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Lagos Police Congratulates Dr. Ogunsan on Appointment as LSSTF Executive Secretary

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Lagos Police Congratulates Dr. Ogunsan on Appointment as LSSTF Executive Secretary

The Lagos State Police Command has extended warm congratulations to Dr. Ayo Ogunsan on his appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, the Command described Dr. Ogunsan’s appointment as well-deserved and a reflection of the Governor’s confidence in his capacity and commitment to advancing the State’s security framework.

The statement noted that Dr. Ogunsan has, over the years, demonstrated exceptional selflessness, professionalism, and dedication to enhancing the security architecture of Lagos State, especially through his active role as a member of the LSSTF Board.

“The Commissioner of Police is confident that Dr. Ogunsan will bring his deep institutional knowledge, proven integrity, and strategic understanding of Lagos State’s security needs to bear in his new role,” the statement read.

The Command further expressed optimism that under Dr. Ogunsan’s leadership, the LSSTF will achieve greater operational efficiency and strengthen inter-agency collaboration, ultimately improving public safety across the State.

It added that the Lagos State Police Command remains proud of Dr. Ogunsan’s accomplishments and stands ready to maintain its long-standing partnership with the LSSTF in ensuring the safety and protection of residents and visitors in Lagos.

REDA 2025: LASG REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO LAND, HOUSING, URBAN RENEWAL REFORMS

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REDA 2025: SANWO-OLU, OTHERS SEEK SUSTAINABLE, INCLUSIVE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming land administration, urban renewal, and housing delivery through technology, transparency, and sustainable planning.

This position was articulated at the just concluded 2025 Real Estate Discussions and Awards, REDA held in Lagos, organised by Thinkmint Nigeria.

Delivering one of the keynote presentations, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Enterprise Geographic Information System (E-GIS) and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde outlined a comprehensive roadmap for real estate and physical planning reforms in Lagos.

He reaffirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to expanding land supply for development by unlocking more parcels for lawful and sustainable use.

According to him, the state has activated aggressive urban regeneration projects through the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), including the Katangua redevelopment, Okobaba relocation to Agboyi, and several site-and-services schemes designed to optimise land utilisation.

Dr. Babatunde disclosed that Lagos currently operates multiple inherited land title systems, ranging from Queen’s Titles to Federal and State Titles, and that the government is consolidating these into a single transparent framework to harmonise ownership, eliminate duplication, and strengthen investors’ confidence.

He also announced that the state, working with international partners, has completed comprehensive digital mapping to support the rollout of the Enterprise Geographic Information System (E-GIS), a digital platform that will allow instant land searches, online applications, digital certification, and real-time verification of ownership and approvals.

Highlighting the enforcement dimension of the reform, Dr. Babatunde revealed that Lagos would soon begin compulsory insurance for all multi-storey commercial buildings above two floors and commence land and building regularisation with a 300-property pilot project in Epe

He added that a new electronic planning permit system would enable compliant applicants to secure building approvals in as little as 10 minutes, drastically cutting bureaucratic delays.

He warned developers against double allocations, forged surveys, and unapproved developments, noting that the state is conducting a comprehensive physical planning audit and will impose penalties on non-compliant properties.

He urged Lagos residents and investors to verify all land titles, surveys, and building approvals before any transaction to avoid sanctions.

In another presentation, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical and Urban Development, Engr. Olumide Sotire emphasized the importance of regulation and professional synergy in managing Lagos’s rapid urban expansion.

According to him, the city’s population growth and internal migration have created fragmented and unplanned developments, putting immense pressure on land, housing, and infrastructure.

He called for strict adherence to physical planning laws to ensure orderly and sustainable urban development.

Engr. Sotire described ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, Lekki–Epe and Lagos–Badagry Expressway expansions, and the Lagos Rail and Water Transport Systems as catalysts opening new investment corridors across the state.

He further advocated for green building designs, climate-resilient infrastructure, and smart city innovations, describing sustainability as the foundation of Lagos’s future planning strategy. He also underscored the role of the E-GIS initiative in promoting transparency and efficiency in land management.

From the national perspective, the Executive Director, Operations, Family Homes Funds (FHF), Dr. Emeka Henry Inegbum shared insights on innovative financing models being deployed to address Nigeria’s housing deficit.

He explained that FHF, a federal government–owned institution under the Ministry of Finance, is focused on unlocking affordable housing through strategic funding mechanisms.

Dr. Inegbum highlighted four major interventions, which included: Affordable Housing Fund, Rental Housing Fund, Help-to-Own Programme, and Land and Infrastructure Development Fund.

He noted that “funding remains the backbone of real estate” and reiterated FHF’s dedication to bridging Nigeria’s housing gap while promoting inclusive economic growth.

In her remarks, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Thinkmint Nigeria, Mrs. Imelda Usoro Olaoye commended the level of collaboration and policy clarity that emerged from the 2025 REDA discussions.

She described this year’s edition as a “compelling platform that reinforces collaboration, innovation, and integrity as the cornerstones of Nigeria’s real estate future.”

According to her, the gathering reaffirmed REDA’s role as Nigeria’s premier convergence for real estate and housing professionals, where ideas meet action, partnerships are strengthened, and the blueprint for sustainable development is charted.

Customs Boss, Adeniyi Emerges as President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation

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Customs Boss, Adeniyi Emerges as President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi has emerged as President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, NWF.

The election, held on Saturday, 25 October 2025, at the Gymnasium Hall, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, was supervised by the National Sports Commission.

It drew commendation from athletes and sports administrators nationwide, who described the outcome as timely and strategic for Nigerian sports.

Before venturing into wrestling administration, CGC Adeniyi had already made significant contributions to the nation’s sporting ecosystem. Under his leadership, the Customs Sports Unit has become one of Nigeria’s most formidable institutions in sports development, producing champions, Olympians, and role models across various disciplines.

Speaking after his election, CGC Adeniyi praised the ongoing reforms within the nation’s sports sector and expressed optimism about their impact. He emphasised the importance of structure, transparency, and effective leadership in driving sustainable progress for athletes and federations alike.

“I’m beginning to see the dividends of the reforms that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is putting into the sports sector, putting the right people in place, the right processes, and the right systems to drive the electoral process. I am quite satisfied, and I feel this is an environment where I can work and thrive,” he stated.

He expressed commitment to align the Federation’s vision with national sports reforms, working with his board members to prioritise structure, integrity, athlete development, and innovation in the sport’s management.

Stakeholders expressed confidence that his leadership will bring professionalism, accountability, and renewed energy to the Federation. Many believe his reputation for teamwork and inclusiveness will inspire collaboration and lasting transformation within the wrestling community.

Lagos Launches ‘Waste to Wealth Challenge’ Ahead E1 Lagos GP Legacy Exhibition

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Lagos Launches ‘Waste to Wealth Challenge’ Ahead E1 Lagos GP Legacy Exhibition

Lagos is once again setting the pace for innovation and sustainability with the launch of the E1 Lagos GP Waste to Wealth Challenge, an initiative inviting artists and creators to transform discarded materials into striking works of art.

Following the city’s historic hosting of Africa’s first E1 Electric Powerboat Race, organisers are extending the spirit of creativity and environmental consciousness beyond the waters and into the arts.

The challenge calls on creators to “turn waste into meaning, art, and legacy”, reimagining everyday waste as a medium for powerful artistic expression.

Selected works from the competition will be featured at the E1 Lagos GP Legacy Exhibition this December, providing participants with a high-profile platform to showcase their ingenuity and commitment to sustainability.

LASPARK’S GREENER INITIATIVES GET RECOGNITION AT 2025 COWLSO

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LASPARK'S GREENER INITIATIVES GET RECOGNITION AT 2025 COWLSO

The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, LASPARK has been honoured for its outstanding environmental sustainability efforts during the 25th National Women’s Conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO.

The recognition came as part of the COWLSO Impact Awards, which celebrated individuals and institutions contributing significantly to the development and wellbeing of Lagos State. LASPARK received accolades for its continuous drive towards a cleaner, greener, and healthier Lagos through innovative environmental initiatives.

The Agency’s initiatives, ranging from tree planting campaigns, urban beautification projects, to the creation of eco-friendly recreational spaces, aligns with the vision of the Lagos State Government to promote environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

Speaking after receiving the award, the General Manager of LASPARK, Mrs. Adetoun Popoola, expressed appreciation to COWLSO and the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who also serves as COWLSO Chairman, for the recognition.

She reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to maintaining and expanding green infrastructure across the State.

She noted that the award would further inspire the Agency to intensify efforts in promoting public participation in tree planting and environmental protection, in line with the State Government’s “Greener Lagos” agenda.

Mrs. Popoola recalled that the agency recently played a role in the renovation of the Boys Correctional, Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Centre in Isheri on behalf of COWLSO.

Specifically, she disclosed that the Agency’s contribution was in the area of landscaping to tree planting, a basketball court, an outdoor gym, recreational equipment, park benches, waste bins and a beautiful mural to welcome visitors into the centre aims to create an environment that fosters growth, healing and empowerment.

The 25th anniversary edition of the COWLSO National Women’s Conference with the theme “Building Legacy, Strengthening Institutions” and was graced by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, top government officials, dignitaries, and delegates from within and outside Lagos.

The event also witnessed several outstanding recognitions, empowering discussions, and the presentation of star prizes, including a new home and GAC pickup truck, to lucky participants, as COWLSO celebrated 25 years of impact and service to humanity.

Damilola Emmanuel Becomes Interferry’s First African Director

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The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, has been appointed as the first African Director on the Board of Interferry, the global association representing the ferry industry.

Emmanuel’s appointment was confirmed during Interferry’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on October 6 in Sorrento, Italy, where six new directors were inducted to strengthen the body’s global representation.

The Lagos official joins other newly appointed directors from Europe, Asia, and the Americas on a four-year term, bringing with him deep experience in marine transport development and sustainable waterway management.

Interferry described Emmanuel as “an experienced leader passionate about leveraging innovative solutions to connect communities and ensure environmental sustainability,” highlighting his role in advancing Lagos State’s vision for a resilient blue economy.

His inclusion on the board not only marks a historic milestone for Africa but also underscores Lagos State’s growing influence in the international maritime community, particularly in areas of ferry safety, innovation, and sustainable coastal transport.

At the same AGM, Götz Becker of FRS was appointed as Chairman of the Board, as the organization continues to expand its global leadership in ferry operations and environmental standards.

NTEL CEO REAFFIRMS Q1 2026 MARKET RETURN, TARGETS INNOVATION GAP IN NIGERIA’S TELECOMS SECTOR

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NTEL CEO REAFFIRMS Q1 2026 MARKET RETURN, TARGETS INNOVATION GAP IN NIGERIA’S TELECOMS SECTOR

Chief Executive Officer of NatCom Development & Investment Limited, ntel, Mr. Soji Maurice-Diya, says the company is set for a strong market comeback in the first quarter of 2026, with a renewed digital-first strategy focused on innovation and youth inclusion in Nigeria’s telecoms industry.

Speaking in Lagos at the Technology Times Thought Leadership Series, Maurice-Diya said ntel plans to re-enter the market through an “infrastructure-light” model aimed at filling innovation gaps and serving niche consumer segments, rather than competing for mass-market dominance.

“We don’t think there’s been nearly enough innovation in the telecoms space in recent years,” he said. “We are not trying to play in the 100-million-subscriber game. We want to serve a small subset of subscribers extremely well.”

He noted that although Nigeria’s telecoms market has matured over the last 25 years, the next phase of growth will require operators to evolve beyond basic connectivity into digital platforms that power other sectors of the economy.

Maurice-Diya praised long-standing industry players including MTN, Airtel and Glo for sustaining investments that strengthened the industry’s GDP contribution. He also commended ongoing government interventions, including tariff relief measures and plans to deploy 7,000 telecom towers and 90,000km of fibre infrastructure.

The ntel boss emphasized the need for stronger alignment between the telecoms and financial sectors, as well as policies enabling dynamic pricing, tax incentives and local content development.

On regulation, he urged the government to support innovation before introducing restrictive oversight.

“When you over-regulate, you stifle innovation,” he warned.

Maurice-Diya also highlighted ntel’s focus on Nigeria’s youth demographic, noting that the company intends to build digital-driven products tailored to young consumers.

“Between three and four million Nigerians turn 18 every year, this is a huge opportunity,” he said.

He stressed that investor confidence will depend on macroeconomic stability, FX consistency and policy clarity. ntel, originally born out of the former national carrier NITEL, plans to leverage its legacy infrastructure while investing in new digital solutions.

According to him, ntel aims to leave a legacy of innovation-driven impact over the next decade, contributing to a fair and competitive telecoms ecosystem.

The event, hosted by Digital Transformation Media Limited, publishers of Technology Times and eGovernance Nigeria Magazine, brought together policymakers and innovators to discuss the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.

Masobe Books, Roving Heights Present Reading Session with Lola Akinmade

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Masobe Books, Roving Heights Present Reading Session with Lola Akinmade

Masobe Books, in partnership with Roving Heights, has invited readers, literature lovers, and cultural enthusiasts to an enchanting afternoon with international bestselling author Lola Akinmade, as she reads from her latest novel, Bitter Honey.

The intimate reading and conversation session will be hosted by Evidence Egwono on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 3:00 PM, at Roving Heights Bookstore, Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event promises an inspiring atmosphere of storytelling, creative exchange, and community. Attendees will enjoy live readings, engaging discussions around the themes that shape Akinmade’s work, and a book-signing session. Guests are encouraged to come along with friends for a truly memorable literary experience.

About the Author

Lola Akinmade is an international bestselling author, keynote speaker, and award-winning travel photographer whose work spans over 80 countries. Her writing and photography have appeared in National Geographic, BBC, CNN, The Guardian, Travel + Leisure, Slate, Travel Channel, Adventure.com Magazine, AFAR, Lonely Planet, and many more. She has also collaborated with global brands including Mercedes-Benz, Dove, Intrepid Travel, and National Geographic Channel.

Ogun MILPOPROF Mourns FRSC Spokesperson, Florence Okpe

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Ogun MILPOPROF Mourns FRSC Spokesperson, Florence Okpe

The Ogun State Chapter of the Military and Paramilitary Public Relations Forum, MILPOPROF has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of one of its distinguished members, Chief Route Commander, CRC, Florence Nkenu Okpe, who died on Monday, October 28, 2025.

According to reports, CRC Okpe, who served as the Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Command, passed away at about 7:00 a.m. on the same day. Her death has been described as a great loss to the public relations community and the nation at large.

Fondly called Florence by friends and colleagues, she was born on December 31, 1974, and was widely known for her professionalism, humility, and commitment to duty. A native of Ogoja in Cross River State, she joined the FRSC in 1998 and quickly distinguished herself through hard work and discipline.

Her exceptional performance earned her a conversion to Cadet Officer in 2005, and she later completed the Senior Staff Training with outstanding results.

Over the course of her illustrious career, she served in several states including Edo, Lagos, and Ogun, where she became the spokesperson of the Command. Until her passing, she was the RS2 Command Public Education Officer, SPEO, a role she carried out with excellence and dedication.

Members of the Ogun State MILPOPROF have since paid a condolence visit to the FRSC Ogun Command, where they signed the condolence register and commiserated with the Corps Commander, Corps Commander Akinwumi Oladapo Fasakin, and other officers.

In a statement, the Chairperson of Ogun MILPOPROF, CSP Omolola Odutola, described Florence Okpe as “a rare gem and consummate communicator who embodied the ethics of professionalism, service, and truth.”

“She was soft-spoken yet firm, a woman of grace, intellect, and passion who elevated the image of the FRSC through her eloquence and credibility. Her demise is an irreplaceable loss not just to the FRSC, but to all of us in the communication and security community,” Odutola said.

CRC Florence Okpe is survived by her husband and three children.

Customs, NAPTIP Strengthen Ties on Human Trafficking, Endangered Species Protection

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Customs, NAPTIP Strengthen Ties on Human Trafficking, Endangered Species Protection

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s readiness to cement collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP in combating human trafficking and the illegal trade in endangered species.

CGC Adeniyi made this commitment on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, when a delegation from NAPTIP paid him a courtesy visit at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja.

The CGC, who appreciated the visit, commended the delegation for their continued service to the country and assured them of Customs’ unwavering support.

He noted that Nigeria’s security challenges require joint action, stressing that the Service does not view crimes solely through the lens of smuggling but through broader national security implications.

“We believe in the power of collaboration. We can achieve more with less when we work together.” He said.

He revealed that the Service has intensified its work on environmental sustainability and the enforcement of international conventions regarding flora and fauna, assuring the delegation that Customs will fully collaborate on the upcoming national dialogue on human trafficking and stowaway incidents, scheduled for February 2026.

He pledged to provide technical expertise, intelligence sharing, and access to the Service’s training curriculum to strengthen inter-agency understanding of trafficking dynamics.

“We will accept your request for partnership unconditionally. We will work with your designated officials on the February summit and explore wider interventions that reinforce national security.” He added.

On her part, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu, expressed delight at securing formal engagement with the Customs Service.

She stated that NAPTIP was eager to strengthen operational partnerships, particularly in areas such as intelligence exchange, policy development, and cross-border enforcement.

“I am happy today that I finally made it here and held this discussion with the Comptroller-General. We are a law enforcement agency with mandates to prevent, prosecute and protect. Partnership with Customs is essential for our work.” She said.

She noted that human trafficking continues to evolve, requiring close coordination among agencies operating at Nigeria’s multiple entry and exit points.

Speaking earlier, a former NIMASA Director of Public Relations, Lami Tumaka, said the visit was to seek Customs’ partnership for a one-day national policy dialogue on human trafficking by sea and stowaway incidents.

Tumaka described Customs as a “strategic player in border management and maritime enforcement,” adding that its involvement is critical to the success of the dialogue.

“Your officers are often the first line of defence against illicit movement of goods and persons. Your expertise and nationwide presence are indispensable.” She said.

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