LAMATA Warns Commuters In Lagos To Desist From Paying Cash On Regulated Bus Services, Saying Offenders Will Be Prosecuted And Punished

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced that, effective August 1, 2026, enforcement against cash fare collection on regulated bus services will be extended to commuters who pay cash for their journeys.

The agency stated that while bus drivers and ground staff found collecting cash have previously been arrested, prosecuted, and in some cases jailed, commuters who knowingly pay cash will now also face arrest and prosecution.

It stated that Cowry Card can be purchased at designated bus stops and the Blue & Red Line train stations.

LAMATA emphasised that cash collection within the regulated bus system constitutes an economic crime against the State, as it undermines the integrity of the fare collection system, deprives operators of legitimate revenue, and weakens the sustainability of public transport services.

 

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The agency explained that all regulated bus operating companies under its supervision have consistently raised concerns over the adverse effects of cash collection on their operations.

“Revenue losses have made it increasingly difficult for operators to procure spare parts, maintain buses, restore unserviceable vehicles to operation, and meet critical obligations, including the payment of staff salaries,” it said.

The agency reiterated its commitment to improving public transport services across Lagos by ensuring that more buses are returned to service and that commuters enjoy safe, reliable, and efficient transportation.

It, however, stated that such an objective can only be achieved when fare revenues are fully protected, enabling operators to recover operating costs and maintain serviceable fleets.

LAMATA therefore urged all commuters to comply with the cashless fare payment policy by paying only through approved electronic payment channels. Passengers are also encouraged to report any driver or staff member who demands cash payments.

  

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The Presence Of Lagos CP At City Boy Movement's Inauguration In Lagos Was For Security, Not For Political Endorsement - Bashir Ahmad

The City Boy Movement has addressed the attendance of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, at their Lagos chapter inauguration.

Following criticism on social media, National Director, Media Monitoring & Rapid Response of the City Boy Movement, Bashir Ahmad, issued a press statement on Wednesday to explain why CP Fatai attended the event.

Ahmad defended the commissioner’s attendance at their Lagos chapter inauguration, arguing it was for standard security duties rather than political endorsement.

 

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“The attention of the City Boy Movement has been drawn to comments, reports and public commentary seeking to attach political significance to the attendance of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, at the inauguration of the City Boy Movement’s Lagos State Chapter,” he wrote in a post on his official X account.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the mere presence of the Commissioner of Police at a public event should not, without more, be interpreted as political endorsement, partisan participation or institutional alignment with the organisers of that event.”

Ahmad stressed that public officers, particularly those charged with maintaining law and order, regularly attend or deploy personnel to public gatherings in the discharge of their official responsibilities.

According to him, such responsibilities extend to political, civic, religious, professional, educational and community events where security considerations require their presence or supervision.

He pointed out that their attendance at such events, standing alone, does not constitute support for, affiliation with or endorsement of any organisation or cause.

“The constitutional and statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force include the preservation of public peace, the protection of lives and property, the prevention and detection of crime, and the maintenance of law and order during lawful public assemblies,” Ahmad stated.

“These responsibilities are owed equally to all persons and organisations without discrimination and should not be misconstrued as evidence of institutional bias or political preference.

“Accordingly, it is neither fair nor accurate to infer, solely from the Commissioner’s attendance, that the Nigeria Police Force has taken a partisan position or abandoned its obligation of professional neutrality. Public institutions should be assessed on the basis of objective facts rather than conjecture or speculation.”

Ahmad said the City Boy Movement respects the constitutional role and institutional independence of all security agencies, therefore, they neither seek nor expect preferential treatment from any agency of government.

Like every law-abiding organisation, he said he expects only that the lawful activities of the movement will continue to enjoy the protection guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other applicable laws.

“We equally acknowledge and appreciate the professional security arrangements that ensured the peaceful, orderly and incident-free conduct of the inauguration. Professional policing contributes significantly to public confidence in democratic institutions and facilitates the exercise of citizens’ constitutional freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly,” Ahmad said.

“We therefore urge members of the public, stakeholders and commentators to exercise restraint, promote factual discourse and refrain from attributing partisan motives where no credible evidence exists. Responsible public commentary strengthens democratic institutions, whereas speculation and misinformation unnecessarily undermine public confidence in institutions established to serve all Nigerians.

“The City Boy Movement remains steadfast in its commitment to peaceful democratic engagement, responsible political participation, respect for the rule of law, and constructive nation-building in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The statement addresses backlash from viral videos and opposition criticism by stressing police neutrality obligations and urging factual discourse over speculation about institutional bias.

City Boy Movement is a youth-led pro-Tinubu group founded by the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, focused on grassroots mobilization, youth empowerment, and support for the Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.

  

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Why We Are Introducing Specialized Vehicle Number Plates For Persons With Disabilities In Lagos - Government

The Lagos state government has clarified why it is introducing specialized vehicle number plates for persons with disabilities in the state, saying the system will improve identification, accessibility and support for members of the disability community. The State Government announced that it has commenced plans to introduce specialized vehicle number plates for Persons with Disabilities as part of efforts to enhance inclusion in the state.

The proposal formed the focus of discussions during a courtesy visit by the management of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs to the Lagos State Motor Vehicle Administration Agency, where both agencies explored collaboration on the development and implementation of the disability-friendly vehicle identification system.

 

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Speaking during the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the MVAA, Abdulrasheed Muri-Okunola, described the initiative as a major step towards achieving Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of building “A Greater Lagos That Leaves No One Behind.”

“The specialised number plates will improve recognition, accessibility and ease of movement for persons with disabilities throughout the state, The initiative also aligns with the principles of inclusive governance,” Muri-Okunola said.

He disclosed that the agency had already commenced discussions with the Federal Road Safety Corps on the proposed number plates and would begin the necessary administrative processes while working closely with LASODA to ensure successful implementation.

Earlier, the General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, said the visit was aimed at initiating strategic discussions on introducing specialised number plates tailored to the needs of persons with disabilities in Lagos State.

“This initiative should cover all categories of persons with disabilities, as well as parents of children with disabilities and their caregivers.

“The system will improve identification, accessibility and support for members of the disability community,” Oyetunde-Lawal said.

She added that the proposed number plates would reinforce the government’s commitment to building a more inclusive society where persons with disabilities are recognised, respected and able to participate fully in all aspects of life.

“The proposed number plates underscore the government’s commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

“We call on all stakeholders to embrace inclusion as a shared responsibility and support policies that advance the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities,” she said.

Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the initiative, which aligns with the provisions of the Lagos State Special People’s Law that established LASODA to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, eliminate discrimination and promote equal opportunities across all sectors.

The meeting was attended by directors and senior management staff of LASODA and the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency.

  

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Groom Sues For Divorce Two Days After Wedding As Bride And Mother-Inlaw Exchange Slaps At Reception Over Food

A viral video recounting how an alleged altercation between a bride and her mother-in-law over food reportedly led to the collapse of a marriage has ignited heated reactions online, with many Nigerians divided over who was at fault.

The video, which gained traction on Friday, originated from a July 20 broadcast by Independent Television and Radio, Edo State.

According to the broadcaster, the incident occurred during a wedding reception after food had run out. A couple from the groom’s family reportedly arrived late, leaving only the portion of food the bride had reserved for her parents.

 

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The report alleged that the groom’s mother quietly asked the bride if she could give some of the remaining food to the visitors, who had travelled from a long distance. However, the bride reportedly declined.

It further claimed that when the mother-in-law attempted to serve the food herself, the bride collected it and poured it back into the cooler, prompting the older woman to slap her. The bride allegedly retaliated by slapping her mother-in-law.

According to the broadcast, the groom remained calm until the wedding reception ended but reportedly sought to dissolve the marriage two days later.

However, a lawyer, Franka Osie, clarified in the same broadcast that Nigerian law does not permit a statutory divorce after only two days of marriage.

Also speaking on the matter, another legal practitioner confirmed that under Nigeria’s Matrimonial Causes Act, “couples in a statutory marriage generally cannot file for divorce until they have been married for at least two years. However, a court may allow an earlier divorce in exceptional cases involving hardship or depravity. In some situations, an annulment may also be an option.”

The report has since triggered widespread debate on X, with users offering differing perspectives on the actions of the bride, the mother-in-law and the groom.

Reacting, #IdorenyinEtuk5 argued that neither woman handled the situation appropriately, while also faulting the groom.

“In my opinion, neither the mother-in-law nor the bride were right in their actions or reactions. The man himself had not shown that he has boundaries. If he did, neither woman would dare act in such manner.”

For #Georgec7ye, the issue highlighted a common problem at Nigerian weddings.

“This food sharing thing is a big issue. In some families, they even drag who should pick money from the floor. Couples need to make proper arrangements for both families so as to avoid being in such a situation.”

#omotoyosiwrites questioned whether the alleged incident alone could have ended the marriage.

“What could have led to the end of the marriage between two days? Maybe both parties are too aggressive and lack the maturity needed to resolve these issues.”

Some users defended the bride, insisting she reacted after being assaulted.

#MTamatey wrote:

“No one is condemning the mother-in-law for slapping her son’s wife first? The bride shouldn’t have defended herself? She was going to join an abusive family. I am glad it ended there.”

Similarly, #K3HDARX said:

“Two wrongs don’t make a right, but why did the mother-in-law slap the bride in the first place?”

Others, however, blamed the bride’s conduct.

#Spiritualsman wrote: “Home training is something this generation is lacking. No matter what, how will you struggle for food with your husband’s mother to the extent of slapping her?”

Suggesting the altercation may have exposed deeper issues, #CEDOkugbo said, “There are most likely underlying issues. I think the man must have ignored red flags… This is why it is essential to have a period of courtship.”

Also weighing in, #macbendaniels noted that disputes involving in-laws are common at weddings, “Wedding planning should include how to manage in-laws in the areas of food, drinks and souvenirs… Even after years of being married, the story doesn’t just end.”

Echoing the need for a longer courtship, #NeYo_2022 wrote:

“This is why it’s good to spend time getting to know someone before getting married… Taking time to know each other can help both partners make a more informed decision before marriage.”

The story continues to fuel conversations online, with many debating family boundaries, wedding etiquette, anger management and whether the alleged incident alone could justify the breakdown of a marriage.

  

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A Decade Of Service And Visionary Leadership: Celebrating Ten Glorious Years Of Oba Kasali’s Legacy In Igbogbo Kingdom

The story of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Emugoriade I, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, did not begin in a palace. It began in Okobaba in Ebute Metta, Lagos, where he was born on October 28, 1968, to the family of late Paa Idowu Kasali and late Alhaja Sidiqat Kasali (née Odusanya).

Like many children growing up in Lagos at the time, his days revolved around school, family and the pursuit of education. Becoming a traditional ruler was not part of the picture.

Nearly six decades later, the same man now occupies one of the oldest traditional stools in Ikorodu Division, and as Igbogbo Kingdom celebrates the 10th anniversary of his ascension, the occasion has become more than a royal milestone. It is also a moment to reflect on the path that brought a lawyer and public servant to the throne, the changes witnessed in the community over the past decade and the direction he hopes the kingdom will take in the years ahead.

 

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The week-long anniversary celebration that held between July 19 and July 26, 2026, has been designed to reflect those priorities. The anniversary is not only limited to ceremonies and festivities, the palace lined up activities centred on education, healthcare, community service, youth engagement, culture and religion.
The celebration itself, however, did not begin in July.

On April 7, the palace organised a free Computer-Based Test (CBT) training for 500 Senior Secondary School students drawn from six public schools across Igbogbo. The programme, held at HOMAT CBT Centre, formed the first major activity marking the anniversary.

Students from Zumratul Islamiyah Grammar School, Community Secondary School, Bayeku, Lagos State Model College, Agunfoye, Reri Secondary School, Oreta, Oreyo Grammar School and Civil Service Model College received practical CBT training, examination strategies and career guidance aimed at improving their preparedness for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

Addressing the students, Oba Kasali urged them to make full use of the opportunity before them.

He reminded them that examinations had become increasingly technology-driven and that mistakes during computer-based examinations could have lasting consequences.

“I want to appeal to every one of you that you have this rare opportunity that is put in place to make sure you excel. Make sure you make use of it,” he told the students.

The programme featured education administrators, political office holders and community leaders.

Among them was the Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary, Education District II, Mr Omotayo Sanni, who said the initiative aligned with Lagos State’s emphasis on youth development through education.

The Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area, Hon. Omo’ba Olalekan Hamed Aroyewun, also encouraged the students not to fear failure but to remain determined.

Following the CBT training, the palace unveiled the official commemorative Aso-Ebi for the anniversary in April before formally presenting the week-long programme during a press briefing held at the Adeboruwa Palace on June 27.

Representing the monarch at the briefing, Oloye Jelili Oduntan, the Balogun of Igbogbo, offered the opening prayer before community leaders outlined the significance of the celebration.

In his opening remarks, Chief Tajudeen Onasanya, the Odofin of Igbogbo, took guests through the journey that eventually brought Oba Kasali to the throne.

Long before becoming the Adeboruwa in 2016, he recalled, the monarch had already rendered important service to the community.

According to him, Oba Kasali successfully handled a legal matter on behalf of Igbogbo in 2005, years before anyone imagined he would one day become the community’s traditional ruler.

Looking back, Chief Onasanya described that episode as one of the moments that demonstrated the future monarch’s commitment to Igbogbo long before he occupied the throne.

The briefing also brought together prominent sons and daughters of the community, including the Vice Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Hon. Ade Ayeni, who represented the council chairman, Hon. Omo’ba Olalekan Hamed Aroyewun; Chairman of the 10th Coronation Anniversary Planning Committee and former Lagos State Head of Service, Prince Adesegun Olushola Ogunlewe; Vice Chairman of the committee, Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola; Mr Babatunde Afuwape; and the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education, Prince Waheed Kasali, among others.

Addressing journalists, Prince Ogunlewe described the anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate not only the monarch but also the history of the Adeboruwa stool.

Tracing the lineage of the throne, he noted that the institution predates the 20th century and has been occupied by successive traditional rulers, including Oba Kashimawo, Oba Oso Ojuba, Oba Banjoko, Oba Bamosu, Oba Molaja Ogunlewe, Oba Omodeinwajaye Odugbose, Oba Fatola Johnson and now Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the eighth Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom.

According to him, each reign has contributed to preserving the customs, identity and heritage of the ancient community, while the current monarch’s decade on the throne has coincided with renewed attention to infrastructure, education and community development. He pointed to the completion of a new royal palace as one of the visible landmarks of the reign.

He also highlighted the establishment of a Nigeria Immigration Service office in Igbogbo, a development that has brought passport and immigration services closer to residents while expanding the presence of federal institutions within the community.

The committee chairman further listed improvements in healthcare, including the upgrade of the Primary Health Centre at Igbe-Laara and the establishment of another Primary Health Centre supported through the Sustainable Development Goals initiative.

He also acknowledged the road projects undertaken through state and federal government interventions, describing them as part of the improvements recorded within the kingdom during the past decade.

While the anniversary committee highlighted the projects completed during the past decade, Oba Kasali himself is reluctant to claim personal credit for the changes recorded in Igbogbo.

Throughout his conversation with The media, he repeatedly returned to one point: that whatever progress the community has witnessed has come through collaboration among government, traditional institutions and residents.

“With all sense of humility, I want to give all the glory to God Almighty,” he said. “I cannot lay claim to everything that is happening in Igbogbo. It is a manifestation of God-answered prayers at this particular period in the history of the town.”

He said the relationship between the palace and different groups within the community has made it easier to pursue common goals.

Among those he acknowledged were members of the Adeboruwa-in-Council, the Igbogbo Development Association (IDEA), political leaders, youth groups and residents who have continued to work together on issues affecting the community.

According to him, that cooperation has contributed to improvements in education, healthcare and road infrastructure across Igbogbo.
He also acknowledged the support of elected representatives whose interventions have brought projects to the community.

Among them are Senator Tokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District; Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; and Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun, representing Ikorodu Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

He also recognised the contributions of former Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area, Bldr. Olusesan Mayokun Daini, and the current Chairman, Hon. Omo’ba Olalekan Hamed Aroyewun, for projects carried out during their administrations.

During the briefing announcing the anniversary activities, Prince Adesegun Olushola Ogunlewe, similarly acknowledged the roles played by the elected representatives and council chairmen in bringing infrastructure and social amenities to the community.

He also recognised the support of political leaders, including Chief Olorunfunmi Basorun and Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, as well as the Igbogbo Development Association, religious organisations and community groups that have continued to work with the palace.

According to Oba Kasali, one of the most visible achievements of the last decade is the completion of a new royal palace.

Sitting at the heart of Igbogbo, the palace has become one of the landmarks of the community.

He said the project was initiated during the administration of former LCDA Chairman, Bldr. Olusesan Mayokun Daini, while the present administration under Hon. Omo’ba Olalekan Hamed Aroyewun has continued work on improving facilities around the palace and supporting community development.

Road construction has equally changed parts of the community. When asked what concerned him most after ascending the throne in 2016, Oba Kasali did not hesitate.

“The major concern then was the road,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to government at different levels for responding to that need through road projects that have improved access within the community.

Although physical infrastructure forms part of the story of the last ten years, the monarch said development should not be measured by roads and buildings alone.

He believes investment in people is equally important. That thinking informed the decision to make education one of the first activities marking the anniversary.

According Oba Kasali, the CBT programme is only one part of a broader plan.
He disclosed that the palace is establishing a foundation that will continue supporting education while extending assistance to market women, artisans and persons living with disabilities.

He explained that the foundation is intended to complement efforts already being made by government, private organisations and individuals.

“As part of the commemorative activities for this 10th anniversary, we are planning something as a give-back,” he said.

As Oba Kasali reflected on the past 10 years, one theme ran through much of the conversation. Whenever the discussion turned to development, he was quick to mention the people and institutions he believes have helped move Igbogbo forward.

Among those he singled out was Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya (SAN), the Odofin of Ikorodu, whose contributions, he said, extend beyond Igbogbo to the wider Ikorodu Division.

Speaking on security, healthcare and education, the monarch described Chief Ogunsanya as someone whose interventions have made a difference across communities in the division.

“At this point, I must mention the effort of an individual who has taken it upon himself to see the development of the entire division,” Oba Kasali said. “His effort is second to none in terms of security, education and healthcare.”

He also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers within Ikorodu Division, saying the relationship among the royal fathers has strengthened efforts to address issues affecting their communities.

Among those he mentioned were His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu; His Royal Majesty, Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Bakare-Agoro, Olufoworesete I, the Ranodu of Imota; His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adeoriyomi Oluwasesan Abdul-Akeem Oyebo (Ademoyebo III), the Obateru of Egbin Kingdom; and His Royal Majesty, Oba Bashir Aremu Sotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, among other monarchs within the division.

He said interaction among traditional rulers has provided opportunities to exchange ideas and jointly address matters affecting their respective communities.

Beyond the division, he recalled paying courtesy visits to senior monarchs shortly after ascending the throne.

One of the visits that remains memorable to him was his meeting with the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

According to him, the Awujale shared words of advice that have remained with him throughout his reign.

He also spoke of his interactions with the late Alaafin of Oyo and other experienced traditional rulers in Lagos State, describing those encounters as opportunities to learn from monarchs who had spent decades on their respective thrones.

For Oba Kasali, leadership is not something that ends with occupying a royal stool.
He said every opportunity to meet older monarchs became another lesson in how to manage people, preserve tradition and uphold the dignity of the institution.

Those lessons, he said, reinforced his belief that traditional rulers must earn the respect accorded to their offices.

He argued that the conduct of monarchs plays an important role in determining how traditional institutions are perceived.

“I always recommend two things: contentment and comportment,” he said. “I believe that if you comport yourself as a royal father, you will get due regard for that position. When you are contented with whatever you have, you will not get yourself involved in something that will tarnish the image of that stool.”

That philosophy, he said, has guided his approach throughout the past decade.

Alongside the efforts of government and elected representatives, the monarch said community development has also depended on cooperation between the palace, community associations and residents.

The monarch also pointed to the construction of the Igbogbo Stadium by the Lagos State Government, describing it as another project that has added to the community’s infrastructure and created opportunities for sports and youth activities.

For the monarch, however, these projects represent only part of the work that remains.

Looking ahead, he said he hopes to see greater development in Igbogbo’s coastal communities, including improvements in waterways that can support transportation and economic activities.

He believes those communities hold significant potential for the future growth of the kingdom, provided investment continues in infrastructure and public services.

Culled from The Guardian 

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Lagos Monarch Woos Indian Business Community

The Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal, has urged members of the Indian business community to partner with the Iru Kingdom to promote investment, enterprise

and economic development.

A statement from the palace on Friday disclosed that the monarch made the appeal while hosting a delegation of the Indian business community under the

auspices of the NRI Social and Cultural Association Nigeria Business Forum at his palace in Lagos.

 

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As part of efforts to deepen collaboration, the traditional ruler announced the establishment of the Iru Business Network, urging members of the business

community to explore opportunities to expand their businesses, establish new ventures, share expertise and develop partnerships with the Iru Kingdom.

  

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Cleanliness Should Be A Daily Affair, Not Just For Last Saturday Of The Month - Lagos First Lady Tells Residents

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Saturday urged all residents not to wait till the last Saturday of the month to embark on the cleaning of their  environment but make it an everyday affair.

The First Lady spoke at Eputu ‘London’ in Ibeju- Lekki Local Government when she monitored the July edition of the sanitation exercise alongside the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat and Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab and selected Permanent Secretaries and top officials of the State.

Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to the residents of Eputu ‘London’ who came out in their large numbers to participate in the exercise,saying: “We are very, very proud of our people. We noticed today that in Ebutu London, both the children and the parents came out very early to clean their environment”

“In spite of the fact that we are noticing that we have all the floods and things happening in Lagos State, we are making a conscious effort to create awareness among our people to ensure that they remove all the debris as much as possible”, she stated.

 

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While describing the participation of people as a work in progress, the First Lady said that explains why school pupils are being involved so that the message of cleaniness can be imbibed at a younger age.

She added that this would ensure that whatever is handed down over to them, they will continue with it as they grow into adulthood.

Sanwo-Olu gave a commitment that from the August edition, students of tertiary institutions will also form a part of the monitoring of the monthly sanitation exercise.

Also speaking, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab informed that work is at an advanced stage at Olusosun and Simpson with respect to the Transfer Loading Station that are being constructed there.

“The ultimate goal is, once they are completed, there’ll be a material recovery facility at Ikorodu and Badagry to cart away the waste. And we believe we are going to get there

And I believe LAWMA and the PSP operators are also putting in a lot of effort. We just have to keep doing the advocacy and appealing to our people to manage the waste properly. People should take ownership rather than just pick up their waste and dump their waste on the median and all”, Wahab explained.

He affirmed that the State is gaining traction in the battle again filth and indiscriminate waste dumping but that some habits that are built over time also take a while to change, adding that consistency, advocacy and proper messaging will take us there.

He appealed to residents not to dump waste indiscriminately to people but rather call the attention of LAWMA through its Toll Free lines if a particular PSP operator is not coming to pick waste so that LAWMA can intervene in the interim.

Meanwhile, in Badagry Local Government, where the Special Adviser on the Environment Engr Kunle Rotimi-Akodu led other officials including Permanent Secretaries to monitor, he reiterated the unwavering commitment of the State to sustaining a cleaner, healthier and more resilient environment.

Akodu commended the people of Badagry for embracing environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility, noting that the level of compliance recorded during the exercise was encouraging.

According to him, the Lagos State Government is driving a behavioural change campaign aimed at transforming waste management practices across the State through sustained public enlightenment and community engagement.

“The culture we seek to build is one where every resident takes responsibility for the environment; Poor waste disposal habits contribute significantly to environmental degradation and flooding; We must all embrace proper waste management practices to safeguard our communities,” he said.

Responding to concerns raised by the council over the shortage of Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators servicing parts of Badagry, the Special Adviser assured residents that the Ministry would immediately review the complaint and work with the relevant regulatory authorities to address any identified service gaps.

Earlier, the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his unwavering support for environmental sustainability and thanked the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources for bringing the monitoring exercise to the area.

The Chairman disclosed that the council has continued to complement the operations of PSP operators through its intervention teams and waste evacuation trucks while carrying out sustained environmental advocacy across markets, communities, Community Development Associations (CDAs) and other grassroots platforms.

The APC Gubernatorial Candidate, Princess Damilola Sonayan-James who also participated during the clean-up urged all residents to sustain the momentum by continually cleaning up their environment and patronise assigned PSP operators.

She further said residents should avoid indiscriminate waste disposal and ensure drains, roadsides and public spaces remain free of refuse, stressing that environmental sustainability can only be achieved through collective responsibility and consistent compliance with environmental laws.

The monitoring exercise, which covered Ajara Market and adjoining communities, witnessed impressive participation from residents, traders, Community Development Committees (CDCs), youth organisations, students and other stakeholders, reflecting a growing commitment to environmental stewardship across the council area.

Also present at the clean-up were the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Gaji Omobolaji, Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services, Engr Mahamood Adegbite, some Heads of Agencies as well as Directors in the Ministry.

  

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Alleged Corruption And Bribery In LASODA: Lagos JONAPWD Calls For Review Of Disbursement Channels Of Disability Funds In The State

The Lagos chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) has waded into the alleged corruption and bribery accusation levelled against the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), calling for a review of disability funds disbursement channels in the state in order to ensure transparency and accountability. This was contained in a press statement issued by the body on Thursday and signed by its chairman, Barrister Lukeman Abolarinwa Salami, a copy of which was made available to Lagos Today Extra!

The statement read in part, “The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Lagos State Chapter, as the recognised umbrella body of disability clusters across Lagos State, has followed with grave concern recent media reports on allegations of corruption and abuse of office within the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), and now calls on the Lagos State Government to bring transparency, accountability, and a fundamental change of approach to how public funds meant for persons with disabilities are disbursed in this state.”

 

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JONAPWD said its concerns was not borne out of speculation but based on investigative reporting by The PUNCH, which documented allegations that officials involved in administering LASODA's Disability Intervention Fund demanded kickbacks from beneficiary organisations before releasing grants, and that some organisations which refused to pay, have allegedly been blacklisted from further grants. It added That the same reporting captured the frustration of NGO operators working directly with children with disabilities, who described corruption as a central obstacle preventing support from reaching those who need it most.

“We note that LASODA has since responded publicly, denying the corruption allegations and stating that it has launched an internal fact-finding exercise following an anonymous tip, that a suspected officer has been identified, and that the matter has been referred to the appropriate authority for disciplinary consideration in line with Lagos State Public Service procedures.

“The agency, under its General Manager, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, has maintained that no disciplinary action has yet been concluded and that any outcome will be determined by the Civil Service Commission. JONAPWD acknowledges this response and states clearly that we await the outcome of this investigation, and we expect it to be conducted thoroughly, impartially, and with its findings made public, given that public funds and the welfare of a community of an estimated 3 million persons with disabilities in Lagos State are at stake,” the statement read.

It, however said JONAPWD's concerns go beyond the specific kickback allegations under investigation, stressing  that they extend to the entire architecture of how LASODA funds disability NGOs in the state, saying it is an architecture that has for long lacked the basic transparency that public funding demands.

JONAPWD noted that every year, several millions of naira are recorded as expended by LASODA in support of disability-focused NGOs, homes, and clusters; yet neither JONAPWD, nor the disability clusters it represents, nor the media, nor the Lagos State public has ever been given a clear, published account of exactly how much is disbursed, to which organisations, and on what basis.

“We are aware that some organisations, including some without proper official registration, have received support in excess of two million naira in a single cycle, while established disability clusters have received less than two million naira each, and JONAPWD itself, as the umbrella body coordinating these very clusters, received only one million five hundred thousand naira last year.

“LASODA has stated that annual institutional support is consistently extended to recognised umbrella associations while other organisations are considered based on programme priorities and assessment processes, but no such criteria, assessments, or figures have ever been made available to the community for independent scrutiny,” the statement read.

In stating its position on the matter, JONAPWD said LASODA has no business funding NGOs, stressing that Non-governmental organisations exist, by definition, to raise their own funding through legitimate proposals to donors, development partners, and philanthropic institutions. The body added that it is not the statutory responsibility of a government disability agency to serve as a grant-making body for NGOs, particularly where no transparent framework exists to govern who receives what, and why, which it said has now led to the corruption allegations facing the agency.

In addition, the body advised that the money currently being expended on NGO funding arrangement should instead be redirected to direct, sustained social protection interventions for persons with disabilities themselves.

“The millions currently being expended on this funding arrangement should instead be redirected to direct, sustained social protection interventions for persons with disabilities themselves, most notably a structured cash transfer programme targeted at verified persons with disabilities across all clusters in Lagos State,” it stated,  adding that Money spent reaching disabled Lagosians directly, through a transparent and auditable mechanism, would always do more for the community than money disbursed to organisations whose registration, activities, and impact cannot be confirmed.

JONAPWD also called on the Lagos State House of Assembly to demand a full, public disclosure of LASODA's NGO funding disbursements over the past five years, including the names of all recipient organisations, the amounts received, and the criteria applied, independent of and in addition to the ongoing internal investigation.

The body also called on the Lagos State Government to ensure that the current investigation into kickback allegations is not left solely to LASODA's internal processes, but is subjected to independent oversight, given that the agency under investigation cannot credibly be the sole judge of its own conduct.

“Lagos State is home to an estimated three million persons with disabilities. That is a population too large to be treated as an afterthought while public funds are disbursed behind closed doors and only scrutinised after journalists, not the agency itself, bring the matter to light,” it stated,  stressing that the Lagos State Chapter  of JONAPWD will continue to mobilise its members, its media partners, and its civic allies to press for a system in which disability funding in the state is transparent, needs-based, and free of the abuse that recent reporting has laid bare. It added that the body will be watching closely for the outcome of the investigation LASODA has announced.

“We remain committed to constructive engagement with the Lagos State Government and with LASODA on this matter, and we stand ready to work with any credible process aimed at correcting it,” the statement concluded.

  

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