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Kebbi Customs, Nigerian Army Strengthen Security Ties with Benin Republic Counterparts

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Kebbi Customs, Nigerian Army Strengthen Security Ties with Benin Republic Counterparts

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi Area Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, has reaffirmed its commitment to cross-border security through a working visit to Tsamiya/Sebgana Border Post.

The delegation, led by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim, fdc, and Major Shola Elijah Moses, Commanding Officer of 1 Battalion, Nigerian Army, was received by officers of the Beninese Customs, Kebbi Command personnel, and other key stakeholders.

Speaking during the visit, Comptroller Ibrahim emphasized the need for continuous collaboration between Nigeria and Benin Republic’s security agencies to strengthen border management and enhance mutual trust.

“Security is a collective responsibility. This visit is part of our efforts to deepen cooperation and intelligence sharing for more effective border surveillance,” he said.

In his remarks, Comptroller Arouna Dramane, head of the Wara Border in Benin Republic, lauded the initiative, describing it as a welcome development. He also conducted the delegation around the facilities and pledged sustained collaboration to ensure safer borders.

The visit concluded with an exchange of goodwill messages and a joint reaffirmation of commitment to peace, security, and the protection of lives and property along the Nigeria–Benin border corridor.

Ecobank, YabaTech Launch Lagos Pop-Up Museum, Strengthens Commitment to Heritage, Creativity, Youth Development

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Ecobank, YabaTech Launch Lagos Pop-Up Museum, Strengthens Commitment to Heritage, Creativity, Youth Development

Ecobank Nigeria has officially unveiled the Lagos Pop-Up Museum, a landmark cultural initiative designed to celebrate Pan-African heritage, support youth development, and foster creative engagement across communities.

Hosted at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, EPAC, the museum is the product of a strategic partnership with the Yaba Art Museum of Yaba College of Technology, YabaTech, reflecting a shared vision of blending innovation, education, and cultural expression.

Managing Director/Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal, who welcomed guests, partners, and the creative community, described the initiative as a bold, living cultural experience that goes beyond traditional exhibitions to engage participants through workshops, performances, artist talks, and other immersive activities.

Lawal, who was represented by Head of SMEs, Partnerships & Collaborations, Omoboye Odu, noted that the Lagos Pop-Up Museum is designed to bridge institutional knowledge with civic consciousness, showcasing the transformative power of art in education, community engagement, and cultural preservation.

He noted that as a Pan-African bank, Ecobank has long championed the belief that Africa’s greatest resource is its people and talent, rather than oil or minerals.

According to him, through initiatives like the Lagos Pop-Up Museum, the bank continues to translate this philosophy into tangible community impact, reinforcing its corporate social responsibility pillars of education, innovation, sustainability, and African identity.

Lawal reflected on recent cultural initiatives spearheaded by the Bank, including the Adire Lagos Experience, showcasing over 150 textile exhibitors; the +234Art Fair, spotlighting emerging Nigerian visual artists; and the Oja-Ògè Fashion Pop-Up, blending creativity with entrepreneurial opportunity.

Curatorial Director at the Yaba Art Museum under YABATECH, Dr. Odun Orimolade, revealed that the Pop-Up Museum will feature five thematic halls, each addressing pressing issues such as restitution, archiving, sustainability, and water consciousness.

She noted that that if successful, the project could serve as a national model for empowering underprivileged youths through creative engagement and cultural education.

In his remarks, Sculptor and Academic at YabaTech, Adeola Balogun, said artworks donated by the public and collectors are sold, with proceeds directed to support indigent students on a first-come, first-served basis in collaboration with the Dean of Student Affairs and the Student Union Government.

“If 500 works are adopted from a list of 1,000 students, the first 500 students will benefit. The funds go through Ecobank, and the Dean and Student Union ensure fair distribution,” Balogun said.

He added that while the minimum price for each adopted work is set at ₦100,000, some buyers have voluntarily paid more to support students, emphasizing the value of investing in education.

Major exhibition highlights at the Pop-Up Museum include:

Homecoming: A visual journey responding to Nigerian artefacts repatriated from Europe and the Americas, and the important work towards reclaiming national and indigenous heritage.

Adoption: A civic-action space of Art donations and sales in support of youth development, supporting tuition and emerging creatives that embrace the spirit of paying it forward.

Drum Up: A celebration of the archive as a catalyst for development and collective memory, and intergenerational dialogues on a road towards the pan -African memory pool of FESTAC’77

Deep Blue: Immersive works exploring water in its fantasy, mystery, science, and environmental consciousness, responsibility, and our planetary significance, inspired by Lagos’ waterways and coastal life.

The Lagos Pop-Up Museum, which runs from 8th November 2025 until 10th February 2026, invites artists, students, collectors, policymakers, and the general public to explore, engage, and contribute to a shared cultural and educational journey.

Ogun Police Foils Robbery Attempt in Sagamu, Recovers Vehicle

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Ogun Police Foils Robbery Attempt in Sagamu, Recovers Vehicle

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have foiled a robbery attempt in Sagamu, following a swift response to a distress call in the early hours of Wednesday.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, the incident occurred around 1:45 a.m. when a report was received from the CDC Chairman of Okearedi, Araromi, off the Sagamu–Ijebu Ode Expressway. The report indicated that about five suspected hoodlums were attempting to break into a residence within the community.

Police operatives from the Sakura Division were immediately mobilised to the scene. However, on sighting the patrol team, the suspects fled in different directions, prompting a chase by the officers.

A black Lexus GS 350 car with registration number OGUN TTD 452 TT, believed to be the gang’s operational vehicle, was recovered at the entrance of the community. A search conducted on the vehicle led to the discovery of fireworks (knockouts), which police suspect were intended to be used as distractions during the operation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, Ph.D., commended the officers for their swift response and professionalism. He noted that the Command had intensified security measures across identified flashpoints in the state as part of efforts to ensure public safety, especially during the end-of-year period.

Ogunlowo urged residents to remain vigilant and adopt safety precautions, particularly when returning home late at night. He advised that proper illumination of dark or isolated areas could help deter criminals.

The Command also encouraged members of the public to stay informed through its verified social media channels for real-time updates and security information.

COP 30: Nigerian Environmental Groups Warn Against Monetising Nature

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COP 30: Nigerian Environmental Groups Warn Against Monetising Nature

Ahead of the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP 30, Nigerian environmental rights organisations have criticised Vice President Kashim Shettima’s call for new finance mechanisms to “harness the economic value of nature,” warning that such proposals risk commodifying the environment.

Speaking in Brazil, the Vice President advocated the creation of financial systems that would monetise Nigeria’s natural assets.

However, groups including Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Lekeh Development Foundation, and Social Action described the proposal as a misinterpretation of climate justice.

In a joint statement, the organisations said, “By suggesting that Nigeria’s forests, water bodies, land, and biodiversity should be monetised for financial gain, the country is aligning with corporate and market-driven interests rather than the rights and aspirations of its people, especially those on the front lines of climate impacts.”

The groups warned that treating nature as an economic asset risks turning ecosystems into speculative commodities traded for profit, citing examples such as carbon markets and carbon offsetting schemes.

According to them, such approaches have historically led to ecosystem destruction, displacement of smallholder farmers and indigenous communities, disruption of food systems, and worsening rural-urban poverty.

“Commodifying nature violates human dignity, erodes traditional stewardship, and opens the door to corporate capture and greenwashing,” the statement added. “Polluting companies may continue to destroy the planet while claiming to be ‘climate champions,’ and national sovereignty could be compromised as ecological wealth is mortgaged to volatile international markets.”

The organisations called on Nigeria to resist short-term financial gains from trading its ecological wealth, urging investment instead in renewable energy, agroecology, community-led conservation, and other sustainable and equitable solutions.

They stressed that inclusive dialogue with civil society, indigenous peoples, and local communities is essential before advancing any environmental or climate policies.

“True climate justice demands that nature remains a shared trust, not a tradable commodity. It is the duty of the State to safeguard the environment, human culture, and dignity, not exploit them for market interests,” the statement concluded.

Lagos Police Debunks Alleged Attempt to Release Foreign Suspect in Child Abuse Case

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Lagos Police Debunks Alleged Attempt to Release Foreign Suspect in Child Abuse Case

The Lagos State Police Command has debunked reports that it attempted to release a foreign national accused of defiling eight children, describing such stories as inaccurate and misleading.

In a statement released on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, emphasized that the case is being handled discreetly by the Gender Unit of the Command, which operates with specially trained personnel following international best practices for cases involving children and young persons.

“The Gender Unit remains firmly committed to child protection and upholding due process in the pursuit of justice, without fear, favour, or sentiment toward anyone involved, whether a foreign national or Nigerian,” the statement read.

Contrary to earlier reports, the accused is not Lebanese but a national of a Southern African country. Police stated that both the child and her biological mother have affirmed that no molestation or defilement occurred.

The complaint originated from the child’s father, who seldom has custody, and is being carefully investigated to prevent any miscarriage of justice.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has directed a thorough investigation into the allegations made in the media report to ensure that justice is served. The reporter responsible for the story has been contacted and briefed on the steps being taken by the Police.

The statement further highlighted the integrity and competence of ACP Toyin Kazeem, Officer-in-Charge of the Gender Unit, who has a strong track record in handling sensitive cases involving women and children. ACP Kazeem was officially out of the country on an IACP assignment in the United States when the matter was first reported.

The Lagos State Police Command urged the public and media to continue placing trust in its ability to handle cases involving children and vulnerable groups, assuring that the outcome of the investigation will be made public upon completion.

Fidelity Bank Donates Boats, Relief Materials to Orphanage, Schools in Makoko Community

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Fidelity Bank Donates Boats, Relief Materials to Orphanage, Schools in Makoko Community

In a powerful show of corporate social responsibility, Fidelity Bank Plc has reached out to residents of the Makoko waterfront community in Lagos, donating boats, educational supplies, food items, and other essential relief materials to support education and daily living in the area.

The intervention was spearheaded by the Achievers Inductees Class of 2025 under the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme, FHHP, the bank’s staff-driven CSR initiative through which employees identify pressing community needs, raise funds, and receive matching support from the bank’s management to execute impactful projects.

Speaking during the donation, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, reaffirmed the bank’s ongoing commitment to community development and social impact.

“At Fidelity Bank, we believe that when communities thrive, businesses prosper. Our commitment goes beyond banking, it is about improving lives, supporting education, and creating opportunities for growth. This donation reflects our dedication to nurturing the next generation and contributing to a more sustainable future,” he said.

Expressing gratitude, the traditional leader of Makoko, Baale Shemede Emmanuel Ajakaekun, praised the bank for its generosity and urged continued support for the community.

“We are grateful that Fidelity Bank came down here to support us. May their work continue to flourish, and may God lift them higher. We hope they will not forget us but come back again to support our people,” he said.

Similarly, Shemede Taiwo, Proprietor of Part of Solution Orphanage, Nursery and Primary School, described the donation as a life-changing gesture for children and families in Makoko.

”Many children here struggle to attend school because boats are expensive to build or hire. Fidelity Bank’s donation will make a huge difference in helping our children get to school safely and improving the welfare of residents. We truly appreciate this gesture,” he noted.

Through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme, the bank continues to drive social impact across Nigeria by addressing key issues in education, health, and welfare. The Makoko outreach follows a recent FHHP initiative at the Old People’s Home in Yaba, further demonstrating Fidelity Bank’s enduring commitment to sustainable community development and compassion-driven growth.

New Stage Play “House Mattaz” Premieres on YouTube, Explores Issues in Real Estate

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A new Nigerian stage play, House Mattaz, has officially premiered on YouTube, offering viewers a thought-provoking look into the human stories behind land disputes.

A new Nigerian stage play, House Mattaz, has officially premiered on YouTube, offering viewers a thought-provoking look into the human stories behind land disputes.

The play delves into the emotions, hopes and heartbreaks that often lie beneath the surface of property conflicts, from the excitement of new beginnings to the trust that turns into regret.

Through its compelling storytelling and relatable characters, House Mattaz sheds light on a crucial message: documentation is not just paperwork, but a form of protection.

ThinkMint Nigeria, who is the producer of the play, says House Mattaz aims to educate and entertain audiences by highlighting how simple oversights in land transactions can lead to lasting family rifts and community tensions.

Now streaming on YouTube, House Mattaz invites viewers to reflect on the importance of due diligence, honesty, and legal awareness in property dealings, values that resonate deeply in today’s society.

LASG Opens New Ijede–Lagos Island Ferry Route to Ease Traffic Congestion

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LASG Opens New Ijede–Lagos Island Ferry Route to Ease Traffic Congestion

To further ease traffic congestion and promote intermodal transportation, the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Ferry Services, LAGFERRY has launched a new ferry route connecting Ijede in Ikorodu to major commercial hubs on Lagos Island, including Victoria Island, Falomo, CMS, and Ebute Ero.

The new route is part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s drive to strengthen safe, reliable, and efficient water transport across the state.

Speaking on the development, the Managing Director of LAGFERRY, Honourable Abdoubaqi Ladi Balogun, described the initiative as “a major milestone in expanding water transport accessibility to the Ikorodu axis and improving interconnectivity with key business districts on the Island.”

He noted that all ferries plying the route are fully equipped with modern safety gear, manned by experienced crew members, and maintained to the highest operational standards. Passengers on board are also covered by comprehensive insurance.

To mark the commencement of operations, LAGFERRY offered free rides to passengers between Monday, November 3rd and Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, giving commuters the opportunity to experience firsthand the comfort and speed of water travel as a viable alternative to road transport.

The ferry departs Ijede for Victoria Island, Falomo, CMS, and Ebute Ero at 7:00 AM daily, while return trips from the Island to Ijede take place between 4:15 PM and 5:30 PM.

Commuters are encouraged to use the Cowry Card for cashless payments once regular operations resume.

Jade Oyateru on the Power of Story: Building Brands People Believe In

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Jade Oyateru on the Power of Story: Building Brands People Believe In

At the 2025 GTCO Fashion Weekend in Lagos, one of the most captivating moments came not from the runway, but from the words of Jade Oyateru, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Uncover, a fast-rising African beauty brand that’s redefining skincare for women of colour.

Speaking during her masterclass titled “The Power of Story: Building Brands People Believe In,” Oyateru offered deep insights into how storytelling, purpose, and authenticity drive the success of modern brands.

Uncover, which merges advanced Korean skincare science with African botanicals, has grown across eight African countries under her leadership and secured multi-million-dollar funding. The brand has also earned global recognition from Bloomberg and Vogue Business as one of Africa’s top startups shaping the future of beauty.

For Oyateru, however, the heart of the brand’s success lies not in numbers but in narrative. “A brand’s story is its soul,” she shared. “It’s not just about selling products; it’s about creating meaning, connection, and community.”

Drawing from her experiences at Unilever, Nestlé, and Jumia, and her MBA from Imperial College London, Oyateru explained that every brand must find its “why”, the core purpose that guides every decision, from packaging to partnerships.

She emphasized that African entrepreneurs should build brands that speak with authentic voices, reflecting their identity and cultural depth. “When customers see themselves in your story, you earn not just their loyalty, but their belief,” she noted.

Her message resonated strongly with the audience, a mix of young designers, entrepreneurs, and beauty innovators eager to learn how to scale with integrity in a competitive global market. Oyateru encouraged them to embrace both data and emotion, explaining that successful storytelling is built on understanding the people you serve.

“A powerful brand story doesn’t happen by chance. It’s crafted through empathy, strategy, and consistency,” she said.

Ogunlende Commends Ahmadiyya Youths, Calls for Bigger 10th Edition of ‘Ride for Peace’ in Lagos

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Ogunlende Commends Ahmadiyya Youths, Calls for Bigger 10th Edition of ‘Ride for Peace’ in Lagos

The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has applauded the efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organization for sustaining the annual Ride for Peace campaign, urging them to make the 10th edition in 2026 “bigger, better, and more impactful.”

Speaking at the ninth edition of the Ride for Peace held in Lagos, Ogunlende, who stated that it was his fourth time participating in the initiative, commended the group’s consistency in promoting peace, unity, and interfaith harmony across the state.

“This is my fourth edition, and I’ve been doing this even before becoming Commissioner,” Ogunlende said. “There’s no better way to appreciate the love shown to me years ago than to continue being part of this movement now that I am in office.”

The Commissioner expressed delight that the event continues to attract wider participation, noting the presence of political and community leaders such as the All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leader, local government representatives, and members of the Lagos State Cyclists Association.

“It means we are getting bigger and better. That is what success and growth are about,” he said. “Next year, the 10th edition must be big, vibrant, and different. Lagos must set the pace and let others feel our impact.”

Reinforcing the message of the campaign, Ogunlende stressed that peace remains a vital foundation for development and governance.

“We can build all the roads and infrastructure, but without peace, everything will crumble,” he noted. “Let us continue to echo peace, love, and tolerance; love for all, hatred for none.”

He encouraged the youth to be good ambassadors of their faith and community, urging them to remain loyal, peaceful, and patriotic citizens.

Earlier, the President of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Lagos State, Saheed Adebayo, explained that the Ride for Peace initiative, now in its ninth year, was conceived to promote peaceful coexistence and demonstrate the true teachings of Islam.

“From the very first edition, our mission has been to ride for peace,” Adebayo said. “Islam means peace, and our slogan, love for all, hatred for none reflects that message. Every year, we take to the streets to show that Islam teaches unity, tolerance, and mutual respect.”

He added that the organization would continue to sensitize communities across Lagos on peaceful living and harmonious coexistence.

Also speaking, the National Assistant General Secretary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria, Aremu Sodiq, representing the General Secretary, Hon. Abdujabbar Aiyelagbe, described the Ride for Peace as a practical way of engaging youths while spreading the message of peace.

“Nine years of riding for peace is not a joke,” Sodiq remarked. “The Ahmadiyya youth have consistently used sports especially cycling to take the message of peace and love to the grassroots. It’s a creative way to bring young people together and to showcase Islam’s true values.”

He urged Nigerian youths to embrace tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and non-violence.

“We cannot all worship the same way, but we must learn to respect one another,” he said. “Let people feel safe around you. Embrace peace, avoid violence, and support the government through lawful means. That is how we build a better society.”

The Ride for Peace campaign, organized annually by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organization, is part of a global effort by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to promote unity, civic responsibility, and interfaith understanding.

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