The Library Lagos Where Books Blend With Nightlife For Unforgettable Experience

By Chidinma Enweani

When you hear the word “library,” your mind naturally races to images of absolute silence, strict librarians hushing visitors, dusty bookshelves, and hours spent studying textbooks. However, a spot flips that entire concept. 

Welcome to The Library Lagos, a premier dinner-and-show club where the only thing being studied is how to have an unforgettable night out.

The clever irony of the name forms part of the venue’s grand charm. Far from a place of quiet contemplation, this upscale lounge and nightclub merges the intellectual aesthetic of a private study with the high-octane energy of Lagos nightlife. 

Walking through the doors, guests are greeted by striking interior styling featuring floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, rich leather textures, and opulent gold accents that trick the eye into thinking you have stepped into a classy, classic reading room before the real magic begins.

The Library operates primarily as a high-end dinnertainment destination. Rather than just visiting a restaurant to eat and leave, patrons are treated to an immersive sensory journey. The venue pairs a refined, gourmet menu featuring global fusion dishes and literary-themed artisanal cocktails with world-class stage performances.

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As guests enjoy their meals, the atmosphere comes alive with curated entertainment. The schedule typically features talented singers, captivating dancers in stunning costumes, live drummers, and surprise acts. It creates an environment where fine dining seamlessly blends with theatrical showmanship, ensuring there is never a dull second.

As the evening progresses past midnight, the venue undergoes a dramatic transformation. What begins as a sophisticated dinner setting evolves into one of Lagos’s most exclusive club afterparties. From around 1:00 AM on Thursday to Sunday, the lights dim, the volume rises, and the space becomes a vibrant hotspot for trendsetters, corporate elites, and nightlife lovers. Top-tier DJs and popular artists take over the decks, pumping out Afrobeats sounds, pop, and rave mixes that keep the crowd moving until the early hours of the morning.

The Library Lagos has successfully carved out a niche for mature minds, corporate tastemakers, and socialites who want more than just a regular club experience. It offers a clever paradox: you enter thinking you are heading to a quiet archive, only to find yourself immersed in one of the wildest, most stylish luxury parties in Lagos. If you are looking to dress up, enjoy great food, and experience nightlife with an intelligent twist, this spot belongs firmly on your radar.

Culled from Guardian Life

  

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Arik Shareholders, Management Disagree Over Dismantling Of Aircraft At Lagos Airport

Shareholders of Arik Air Ltd have written to the airline’s Receiver Manager, Mr Oluseye Opasanya, demanding an explanation over the ongoing dismantling of one of the airline’s aircraft, a Boeing 737-700, at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.

The shareholders, through a letter signed by a major shareholder, Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide, dated August 17, 2026 said they had observed what appeared to be the ongoing dismantling of an aircraft belonging to the airline.

However, the Media Consultant to Arik Air in Receivership, Simon Tumba, had said that the aircraft in question was sold after all necessary processes had been followed.

Tumba said the aircraft was subjected to security in favour of Access Bank, adding that the bank had provided the relevant security documentation to Arik Air and subsequently to AMCON.

According to him, the documentation was verified as genuine, and neither Arik Air nor AMCON objected to Access Bank’s exercise of its security rights.

The shareholders’ letter demanded clarification on the identity, ownership and security status of the aircraft.

The shareholders also sought details of the authority and purpose for the dismantling, as well as whether the aircraft or any of its components was connected to the indebtedness allegedly owed by Arik Air to Access Bank.

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The shareholders recalled an earlier correspondence from the receiver manager dated October 22, 2024, concerning the alleged indebtedness to Access Bank and the bank’s purported security over Arik aircraft and engines.

They said the requested documentation was neither supplied with the receiver manager’s October 2024 letter nor, to their knowledge, subsequently produced in a satisfactory manner.

The shareholders further stated that they had informed the receiver manager that the matter was also under criminal investigation by a government law enforcement agency.

The development comes amid a long-running dispute over Arik Air’s financial obligations and the status of its aircraft and other assets following the appointment of a receiver-manager by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

The shareholders warned that the dismantling raised serious questions about the preservation of Arik Air’s assets and the manner in which the airline’s affairs were being handled under receivership.

The shareholders also drew attention to Opasanya’s status as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, saying his professional standing made adherence to the obligations attached to his office particularly important.

The shareholders maintained that their letter should not be interpreted as consent or acquiescence to any dealing involving Arik Air’s assets, adding that the letter was without prejudice to their pending proceedings before the Federal High Court, in which the receiver manager was a party, and to all their rights and remedies.

  

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Gospel Singer Asu Ekiye Announces End Of 28-Year Marriage, Says Wife Moved Out Of House Without Any Quarrel

Nigerian gospel singer Asu Ekiye has announced the end of his 28-year marriage to his wife, Kunemofa Asu.

The Bayelsa State-born singer, popularly known as the “Prince of the Niger Delta,” made the announcement in a Facebook post titled “Public Notice” on Thursday.

Ekiye described the marriage as a deeply personal journey marked by growth, experience and reflection.

According to the singer, the marriage officially ended a year ago, but he chose to make the development public only after taking time to process the transition.

He initially did not disclose the reason for the end of the marriage.

In the statement, Ekiye said: “I wish to announce, with a profound sense of sobriety and quiet resignation, that my marriage to KUNEMOFA ASU has come to an end, while looking ahead to the possibilities of a new season.”

 

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He added: “This marriage ended a year ago. I have deliberately chosen to make this announcement only now, after allowing time to bring the perspective, clarity and quiet acceptance that such a deeply personal transition deserves.”

The gospel singer’s announcement brings an end to nearly three decades of marriage, while he said he was looking ahead to a new chapter in his life.

Ekiye has been prominent in Nigeria’s gospel music scene and is known for his Niger Delta-inspired gospel music and performances.

However, in a new statement, released today, the Gospel singer said his wife Kunemofa Asu moved out of the house and began divorce proceedings without any quarrel between them.

Inundated with requests about what transpired, he said in a fresh statement posted on Facebook that he did not initiate proceedings for the dissolution of the marriage.

“The decision regarding the dissolution of my marriage was not one I initiated. My wife expressed her desire to end the marriage, packed out of my house and subsequently instituted divorce proceedings without any quarrels,” he said.

“For about a year thereafter, I made every reasonable effort, and appealed to her in every way I could, hoping that we could reconsider and preserve the marriage. Unfortunately, those efforts did not yield the desired outcome, as she remained firm in her decision.”

Ekiye said he had accepted the reality of the situation and decided to allow the divorce process continue.

“I wish to make this clarification simply to set the record straight. I bear no bitterness or ill will toward anyone. After many years of shared experiences, I choose to approach this new chapter with grace, dignity, maturity and respect for all concerned,” he added.

 

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Lagos Revives Cadet Table Tennis Tournament With Monthly Regular Competition

The Lagos State Table Tennis Association has announced the return of its monthly cadet tournament, with the competition set to begin on Saturday, August 23, at the Lagos Country Club in Ikeja.

The revival is aimed at discovering and nurturing young table tennis talents across the state by providing them with regular competition and opportunities to develop.

LSTTA Chairman, Tunji Lawal, said consistent competition was essential to the development of young players.

“Players need regular competition to develop and fulfil their potential,” Lawal said.

He added that the monthly tournament would help the cadets build confidence, improve their match temperament and gain valuable competitive experience from an early age.

Lawal cited Matthew Kuti, Muiz Adegoke and Sultan Agunbiade as examples of players who progressed through similar developmental structures before breaking into the national team.

 

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According to him, their progress underlines the importance of providing young players with a steady competitive platform rather than relying solely on occasional major championships.

The tournament will also provide coaches with an opportunity to assess players under pressure, while encouraging healthy rivalry, discipline and dedication among the cadets.

Beyond competing for medals and recognition, outstanding performers will receive closer attention from the association and could be considered for selection to Lagos State teams.

“As the programme grows and attracts greater sponsorship, we intend to strengthen the incentives available to outstanding players, including equipment and other forms of developmental support,” Lawal said.

He said the long-term objective was to create a sustainable pathway for the development of table tennis in Lagos and Nigeria.

“This tournament is not just about producing monthly winners. It is about discovering tomorrow’s champions,” Lawal said.

  

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Lagos Moves To Turn Transport Data Into Carbon Finance

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority and the Lagos State Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy are working on a framework to measure emissions from the state’s transport system, a move that could help Lagos quantify the climate benefits of its mass transit investments and access emerging carbon-financing opportunities.

The collaboration was discussed when a delegation from the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy, led by the Special Adviser to the Governor, Titilayo Oshodi, visited LAMATA’s headquarters.

The engagement, which held recently, centred on establishing a reliable system for measuring transport-related emissions as Lagos expands electric mobility, rail transportation and other lower-emission mass transit options.

The Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr Abimbola Akinajo, said credible emissions data would be essential to determining the environmental impact of the state’s transport investments and identifying further opportunities to cut carbon emissions.

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She said the authority’s growing portfolio of electric and low-emission public transport projects provided a platform for Lagos to pursue its climate objectives while improving mobility for millions of commuters.

Akinajo said the transport sector could generate more than mobility benefits if Lagos developed the systems required to measure and verify its environmental gains.

“Reliable data would be critical to measuring the environmental impact of transport investments, identifying further opportunities for emissions reduction and positioning Lagos to benefit from emerging global climate-financing mechanisms,” she said.

The meeting also featured a demonstration of the DecarbonIQ Intelligence Platform, a technology platform developed to measure, monitor and manage carbon emissions across transport networks.

The platform includes an emissions-reduction advisory function that can help transport authorities analyse their emissions and identify areas where carbon reductions could be achieved.

It is also designed to provide a unified source of emissions data that can be tracked, validated and verified.

A major focus of the demonstration was the platform’s connection with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which provides a framework for countries to cooperate in meeting climate targets, including through internationally transferable mitigation outcomes and carbon-market mechanisms.

Oshodi stressed the need for Lagos to establish a verified single source of carbon data, particularly as the state commits more resources to electric mobility, rail and other low-carbon transport infrastructure.

She identified transportation as a strategic sector in the state’s climate agenda, making reliable emissions data necessary for measuring the impact of ongoing investments.

The engagement therefore moves the conversation around Lagos’ transport decarbonisation beyond the deployment of electric buses, rail infrastructure and other cleaner mobility options to the question of how the resulting environmental benefits can be measured and potentially converted into access to green finance.

LAMATA said it was prepared to work with OCCE and other stakeholders on data-driven frameworks for sustainable transport and explore ways of combining technology, verified emissions data and infrastructure investment.

The authority said such collaboration could strengthen Lagos’ ability to demonstrate the climate benefits of its mass transit projects improve access to climate finance and accelerate the development of a cleaner and more resilient urban transport system.

  

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Lagos Police Arrest 10 Vandals Over Theft Of 1,800 Manholes On Coastal Highway

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects allegedly linked to the repeated vandalism and theft of public infrastructure on the newly constructed Lagos Coastal Road.

The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing and parade of suspects at the command headquarters, Ikeja.

He said the suspects were arrested on August 17, 2026, following intelligence gathered during investigations into the vandalism of the road infrastructure.

The CP added that vandalised iron materials were recovered from the suspects during the arrest.

He identified the suspects as Courage Ogbemudiah, 19; Michael Janes, 25; Muhammed Mustapha, 25; Muyideen Ola, 32; Emmanuel James, 18; Tadious Nanius, 28; Anthony Nucase, 23; Makinde Muize, 30; Bolaji Raji, 30; and Waliu Kabiru, 28.

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“Vandalised iron materials were recovered during the operation. Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are linked to the incessant vandalism of the Coastal Road infrastructure. The suspects have also made statements regarding their alleged involvement in the offence,” the police boss added.

He also noted that the command was working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible for the continued destruction and theft of public infrastructure are brought to justice.

Tijani said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects were connected to the incessant vandalism of the Coastal Road infrastructure and had made statements regarding their alleged involvement.

“The command is working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible for the continued destruction and theft of public infrastructure are brought to justice,” he said.

In a related development, the CP said a 28-year-old man, Chidiebere Ochiri, was arrested for allegedly vandalising and stealing government-installed CCTV camera cables, irons and other infrastructure on the Third Mainland Bridge.

He said, “During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the vandalisation and carted away cables connecting CCTV cameras, and some irons installed along the bridge and its environs. The suspect further stated that he had been involved in the activity for several months and usually sold the vandalised copper wires to scavengers and scrap dealers at about N12,000 per kilogramme. One quantity of copper wire was recovered as an exhibit.”

Tijani said the investigation was ongoing to arrest the suspect’s alleged accomplice.

Meanwhile, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, who represented the Minister of Works and Housing, Dave Umahi, disclosed the extent of the damage suffered by the coastal road project.

Dare said no fewer than 1,800 manhole covers had been stolen from the superhighway between January and August 2026.

He explained that the manhole covers formed part of the underground drainage system constructed along the road, adding that vandals break the concrete covers to remove the reinforcing irons inside them.

Dare added that the vandals had also removed about 1,000 metres of the clear-view fence installed on both sides of the road to separate the highway from surrounding communities.

He said, “If you go to Coastal Road, the drainage system we have there is an underground drainage system, but at the ground level of it, you have what we call manhole covers.

“We use manholes to cover the drainage. So what happened is that between January and now, we have 1,800 of these manholes that have been stolen- 1,800 of them- and what they do, what these vandals do, is to break the concrete cover and remove the reinforcement that is in it.

“You know that this manhole is just small; it’s less than one metre by one metre, and so when they remove the concrete, they break it and remove the iron that is inside. That is not all. We have this clear view fence.

 “If you go to Coastal Road, on both sides, it’s made of iron. Clear view fence on the right-hand side, clear view fence on the left-hand side to screen the community away from the Coastal Road. So we have a situation whereby these criminal elements, they go there, and they remove. And between January and now, 1,000 metres, which is one kilometre, of this clear view fence have been vandalised, have been taken away.”

Dare added that about 75 directional signs installed along the road had also been cut down and stolen.

The Federal Controller expressed concern over the continued vandalism, saying the destruction of the infrastructure was undermining the purpose of the newly constructed road.

He said the authorities were concerned about the scale of the vandalism and were working with the police to address the situation.

“We will not relent on our horse. We will not watch as these criminal elements, these few criminal elements, come and disturb what the federal government is doing. A lot of money is being pumped into that project.

 “We all know, in trillions, that’s the truth, not billions, in trillions, from here to Calabar. And so, some people are determined to come and vandalise some of this. It is impossible.

 “Again and again, I would want to thank the Lagos State Commissioner very, very highly for deploying men and women, vehicles, in addition to the few we also have there; they deployed their vehicles, they deployed the men of the Nigerian police there, to ensure that these criminal elements are brought to hook. Day and night, they are there on the road,” he added.

  

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Senator Adebule Disburses N200 Million Grant To 2,000 Lagos West Beneficiaries

The Senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, hosted the second edition of the Lagos West Women’s Assembly and Cash Empowerment Programme at the LTV Blue Roof Pavilion in Ikeja, where ₦200 million in direct business grants was disbursed to 2,000 constituents.

Held under the theme “From Voice to Action: Empowering Women for Impact,” the event gathered political leaders, community stakeholders, grassroots women entrepreneurs and market leaders to drive economic inclusion and human capital development across the senatorial district’s 28 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

Delivering her address, Senator Adebule emphasized that the event was designed to move beyond rhetoric and provide tangible economic relief to families and small business owners struggling within the current economic climate. 

 

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A major highlight of the cash empowerment was a ₦100 million direct contribution from Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI), representing Ogun West, who redeemed a pledge made during a previous empowerment drive in January 2026. Combined with matching funds, the ₦200 million package provided micro and mini seed grants to 2,000 selected traders, artisans and entrepreneurs.

“When each beneficiary receives this business cash support, our message is clear: we believe in you, we 

value

 your contributions and we are committed to supporting your dreams,” Adebule stated. “Let this support become seed capital for sustainable micro-businesses that will create jobs and improve family incomes.”

Reflecting on her tenure since assuming office in 2023, the former Lagos State Deputy Governor highlighted her legislative record and infrastructure footprint across Lagos West.

 “ Sponsored 12 bills and co-sponsored 6 others, totaling 18 legislative measures focused on child protection, legal reform, land administration, education, and anti-corruption, alongside motions tackling Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis. 

 “Construction of a 40-bed healthcare facility in Ojokoro LCDA (ready for commissioning) and an ongoing 15-bed health centre in the riverine Igbolobi community, Ojo LGA.

 “Completed primary school blocks in Mafoluku (Oshodi), Awodi-Ora (Ajeromi-Ifelodun), St. Michael (Ojo), and Oregun High School (Ikeja). Additionally, a Skills Acquisition Centre was commissioned in Odi-Olowo (Mushin), alongside the near-completion of an ultra-modern Youth Development Centre featuring CBT facilities, hostels and a micro-stadium in Ibereko, Badagry. 

“Installation of solar-powered streetlights across all 28 LGAs/LCDAs, step-down electricity transformers for seven communities, solar mega-boreholes in six high-density zones (including Markaz Agege, Festac Extension, and Abesan Estate) and a modern lock-up shop market at Amikanle in Agbado-Oke Odo LCDA.”

Several prominent political leaders and women advocates addressed the assembly, praising the lawmaker’s focus on poverty alleviation and grassroots support.

Chairman of Isolo LCDA, who is the DG of Adebule’s Campaign Organization, Adebayo Olasoju, stated that Senator Adebule is synonymous with empowerment, noting that her focus on supporting others may stem from her perspective as a woman. He highlighted that over a thousand individuals will benefit from the scheme and urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the resources provided.

Former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen, commended the senator for prioritizing women’s economic empowerment. She noted that when women are empowered, the broader economy thrives and praised Senator Adebule for creating these opportunities. She stated:

“As a sister and mother privileged to serve the public, Nigeria will be better when we move from voice to action, empowering women to make an impact. Today, what happens after we speak is what truly matters.”

Tallen advised women to support and accommodate others as they rise to leadership positions. She noted that Lagos continues to lead by example regarding female political participation in Nigeria, offering praise to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Furthermore, she urged the beneficiaries to convert the initial support into sustainable ventures:

“The cash provided can be transformed into big enterprises. To everyone receiving support today, do not simply consume it, invest it into business. A woman selling food is an entrepreneur, an investor and an employer. We must prepare women for tomorrow by encouraging our girls to study science and technology so we can raise daughters who lead.”

Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, APC Lagos State Chairman, focused his address on political accountability, grassroots mobilization and civic participation. 

  He expressed pride in Senator Adebule for fulfilling her promises to the electorate. He noted that her initiative contributes directly to poverty alleviation and aligns with the party’s development mandate.

 Grassroots Electoral Mobilization: Ojelabi highlighted the scale of the state’s political structure, pointing out that Lagos contains 176,846 polling units (noting the widespread reach across the wards) where party supporters need to remain active. He urged the beneficiaries to complement the Senator’s empowerment efforts by performing their civic duty as the election cycle approaches.

  He emphasized that political mandates are secured through the Permanent Voter Card (PVC). He urged constituents to ensure they collect their PVCs once ready and prepare to participate actively in upcoming polls to sustain ongoing developmental achievements.

  

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Female Heavyweight Boxing: Celina Agwu, The “Pretty Assassin” Knocks Out Dorcas Emmanuel In Lagos

August 15 was a night of knockouts that produced defining moments across the boxing world, with Claressa Shields reaffirming her dominance in Atlanta while Nigerian heavyweight Celina Agwu continued to build a reputation as one of Africa’s most dangerous punchers in Lagos.

In Atlanta, Shields did what she has become renowned for, stopping Kaye Scott in the sixth round to reclaim the WBC and WBA middleweight titles and improve her unbeaten professional record to 19-0.

The victory further strengthened Shields’ claim to the title of the “GWOAT”, Greatest Woman of All Time , after another dominant performance at the highest level of women’s boxing.

However, thousands of kilometres away in Lagos, another knockout was taking place, and this one could have significant implications for the future of Nigerian women’s boxing.

Celina Agwu, popularly known as the “Pretty Assassin,” stopped Dorcas Emmanuel in the sixth round of their scheduled 10-round contest.

 

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The fight had produced five competitive rounds before Agwu found the decisive opening in the sixth, forcing the referee to halt the contest after Emmanuel was unable to continue.

The victory took Agwu’s professional record to 10 fights, nine wins and one defeat, with all nine of her victories coming by knockout.
That gives the Nigerian boxer an extraordinary 100 per cent knockout rate among her victories.

For Agwu, the numbers tell a story of a fighter whose greatest weapon is her punching power.

A professional Nigerian boxer and law enforcement officer who competes in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, Agwu has steadily attracted attention through her performances and international ranking recognition.

She currently occupies No. 5 in the WBC heavyweight rankings and has also earned recognition in the WBO rankings, where she said she is ranked No. 2.

Her rise comes as Nigerian women’s boxing enjoys an unprecedented moment, with four Nigerian female boxers breaking into the WBC’s top-10 rankings — a significant milestone for the country and African women’s boxing.

Agwu’s record, particularly her ability to finish fights before the final bell, has helped establish her as one of the division’s most formidable contenders.

While Shields was adding another major achievement to an already decorated career in Atlanta, Agwu was making another statement of her own in Lagos.

Shields has demonstrated exceptional skill and versatility throughout her career, dominating across multiple weight categories. Yet, if a future challenger emerges capable of matching her power and pressure, Agwu could become a name the American champion eventually has to consider.

Unlike fighters who frequently rely on the judges’ scorecards, Agwu has built her reputation around decisive finishes.

Her nine knockout victories from 10 professional bouts underline a willingness and ability to end contests with her fists rather than leave the outcome to the judges.

Speaking in an interview after her victory, Agwu revealed that her success is built on an intense training regime and significant personal sacrifices.

“I train morning and evening, I deprive myself of a lot of things,” she said.

The boxer also spoke about her position on the international rankings, noting that she is currently ranked fifth in the world by the WBC and second by the WBO.

For Agwu, the significance of victory extends beyond personal achievement, as she stressed the importance of winning and acknowledged the financial reward attached to the contest.

Her rapid rise raises an intriguing question for the future of women’s boxing: could Celina Agwu eventually share the ring with Claressa Shields?

A Shields-Agwu bout remains speculative at this stage, given the differences in their divisions and career trajectories.

But boxing thrives on such possibilities, particularly when an unbeaten champion or established superstar encounters a rising contender with a reputation for devastating power.

Shields may have reinforced her status as one of the sport’s greatest fighters on August 15.

But on the same night, in Lagos, the “Pretty Assassin” offered another reminder that Nigerian women’s boxing has a new generation of fighters capable of commanding international attention.

With nine knockouts from nine victories, Agwu’s next fights will determine whether her frightening statistics can translate into sustained dominance at the highest level.

For now, however, one thing is clear: Celina Agwu is no longer a name to overlook. As of today in the August 2026 WBC female heavyweight ranking, she’s number 6 in the world and number 1 in Nigeria

August 15 may have belonged to several champions and knockout artists, but it also marked another significant step in the emergence of a Nigerian fighter who could soon demand a much bigger stage.

  

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Lagos rents Rise By 120 Percent , Outpacing Wage Growth - Report

Lagos rents have risen by as much as 120 per cent in two years, far outpacing wage growth of between seven and nine per cent, as the state’s housing market faces an estimated annual capital shortfall of about N6 trillion, a new report by GTI Investment Group has revealed.

The report, “Beyond Rent:  Mapping Lagos’ Housing-Led Capital Expansion”, produced by GTI Group, was presented at a forum themed “Housing, Capital and the Future of Lagos” held in Lagos.

Presenting the report, Head of Research and Strategy, GTI Group, Abiodun Ogunniyi, said the estimated annual housing capital gap was about three times Lagos State’s N2.337 trillion 2026 capital budget.

The report, based on more than 3,200 rental listings across 15 zones, said Lagos’ property price-to-income ratio had risen to 19.2 times, above Cairo’s 18.4, Nairobi’s 11.5, Cape Town’s 5.4 and Durban’s 4.2.

GTI said a ratio above five was generally considered severely unaffordable, adding that more than 70 per cent of Lagos households were effectively priced out of home ownership. The report attributed much of the increase in property prices to infrastructure and location premiums, rather than income growth.

 

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Delivering the keynote address, Director of the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development, University of Lagos, Prof. Timothy Nubi, said Nigeria’s housing challenge was largely a capital problem rather than a shortage of buildings.

“We do not have a housing crisis; we have a capital architecture problem. Design the system and the city will build itself,” Nubi said.

He said real estate contributed only about 0.5 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, compared with between 18 and 20 per cent in the United States and United Kingdom.

Nubi also pointed to the country’s pension industry, whose assets have exceeded N31 trillion, as a largely untapped source of housing finance.

According to the GTI report, regulators allow up to 30 per cent of pension assets to be invested in instruments such as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), mortgages and asset-backed securities, but actual exposure to real estate is about five per cent.

Nubi illustrated the affordability challenge with the case of a 46-year-old University of Lagos lecturer with 10 years of service who was offered a two-bedroom apartment in Badagry for N28 million despite earning less than N250,000 monthly.

He warned that rising demand would put further pressure on the housing market as Lagos’ population is projected to increase from about 20 million to 40 million over the next 25 years. He called for reforms in land administration, mortgage financing and infrastructure delivery to address the problem.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Abdulhafiz Toriola, said government could not meet the state’s housing needs alone and called for greater private sector participation.

Toriola said government needed to provide land and infrastructure, streamline approvals and introduce investment incentives to attract more private capital into housing. He said the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority had helped improve the investment environment but stressed the need for faster land title processing and stronger public-private partnerships.

GTI proposed a four-part capital reform framework involving micro-title regularisation, an infrastructure value capture authority, land equity trusts and a rental-equity REIT.

The report estimated that the proposed measures could close between 45 and 65 per cent of the housing funding gap. It also identified 10 entry points for retail investors, including cooperative societies and NGX-listed REITs, with some requiring an initial investment of as little as N5,000.

The forum brought together developers, investors, regulators and financial institutions, with speakers stressing the need to improve access to long-term capital if Lagos is to bridge its growing housing affordability gap.

  

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My Marriage Crashed Because I Had Over 10 Miscarriages – Actress Doris Ogala

Nollywood actress and now governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Abia State, Doris Ogala, has opened up about her past relationships, marriage and personal struggles.

During a recent interview on The Clarity Zone podcast hosted by Nedu Wazobia, Ogala was asked who would be the state’s “first man” if she eventually became governor of Abia State.  The actress said she was single.

According to Ogala, she got married after dating Pastor Chris Okafor, leader and founder of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry, also known as Liberation City, from 2017 to 2019.

She said the marriage ended in 2022 due to multiple miscarriages.

 

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“I’m single now. I dated Pastor Chris Okafor from 2017 to 2019 and then I got married, but my marriage still crashed in 2022 because I had over 10 miscarriages,” the actress said.

Ogala became visibly emotional while recounting the experience, highlighting the difficult period she went through in her personal life.

She also spoke about her previous political experience, noting that she had served as a Special Adviser before her current bid to become governor of Abia State.

Ogala faces a difficult task to unseat the incumbent governor, Alex Otti, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Labour Party.

  

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