Our Aim Is To Eliminate New HIV Infections Among Children - Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, CEO LSACA

The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) has intensified efforts to eliminate new HIV infections among children and improve maternal health outcomes through a sensitization programme for Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) on the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV and Universal Safety Precautions.

The training which held on Thursday at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), brought together Traditional Birth Attendants from across Lagos State to enhance their knowledge and capacity in HIV prevention, safe delivery practices, infection prevention and control, stigma reduction, and appropriate referral mechanisms for pregnant women living with HIV.

Declaring the programme open, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, highlighted the critical role Traditional Birth Attendants play in maternal and child healthcare, particularly at the grassroots level where they often serve as the first point of contact for pregnant women seeking care and guidance.

“You are not just birth attendants; you are trusted counsellors, community leaders, and protectors of life. The influence you have on the health decisions of women and families is significant, and we must continue to work together to ensure that every mother and child is protected from HIV,” she said.

 Animashaun explained that the sensitization programme was designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of HIV prevention, safe delivery practices, infection prevention and control measures, stigma reduction, and referral pathways that safeguard mothers, newborns, and healthcare providers.

“No woman should be denied care because she is HIV positive. HIV testing should form part of routine antenatal investigations, and where a pregnant woman tests positive, she should be promptly referred to appropriate healthcare facilities for comprehensive care and treatment,” she stated.

She further disclosed that participants were selected through a collaborative process involving the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board and community stakeholders to ensure broad representation and effective dissemination of knowledge across communities.

“We work closely with traditional structures at the grassroots level to identify participants, monitor knowledge transfer, and obtain feedback. This approach ensures that the impact of the programme extends beyond this training and reaches the communities that need it most,” she added.

Reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s commitment to ending HIV as a public health threat, Animashaun called for stronger collaboration between Traditional Birth Attendants and the formal healthcare system through timely referrals, adherence to universal safety precautions, and the dissemination of accurate health information.

“Through collaboration, early referrals, strict adherence to universal precautions, and accurate information sharing, we can significantly reduce new HIV infections among women and children while promoting safer delivery practices across our communities,” she said.

She however encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions, share experiences, ask questions, and apply the knowledge gained during the training to improve maternal and child health outcomes within their communities.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Adebambo Olushola, one of the facilitators, stressed the importance of professionalism, ethical conduct, and confidentiality in the discharge of duties by Traditional Birth Attendants. She urged participants to uphold clients’ privacy, particularly regarding HIV status, while encouraging pregnant women to access HIV testing, counselling, and treatment services.

One of the participants, Prince Mari Tajudeen, commended the Lagos State Government and LSACA for organizing the sensitization programme, describing it as timely, informative, and impactful.

“We have gained valuable knowledge that will improve the quality of care we provide to pregnant women and newborns. We are committed to applying these lessons in our daily practice to safeguard the health of mothers and children in our communities,” he said.

The sensitization programme forms part of LSACA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community-based HIV prevention interventions and ensure that every pregnant woman in Lagos has access to quality healthcare services that support the birth of healthy, HIV-free children.

  

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Our Protest Was Not Sponsored By Mudashiru Obasa - Aggrieved Lagos APC Aspirants

A coalition of aspirants in the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries has denounced what it described as a malicious and distracting attempt to link the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Mudashiru Obasa, to the peaceful protests staged last week over the party’s primaries.

In a strongly worded statement signed by prominent party figures and released to the press on Wednesday, June 10, the group insisted that the demonstration was a spontaneous expression of dissatisfaction by aspirants and their supporters across Lagos State.

The statement was signed by, among others, Seye Oladejo (Mushin), Kolawole Taiwo (Ajeromi-Ifelodun), Noheem Adams (Eti-Osa), Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi), Apata Samuel (Somolu), David Doherty (Amuwo-Odofin), Ganiyu Egunjobi (Agege) and Ganiyu Ayuba (Alimosho).

The aspirants stressed that the protest was driven by genuine grievances and not by any sponsorship.

“To suggest that thousands of committed APC members and supporters required sponsorship before voicing their frustrations is insulting to their intelligence and dismissive of their legitimate concerns,” the statement declared.

According to the group, the protesters raised issues of alleged manipulation, distortion of results, cheating, and disregard for party guidelines during the primaries. These concerns, they argued, are neither isolated nor imaginary but reflect the frustrations of party faithful who invested time, resources, and political capital in the democratic process.

The signatories accused unnamed individuals of attempting to scapegoat Speaker Obasa in order to trivialise the complaints and divert attention from the need for justice, reconciliation and unity within the APC.

“Rather than addressing the issues at the heart of the protest, some individuals have chosen the convenient path of scapegoating. Such futile attempts are clearly designed to shift public attention away from the need for fairness and party cohesion,” they noted.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the aspirants urged party leaders to focus on resolving the outstanding issues from the primaries. They emphasised that the APC’s strength lies in its ability to accommodate differing opinions, correct internal shortcomings, and emerge stronger through dialogue and fairness.

“The concerns of aggrieved aspirants and their supporters deserve attention, not diversion. Addressing these grievances sincerely and urgently will strengthen confidence in the party’s internal democratic processes and enable us to approach the forthcoming elections with a united and formidable front,” the statement concluded.

  

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I Have Been Remanded In Kirikiri Correctional Center - Blessing CEO

Social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has disclosed that she has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos following her arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Blessing CEO made the disclosure in a post on her Facebook page on Wednesday, shortly after appearing before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

According to her, she pleaded not guilty to charges filed against her after spending 26 days in EFCC custody.

“I have now been remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Center pending when I perfect my bail,” she wrote, adding that she remained in high spirits despite the development.

The influencer said some of the allegations against her stemmed from tenancy-related disputes involving sums of N36 million and N69 million, maintaining that she did not sell any houses through her office.

She also referenced another case involving donations allegedly made after claims that she was battling cancer, insisting she would provide details after the legal proceedings had been concluded.

Blessing CEO noted that this was the second time she would be remanded at the correctional facility, recalling that she was previously detained in 2022 over allegations relating to defamation and cyberbullying.

Despite her legal challenges, she expressed optimism that the situation would ultimately work in her favour, thanking supporters for standing by her and urging them to keep her in their prayers.

Meanwhile, the EFCC on Wednesday announced that it had again arraigned Blessing CEO before Justice Yelim Bogoro of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N13 million fraud.

According to the anti-graft agency, the defendant was arraigned on a fresh six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and retaining proceeds allegedly linked to fraudulent activities.

The EFCC said the charges followed petitions from individuals and groups, including the Nigeria Cancer Society.

The commission alleged that some members of the public made donations to Blessing CEO after social media posts in which she claimed to be battling Stage 4 breast cancer and sought financial assistance for treatment.

The agency further alleged that investigations later revealed that documents she presented in support of the claim were falsified.

Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the charges, while the court ordered her remand pending the perfection of her bail conditions. The case was subsequently adjourned for further proceedings.

  

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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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