out there, too many babies my age younger that needs my voice that needs to hear that the seeds that you sow matter.

“That needs to hear, ‘No, you don’t have to show your boobs to be sexy.’

“That needs to hear, ‘No, you don’t have to shake your bum bum to go viral or get attention.’”

The actress also addressed women who turn to transactional relationships to survive, saying she understood the realities behind such decisions and was not speaking from a place of judgement.

“And if what you’re doing now is being a runs girl to make money, you don’t have to stay there. I understand it. I’m not knocking you. I never judge,” she said.

Bello added that some women were pushed into such choices by financial responsibilities, including supporting family members and paying school fees.

“If that’s what you have to do right now… some girls are doing it because they need to feed mum, they need to send their aburo to school. I understand it.

“However, my darlings, don’t stay there. You are more than that,” she added.

Reflecting on her career, Bello said she remains focused on acting because she believes it is her calling.

“I’m an actor. Every actor doesn’t have to be a producer. I face my lane. I do what God asked me to do,” she said.

She also noted that while some industry players diversify into production for financial reasons, she prioritises purpose over profit.

 

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Extreme Heat: Lagos Begins 500-Tree Planting Campaign

The Lagos State Government has unveiled a new environmental initiative aimed at combating climate change and rising urban temperatures, committing to planting 500 trees across the state while joining a global campaign to address extreme heat in cities.

The announcement was made last Friday at the 2026 World Environment Day celebration in Alausa, where officials warned that rapid urbanisation and climate change were increasing heat-related risks for residents.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olalekan Rotimi-Akodu, called for greater adoption of nature-based solutions, including tree planting, ecosystem restoration and urban greening, to strengthen climate resilience.

He said forests, wetlands and green spaces remain among the most effective tools for mitigating climate impacts and improving the quality of life in rapidly growing cities.

“Rapid urbanisation, population growth, traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and the replacement of natural landscapes with concrete and asphalt surfaces are all contributing to rising temperatures and the Urban Heat Island effect in cities,” Akodu said.

He noted that Lagos, as Africa’s most populous city, faces growing threats from extreme heat, flooding and sea-level rise, warning that higher temperatures could affect public health, productivity, air quality and energy demand.

As part of its response, the state formally aligned with the United Nations Environment Programme’s global “50 Cities at 50°C” campaign, which encourages cities to develop and share solutions to rising urban temperatures.

According to Akodu, Lagos will participate under the theme, “50 Cities at 50°C: Lagos Rising Against the Urban Heat Island.”

The state also launched a new environmental stewardship programme, tagged “Me and My Tree,” under which 500 trees will be planted across Lagos.

Residents participating in the initiative will receive free tree seedlings and be encouraged to nurture them to maturity.

To encourage participation, the government announced a cash prize of N2.5m for the owner of the best-performing tree after one year.

Akodu said the initiative builds on Lagos’ long-running urban greening programme, which has resulted in the planting of more than seven million trees since 2009 through partnerships involving schools, communities, businesses and government agencies.

He added that the state was also pursuing climate resilience through investments in mass transit infrastructure, including rail, bus and water transportation systems designed to reduce emissions and traffic congestion.

“Lagos is not waiting for the future; Lagos is preparing for it, adapting to it, and rising above it,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Mahamood Adegbite, said World Environment Day serves as a reminder of the need to tackle climate change and protect future generations.

He noted that rising temperatures were already placing pressure on public health systems and increasing vulnerability among children, the elderly and other at-risk groups.

“Our megacity with a population exceeding 20 million people is increasingly experiencing the effects of rising urban temperatures,” Adegbite said.

The event brought together government officials, environmental experts, development partners, civil society groups, students and private-sector stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving environmental sustainability and climate resilience across the state.

 

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LAWMA Condemns Attack On Its Officers Along Lagos-Badagry Expressway

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has condemned the attack on its enforcement officers by suspected illegal waste operators during an environmental monitoring exercise along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway.

The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, issued the condemnation in a statement released on Monday in Lagos by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Mukaila Sanusi.

Gbadegesin described the incident as unacceptable and warned against any attempt to obstruct the agency’s lawful enforcement activities.

According to him, the attack occurred on Sunday at Mazamaza Bus Stop, shortly after FESTAC First Gate, during a routine environmental monitoring and compliance operation.

He said the enforcement team encountered individuals allegedly engaged in illegal waste disposal while carrying out their statutory duties.

“The enforcement team was attacked by suspected illegal waste operators and cart pushers who attempted to obstruct the exercise,” he said.

“Our enforcement officers were carrying out their statutory responsibilities when they were attacked by individuals seeking to frustrate government efforts,” he added.

Gbadegesin described the incident as a direct affront to government efforts to safeguard public health and maintain environmental sanitation across the state.

He stressed that such actions would not deter the agency from fulfilling its mandate of ensuring a clean and healthy environment.

The managing director noted that assaults on enforcement personnel constitute a serious offence under the law, adding that anyone found involved in the attack or obstruction would face prosecution.

He said efforts were underway to identify and apprehend all those connected to the incident.

Gbadegesin added that despite the attack, the enforcement team continued its monitoring operation along key corridors, including Iyana Iba, Okokomaiko, and Agbara.

He explained that the exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

According to him, illegal cart-pushing activities and unauthorised dumpsites remain major challenges to effective waste management in Lagos State, posing significant risks to public health and environmental safety.

He urged residents and businesses to patronise only approved waste service providers and dispose of waste through authorised channels.

Gbadegesin also called on the public to support government efforts by complying with environmental laws and reporting illegal waste disposal activities.

He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to sustained enforcement across the state, warning that offenders would continue to face sanctions.

  

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