LAWMA Seals Ikotun-Igando Shops Over Environmental Violations

        The Lagos Waste Management Authority has intensified its ongoing environmental compliance enforcement across Lagos, sealing markets, shopping complexes, and commercial premises along the Ikotun-Igando axis.

This came as LAWMA issued notices of intention to seal markets, shops, and plazas along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor.

The Director of Public Affairs at LAWMA, Mukaila Sanusi, disclosed this in a statement over the weekend, obtained by The PUNCH.

The statement explained that the enforcement exercise, carried out on Saturday by LAWMA’s Project WISE West team, targeted commercial premises along the LASU-Igando Road corridor in Alimosho Local Government Area, “following persistent indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the road median despite repeated default notices, sustained environmental advocacy, and notices of intention to seal.”

 

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The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the latest operation followed the notable improvement in environmental compliance recorded during last week’s enforcement exercise along the Yaba-Ojuelegba corridor.

Gbadegesin noted that the intervention had helped restore environmental order and improve sanitation within the area, noting, “Encouraged by the positive outcome, the authority had extended the exercise to other identified corridors across the state, while commencing the issuance of notices of intention to seal markets, shops, and plazas along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor as part of ongoing compliance measures.”

According to him, the affected markets, shopping complexes, and commercial premises will remain under seal until all “stipulated environmental compliance conditions have been fully met and the agency is satisfied that adequate corrective measures have been implemented.”

He stressed that indiscriminate waste disposal on road medians, drainage channels, and other unauthorised locations constituted a violation of the environmental laws of Lagos State and would continue to attract the appropriate sanction.

The LAWMA boss urged traders, market associations, property owners, and business operators to maintain proper sanitation around their premises, patronise only their assigned PSP operators, and desist from indiscriminate waste disposal, adding that environmental cleanliness remained a shared responsibility.

He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to combining sustained public enlightenment with firm enforcement to promote responsible environmental behaviour, protect public infrastructure, and sustain a cleaner, healthier, and more liveable Lagos.

As part of Saturday’s enforcement operation, LAWMA sealed Owode Market, Omo Oba Shopping Complex, Oja Oba Market, Irewolede Market, Egan Junction Market, BoA Shopping Complex, Blissful Electronics Stores, as well as several other defaulting shops and commercial premises for environmental sanitation violations.

  

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How Woman And Her Three Daughters Escaped From Kidnappers After Spending 180 Days In Captivity

A woman abducted from Ariko village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State has regained her freedom after spending about 180 days in captivity alongside her three surviving daughters following an escape from their abductors’ hideout.

The woman, whose identity was withheld, was reportedly kidnapped while pregnant along with her daughters, aged four, six and 12.

According to a statement issued today by security analyst and former Kaduna governorship aide, Reuben Buhari, the woman and her daughters escaped from the camp on Saturday and embarked on a long trek through the bush despite being weak and exhausted.

Buhari said the woman gave birth while in captivity, but the newborn reportedly died about three weeks later.

 

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He added that the family’s youngest daughter, four-year-old Christy, was ill during the escape.

“Her mother carried her on her back, but when she became tired, the 12-year-old sister took over,” Buhari said.

According to him, the family trekked until nightfall on Saturday and spent the night in the bush before continuing their journey the following day.

Buhari said the four-year-old later died during the trek. He said the mother and her daughters eventually reached a community in Kachia Local Government Area on Sunday, where residents assisted them and arranged medical attention before their planned transfer to Kaduna for further treatment.

The security analyst said the woman and her daughters were among residents abducted from Ariko village and neighbouring communities several months ago.

He added that 33 other abductees from Ariko, including 11 people reportedly kidnapped from Awon village, were still being held by their captors.

  

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I Was Dollar Millionaire At 30, At 35 I Was Working As A Labourer — Farooq Oreagba

Businessman Farooq Oreagba, popularly known as Mr. Steeze, has reflected on the highs and lows of his financial journey, revealing that he went from being a dollar millionaire at the age of 30 to working as a labourer in England just five years later after losing his banking job.

Oreagba made the revelation during an appearance on Ebuka Obi-Uchendu’s MENtality show, co-hosted by Banky W, where he spoke about wealth, materialism and the importance of life over money.

During the conversation, Oreagba posed a hypothetical question to Ebuka to illustrate his belief that life is more valuable than any amount of wealth.

“Ebuka I’m going to drop a few nuggets here. How much is money to you. Will a billionaire dollar satisfy you?” he asked.

 

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Responding, Ebuka said, “I’m not looking for satisfaction.”

Oreagba continued, “Okay now I’m going back to the first question about materialism and people chasing money but if I gave you 10 million dollars now, what would you say?”

Ebuka replied, “What would I say? I’ll call you from Miami to thank you.”

Oreagba then added, “But what if I told you you can have it but not live more than 24 hours to spend it what would you do?”

Ebuka responded, “I mean I could make 10 million dollars, so it’s not worth it.”

Using the exchange to make his point, Oreagba reflected on his own experience with wealth and hardship.

“Right. Then all of a sudden living now has more value. I was a dollar millionaire at 30, at 35 I was working as a labourer in England. I had my dream and all them I lost my job as a banker. To maintain that lifestyle I was hustling, doing all kinds of stuff… I had my priorities wrong.”

Oreagba said the experience taught him that many people spend too much time chasing money while neglecting what truly matters, noting that wealth alone does not define the value of life.

  

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I’m Strict When It Comes To Dating – Actress Teniola Aladese

Nollywood actress Teniola Aladese has opened up about her dating life, revealing that she is currently not in a relationship while describing herself as a strict person when it comes to dating.

Aladese made this known during an appearance on Pulse Nigeria’s Drink or Spill, where she was asked about her current relationship status. “I am trying my best, guys. I date, but currently I am not dating,” she said.

 

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The actress, who was also asked to name the most dramatic celebrity she knows, mentioned fellow actress Bisola Aiyeola, describing her as one of the most dramatic celebrities she has ever met. “That will be Bisola Aiyeola because I love her. She is one of the most dramatic celebrities I have ever met. She is one of my favourite people in the world and I love her for that,” Aladese said.

Sharing how she behaves in a relationship, Aladese described herself as strict when it comes to dating, although she believes her approach reflects a healthy level of firmness. “I am strict when it comes to dating. I disagree. I think a healthy level of strictness,” she said.

The actress also identified being overly analytical as one of her biggest red flags, explaining that her tendency to analyse situations extensively is also connected to her desire for communication. “My biggest red flag is probably that I am over analytical. I overanalyse a lot of things, which is why I like to communicate a lot,” she said.

Aladese also spoke about her on-screen chemistry with male actors, revealing that her preferred pairing has changed over time. “It used to be Uzor Arukwe; right now, I would say Taiye Arimoro,” she said.

  

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Female Driver Dies After Crashing Into Building At Mangoro

A female motorist has died after losing control of her vehicle and crashing into a roadside building at Mongoro, inward Ile-Zik, along one of Lagos’ busiest roads.

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority confirmed the incident in a statement issued today by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq.

LASTMA said preliminary security investigations showed that the deceased, who was driving a Toyota Sienna with registration number LND 162 HB, lost control of the vehicle before it veered off the road and rammed into a building.

“The deceased, who was driving a Toyota Sienna (LND 162 HB), lost control of the vehicle, which subsequently veered off the carriageway and violently rammed into a roadside building.

“The ferocity of the impact proved catastrophic, resulting in her instantaneous death. She was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the unfortunate incident,” the statement read.

 

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LASTMA said its personnel, who were on routine patrol in the area, responded immediately to the incident by cordoning off the crash scene and managing traffic to prevent congestion and secondary accidents.

According to the agency, although the accident temporarily disrupted traffic, its officers restored the free flow of vehicles within a short time.

It added that security operatives from the Afonka Police Post under the Shasha Divisional Police Headquarters provided security throughout the evacuation exercise.

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described “the incident as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences associated with excessive speed and reckless driving.”

“Every journey must be undertaken with prudence, patience and an unwavering commitment to established traffic regulations. No destination is worth the ultimate sacrifice of human life.

“Excessive speed remains one of the foremost causes of fatal road traffic crashes, and motorists must, at all times, exercise the highest degree of caution, restraint and responsibility while behind the wheel,” he said.

Bakare-Oki also urged motorists to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy before embarking on any journey.

He advised drivers to stop using any vehicle showing signs of mechanical defects until the faults had been professionally repaired.

The LASTMA boss extended the agency’s condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for the fortitude to bear the loss.

  

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How Police Officers Allegedly Pushed Motorist Off Maryland Bridge

Police officers attached to the Odo Iya Alaro Link Bridge in the Maryland area, off Ojota, Lagos, have been accused of pushing a motorist off a bridge during an altercation over allegedly driving on a Bus Rapid Transit lane.

According to a video shared by Objectv Media on Facebook, the incident reportedly occurred after the officers flagged down the vehicle for an alleged BRT lane violation.

The encounter was said to have escalated into a heated argument over the penalty before the alleged assault occurred.

In the video, some police officers could be seen arguing with no fewer than 10 young men on top of the bridge.

The footage also captured the alleged victim, who was said to have been pushed off the bridge, surrounded by people believed to be sympathisers.

 

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Speaking in the video in Pidgin English, the narrator could be heard saying, “All those BRT people who stay at the BRT lane in Maryland have pushed someone from the top of the bridge. This is how they hold motorists all the time and make them withdraw N50,000 or N80,000 as a fine.

“Look at them here. This is how they operate. They will stop vehicles on the BRT lane and impose fines of N80,000 or N100,000. Just because he refused to withdraw money for them, they pushed him off the bridge where everyone else was driving. Look at the person on the ground.

“This is how they stand at Odo Iya Alaro Bridge and harass people, claiming they drove on the BRT lane. They cause traffic and detain people. See what has happened now. While arguing with the man, they pushed him down from the top of the bridge.”

The identity of the alleged victim could not be identified at the time of filing this report nor could it be confirmed whether he was alive or dead.

BRT lane enforcement and monitoring in Lagos are managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority under the Ministry of Transportation.

In July last year, the Lagos State Government temporarily suspended enforcement of the BRT lane along the Eko Bridge and Odo Iya Alaro corridor to ease growing traffic congestion.

However, in October, the state government announced the resumption of BRT lane enforcement on the two bridges.

When contacted, the Head of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs at LAMATA, Mr Kolawole Ojelabi, referred the reporter to the Ministry of Transportation for comments.

However, calls made to the Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation, Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola, did not connect, while a text message sent to her requesting comments had not been responded to as of the time of filing this report.

Efforts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone were not answered and a text message sent to him had not been replied to as of the time of filing this report.

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Preserve Your School's Culture And Lead With Character, Queen’s College Outgoing Students Urged

The Proprietress of Femfield Nursery & Primary School, Isolo, Lagos, Mrs. Olubukola Adetoun Aribisala, has urged graduating students of Queen’s College, Yaba, to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage and remain guided by integrity and good character as they pursue their future ambitions.

Aribisala gave the charge while delivering the keynote address at the Cultural Programme of the Queen’s College 2025/2026 Valedictory and Graduation Ceremony, where she spoke on the theme, “Our Culture, Our Identity.”

Addressing the graduating students, she described identity as the invisible foundation upon which every successful life is built, stressing that it is shaped not by academic achievements or public recognition but by the values and character an individual upholds.

She challenged the graduates to reflect on how they would be remembered beyond their certificates and accomplishments.

According to her, Nigerian culture extends far beyond traditional attire, cuisine and dance, encompassing values such as respect, integrity, resilience, compassion, diligence and honesty.

 

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While acknowledging the opportunities presented by globalisation, she warned that many young people were becoming disconnected from their cultural roots in the pursuit of foreign influences.

“The danger is not learning from other cultures but forgetting your own because a tree without roots cannot survive the storm,” she said, urging the graduates to speak their indigenous languages with pride, honour their parents and teachers, and remain connected to the values that shaped them.

Aribisala reminded the students that, as graduates of Queen’s College, they carry the legacy and reputation of one of Nigeria’s foremost secondary schools, adding that society would expect them to demonstrate excellence, leadership, confidence and integrity wherever they find themselves.

She also cautioned them against yielding to social media pressure or compromising their values, noting that while technology and careers will continue to evolve, character remains one of humanity’s greatest competitive advantages.

Encouraging the graduates to pursue global opportunities without losing sight of their heritage, she urged them to become leaders who positively impact society through integrity, excellence and compassion.

“The world does not need copies but authentic individuals whose values distinguish them,” she said.

She concluded by reminding the graduating class that while certificates may age and technology may become obsolete, their character and identity would continue to define their legacy, urging them to preserve their culture and build a future that generations after them would be proud to inherit.

 

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FAAN Clarifies Lagos Airport Fire Incident

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that there was no fire outbreak at Terminal 2 of the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.

This is contrary to initial concerns that prompted an emergency response by the agency earlier today.

An initial post on the social media handle of FAAN, had alleged that there was a fire incident at the Lagos airport.

The post had said: “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) wishes to inform the public that a fire incident has occurred at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

“The FAAN Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Service (ARFFS) is currently responding to the incident and working diligently to contain the situation. There have been no reported casualties or loss of life,” the authority said.

But a later statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Henry Agbebire, debunked the earlier post by the agency.

 

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According to Agbebire, the smoke seen within the terminal was caused by the discharge of the facility’s FM-200 fire suppression system.

The statement emphasised that investigations were ongoing to determine what triggered the automatic activation.

FAAN said normal flight operations had resumed at the terminal following the incident.

The statement read in part: “Preliminary findings indicate that there was no fire at the terminal. The smoke observed within the affected area resulted from the discharge of the terminal’s FM-200 fire suppression system. The reason for the activation of the fire suppression system is currently being investigated.

“Normal operations have since resumed at the terminal, while detailed investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident.”

FAAN assured passengers, airlines and other airport users that safety remained its top priority, stressing that a comprehensive investigation had commenced to establish the exact cause of the incident.

The agency also explained that the temporary congestion experienced at the terminal’s entry screening points was a direct consequence of the precautionary evacuation carried out after the smoke was detected.

According to FAAN, all passengers were safely evacuated from the terminal before being allowed back into the facility after emergency responders declared the area safe.

It said the re-entry process required every passenger and their baggage to undergo fresh security screening, resulting in longer processing times and queues at the terminal.

However, FAAN confirmed that the backlog had been cleared, with passenger movement and access points returning to normal.

  

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Customs Intercepts Expired Vape Worth Over N800 Million In Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service’s Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command said it intercepted a 40-foot container, registration number TIIU4739360, loaded with expired disposable vapes during a thorough cargo examination, with a total duty-paid value of N809.6m

The Acting Customs Area Controller in charge of KLT Command, Bolaji Adigun, announced this during a press briefing at the command recently.

Adigun also highlighted the command’s revenue performance for June 2026, announcing that the KLT Area Command generated a total revenue of N19.4bn in June 2026, as against the total sum of N14.3bn generated in the corresponding period of June 2025.

“This reflects an increase of N5.041bn, representing a 35 per cent increase. In furtherance of this mandate, officers of the command, through diligent cargo examination, intercepted a 40-foot container with container number TIIU4739360 containing expired disposable vape with a total duty-paid value of N809.6m,” Adigun said.

 

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Adigun explained that physical examination of the container revealed 18 pallets of disposable vape products.

He added that each pallet contained 60 cartons, with some cartons containing 20 packs and others 40 packs, respectively.

“Each pack contained 10 pieces, bringing the total quantity to 484 cartons and 182,340 pieces. Further examination established that the products had different expiry dates of 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively, rendering them unfit for use and posing a potential risk to public health,” he added.

The CAC stressed it had commenced the process of handing over the seized items to the appropriate government agency for further regulatory action and proper disposal in line with established procedures and the command’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration.

He attributed the achievement to the dedication of officers and men of the command, improved stakeholder compliance, enhanced trade facilitation, and the deployment of intelligence-driven strategies.

Adigun stated that the command remains committed to its statutory responsibilities of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement activities, adding that the briefing was an opportunity to present the command’s performance and highlight significant achievements recorded in the Enforcement Unit.

He said the command remains dedicated to facilitating legitimate trade and boosting revenue generation while maintaining a strong enforcement stance to protect the nation’s economy and the welfare of Nigerians.

Adigun noted that the interception demonstrates the vigilance, professionalism, and commitment of the officers and men of the command in enforcing extant laws and preventing unsafe and non-compliant goods from entering the Nigerian market.

He urged importers, licensed customs agents, and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with all applicable import regulations.

The CAC also encouraged licensed customs agents and importers to take advantage of the NCS’s Authorised Economic Operator Programme and the Advance Ruling System, which are designed to promote trade facilitation, enhance compliance, provide greater predictability in customs processes, and improve the ease of doing business.

He also assured that the command will continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations, effective risk management, and stringent cargo examination procedures to detect and intercept expired, falsely declared, prohibited, and other non-compliant goods while contributing to national economic growth, public health, and security.

Adigun expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their visionary leadership and strategic guidance.

He also commended the officers and men of the command for their dedication, resilience, and commitment to duty, which have continued to translate into outstanding operational achievements.

The Acting CAC further appreciated stakeholders, including licensed customs agents, terminal operators, importers, and the compliant trading community, for their cooperation and adherence to extant laws and regulations.

He equally acknowledged the invaluable support of partner government agencies, whose collaboration strengthens collective efforts in protecting the nation’s economy, securing borders, and safeguarding public health.

Adigun reaffirmed the command’s commitment to consolidating achievements in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement activities while remaining steadfast in protecting the nation’s economy and improving the wellbeing of Nigerians.

  

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Ajao Estate Residents Reject Waste Collection Fee Hike, Cite Poor Service

Residents of the Ajao Estate area of Lagos have rejected an increase in monthly waste collection charges, accusing their waste management service provider of imposing the hike despite months of poor and irregular refuse collection.

The residents said they were shocked to find notices announcing the new charges pasted on their doors, describing the increase as unjustifiable given what they claimed had been four to five months of inconsistent service.

Speaking on behalf of the residents on Thursday, the chairman of the state, Olu Isijola, said the company had repeatedly failed to evacuate refuse, sometimes leaving waste uncollected for one to two weeks.

He said residents had continued paying the existing fee despite the irregular service and questioned the rationale behind the increase.

 

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He said, “We just saw an unexpected notice placed on our doors, announcing an increment in the monthly refuse collection fee.

“In fact, this company has been neglecting us for over four or five months. Sometimes they won’t come for a whole week or even two weeks. When they eventually come, they give excuses that they have problems somewhere.

“Now, what we are having is an increment, so we consider it unjustifiable. They were not collecting our refuse regularly, yet we still paid them. Now, we are saying no.”

The estate chairman also decried the poor condition of roads within the community, lamenting that residents were being asked to pay more despite the absence of basic service improvements.

 “Apart from the fact that the road is completely messed up, this street is in a very bad condition. We are now talking about refuse again. We are in a dilemma.

“A place so close to the airport should be an ideal place where refuse is collected at the right time, and the roads are in good condition. We are not happy.

“We demand that they should keep the fee at what we have been paying. You increase payment when you improve service. When there is no improvement in the service, you don’t just impose an increase.

“If they have their own challenges, they should not transfer those problems to us. We are really suffering here because the refuse is not being collected,” he said.

The residents also criticised the company for introducing the increase without prior consultation or adequate notice.

“As good business practice, they should have given us notice and engaged us before reviewing the charges. Not just compel us to pay. If there was competition, they wouldn’t do that,” the chairman added.

He urged the waste management company to suspend the increase, improve refuse collection across the estate and engage residents before implementing it.

However, the notice shows that the service provider acknowledged the disruption in waste collection and attributed it to challenges with waste disposal infrastructure in Lagos.

In the notice titled “Marginal Tariff Review,” the company apologised to customers for the inconsistent service experienced in recent weeks.

“We sincerely apologise for the challenge in our service gap in the last several weeks; that service was inconsistent. This is due to the infrastructural challenge of the disposal site in Lagos,” the notice read.

The company said it had been left with no option but to introduce a “marginal” 33 per cent increase in its tariff, representing an additional N2,000 for flat occupants.

According to the notice, the last tariff review was carried out in March 2024 when diesel sold for about N800 per litre, compared to the current price of between N1,700 and N2,000 per litre.

It also explained that the closure of nearby disposal sites had forced its trucks to travel to Ikorodu, about 53 kilometres from Ajao Estate, or Badagry, nearly 100 kilometres away, thereby increasing operational costs, including vehicle maintenance, staff wages and other logistics.

“We seek your understanding this time to embrace this marginal increase to survive and continue to offer services seamlessly,” the notice stated.

The company added that pending the completion of repairs to government disposal facilities, waste would be evacuated once every two weeks and advised residents of multi-flat buildings to acquire additional waste bins and ensure refuse was properly bagged for collection.

Under the revised tariff, occupants of flats are to pay N8,000 monthly, wing duplexes N9,000, standard duplexes N10,000 and mini flats N5,500.

Despite the explanation, residents insisted that the increase was ill-timed and unfair.

Another resident, who identified himself simply as Clinton, also faulted the increase.

He wrote, “I just noticed that LAWMA has pasted a notice of waste disposal increase from N6,000 per flat per month to N8,000.

“It is worrisome that after abandoning waste disposal since March and only being able to dispose of the waste last week, the next thing is an increment. Isn’t this insensitive enough for us to say no?

“We kept paying while they weren’t doing their jobs. No apologies, no explanations, and certainly no form of compensation. All they could do was increase the charges.”

  

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