Marijuana Trafficking: 35-Year Old Man Bags 6 Months Jail Term

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Tuesday convicted and sentenced a 35-year-old man, Deji Adesanya, to six months’ imprisonment for unlawful dealing in cannabis sativa, popularly known as marijuana.

Justice Akintayo Aluko handed down the sentence after Adesanya pleaded guilty to a one-count charge filed against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

At the arraignment, the NDLEA prosecution counsel, Peter Ekuri, told the court that Adesanya was arrested on November 22, 2025, at Safecourt Apartment, Ikate–Elegushi, Lagos State, with five kilograms of cannabis sativa, a prohibited substance.

The prosecutor said the convict dealt in the drug without lawful authority, thereby committing an offence under the NDLEA Act.

According to Ekuri, the offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Following Adesanya’s guilty plea, the prosecutor reviewed the facts of the case and tendered several exhibits in evidence.

He thereafter urged the court to convict and sentence Adesanya in line with his plea and the exhibits before the court.

In her plea for leniency, defence counsel R.M.J. Nyiew urged the court to temper justice with mercy.

She asked the court to consider her client’s early guilty plea, his remorse, and his promise to refrain from engaging in any illegal activity in the future.

She also appealed for a non-custodial sentence.

In his ruling, Justice Aluko noted that the convict was a first-time offender with no previous criminal record, as confirmed by the prosecution.

The judge consequently sentenced Adesanya to six months’ imprisonment, with an option of a fine of N450,000.

 

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Lagos Taskforce Arrests 32 Omotaku Miscreants On Mainland And Island

The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested 32 street urchins, popularly known as Omotaku, for allegedly causing public nuisance and obstructing traffic on major highways across the state.

The agency, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Raheem Gbadeyan, on Monday, stated that the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated enforcement operation carried out on Tuesday across the Island and Mainland following complaints by residents over the activities of the miscreants.

He added that the operation, which was part of the Taskforce’s ongoing clean-up exercise, covered areas such as Apongbon, Fadeyi, Jibowu, Yaba Phase 1, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba, and Surulere, among other adjoining roads.

“In these locations, the Taskforce observed the illegal activities of these miscreants who were unlawfully stopping articulated vehicles such as petroleum tankers, lorries, trucks, trailers, and private cars.

“During the raid, a total of 32 suspects were apprehended for constituting public nuisance, illegal road obstruction, and violating the Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, as well as the Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017. Some of the suspects were also found to be smoking substances suspected to be hard drugs and Indian hemp,” the statement added.

According to him, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the agency remained committed to ensuring public safety across the state.

“We will not relent in our efforts to comb all nooks and crannies of Lagos to rid the state of criminal elements and other undesirable activities on our roads,” Akerele was quoted as saying.

He added that the operation restored sanity to the affected areas while the suspects had been charged in court.

 

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Actress Allwell Ademola Laid To Rest In Lagos

Nollywood stars on Friday bid a final farewell to actress, producer and filmmaker, Allwell Ademola, who was buried in Lagos amid grief and emotional scenes from colleagues, friends and family members.

It was a sombre moment as Ademola’s coffin was lowered into the grave, with several colleagues struggling to hold back tears.

Actress Liz DaSilva was visibly emotional at the graveside, while actors Rotimi Salami, Biola Adebayo, Saheed Balogun and Kunle Afod were present during the final rites.

The burial followed a candlelight procession held in her honour on Thursday night, led by actors Fathia Balogun, Femi Adebayo and Iyabo Ojo.

The procession began hours after a service of songs organised at LTV8 in Lagos.

Several Nollywood figures attended the service of songs, including Wumi Toriola, Afeez Owo, Faithia Williams, Mr Latin, Odunlade Adekola, Eniola Ajao, Yemi Solade, Bakare Zainab, Foluke Daramola and Jigan Babaoja, among others.

During the service, Salami, described by colleagues as one of Ademola’s closest friends, delivered an emotional tribute and appealed for forgiveness on her behalf.

He said, “If there’s anyone Allwell has offended, directly or indirectly, please, forgive her and keep praying for her.”

He added, “I think the only thing we can actually do is to find a way in unity to keep her legacy. Even if she’s gone, let all that she has done stay with us and be with us.”

The service of songs also showed a moment of reconciliation after Ademola’s brother publicly apologised to Iyabo Ojo over comments he made following his sister’s death.

Addressing Ojo during the service of songs, he said, “ please ma, don’t be offended. I did not mean to abuse you, I was not referring to you at all.”

His apology followed a video he posted in December 2025, in which he criticised some Nollywood colleagues over what he described as insincere tributes.

In that video, he said, “All the ‘Rest in Peace’ messages and public displays of love are fake and hypocritical. Where was this love when she was alive?

When she produced Eniobanke, none of you promoted it. You all claimed friendship, yet you never supported her work or career, even though she supported many of you. During the Jagun Jagun production, no one called her or offered her a role.”

He also added, “Some of you the likes of Lateef Adedimeji, Owonikoko, Iyabo Ojo and others came to our house to shoot movies, yet you never found it worthy to stand by her. If you couldn’t support her while she was alive, don’t perform loyalty now that she is gone.”

Responding to the claims at the time, Iyabo Ojo insisted she supported the late actress while she was alive. She said, “I over supported your sister when she was Alive, when she was building her career as Producer and director, I featured in her movies countless times for free, and I also supported her financially and emotionally. May her beautiful soul continue to rest in perfect peace.”

Allwell Ademola, known for her work in both Yoruba and English-language films, died on December 27, 2025, after suffering a heart attack at her residence.

 

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Medical Negligence Blamed For Chimamanda's Son's Death

Fresh details have emerged surrounding the death of the 21-month-old son of writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, following a brief illness while the family was in Lagos during the Christmas holidays.

The child, identified as Nkanu Nnamdi, reportedly fell ill after developing an infection. Sources familiar with the matter said the parents had already arranged for a full medical evacuation abroad, with a specialist medical team scheduled to transfer him to the United States for further treatment on January 7.

According to the sources, the child was taken to a private medical facility in Victoria Island, Lagos, on January 6, 2026, primarily to undergo medical tests requested by the overseas medical team. He was said to have arrived at the facility in a stable condition.

However, before the planned evacuation could take place, the child’s condition reportedly deteriorated. Individuals close to the family have raised concerns about the medical care provided in the hours before his death, describing it as inadequate and questioning whether established clinical protocols were fully observed.

“This wasn’t an act of God,” one source said, reflecting the views of those who believe the outcome could have been different. “This was a failure of care. If those professionals had done their jobs for just a few hours, that child would be alive today.”

The family has not made a public statement beyond requesting privacy during their period of mourning. Efforts are ongoing to obtain responses from the medical facility involved, as further details continue to emerge.

Lagos Today Extra! will keep you posted.

 

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Nigerian Producers Now Churn Out 'Fast Food' Music And Movies - Baba Dee

Singer and actor, Baba Dee, who was also an elder brother to the late music icon Sound Sultan, has expressed concern about the current state of Nigerian music, warning that the industry is drifting away from meaningful and impactful content.

In an interview with Saturday Beats, Baba Dee contrasted contemporary trends with music from past decades.

He said, “Why are conscious songs not commercially viable? When Blackface made ‘Hard Life’, that was the music we were dancing to. Sound Sultan’s ‘Ole’ was commercially viable. What I’m telling you is that the pattern has changed. What is music saying now? You must at least say something that contributes to our general well-being,” he said.

Baba Dee highlighted the challenges facing Nigerian entertainment, stressing the need for adaptability and creativity. Drawing on his experience as a theatre artiste and filmmaker, he noted that while he pursued quality projects, many creators today are pushed to produce quick, low-budget “fast food” content.

Addressing the challenges faced by creators on digital platforms like YouTube, he said, “Now that budgets have become smaller, the approach has become ‘fast food’; finish one project and move on to the next. Just like every other sector in Nigeria, the cinema industry is affected. Some people become both judge and jury in their own case. Now that alternatives exist to track revenue objectively, things are changing. Streaming in the music industry has become the ‘new cheat code,’ and sometimes it tends to short-change artistes. But that’s where we are. There are different mediums of selling films, and we have to adapt and evolve.”

Baba Dee, who also directs films, expressed concern about repetitive content on YouTube. “I am not a fan of YouTube films that use the same houses, the same people, and the same characters. No creativity. It’s messed up, but it is what it is,” he said.

Culled from The Punch Newspapers 

 

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Why Living In Old Houses May Cause Headaches, Tummy Pains And Memory Loss - Dr. Ajidahun, Internal Medicine Physician

Many old houses in Lagos, especially those in the Ebute Metta and Lagos Island parts of the state, were built by grandparents or great-grandparents, passed down through generations, and filled with memories. These homes often symbolise heritage and family history. But behind the walls of these houses are materials that may be quietly affecting the health of those who live in them.

The conversation emerged after Dr. Olusina Ajidahun, popularly known as The Bearded Shina, an internal medicine physician, shared an explanation on X (formerly Twitter) that recurring symptoms such as headaches, stomach pain, constipation, and even memory problems experienced by people living in older houses may have a medical explanation rather than a spiritual one.

According to Dr Ajidahun, many houses built several decades ago were constructed with materials that contained lead, a toxic metal now known to pose serious health risks when exposure occurs over time.

For years, lead was widely used in building materials because it was durable, affordable, and easy to work with, long before its dangers became widely recognised.

In the 1960s and 1970s, lead was commonly found in household paint, plumbing pipes and solder. At the time, the long-term health effects of constant exposure were not fully understood or taken seriously. As a result, many homes built during that era still contain these materials today.

Decades later, as these houses age, the materials used in their construction begin to break down. Paint peels, walls crack and old pipes corrode, creating opportunities for lead to enter the living environment. The exposure happens slowly, which makes it difficult to detect.

Tiny particles from deteriorating lead-based paint can turn into dust and settle on floors, furniture and household surfaces.

This dust can be inhaled or transferred through contaminated hands to food and water. In older plumbing systems, lead may also leach into drinking water, particularly when water remains stagnant in pipes for long periods. Over time, repeated exposure allows the metal to accumulate in the body.

Dr Ajidahun explained that lead poisoning does not always present with dramatic or immediate symptoms, which is why it is often overlooked. Instead, affected individuals may experience persistent but unexplained health issues that come and go, making it harder to identify a clear cause.

Headaches, abdominal discomfort, constipation, fatigue and problems with concentration are among the common complaints associated with prolonged exposure.

Because these symptoms are vague and overlap with many everyday illnesses, people often attribute them to stress, poor diet, infections or lifestyle changes. In some cases, cultural and religious beliefs may also lead individuals to interpret their experiences through a spiritual lens.

The issue is particularly relevant in Nigeria, where many families still live in inherited homes built several decades ago.

Beyond individual households, Dr Ajidahun’s comments have drawn attention to a broader public health issue that is rarely discussed. As Nigeria continues to grapple with housing challenges, ageing buildings and limited regulation of older structures, the conversation highlights the need for greater awareness about how the places people live can influence their health.

While old houses carry emotional value and family history, this discussion serves as a reminder that understanding their potential risks is important. Sometimes, the cause of recurring headaches or tummy pain may not be mysterious or supernatural, but rooted in the very walls people call home.

 

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Adekunle Gold And Simi Welcome A Set Of Twins

Nigerian stars couple, Adekunle Gold and Simi, have welcomed a set of twins. Adekunle Gold announced the news via his Snapchat story on Wednesday where he wrote, “Asked God for another child and He blessed me double.”

The announcement follows weeks of speculation after Simi shared a post in December 2025 featuring a clip from Adekunle Gold’s music video, My Love Is the Same.

She captioned the video, “From my baby, for my babies.”

In the clip, Simi appeared with a visible baby

bump, sparking reports that the couple was expecting another child.

The couple got married in a private ceremony in January 2019 after years of friendship and musical collaboration.

They welcomed their first child, a daughter, Adejare Kosoko, fondly called Deja, in May 2020.

 

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TECNO Enhances Grassroots Football With A New Football Pitch In Alimosho

Nigeria’s mobile phone brand, TECNO, has reinforced its commitment to grassroots football and youth development with the completion of a new 5-a-side football pitch at the Alade Sports Complex in Command, Alimosho Local Government Area.

According to a statement from TECNO on Monday, the facility, officially opened on 24 December 2025, is the latest in a series of initiatives by the company aimed at supporting underserved communities and fostering local football talent.

The pitch was developed in partnership with Prince Babatunde Alade, Proprietor of the Alade Sports Complex, who has independently managed the facility for nearly 25 years, nurturing young players and discovering notable talents, including two former Nigerian Golden Eaglets, Mr Basit Ojediran and Mr Tijani Samson, who represented Nigeria at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil.

The new astro-turf pitch was commissioned in a ceremony attended by community leaders, TECNO representatives and local residents.

Mr Olumide Yomi-Omolayo, TECNO Marketing Manager, and Elder Philip Ajayi, Community Leader from Amikanle, highlighted the significance of the project for local youth development and inclusive access to quality sports infrastructure.

“This project is a source of pride and collective joy for our community,” Elder Philip Ajayi said. “TECNO’s intervention validates decades of hard work by Prince Babatunde Alade and provides young footballers with opportunities that were previously unavailable in this part of Lagos.”

The 5-a-side pitch at Ajasa Ikola is part of TECNO’s broader grassroots football development strategy, which began with the Sura Mini Stadium on Lagos Island, delivered in collaboration with the Lagos State Government. Both facilities mark the first phase of a wider programme across Lagos State and Nigeria, designed to create pathways for young players to progress from grassroots football to professional careers.

Speaking on the initiative, Founder and CEO of Mono, Mr Abdulhamid Hassan, said, “This partnership enables young Africans to access world-class infrastructure and opportunities, bridging the gap between raw talent and professional football. We are proud to support communities where the potential of youth is often overlooked.”

Beyond Lagos, TECNO’s efforts are aligned with its continental sponsorship of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reinforcing its commitment to football development across Nigeria and Africa. Through these projects, TECNO aims to combine corporate social responsibility with long-term investments in youth empowerment and sports excellence.

The Alade Sports Complex project demonstrates TECNO’s dedication to sustainable community development, providing young footballers with modern facilities, structured coaching environments, and access to competitive opportunities, while ensuring the legacy of privately run grassroots initiatives continues.

 

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16 Ships Laden With Petrol, Diesel And Aviation Fuel Arrive Lagos Port

No fewer than 16 ships have arrived at Lekki, Tincan, and Apapa ports in Lagos, waiting to discharge petrol, diesel, and bulk gas.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) stated this in its publication ‘Shipping Position’ on Thursday in Lagos.

The document noted that 40 ships laden with petroleum products, food items, and other goods were expected to arrive at Apapa, Lekki, and Tin-Can Island Ports from January 8 to January 16.

NPA explained that the expected ships contained buck wheat, bulk diesel, petrol, crude oil, fresh fish, condensate, raw oil, bulk urea, bulk gas, and containers of different goods.

NAN reports that eight other ships are at the ports discharging containers, diesel, bulk urea, and crude oil.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it generated a total revenue of N2.93 trillion from import and export facilitation at Apapa port in 2025, representing a 24.32 per cent growth of N573.2 billion over the N2.35 trillion collected in 2024.

The Customs Area Controller, Apapa Port Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, who disclosed this on Wednesday, in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, attributed the achievement to the strategic deployment of technology, effective leadership, and disciplined manpower.

Oshoba added that a major contributor to the success was the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, which enhanced transparency, efficiency, and accountability in cargo clearance processes.

According to him, regular performance reviews and timely revenue recovery measures further strengthened collections.

He also commended compliant stakeholders whose lawful trade practices contributed significantly to the revenue growth.

The Controller said the Command intensified stakeholder sensitisation following the rollout of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme and expanded the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative to ensure faster processing and release of compliant cargoes.

He said efforts are also at an advanced stage to deploy the FS6000 cargo scanning system, a non-intrusive technology capable of scanning up to 200 containers per hour.

Oshoba disclosed that the Command also recorded enforcement successes, intercepting 53 containers laden with illicit drugs and prohibited items, including cocaine, Canadian Loud, tramadol, and expired pharmaceuticals with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N12.6 billion.

He said some of the interceptions in the year 2025 were handed over to relevant agencies such as NDLEA and NAFDAC for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Looking ahead, Oshoba expressed optimism that the Command would achieve a greater revenue milestone in 2026, driven by deeper implementation of B’Odogwu, AEO, OSS, stronger intelligence-led enforcement, and expanded collaboration with sister agencies.

 

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Lagos Assembly Passes N4.4 Trillion 2026 'Budget Of Shared Prosperity'

    

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed a ₦4.4 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year following the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget.

Chairman of the committee, Sa’ad Olumoh, presented the report during plenary on Thursday, outlining the assumptions, projections, and structure of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, tagged the “Budget of Shared Prosperity.”

According to the report, the 2026 budget is the third budget cycle of the current administration and the final new-cycle budget of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.

It is aligned with the administration’s development agenda, anchored on four strategic pillars: human-centric development, modern and adaptive infrastructure, a thriving 21st-century megacity economy, and effective governance that exceeds citizens’ expectations.

Olumoh said the budget framework was informed by key macroeconomic indices, including an exchange rate benchmark of ₦1,512 to the dollar, an inflation rate of 14.7 per cent, oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day, and a benchmark oil price of $64 per barrel.

The committee also reviewed the 2025 budget performance, reporting a cumulative performance of 79 per cent as of November 2025. Capital expenditure performance stood at 75 per cent, recurrent expenditure at 87 per cent, while overall revenue performance was put at 79 per cent.

For the 2026 fiscal year, the approved budget size stands at about ₦4.4 trillion, comprising proposed recurrent expenditure of ₦2.052 trillion and capital expenditure of ₦2.185 trillion. The capital component represents a significant share of the budget, underscoring the state government’s commitment to infrastructure development.

The budget makes provisions for personnel costs, overheads, debt servicing and debt repayment, with a projected deficit of about ₦243 billion to be financed through approved deficit financing options.

During deliberations, lawmakers commended the budget, describing it as realistic and growth-oriented.

Aro Moshood disclosed that an additional ₦171 billion was added to the budget during the review process.

Femi Saheed said the size and structure of the budget showed that Lagos State remained on a strong economic footing, provided all stakeholders played their roles.

Similarly, Gbolahan Yishawu, representing Eti-Osa Constituency II, emphasised the importance of revenue reforms and prudent loan repayment structures, noting that effective implementation would further strengthen the state’s fiscal position.

The Assembly also received assurances from relevant officials that revenue-generating agencies would collaborate to ensure that projected revenues are met and possibly exceeded.

Following deliberations, the House adopted the committee’s report, took the third reading and passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earlier presented a ₦4.237 trillion spending proposal to the House on November 25, 2025, stating that the budget was designed to accelerate economic growth, deepen infrastructure development and maintain fiscal responsibility.

He disclosed that the budget projected total revenue of about ₦3.99 trillion, with ₦3.12 trillion expected from internally generated revenue and ₦874 billion from federal transfers, while the deficit financing plan stood at approximately ₦243.3 billion.

 

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How A 52-Year Old Lagos Bricklayer Disappeared Without A Trace

The family of 52-year-old bricklayer Abidemi Alao is appealing for help following his disappearance while returning from a family event in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, last Saturday.

Alao, popularly known as “Daddy,” was last seen boarding a commercial bus around 4 pm, heading toward Ibadan.

He was expected to arrive home that same evening, but has neither been seen nor heard from since.

His brother, John Kolawole, who spoke with newsmen , narrated the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

“He travelled for our sister’s introduction ceremony. On his way back, one of our brothers dropped him off at the bus stop.

“He boarded the bus around 4 pm, and later, someone who sat beside him called to say he had reached Ibadan around 7 pm and was about to continue from there.”

The brother added that subsequent efforts to reach Alao failed.

The brother continued, “On Sunday morning, when we called his number, a stranger picked up and said he found the phone inside the bus.

“The person said his phone was found in the bus and promised to call back around 10 am, but didn’t. When we called again by 2 pm, the phone was already switched off.”

Worried by the development, another member of his family, Mutiu Ayanwale, told newsmen on Sunday that the matter was reported at different police stations in Lagos.

He also revealed that the family received a suspicious call from an unknown person claiming to be holding Alao and demanding N50,000 ransom.

“That’s the only step we’ve taken so far, apart from posting his picture on Facebook and Instagram.

“One of his daughters called to say someone contacted them, claiming they were holding him and asking for N50,000.

“The caller even said they saw him from the bus, but when asked to let us speak with him, they refused.

“We believe it’s a 419 scam because we had just posted his picture online. We didn’t send any money,” he recounted.

The family expressed deep concern over the continued silence, saying no credible information has come in despite the social media alerts.

 

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Airport Police Arrest 20-Year Old Romance Fraudster For Defrauding Unsuspecting Women Of Over N1 Billion

The Airport Police Command, Lagos, has arrested a 20-year-old man, Essien Emmanuel Akpama, accused of defrauding multiple victims in the United States of over N1 billion (more than $1 million) through a celebrity romance and fraud scheme.

In a statement signed by ASP Mohammed Adeola, Police Public Relations Officer of the Airport Police Command, the force said the arrest followed months of intelligence-led surveillance.

“The Nigeria Police Force, Airport Police Command, in its sustained efforts to combat transnational crimes and prevent the use of Nigerian airports as escape routes for criminal elements, has arrested a notorious celebrity scam and romance fraud suspect,” the statement read.

“The suspect, Essien Emmanuel Akpama, was arrested on 5th January, 2026, by operatives of the Anti-Fraud Unit of the Airport Police Command while attempting to board a flight out of Lagos State.”

Investigations revealed that Akpama relocated from Calabar, Cross River State, to Lagos on February 23, 2024, from where he coordinated several fraudulent schemes.

One of the scams involved a 47-year-old woman in the US, who was deceived into transferring $1 million under the pretext of purchasing property in Florida for an orphanage.

“The suspect, through a celebrity scam modus operandi, deceived a 47-year-old female victim in the United States into transferring one million US dollars under the pretext of purchasing property in Florida for an orphanage,” the statement said.

The funds were solicited via a cryptocurrency scheme called “BullRun 2.0,” formerly known as “4 Way Mirror Money.”

It was also revealed that Akpama also defrauded a 70-year-old US woman of N25,709,400 (about $18,000) through purchases of gift cards, high-end mobile phones, and computer equipment shipped to Nigeria under his direction.

“Further investigations revealed that the suspect also defrauded another 70-year-old female victim in the United States of a total sum of N25,709,400, equivalent to $18,000.

“The fraud was perpetrated through the purchase of gift cards, high-end mobile devices, and computer equipment, which were shipped to Nigeria at the suspect’s direction,” the statement added.

Recovered items include a MacBook Pro 14-inch, an iPhone 17 Pro Max, two Google Pixel 10 Pro XL devices, and one Google Pixel 10 Pro, collectively valued at N8,141,367.

The statement further added that, “The suspect reportedly posed as a 60-year-old orthopaedic surgeon working with the United Nations in Nigeria to convince victims that the devices were needed for secure communications.”

Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, Mnips, PhD, reiterated the importance of intelligence-driven operations in curbing crime.

“The Command will continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations to detect, disrupt, and dismantle criminal networks operating within and around Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem,” she said.

The case has been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Special Fraud Unit for further investigation, and the suspect will be arraigned in court upon completion of the inquiry.

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Residents Of Meiran Run Helter-skelter As Hoodlums Chase One Another With Axes

    

Residents of Meiran were thrown into panic on Wednesday after hoodlums reportedly chased one another with axes along parts of the area.

It was gathered from multiple eyewitnesses that no life was lost during the fracas, which occurred at Kabowei Bus Stop in Meiran at about 1pm on Wednesday.

However, the incident caused panic among motorists, with several drivers abandoning their vehicles along the axis to seek safety.

As the violence unfolded, residents and commuters reportedly scampered for cover while groups of young men, some armed with axes, ran through the road.

A resident who identified himself only as Segun told newsmen that he was forced to abandon his vehicle and take refuge in a nearby house until the situation calmed.

“The issue started right in front of Amala at Meiran Bus Stop. I had to get out of my car and seek shelter when I saw a group of men wielding axes and chasing another group of young men.

“I didn’t know what could happen if I tried to drive through the chaos. Other drivers also parked their vehicles by the roadside to allow the violence to die down. I returned to pick up my car a few minutes later when everywhere became calm,” he said.

Explaining what allegedly triggered the incident, another resident, who identified himself only as Moses, said the fight started after some youths bought ice cream and refused to pay the seller.

Moses narrated, “After they collected the ice cream, the seller demanded his money, but instead of paying, they refused and began threatening him.

“He then contacted some of his friends, who came to confront the boys. Suddenly, about five of them brought out axes, and that was how the chaos started.”

Although it remains unclear whether the incident was cult-related, similar cases of youths chasing one another with dangerous weapons such as guns and cutlasses have been reported in other parts of Lagos.

Last year, youths suspected to be cultists reportedly infiltrated a masquerader festival in the Orile Iganmu area of the state, shooting at least three people dead.

 

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Akpabio Cares Initiative Impacts 700 Surulere Residents With Medical Outreach

Residents of Surulere turned out in large numbers to benefit from a free medical outreach organised under the Akpabio Cares Initiative, a philanthropic programme driven by the office of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The medical exercise, which provided free consultations and prescribed drugs and eyeglasses, marked the third edition of the initiative in two years. Previous outreaches were held in Osogbo, Osun State, and Yankaba in Kano State.

A significant number of vulnerable residents accessed essential healthcare services at no cost during the programme, which targeted those who could not afford basic medical care.

Speaking with journalists at the venue, the convener of the initiative and Senior Legislative Aide to the President of the Senate, Mr Ahmed Tijani Mustapha, said the outreach was part of efforts to give back to society, emphasising the importance of good health.

“We are doing this as a way of giving back to society, and we believe that the best gift is that of good health,” Mustapha said.

He disclosed that the Lagos edition of the outreach was designed to reach about 700 beneficiaries, who would receive free medical consultations, drugs and eyeglasses.

Responding to questions on why the programme was held in Lagos instead of Senator Akpabio’s home state of Akwa Ibom, Mustapha explained that the office of the Senate President operates with a national perspective.

“Senator Godswill Akpabio is the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and his impact must be felt across the country,” he stated.

Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed gratitude to Senator Akpabio and the organisers, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.

One of the beneficiaries thanked the Senate President for remembering the community, noting that the initiative had brought relief to many residents who could not afford basic healthcare services.

Another beneficiary praised Mustapha’s appointment as an aide to the Senate President, saying his connection to the community had helped attract what he described as dividends of democracy to the area.

At the conclusion of the exercise, Mustapha revealed that the next phase of the Akpabio Cares Initiative would move to the North Central geopolitical zone, as the programme continues its humanitarian outreach across the country

 

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Lagos To Kick Off Measles Rubella Campaign January 20th

The Lagos State government will kick off Measles Rubella vaccination campaign on January 20 for ten days and additional two days for mop up with the goal of reaching 10.5 million children and reduce the burden of vaccines preventable diseases.

The Immunisation Officer of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Oluwakemi Oshodi, who revealed this during a media orientation programme on Measles Rubella vaccine, tasked the media and critical stakeholders on helping to curb misinformation about vaccines.

According to her, the state is committed to tackling wrong messaging about vaccines with the right information and campaign so that the people can get better educated about the importance and the impact of vaccines.

The Immunisation Programme Coordinator, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Adetola Akinpelu, said that the goal within the 12 days of the immunisation exercise is to achieve nothing less than 95 per cent coverage for the about 10.5 million children of ages nine months and 14 years living in Lagos State.

He noted that one of the major threats to receiving immunisation vaccines is misinformation despite the huge advantages it offers, imploring the media to educate residents about the importance of vaccines.

He added that 90 per cent of persons who come in contact with anyone with Measles Rubella will likely be infected, but with vaccines the negative impact will be likely neutralised

He also said that it is usually mild in children but can have severe consequences during pregnancy, leading to congenital rubella syndrome in newborns with lifelong disabilities such as heart disease.

According to him, each year, an estimate of 10,000 children are born with congenital rubella syndrome in Nigeria representing one third of global incidents.

Speaking on the impact of vaccines, he said that over the last 50 years, safe vaccine use worldwide has averted about 94 million deaths, while measles rubella immunisation has the potential to avert 2.8 million deaths in Nigeria and contribute to global shift in immunisation coverage.

“Nigeria contributes significantly to the burden of measles and rubella globally as Nigeria is second to DR Congo.

Many under 14 in Nigeria has not received the Rubella Measles vaccine.”

On her part, the Director, Health Education and Promotion Services, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Adesola Grace-Honfor, tasked the media about letting the people know the importance of measles rubella vaccine for ages nine months and 14 and that the state government has the interest of the citizens because when the children are healthy that the parents can be healthy.

The UNICEF representative, Seyi Nubi, enjoined journalists to identify, counter and correct misinformation about Measles Rubella vaccine in order to strengthen public confidence in the safety, effectiveness and quality of the measles rubella vaccine.

 

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