Depression: Woman Falls Into 60-Foot Well In Ikorodu

A 32-year-old woman has been hospitalised after falling into a 60-foot well in the Agric Road, Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, reportedly as a result of depression.

The Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, disclosed this in a statement.

According to Adeseye, the agency had received a distress call in the early hours of Wednesday about the incident.

She noted that preliminary findings showed that the victim had wandered into the area before falling into the well.

Accompanying video of the incident showed the moment firefighters descended into the well and rescued the woman, who had sustained injuries to her head with visible blood stains.

She added that upon arrival at the scene of the incident, firefighters immediately conducted a rescue operation and rescued the lady alive.

Adeseye stated, “A distress call was received regarding a reportedly depressed female adult, approximately 32 years old, who accidentally fell into an uncovered well about 60 feet deep.

“The victim was said to have wandered from a nearby building before the incident occurred while she was sitting on the edge of the well.

“Upon arrival, the rescue crew immediately commenced operations and successfully rescued the victim alive. She was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.”

The LSFRS boss noted that the cause of the accidental fall was attributed to a depressed condition.

“The probable cause was an accidental fall resulting from a depressed condition,” Adeseye concluded.

Depression and associated mental health issues have been attributed to the worsening economic conditions, which have continued to put pressure on many individuals.

PUNCH Healthwise reported in April 2024 that there had been a disturbing rise in mental health-related incidents in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.

Similarly, it reported in September 2024 that the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, recorded a patient admission increase by almost 100 per cent in 2023, with experts linking the surge to economic hardship, unemployment, and social instability.

Experts have urged the government to intensify awareness campaigns and establish more community-based mental health centres, stressing that untreated depression often leads to tragic incidents like suicide attempts and self-harm.

 

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Police Arrest Eight Cultists In Ikorodu

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested eight suspected cultists and armed robbers during a targeted operation in the Odogunyan area of Ikorodu, as part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said the suspects were apprehended during an early morning raid by the Command’s Bullock Tactical Team, following credible intelligence. The operation, conducted at about 5:30 a.m., led to the arrest of Fadiya Ayodele (27), Lawal Rasheed (28), Akerele Demilare (27), Alimi Victor (23), Okiki Alufoge (25), Nurudeen Dolapo (25), Agboola Samuel (25), and Ayolade Victor (25).

Items recovered from the suspects included a Nigerian military camouflage uniform, a battle axe, an assault dagger, several charms, and counterfeit United States dollar bills totaling $3,000.

During interrogation, Fadiya Ayodele reportedly confessed to being the leader of the Eiye Confraternity.

in the area and admitted to having previously handed over a locally made pistol to one Adewunmi Annadex, who is currently on the run. Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover the firearm.

Commending the operatives for their professionalism and swift response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of Lagos residents.

“The Command will continue to sustain its intelligence-driven operations and make Lagos State uncomfortable for criminals,” the CP assured.

The police added that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

 

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Train Crushes Dispatch Rider To Death At Ikeja

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has renewed its appeal for caution and strict compliance with traffic regulations following a tragic collision between a moving train and a dispatch rider that occurred at the PWD Railway Level Crossing in Ikeja.

According to a statement issued by the agency, the accident occurred when the dispatch rider, whose motorcycle bore registration number AGL 179 QR, attempted to cross the tracks despite an approaching train. The impact, which happened near the route leading to Ikeja GRA, resulted in the rider’s instant death.

Eyewitnesses said the victim tried to outpace the train, ignoring the warning signals and speed restrictions at the level crossing.

“He rode in a hurry and disregarded the signals alerting of an oncoming train,” one witness recounted.

Following the incident, LASTMA officials swiftly arrived at the scene to manage traffic and cordon off the area. They were later joined by officers from the Shogunle Police Division, while personnel from the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, SEHMU, evacuated the body.

Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep condolences to the victim’s family, describing the tragedy as a sobering reminder of the dangers of recklessness and impatience on Lagos roads.

“This unfortunate event is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of impatience and disregard for safety rules, especially at railway crossings,” Bakare-Oki said.

He urged dispatch riders and motorists to respect warning signs, traffic lights, and barriers, stressing that railway intersections require maximum vigilance.

“We appeal to all road users to be patient, cautious, and responsible to prevent avoidable deaths,” he added.

Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to road safety education and enforcement, announcing plans to intensify awareness campaigns and surveillance around high-risk areas across the state.

“LASTMA remains steadfast in its mission to promote discipline, proactive enforcement, and continuous public enlightenment to ensure safety across the Lagos metropolis,” he stated.

 

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FirstBank To Launch Financial Services For Blind, Physically Challenged Customers

FirstBank, the premier West African bank and a leading financial inclusion service provider, is set to introduce tailored financial services for blind, partially sighted, and physically challenged customers across its operations.

This initiative is part of FirstBank’s broader continuous commitment to promoting Financial Inclusion and Diversity, which is shown in its policies, partnerships and initiatives such as its employees’ ratio of female to male (about 41 per cent,:59 per cent; and 37 per cent women in management roles) as well as the FirstBank Women Network, an initiative that seeks to address the gender gap and increase the participation of women at all levels within the organisation. 

In addition, the Bank’s membership of the UN Women is an affirmation of a deliberate policy that is consistent with UN Women’s Women Empowerment’s Principles (WEPs) ─ Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Nondiscrimination.

Commenting on the proposed launch, the Chief Risk Officer and Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, Patrick Akhidenor, said, “Everyone deserves access to financial services whether physically or digitally.

“We recognise this, and we are providing financial services that are both accessible and affordable to visually impaired and physically challenged customers at all our touchpoints. We are making it possible for them to manage their accounts independently and securely, the bank said.”

The initiative will be implemented in phases across all subsidiaries and locations of the FirstBank Group. Transaction documents will be made available in braille, audio, large print, and digital formats. ATMs will be upgraded with high-contrast screens and voice-prompt commands, while cards issued will feature tactile motifs and braille inscriptions for easy recognition. Already existing soft PINs and tokens would be enhanced to boost secure access to banking channels. Product brochures will also be made available in braille and audio formats to support customer understanding and engagement.

FirstBank’s efforts align with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion strategy and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which advocate equal access to financial services.

With this initiative, FirstBank is shaping a future where every individual, regardless of physical ability, can manage their financial affairs without third-party assistance. By embedding accessibility into its core operations, the Bank is setting a new standard for ethical, inclusive, and impactful banking.

 

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Lagos Begins Drainage Project In Lagos Island To Tackle Flooding

The Lagos State Government has commenced the creation of natural water flow channels along road networks in flood-prone areas of Lagos Island.

The project is part of the state’s regeneration plan to address recurring flooding, improve road infrastructure, and provide essential amenities for residents of the island.

This was disclosed during the ceremony for the construction of an ultra-modern shopping mall at the site of the demolished Pelewura iron rod market, Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island.

The project, undertaken by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, through the Office of Urban Development, in partnership with the Lagos Island Local Council Development Area, is expected to be completed within a year.

In a statement obtained by Saturday PUNCH, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, explained that the regeneration of Pelewura market was central to the government’s master plan for the Island.

He said, “In theory, Lagos Island is not below sea level, but it is very close. This makes the management of drainage flow critical. What we are planning now is to create natural drainage channels, and that means pulling down structures that obstruct the process.

“The result will be a return to the old days when we had free-flowing drains. As a child, I remember making paper boats with friends and racing them on the streets. That was possible because water could flow freely. That is exactly what we want to bring back to Lagos Island.”

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Olajide Abiodun, described the proposed mall as a symbol of renewed life for Lagos Island.

The Chairman of Lagos Island LCDA, Folawiyo Alade, assured that the project would be delivered on schedule.

 

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Toyota Unveils Toyota Corolla 2025 Model with Bold Designs And Tech Upgrade

The Toyota Corolla, one of the world’s best-selling cars and a staple of the U.S. compact sedan market, has been refreshed for 2025 with a new design, enhanced technology, and improved fuel efficiency—strengthening its appeal to families, commuters, and young professionals alike.

Sharper Look, Premium Feel

The 2025 Corolla sports a bolder exterior, featuring a redesigned grille, sleeker LED headlights, and a sportier bumper. New alloy wheels and sleeker taillights give the sedan a more upscale look, while maintaining the practicality the model is known for.

Inside, Toyota has upgraded cabin materials, seat upholstery, and noise insulation. The cabin provides ample legroom, foldable rear seats for added storage, and ambient lighting, offering a balance of comfort and utility for daily drives or long road trips.

Tech-Forward Cabin

Standard across trims is an 8-inch touchscreen, with higher trims offering a 12.3-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, Wi-Fi hotspot, and an optional JBL premium audio system.

Performance and Efficiency

The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 169 horsepower via a CVT, while the standout Hybrid variant achieves up to 53 MPG in the city and 52 MPG on the highway—making it one of the most fuel-efficient sedans on the U.S. market. The gasoline version still impresses with 32 MPG city and 41 MPG highway.

Safety First

All trims come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic high beams. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Pricing and Value

The 2025 Corolla is offered in multiple trims: the LE starts at $23,500, the SE at $25,500, the feature-rich XSE at $28,500, and the Hybrid at $25,000. Competing against the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and Nissan Sentra, Toyota banks on its mix of affordability, efficiency, and long-term reliability to keep the Corolla a top seller.

Verdict

While acceleration remains modest compared to turbocharged rivals and trunk space is average for its class, the Corolla 2025 checks nearly every box for budget-conscious buyers. With a sharper design, advanced features, and Toyota’s reputation for durability, the latest Corolla continues its reign as one of America’s most dependable compact sedans.

 

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PFN's President Marks 69 Birthday Today

The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and Presiding Bishop of Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Bishop Wale Oke, is marking his 69th birthday today, according to a statement released on Saturday.

The statement recounted Oke’s remarkable journey in ministry, noting that he founded the Sword of the Spirit Ministries (Christ Life Church) and launched The Sword of the Spirit magazine in May 1980.

Renowned for his evangelistic crusades, Oke has conducted mass outreaches across Nigeria and several African nations, where testimonies of salvation, healing, miracles, signs, and wonders have been recorded.

Beyond Africa, he has also spoken at conferences and conventions in Europe, Asia, North America, Russia, and Eastern Europe. He currently hosts a daily Instagram broadcast, The Voice of the Lord, and founded the Sword Media Network (SMNET), a cable and internet platform broadcasting the gospel globally.

Since 1983, Oke has consistently hosted two major annual gatherings — the Holy Ghost Convention and the God’s End-Time Army Conference — drawing participants from across the world.

The cleric is also a prolific author, with bestselling titles including Alone With God, Walking in God’s Covenant, The Precious Blood of Jesus, Stepping Into Greatness, and The Weapons of Our Warfare. He is also the author of the widely used annual devotional, Change from Glory to Glory.

 

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Thugs Invade ADC's Rally In Lagos

Miscreants, suspected to be political thugs, yesterday, invaded a rally organised by the Lagos State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by a former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.

The rally, held at Lion Field in Alimosho Local Council of the state, was organised to receive and welcome the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, and the party’s 2023 governorship flag bearer in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.

It was gathered that shortly after the kick-off of the programme, miscreants stormed the venue and sacked all the participants.

The rally was also organised to sensitise residents on the importance of obtaining their Permanent Voter Card (PVC), and urge members to mobilise youths to register during the exercise in preparation for the 2027 general elections in the state.

The miscreants, who were suspected to be supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, inflicted varying degrees of injuries on their victims.

However, policemen deployed from Lagos State Police Command were apparently overwhelmed as the miscreants went berserk, sending everyone in different directions.

Despite the police takeover of the venue earlier chosen for his declaration of defection to the ADC on Saturday and suspected attacks on a church premises later chosen as an alternative, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has gone ahead to make good his planned action. Rhodes-Vivour said: “We are not holding a political rally, but we are holding a political meeting, which we have constitutional rights to do.

However, we will go right now to meet with the Commissioner of Police to know why his men are here and find out if their presence is to carry out their constitutional duty of providing security and protection or not.”

Meanwhile, Publicity Secretary, Lagos chapter of the APC, Seye Oladejo, when contacted, absolved the ruling party of involvement in the incident. Oladejo said: “The opposition is certainly not helping our democracy to grow by accusing the ruling party of being the cause of their internal rifts.

“It is a well-known fact that the opposition in the country is a house divided against itself. The APC, as the ruling party, is the greatest stakeholder when it comes to maintaining peace and tranquility in the state.

“The opposition, as currently constituted, poses no threat to us and we are not interested in their inability to put their house in order.

“They are already looking for excuses for their imminent defeat come 2027.

“We vehemently deny any role in the failure of their rally and want to urge them not to throw the state into turmoil.”

RELATEDLY, a pro-democracy advocate, Olatorera Majekodunmi-Oniru, has raised the alarm over what she described as “brutal acts of thuggery and kleptocracy” unfolding in Lagos State. She, however, condemned the weekend’s forced displacement of residents in Oworonshoki and the disruption of opposition political activities.

Majekodunmi-Oniru, who accused entrenched political actors in Lagos of eroding democratic space through intimidation and violence, said: “These incidents are symptomatic of a broader authoritarian streak that has dogged Lagos politics for decades. From the suppression of student movements in the 80s to the more recent clampdown on the #EndSARS protests in 2020, the state has often been criticised for deploying state-backed might to muzzle dissent and maintain a one-party stranglehold.

“Democracy cannot thrive where citizens are brutalised, opposition voices are silenced, and laws of humanity are disrespected. Nigerian citizens must stand tall against kleptocrats, thugs, and warmongers.”

Meanwhile, the ADC has condemned Saturday’s attack on its members at the rally venue. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdhllahi, the party said: “The African Democratic Congress is outraged by the attack that occurred at an ADC gathering in Alimosho, where its leaders and members had gathered for a peaceful meeting.

“The ADC particularly condemns the invasion of the church premises where the meeting was meant to be held. This attack on the church premises is a profound act of desecration by a jittery ruling party that would stop at nothing to silence opposition voices in the country.”

It, therefore, called on the police to rise above partisan interests and demonstrate that they are not compromised.

 

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Sanwo-Olu Felicitates Chief Of Staff At 59

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has felicitated his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, as he turns 59.

Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary (CoS), Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Ayinde as a worthy and trusted partner in the Greater Lagos agenda.

He also described his CoS as a loyal, dependable, selfless, hardworking and God-fearing man, who had contributed to the growth and development of Lagos State.

The governor said Ayinde had displayed high capacity in service, hence, the decision to return him in the same capacity was a testament to his high level of performance, competence, hard work and loyalty.

The governor further described Ayinde as a beacon of grassroots mobilisation and support, hard work, loyalty and sincerity, saying that the celebrant is a man of integrity, diligence and a model of excellence, whom he is pleased to call his Chief of Staff.

According to him, Ayinde is an asset to his administration because of his loyalty, selflessness and hardwork, and further described him as God-fearing and a quintessential gentleman who had contributed immensely to the growth and development of Lagos State as a member of the State Executive Council.

“Happy Birthday to my Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, a reliable, trusted, loyal and hardworking gentleman in the Greater Lagos agenda. Ayinde is a committed public servant who has displayed a high level of competence, accountability and transparency in public office.

“He is indeed a ‘Buffalo,’ as he is usually called by his friends and political associates, because he depicts the true strength and survival instincts of a buffalo.”

 

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Army Arrests Fake Major In Oshodi, Hands Him Over To The Police

The 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ikeja, has transferred a 36-year-old man, Animashaun Khalid, to the Lagos State Police Command after he was arrested for allegedly posing as a senior military officer.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the suspect was apprehended at the popular Arena Market in Oshodi while in possession of a forged Nigerian Army identity card, which falsely identified him as a Major.

“The suspect was arrested at the Arena Market, Oshodi, with a counterfeit Nigerian Army ID card carrying his name and the rank of Major. Soldiers immediately handed him over to the Lagos State Police Command in a seamless operation, reflecting the strong collaboration between security agencies,” Hundeyin stated.

According to the police, the case has been assigned to the Special Squad I of the Command for a detailed investigation aimed at uncovering the source of the forgery, identifying possible accomplices, and determining whether the suspect exploited the fake identity for criminal purposes.

Hundeyin added that the suspect would be charged in court upon completion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, lauded the Nigerian Army for its quick intervention and cooperation.

“The swift arrest and prompt handover highlight the critical role of synergy among security agencies in fighting crime,” Jimoh said.

He urged Lagos residents to remain security-conscious and report any suspicious activity, assuring that the close working relationship between the Army and Police will continue to strengthen public safety across the state.

 

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Woman With Fake Pregnancy Caught With Cocaine In Jibowu

  The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a 50-year-old widow and fashion designer, Mrs. Ifeoma Henrietta Ezewuike, for attempting to traffic 1.3 kilograms of cocaine using a fake pregnancy disguise.

Ezewuike, who runs a fashion outfit, Golden Star Creation, in the Okota area of Lagos, was apprehended at a bus terminal in Jibowu, Yaba, on Friday, while attempting to deliver the drug consignment to customers in Abuja.

A statement by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said a follow-up operation at her residence in Ago Palace Way, Okota, led to the recovery of 200 grams of cutting agent used in processing cocaine.

Babafemi said in her statement to investigators that Ezewuike, a mother of one, claimed she inherited the drug trade from her late husband, who died two years ago, despite being in the fashion business for over 20 years.

“A 50-year-old widow and fashion designer, Mrs. Ifeoma Henrietta Ezewuike, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over an attempt to traffic 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, using fake pregnancy as a façade to escape scrutiny and detection.

“The widow who is a mother of one and proprietress of Golden Star Creation, a fashion outfit in Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos, was arrested at a bus terminal in the Jibowu, Yaba area of the state on Friday, August  22, 2025, while attempting to move the cocaine consignment to customers in Abuja.

“A follow-up operation at her house in the Ago Palace Way area led to the recovery of 200 grams of cutting agent used in the production of a strain of cocaine. In her statement, Ezewuike claimed she inherited the criminal trade from her husband, who died two years ago, while she has been in the fashion business for 20 years,” the statement partly read.

In related operations, Babafemi said the NDLEA operatives intercepted 90 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 48.6kg, concealed in three cartons of kitchen sinks imported from the United States.

He said the seizure was made at a courier company in Lagos on Tuesday, August 19.

“No fewer than 90 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 48.6kg, imported from the United States of America and concealed in three cartons of kitchen sink, were intercepted at a courier company in Lagos on Tuesday, August 19, by the NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigation,” Babafemi said.

In Adamawa, he said the NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence on Friday raided the home of a notorious drug dealer, Idris Garba, who scaled the fence to escape arrest, while one of his associates, Boniface Nnaji, 55, who attempted the same, was caught in the act at the Rumde Baru area of Yola South.

“Recovered from the premises include a black Toyota Thundra jeep marked FST- 885-CZ driven to Yola by Nnaji to supply Garba 354,480 pills of tramadol 225mg, 250mg and others as well as a Toyota Yaris car with registration number DSA 776 AA, “ he added.

In Kano, Babafemi said the duo of Buhari Ibrahim, 25, and Mansur Musa, 24, were nabbed at Zangon Ungogo, with 5,850 capsules of pregabaline on Tuesday, August 19, while a total of 452,070 pills of opioids were recovered from the home of a suspect, Rabilu Mukhtar, who is at large, at Rangaza, Ungogo LGA, just as Buhari Idris, 35, was arrested at the Tashan Rami area of the state with 140 litres of codeine syrup, both on the same Tuesday.

“No fewer than 7,000 capsules of tramadol were seized from Adamu Yusuf, 29, along Zaria-Kano road, Kwanar Dangora area of the state on Saturday,” he added.

In Abuja, he said two dispatch riders were arrested for distributing illicit substances.

According to the statement, similar crackdowns were recorded in Taraba, Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ekiti states, where the NDLEA teams destroyed large cannabis farms and warehouses.

 

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Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos Paralyzed As The Blind Community Protests Over School Closure

Activities around the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos were disrupted on Monday as hundreds of visually impaired people and other physically challenged persons staged a protest over the closure of Farm Craft, a government-run school for the blind.

The protesters, armed with a banner of the Farmcraft Centre for the Blind, blocked major access roads to the airport, causing significant traffic gridlock and halting movement for passengers and airport staff.

The protest has held the airport operations to ransom, as this led to many passengers missing their flights.

Passengers with luggages were seen trekking long distances to catch up with their flights.

According to the protesters, the protest was an attempt to draw President Bola Tinubu’s attention to the plight of disabled students whose education has been stalled for nearly two years.

They added that the protest had drawn over 500 participants, with more reportedly arriving from different parts of Lagos.

The protesters vowed to remain at the airport until they received a concrete response from the government regarding the reopening of their school.

A leader of the protest, who identified himself simply as Mr. Dolor, narrated efforts that had been put in place to secure the reopening of the school before they resorted to the protest.

“You can see the blind and disabled people; they are angry. A lot of Nigerians see them as beggars, but now they have their own school, a school that gave them dignity, and it has been shut down without reason for almost two years,” he said.

Dolor said the school in question is located in the Isheri area of Lagos with branches across the state.

The protesters say they have made repeated appeals to both state and federal authorities through official letters and delegations, but have received no response.

“This is why we are here,” Dolor said.

He added, “We know not every message reaches the President, but this one, with the whole airport affected, will surely get to him.”

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Obiageli Orah, warned passengers and other airport users of heavy traffic, urging commuters to seek alternative routes and confirm their flight schedules with airlines.

The statement reads, “This is a travel advisory for passengers and commuters to/from Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

“Due to an ongoing protest by the Farmcraft Centre for the Blind, traffic congestion is currently impacting access roads to the airport.”

The authority apologised for the inconvenience caused and advised travellers to remain patient and stay informed through official channels.

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NDLEA Arrests Popular Pastor In Lagos For Drug Trafficking

After months of fleeing abroad to evade arrest, the founder and General Overseer of The Turn of Mercy Church, Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Olasele (alias Abbas Ajakaiye), has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for masterminding multiple shipments of illicit drugs into Nigeria.

Prophet Adefolusho was arrested at his church located in Okun Ajah, Ogombo Road, Lekki area of Lagos on Sunday, 3rd August 2025, by NDLEA officers who waited for him all day to conclude the Sunday worship service in the evening before moving in on him the moment he stepped out of the church premises.

The arrest came after he had evaded arrest twice and fled to Ghana to hide since June when operatives of the agency started trailing him following the seizure of two shipments of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis linked to him, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesman said in a statement on Sunday.

The first seizure of 200kg of the psychoactive substance was made at Okun Ajah beach on 4th June 2025, while another consignment of 700kg of the same substance was recovered from his delivery van on 6th July 2025.

In his statement, he admitted ferrying the illicit consignments through the waterways from Ghana into Nigeria, adding that he had fled to the West African country to hide after he escaped arrest twice in the recent past.

In another operation in Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Thursday, 7th August, raided an apartment at Kishi House 11 Layi Ajayi Bembe Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, where they arrested a suspect Benjamin Udo Ukoh and recovered 32 pouches of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis with a total weight of 15.63kg.

In like manner, commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities among others in the past week.

These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Mind City College, Saki, Oyo; Gwagwarwa Primary School, Nasarawa LGA, Kano; officers of the Nigerian Army 241 Recce Model Battalion, Nguru, Yobe; members of Engine Grinders Association, Gboko, Benue; while the Ekiti State command of NDLEA paid WADA advocacy visit to the Nigerian Correctional Service in Ado Ekiti, just as the Anambra State command of the Agency paid a similar WADA advocacy visit to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

While commending the officers and men of the Lagos, Nasarawa, Gombe, Kano, and Edo Commands for the arrests, seizures and their dexterity, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.

 

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NNPC Sanctions Pump Attendant In Ikorodu For Defrauding Customer

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Retail Limited has sanctioned staff at one of its filling stations in Ikorodu, Lagos, after a pump attendant was caught on video allegedly attempting to swindle a customer.

A man, in a viral video, had confronted the attendant for selling petrol below the amount paid by the customer.

In a statement via its official X handle on Friday, the company said the video, which has been circulating on social media, prompted an immediate investigation that confirmed the incident took place at its Ikorodu outlet.

Describing the conduct as “unacceptable” and contrary to its values of integrity, transparency and customer service excellence, NNPC Retail said it had taken decisive action in line with its sanction grid.

“The pump attendant involved has been disengaged, the station manager suspended, and a formal warning letter issued to the dealer,” the statement read.

The company thanked the public for its vigilance and urged customers to continue reporting such incidents via the customer service numbers and email addresses displayed at its stations.

It also promised to maintain strict enforcement of compliance with operational standards across its network nationwide.

 

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Rebranding: 9mobile Is Now T2

Nigerian telecoms operator 9mobile has rebranded to T2 as part of a strategic push to revive its market position, expand its reach, and compete more aggressively in the country’s fast-growing digital economy.

The move marks the “Transformation” stage of the company’s four-phase recovery plan: Stabilisation, Modernisation, Transformation, and Growth, which was introduced following the 2023 acquisition of 9mobile by Lighthouse Telecoms, led by businessman and investor Thomas Etuh.

Since the takeover, the operator has overhauled its leadership team, reconstituted its board, and signed a landmark three-year national roaming agreement with MTN Nigeria in July. The deal, the first of its scale in the market, has allowed 9mobile subscribers to roam seamlessly on MTN’s nationwide network, improving coverage, capacity, and service quality in areas where 9mobile’s own network had been limited.

At the unveiling of the new brand identity in Lagos on Friday, Chief Executive Officer Obafemi Banigbe said the rebrand represented “a total evolution of who we are, why we exist, and how we deliver value” rather than a cosmetic exercise. “T2 is a symbol of our renewed commitment to innovation, resilience, and a deepened focus on customer experience,” he noted in a statement.

Etuh described the transition as a “rebirth” for the company after years of legal and operational challenges, crediting “faith and love for country” as his motivation for acquiring the business. He thanked the Nigerian Communications Commission and the company’s customers for their patience during a period marked by multiple litigations and operational difficulties.

“To our amazing customers, please accept my profound gratitude for believing in us,” he said. “We are rising together again. Together, with you, we are reclaiming all lost grounds.”

The Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, welcomed the rebrand but urged the company to translate it into concrete service improvements.

“Let this rebrand be more than a change of colours or new logo,” he said, calling for a “renewed commitment to innovation, to service excellence and to the millions of Nigerians whose lives and businesses depend on your network every single day.”

The Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said T2’s focus on digital innovation aligned with the state’s ambitions for a robust and inclusive digital economy.

The transition to the T2 identity will be rolled out in phases to ensure uninterrupted service, with the new brand anchored on four pillars: Speed, Smart Living, Digital Lifestyle, and Trust. The company aims to position itself as a bridge between connectivity and culture, infrastructure and impact, as Nigeria’s telecoms market enters a new decade of transformation.

 

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