Sanwo-Olu Unveils New Badagry Roads, Boosts Infrastructure

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged continued state-wide infrastructure development as he unveiled a network of roads in Badagry Local Government Area and Olorunda Local Council Development Area on Wednesday.

Addressing residents during the event, the governor commended them for their support in the last local government election and restated the administration’s commitment to grassroots development.

He said, “Beyond the electoral process, we commend the continuous understanding, patience, and cooperation shown by the people of Badagry throughout the entire construction period of these road projects.

“Your willingness to accommodate the challenges that often accompany such large-scale infrastructure works—such as temporary disruptions and inconveniences—has been instrumental.

“This spirit of partnership and community support has provided us with the crucial leverage needed to overcome obstacles and ensure the successful and timely delivery of these transformative road projects that will positively impact your daily lives and the future growth of the region.”

He emphasised the broader goals of the projects, saying, “As we promised, we are using improved road infrastructure to enhance trade and commerce, stimulate the tourism sector, and, most importantly, open up remote areas.

“We are convinced that infrastructural development remains the foundation for a vibrant tourism sector.”

Sanwo-Olu explained that the administration remained committed to ensuring all areas of Lagos benefit from development.

“Whether through roads, drainage systems, or other essential amenities, we are committed to reaching every nook and cranny of the state. True and sustainable development can only be realised when it touches the lives of all citizens,” he said.

He also assured the residents that prior commitments on project delivery had been fulfilled.

The inaugurated roads include Samuel Ekundayo/Toga Road and Hospital Road, both aimed at improving interconnectivity and supporting tourism around historic landmarks such as the General Hospital, Agiya Tree Monument, and Slave Trade Relic/Town Hall.

Speaking on the roads, the governor said Samuel Ekundayo/Toga Road provides an alternative route to a section of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, connecting Badagry Roundabout to Limca/Ibereko.

“The completion of Phase II has significantly improved interconnectivity among communities in Badagry.

“Hospital Road is a critically strategic route situated in close proximity to Badagry Marina, which serves as a vital hub for water transportation connecting Badagry to Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, and even to various neighbouring West African countries,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu concluded by advising residents to protect the new infrastructure.

“Finally, I urge all community leaders, the people of Badagry, and all road users to guard jealously the infrastructure being handed over today, ensuring its preservation for generations to come,” he said.

 

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Flooding: Fish Farmers In Ikorodu Appeal To Sanwo-Olu

    More than 50 fish farmers in the Ikorodu area of Lagos have appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for urgent assistance following the devastating impact of Monday’s torrential rainfall, which they say has cost them over ₦50 million in damages.

The affected farmers, under the umbrella of the Lagos State Catfish and Allied Farmers Association (LASCAFAN), Ikorodu Zone, said the heavy downpour destroyed ponds, washed away fish stocks, and rendered inputs such as feed and fertilisers useless.

Speaking on behalf of the group, President-elect of LASCAFAN, Mr Olatoye Fajinmi, described the loss as overwhelming, warning that the incident could trigger fish scarcity in the coming weeks if urgent steps are not taken.

He said the most affected communities include Mowo Kekere, Mowo Nla, Elepe, Igbe, Maya Fish Cluster, and Ibeshe, where farmers are now left grappling with empty ponds and huge financial burdens.

“This rain, rather than being a blessing, has brought sorrow to our members. Many of us are still servicing loans taken for business expansion. Without government support, the economic and emotional impact may be unbearable,” Fajinmi said.

He called for a financial bailout from the Lagos State Government, along with support from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), especially in the supply of fish feed to enable affected farmers to restart operations.

Fajinmi also disclosed that some members are willing to relocate their farms to safer grounds but would require assistance in the form of collapsible tarpaulin ponds to resume fish farming in non-flood zones.

While appreciating the Lagos State Government and the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, for their consistent support, he appealed to the Ministry of the Environment to assess the affected areas and consider constructing proper drainage channels to prevent a recurrence.

 

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Flooding: Lagos Asks Some Residents Of Lekki, Ajegunle And Ikorodu To Relocate

    Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for environment and water resources in Lagos, has asked some residents of Lekki and Ajegunle to relocate to “upland areas” over impending flash floods. 

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday, Wahab warned that the Ikorodu coastline also makes the red list.

In the early hours of Monday, houses and vehicles were submerged in some parts of the city following torrential rainfall.

During the interview, Wahab was asked to list areas that are prone to flooding.

He said the volume of rainfall will determine water levels in some parts of Lekki.

The commissioner added that Lagos will experience flash flooding owing to the “vagaries of climate change”, noting that the state government will provide resilient infrastructure to combat the scenario.

“We knew this was going to happen. NiMet (Nigerian Meteorological Agency) gave us a forecast as early as March and by April, we had commenced the advocacy and briefed Lagosians about five times in the past three months,” he said.

“We are going to have more rains this year than we had last year. And for those who stay on the lowland of Lagos, they may have to move to the upland pending when rain recedes.

“On the red, those around the Ajilete axis of Lagos, that’s Ajegunle, they have to move. Those around the coastlines of Ikorodu, around Majidun, they have to move.

“Some areas around the Lekki corridor, some not all… because their tidal level depends on the volume of the rain, they will be in amber, so they (referring to Lekki communities) are very few. 

“Epe has always been safe; Ikeja and Mushin will be safe. The whole land areas I just mentioned are those that are bordering the Ogun River — those staying around the Channels television station in Lagos down that road — the Isheri corridor.”

Wahab added that the Lagos state government will always tell residents the truth.

“Thankfully, the federal government, through the Ogun-Osun River Basin, had awarded the dredging of the Ogun River channels to help reduce the flooding; they should be on amber by now and the Ajilete corridor around the Agboyi-Ketu axis of Lagos,” he said. 

“We won’t tell Lagosians lies. Lagos will be exposed to the vagaries of climate change, and that means Lagos will have flash flooding.

“But as a state, we have to provide resilient infrastructure, and we have to tell our people to be responsible. If nature takes its course, what we can do is to mitigate its impact.”

 

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FirstBank Wins 2025 Euromoney ESG Award

FirstBank has retained the title of Nigeria’s Best Bank for Environmental, Social, and Governance at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025.

This marks the second consecutive win in the ESG category for FirstBank, affirming its leadership in sustainable finance and responsible banking across Nigeria, the organizers said in a statement.

The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are regarded as one of the most coveted accolades in the global financial industry. The highly competitive selection process involves rigorous analysis and assessment, measuring performance against strategic and impact-oriented criteria.

FirstBank said that it earned the award through its deepened sustainability commitments embedded across its operations and community initiatives. In 2024, FirstBank screened 237 transactions worth over N3tn for sustainability risks, integrating ESG considerations into its credit framework.

Highlighting some of its initiatives, the bank said that it commenced a tree planting campaign in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation, planting over 30,000 trees in 16 locations across Nigeria. This was the first phase of its 50,000-tree initiative, projected to absorb approximately 720 tonnes of CO2 by the end of 2025, contributing to climate resilience and supporting biodiversity preservation.

A statement by the lender read partly, “FirstBank has been proactive in gender inclusion through the Gender Market Strategy, disbursing over N43bn in FirstGem loans to women-led businesses in 2024.

The bank’s commitment to inclusive banking saw a significant increase in the worth of transactions facilitated by FirstMonie agents to over N9tn.

“The bank prioritises ESG/sustainability capacity building, evidenced by the training of over 9000 employees, and its webinars and workshops reaching over 2,000 SMEs and corporates. The bank’s investment in leadership for over 2,000 female employees through the FirstBank Women Network has demonstrated a dedicated structural commitment to cultivating a knowledgeable and diverse workforce catering to the dynamic ESG landscape.”

Commenting on the award, the Chief Risk Officer of the Bank/Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, Patrick Akhidenor, said, “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award for the second time in a row, which is a validation of our efforts to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all our stakeholders. Our approach to sustainability is hinged on three pillars: education, health and welfare; diversity and financial inclusion; and responsible lending, procurement, and climate initiatives.

“We remain focused on driving impact through purposeful initiatives and inclusive growth, ensuring that our ESG efforts continue to create meaningful change in communities across Nigeria and beyond.”

 

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Nigerian Marketing Awards Adds New Categories As 2025 Entries Open August 15

Entries for the 2025 edition of the Nigerian Marketing Awards (NMA) will officially open on Thursday, August 15, and close on Monday, September 30, 2025.

In its fourth year, the annual event celebrates excellence, innovation, and impact across Nigeria’s dynamic marketing landscape. This year’s theme is ‘Driving Impact, Inspiring Change.’

According to the organisers, early bird submissions completed by Thursday, September 5, 2025, will receive a 15% discount on entry fees.

The awards ceremony is scheduled to be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Jewel Aeida, Lekki, Lagos.

Two new categories have been introduced in the 2025 edition: Best Use of AI in Marketing and Best Spice Brand, reflecting current industry trends and consumer interests.

The full list of 31 categories includes:

1. Brand of the Year

2. Campaign of the Year

3. Best Rebrand of the Year

4. Brand Innovation of the Year

5. Excellence in Experiential Marketing

6. Digital Agency of the Year

7. PR Agency of the Year

8. Advertising Agency of the Year

9. Experiential Agency of the Year

10. Out-of-Home Agency of the Year

11. Financial Institution of the Year

12. Telecom Company of the Year

13. Best Use of Social Media

14. Best Alcoholic Brand of the Year

15. Best Non-Alcoholic Brand of the Year

16. Best Dairy Brand of the Year

17. Best Public Sector Marketing of the Year

18. Best Reputation Management of the Year

19. Best Social Responsibility Campaign of the Year

20. Best Influencer Marketing of the Year

21. Best Personal Care Brand of the Year

22. Best Use of Social Media in Food and Beverage

23. Best Food Delivery Marketing Campaign

24. Best Use of AI in Marketing(‘New’)

25. Best Spice Brand(‘New’)

26. Rising Star of Marketing

27. Marketing Student of the Year

28. Marketing Educator of the Year

29. Brand Manager of the Year

30. Marketing Journalist of the Year

31. Inspirational Marketing Leader of the Year

‘The Nigerian Marketing Awards 2025 promises to be bigger, bolder, and more impactful,’ the Awards Secretariat said. ‘We are excited to spotlight the ideas, campaigns, and individuals pushing the boundaries of excellence in marketing across Nigeria.’

 

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Interswitch Empowers Hospitality Industry With Tech Solutions

Interswitch empowers hospitality industry with tech solutions

Interswitch, a leading African technology company, has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the continent’s hospitality sector through technology during its participation as an exhibitor at the Hotel Managers Conference Africa 2025, held recently in Lagos.

The two-day conference brought together stakeholders across the hospitality industry to explore new pathways for sustainable growth through technology, strategic partnerships, and global best practices. Interswitch’s participation spotlighted its comprehensive portfolio of payment solutions tailored to the evolving needs of hospitality businesses.

The company, in a statement on Sunday, said it showcased its Interswitch Smart POS, a high-speed, multifunctional terminal with innovative features relevant in the hospitality sector. In addition to Verve Cards, it boasts of international card acceptance from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, China UnionPay, Discover, Diners Club, and Japan Credit Bureau.

It also offers USD settlement for foreign transactions, allowing hotels to cater to international guests with ease. Additionally, the Smart POS includes a card-not-present feature, enabling secure remote payments for use cases such as pre-arrival deposits and incidental charges.

Also featured was the Interswitch Payment Gateway, which enables hotels to accept online bookings securely and process payments from major international card schemes such as American Express, Mastercard, and Visa cards. The gateway is designed for effortless integration with existing systems and provides USD settlement capabilities for international transactions, helping hospitality operators serve a broader customer base without complexity.

Interswitch also demonstrated its trusted bulk disbursement platform that simplifies payments to vendors, staff, and service providers, ensuring timely and efficient transactions with minimal manual input.

The Interswitch booth attracted significant interest from key decision-makers and hospitality business owners, many of whom expressed interest in adopting the company’s integrated solutions to streamline their operational efficiency and elevate guest experience.

Commenting on the engagement, Vice President, Sales and Account Management, Interswitch,  Osasere Atohengbe, stated, “Our participation at HMC 2025 reinforces our mission to be a technology partner for hospitality businesses. We’re not just providing tools, we’re enabling transformation, and it was rewarding to connect directly with operators who are ready to take the next leap.”

With thousands of businesses across sectors relying on Interswitch’s trusted infrastructure, including industry leaders like Eko Hotels, Marriott Hotel, and The George Hotel, the company continues to lead innovation in digital payment solutions tailored for African markets.

Its engagement at the Hotel Managers Conference 2025 represents another key step in strengthening ties with the hospitality sector, while advancing its broader mission of inclusive growth through strategic partnerships and merchant-focused solutions.

 

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Banks Must Brace Up For Open Banking, Says KPMG

    KPMG has called on banks and financial institutions to urgently accelerate their preparedness ahead of the launch of open banking in Nigeria.

This was indicated in its latest report published on Thursday, which is titled ‘Modernising Core Banking Systems: Navigating challenges to achieve resilient transformation,’ a thought leadership piece which was the outcome of its recently held 2025 KPMG Core Banking Modernisation Summit.

There had been reports earlier this year that the Central Bank of Nigeria had approved the launch of open banking starting in August 2025. Recall that the apex regulator in February 2021 issued the regulatory framework for open banking in Nigeria.

Open banking allows a customer (end-user) to authorise their bank or financial service provider to share their financial information with other participants within the financial services system (e.g., other banks, third-party financial service providers) so as to develop more customer-centric services and financial products.

Open banking is powered by a technology called Application Programming Interface. With open API, participating banks and other financial institutions will be able to access information on other participants’ financial products and services, as well as personal information, transaction history, credit score, income ratings, etc., of other participants’ individual customers.

The thought leadership piece from KPMG partly read, “Open banking is currently serving as a powerful catalyst for the growth and innovation of Nigeria’s digital-first financial players by streamlining access to financial data and infrastructure through secure APIs.

“Open banking is an offshoot of the collaboration between traditional banks, neobanks, and fintechs, which seeded the growth of innovative financial products such as virtual accounts (offering digitally generated account numbers for seamless collections and automated reconciliations), card management solutions (including virtual and physical card issuance, tokenisation, and spend controls), payment rail integrations (connecting neobanks and fintechs to global and local payment networks for faster, cross-border transactions), and merchant payment gateways (facilitating secure, multi-channel payment acceptance for business).

“Open banking is paving the way for financial services innovation through ecosystem collaboration and partnerships. With the recent announcement of CBN’s push for the launch of open banking in Nigeria by August 2025, it is imperative for banks to ensure the readiness of their core technologies and operational processes to support open banking.”

The firm said open banking will impact data mobility and control as it allows customers to securely share their financial data with third-party providers, facilitating access to personalised financial services. Service integration and collaboration with APIs support seamless integration between banks and TPPs, resulting in the development of progressive financial products and services.

KPMG noted that open banking can boost financial inclusion by using alternative data sources (mobile phone usage, utility bill payments, social media activity) and extending access through digital channels, as well as drive core banking modernisation.

“Nigeria’s core banking systems are being reformed faster due to the need to accommodate API-driven data sharing and service integration,” the report affirmed.

KPMG asserted that the financial services landscape across West Africa is undergoing a shift, “As digital banking becomes the default and customer expectations accelerate toward real-time, personalised experiences, traditional institutions must confront a stark reality: legacy systems can no longer support the agility, innovation, and resilience that the future demands.

“Meanwhile, emerging digital challengers, free from the technical debt of outdated infrastructure, are redefining what modern banking looks like with intuitive platforms, frictionless service delivery, and rapid product evolution. For incumbent banks, the question is no longer whether to modernise their core platforms, but how to do so effectively.”

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Gridlock, Businesses Paralysed As Flash Floods Take Over Lagos Roads, Submerge Homes

Normal business activities were paralysed as residents and motorists battled with the effects of early Monday morning torrential rainfall in Lagos that caused significant traffic gridlock due to flash floods affecting roads and submerging various homes across the metropolis.

Recall that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, had earlier predicted thundery and rainy weather activities across the nation from Monday to Wednesday, warning of possible flash floods in some areas.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja envisaged morning thunderstorms on Monday with moderate rains over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina, in the northern region, as well as Lagos in the southwest States.

The agency envisaged cloudy skies over the southern region with chances of light rain over parts of Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa states during the morning hours.

According to it, light rains are expected over parts of Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States later in the day.

The agency anticipated the high possibility of floods occurring over parts of Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta States during the forecast period.

NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms on Tuesday over the northern region with moderate rains over parts of Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara States.

NiMet urged the public to avoid driving under heavy rain, and states with the possibility of flash floods were told to activate the emergency response system immediately.

“Ensure warm clothing for the vulnerable persons due to low night-time temperatures, and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collisions. 

“Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets, and stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

Airline operators get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said.

The agency advised the residents to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet by visiting its website, www.nimet.gov.ng.

In response to the downpour, Lagos State Government sued for calm from all residents as the state experienced heavy rainfall for over 14 hours with an assurance that the state has put in place resilient infrastructure to combat flash flooding.

Meanwhile, many roads, including Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ikorodu Road, Apapa, Alimosho, Lekki axis, Agege, Oworosonki, Ikotun, as well as the Long Bridge, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, among others have been submerged, resulting in traffic snarl and vehicles left stranded with houses and shops flooded. Most of the shops and markets around Ikeja, Agege, Maryland, Oshodi were seen shut as of 10 am.

Many motorists and commuters who dared to move out were stranded for hours on major roads in the metropolis due to the flooded roads and streets.

While the downpour, which started at about 12 midnight into early morning, continued intermittently on Monday. It witnessed heavily flooded roads both on the Island and Mainland sides of the state.

It was gathered that while traffic on some of the roads was standstill during the downpour, some others witnessed slow movement as motorists struggled to wade through the flash floods.

 

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Tinubu Rewards D’Tigress With $100,000, Flats, OON National Honour For Afrobasket Triumph

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with a cash reward of $100,000 for each player, a flat each, and the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national honour, following their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the presidential rewards on Monday evening during a special reception held in their honour at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

In addition to the players, members of the coaching and technical crew were each awarded $50,000, a three-bedroom flat, and conferred with the OON national honour.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, as well as the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, joined the Vice President to warmly receive the D’Tigresses on behalf of the President.

Speaking during the reception ceremony, the Vice President received the champions, describing their victory as a shining example of the nation’s talent, resilience, and unity.

“You have brought great pride to Nigeria. Your excellence on the court has once again put our nation on the global map for sporting greatness”, Shettima told the team.

The team clinched their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title—and seventh overall—by defeating Mali 78–64 in the final played at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The remarkable win reaffirmed their dominance in African women’s basketball and continued an unbroken winning streak that began in 2017.

Monday’s ceremony drew top government officials, including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youths and Sports Development, Senator Garba Maidoki; and Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadou.

The recognition of D’Tigress follows a similar state reception President Tinubu hosted last week for the Super Falcons, after their record-extending tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Rabat, Morocco.

 

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Lagos Appeals To LASU Unions To End Strike

    The Lagos State Government has appealed to the Joint Action Committee of all staff unions at Lagos State University to end their ongoing indefinite strike, assuring that the welfare of both staff and students remains a top priority.

The appeal was made on Monday as academic and administrative activities at the institution continue to suffer disruption after the JAC, comprising ASUU LASU, SSANU LASU, NASU LASU, and NAAT LASU, commenced an indefinite strike on Friday, July 31, 2025, over unresolved welfare and salary grievances.

This was contained in a statement made available by the Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mamud Hassan.

He said the state government acknowledged receiving several formal correspondence from the striking unions on the matter.

He further disclosed that high-level meetings had been held involving the State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, to address the concerns of the unions, adding that government representatives and the unions had previously agreed to shelve any disruptive action to allow meaningful deliberation.

He added that the State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, also called for calm, understanding, and cooperation amongst the unions, emphasising the state government’s efforts to find sustainable and amicable solutions, while ‘the door is still open for continuous dialogue.’

The statement partly read, “In light of the ongoing indefinite strike, the government is earnestly appealing to the leadership of JAC comprising ASUU-LASU, SSANU-LASU, NAAT-LASU, and NASU-LASU to reconsider their position and call off the industrial action.

“The suspension of academic and administrative activities not only disrupts the academic calendar but also negatively affects the future of our students, who are the primary reason for the university’s existence.

“The Lagos State Government assures parents, students, academic and non-academic staff, that we are committed to restoring academic activities and industrial peace at Lagos State University.

“It is believed that a swift resolution can be achieved through constructive engagement, not through the disruption of the University’s operations.

“The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, pleads for the peace, understanding, and cooperation of all stakeholders. He urged the union leaders to consider government efforts in funding the University despite the increasing demands on the government cum the challenges of Lagos as a model megacity.

“With strong collaboration, understanding, and trust, we can work together to find a lasting solution that benefits everyone.”

 

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LASTMA Seals Nightclub Over Persistent Traffic Violations

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), has sealed Vaniti Club House on Adeola Odeku Street,

Victoria Island, over repeated violations of the state’s traffic regulations.

The enforcement action, led by LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki, was carried out by the agency’s Rescue and Compliance Unit, following what authorities

described as the club’s “habitual and deliberate infringement” of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

The club was accused of facilitating illegal roadside parking and encroaching upon public highways, actions which have severely disrupted vehicular movement

and endangered public safety.

Bakare-Oki stated, “Despite extensive sensitization efforts—including public enlightenment campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and multiple warnings—the

management of Vaniti Club House has continued to violate traffic laws and undermine the operational integrity of the state’s traffic system.”

He added that the sealing of the club is indefinite and will remain in place until its management fully complies with all existing traffic laws and regulations.

This move comes on the heels of a public warning issued by LASTMA at the weekend, cautioning owners and operators of event centres, nightclubs, and lounges

to stop obstructing traffic or face severe consequences.

Citing the Transport Sector Reform Law, Bakare-Oki emphasized that any obstruction to free movement or activities that jeopardize the safety of road users

are considered serious offences under Lagos law and attract strict penalties.

“This enforcement action is not a one-off. It marks the beginning of a broader and sustained compliance campaign,” he said, noting that the agency is monitoring

other nightlife venues and recreational facilities, especially those located in high-traffic areas like Victoria Island.

The state government reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward individuals, organizations, or businesses that compromise public order and road safety.

LASTMA urged Lagos residents to report traffic-obstructing venues via its toll-free hotline: 0800-00-LASMA (080000527862).

Bakare-Oki concluded, “The Lagos State Government is committed to fostering a safe, disciplined, and efficiently regulated traffic environment as part

of its vision for a world-class, livable urban landscape.”

He also reiterated LASTMA’s collaboration with security agencies and regulatory bodies to sustain the enforcement drive across the state, regardless of

social or commercial influence.

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D’Tigress Wins Fifth Consecutive Afrobasket Title, Tinubu Commends Team

Nigeria’s D’Tigress have cemented their dominance in African women’s basketball, clinching their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title with a commanding 78-64 victory over Mali.

With a hard-fought victory over Mali in the final on Sunday, the Nigerian side became the first country on the continent to win the championship five times in a row.

The victory also extended Nigeria’s astonishing unbeaten run in the competition to 29 straight games—an unbroken streak dating back to 2015.

President Tinubu has commended the skill, resilience, determination, and teamwork that propelled the team to the fifth consecutive title, and the seventh overall.

He praised the team’s determination to bring glory to the country despite losing the first quarter of the match.

“Your superb performance throughout the competition has made Nigeria proud. Like the Super Falcons, you have inspired our young ladies. You embodied the indomitable Nigerian spirit, the power of unity, and the rewards of hard work.

“By winning the AfroBasket trophy for a record fifth consecutive time, you have written your names in history and shown the world what to expect out of Africa,” the President stated.

President Tinubu also lauded Head Coach Rena Wakama and her technical team for their exemplary leadership and the Nigeria Basketball Federation for their steadfast support.

“The Federal Government and Nigerians will never forget the sacrifices and remain grateful for the highly elevating performances.

“The government and the people of Nigeria celebrate you and assure you of our continued support as you prepare for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup next March.

President Tinubu added, “I look forward to receiving the victorious team and the trophy in Abuja, while wishing you all a safe trip.”

 

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76 Die, Dozens Missing As Migrant Boat Capsizes Near Yemen

At least 76 people have been killed and dozens are missing after a boat carrying mostly Ethiopian migrants sank off Yemen, in the latest tragedy on the perilous sea route, officials told AFP on Monday.

Yemeni security officials said 76 bodies had been recovered and 32 people rescued from the shipwreck in the Gulf of Aden. The UN’s migration agency said 157 people were on board.

The accident occurred off Abyan governorate in southern Yemen, a frequent destination for boats smuggling African migrants hoping to reach the wealthy Gulf states.

Some of those rescued have been transferred to Yemen’s Aden, near Abyan, a security official said.

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UN agency the International Organization for Migration earlier gave a toll of at least 68 dead.

The IOM’s country chief of mission, Abdusattor Esoev, told AFP that “the fate of the missing is still unknown.”

Despite the civil war that has ravaged Yemen since 2014, the impoverished country has remained a key transit point for irregular migration, in particular from Ethiopia which itself has been roiled by ethnic conflict.

Each year, thousands brave the so-called “Eastern Route” from Djibouti to Yemen across the Red Sea, in the hope of eventually reaching oil-rich Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The IOM recorded at least 558 deaths on the Red Sea route last year, with 462 from boat accidents.

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Last month, at least eight people died after smugglers forced migrants to disembark from a boat in the Red Sea, according to the UN’s migration agency.

The vessel that sank off Abyan was carrying mostly Ethiopian migrants, according to the province’s security directorate and an IOM source.

Yemeni security forces were conducting operations to recover a “significant” number of bodies, the Abyan directorate said on Sunday.

On their way to the Gulf, migrants cross the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the narrow waterway at the mouth of the Red Sea that is a major route for international trade, as well as for migration and human trafficking.

Once in war-torn Yemen, the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest country, migrants often face other threats to their safety.

The IOM says tens of thousands of migrants have become stranded in Yemen and suffer abuse and exploitation during their journeys.

In April, more than 60 people were killed in a strike blamed on the United States that hit a migrant detention centre in Yemen, according to the Huthi rebels that control much of the country.

The wealthy Gulf monarchies host significant populations of foreign workers from South Asia and Africa.

AFP

 

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MTN Unveils "Next Afrobeat Star" To Discover, Groom Musical Talents

MTN Nigeria has unveiled a new reality television show called, “Next Afrobeats Star”, to groom musical talents by providing a lifetime opportunity to turn their dreams and aspirations into reality.

Speaking at a news conference in Lagos on Saturday night, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the show would feature a competition and grooming sessions to discover and elevate the next global icon of Afrobeats.

According to her, the winner of the show will receive a record deal valued at 100,000 dollars, which is N155 million.

She explained that the top four finalists will also be rewarded with deals ranging from 25,000 dollars  to 75,000 dollars, to support the production of their debut projects.

She said: “Tonight, we are not just launching a show, we are launching a dream. A dream that will rise from the streets of Lagos, echo through the valleys of Jos, and reach the furthest corners of Nigeria.

“At MTN, we believe in progress, not just as a brand stance but a purpose. We believe that every Nigerian, regardless of background, location, or education, deserves a chance to be connected, seen, heard, and celebrated.

“That is why we are taking this message to every corner of Nigeria from the bustling cities to the most remote villages so that no youth is left behind, because talent knows no boundaries, and neither should opportunity.

“It is a platform where raw talent meets real opportunity. Where the rhythm of Nigeria meets the reach of the world.”

According to Ikenna-Emeka, the initiative also aligns with the Federal Government’s bold vision to transform Nigeria into Africa’s creative capital.

She said through the Destination 2030 strategy, the government was working to position Nigeria as a leading global hub for creative excellence by the year 2030.

“This vision is about more than economic growth; it’s about cultural pride, global influence, and national identity.

“It is about creating an enabling environment for artistic brilliance, promoting diversity and creativity, and preserving the rich heritage that makes Nigeria unique.”

She called on the youth to embrace the opportunity to make a difference on the global stage.

According to her, the “Next Afrobeats Star” is a bold initiative by MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm.

Also, Temilolu Salako, Senior Manager, Youth Segment at MTN Nigeria, noted that renowned afrobeats producers would be engaged as judges and mentors during the show.

“Today, we’re not just launching a talent search, we are kicking off a movement. The Next Afrobeats Star is more than a campaign. It’s a spotlight.

“It is a microphone, a stage for the next voice that will shake the charts and shape the sound of Nigeria and beyond, and powering this bold journey is a brand that’s all about youth empowerment, creativity, and self-expression, that is MTN Pulse.”

Alexander Uwaifo, known professionally as Andre Vibez, a music producer who is one of the judges for the show, said: “I am excited to showcase my experience in helping to discover the crop of stars in the Afrobeats business.”

Another judge for the show, Femi Ayeni, Chief Executive Officer of Ultima Studios said, “Nigerians should expect that this will be different from other talent shows.”

 

 

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Why We Are Spending N712 Billion On Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos

   The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has explained that the Federal Government’s decision to spend N712 billion on the renovation of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos is driven by the urgent need to replace decaying infrastructure, expand capacity, and bring the nation’s busiest airport in line with modern global standards.

The Minister gave this explanation in a statement issued on Sunday, following the Federal Executive Council’s recent approval of the transformation project.

After the Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday, the FG approved airport projects worth N919.10bn in total.

He described the package as “massive infrastructural upgrades” across key gateways, especially the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. 

He explained that MMIA, International Terminal 1 will be stripped to the carcass and fully rebuilt, with all mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems replaced—an award to CCECC that also covers Terminal 2 works (apron expansion, access roads, bridges and associated infrastructure).

However, justifying the huge amounts earmarked for these projects, the minister explained, “To further enunciate our plans for the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, let me further clarify the approval we secured from the Federal Executive Council Meeting last week.

“There are two international terminals in Lagos. Terminal One is that old building directly facing the long stretch of road leading to the airport, built and commissioned in 1979 by the Obasanjo-led military regime. It has two wings known as Wing D and Wing E. Terminal Two is the new building on the right-hand side as you drive into the airport, started by President Jonathan’s government with a Chinese loan, completed during President Buhari’s government (with the loan), and made operational during President Tinubu’s first one month in office,” the statement partly read.

Keyamo noted that Terminal One has fallen into a state of disrepair, becoming unfit for modern aviation demands.

He noted, “Due to years of neglect and because the traffic over time quadrupled beyond its capacity, the building and facilities at Terminal One became totally decrepit. We have been engaged in some patch jobs over the years just to make it a bit presentable.

“Now, shorn of all the rhetoric, what we simply want to do is to totally strip down that building, including the entire roof (leaving only the carcass), then re-design/reconfigure it and build a brand-new airport for the nation to meet modern, international standards that can also cater for the increased traffic. Both Wings D and E would be affected.”

On Terminal Two, he revealed plans for expansion and correction of long-standing design flaws that inconvenience travellers.

“As for the new Terminal (Two), we got approval to expand the building and the apron (where aircraft park for boarding and disembarkation) in order to accommodate more aircraft, including wide-body aircraft. That is not all; we are constructing two new independent ring roads in and out of the airport (one for departure and one for arrival) and a bridge that will take travellers directly to the upper floor of Terminal Two departure lounge, instead of lifting our luggage the escalators when we are departing. It is a design error we intend to correct”, Keyamo explained.

He also highlighted the integration of advanced technology into the redesigned airport, aimed at bringing it up to global standards.

The minister stressed that the initiative will be funded entirely through domestic resources.

“We have also introduced smart solutions to the new designs in order to deliver a smart airport to Nigerians that can compete with any airport in the world. In all, Nigerians will be proud of what we are going to deliver. And take note, this will not be done by a loan from anywhere, but by the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, which is one of the gains made from the removal of subsidies.”

To ensure public accountability, Keyamo said stakeholders will be invited to monitor the progress of the project when it begins.

“As the work progresses, we will be inviting the press, civil society groups, members of the National Assembly and interested Nigerians on regular tours of the facility to monitor the extent and quality of work. It is part of our national heritage and we should all rightly be interested in the final outcome”, he noted.

He also urged the public to make global comparisons in airport project costs for better perspective.

“I will also encourage our compatriots to simply google the cost of most modern airports built around the world in the last few years (including those in Africa like Angola, etc.) and you will agree with me that the Bureau for Public Procurement that scrutinised and fixed the final cost of this project did a fantastic job for the nation”, the minister noted.

In conclusion, Keyamo pointed to underused facilities in other cities and invited Nigerians to watch a video presentation of the proposed revamp.

“And as a final word, it is important to tell Nigerians that we also have brand-new terminals in Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt. However, presently, they are all underutilised due to the traffic that is less than thirty per cent of their capacities.

“For further explanation and transparency, we have produced a video (which I attach hereunder) that graphically explains the proposed works upon which we are embarking. I hope you find it useful,” the statement concluded.

 

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