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Pernod Ricard Nigeria Pledges Commitment to Environmental Sustainability On World Clean-up Day

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Pernod Ricard Nigeria Pledges Commitment to Environmental Sustainability On World Clean-up Day

Pernod Ricard Nigeria, a subsidiary of the Pernod Ricard Group, has joined millions of volunteers across the globe to commemorate World Clean-up Day 2025, strengthening its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The global event, celebrated annually on September 20, focuses this year on “Textile and Fashion Waste,” highlighting the alarming 92 million tons of textile waste generated worldwide every year. The movement aims to drive awareness and inspire collective responsibility for reducing, reusing, and recycling waste.

Speaking ahead of the commemoration, Michael Ehindero, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Nigeria, emphasized the company’s leadership role in embedding sustainability across its operations.

“For us at Pernod Ricard Nigeria, sustainability is not a one-off activity but a way of life. Over the years, we have eliminated single-use plastics across our operations, championed reusable and recyclable packaging, and even unboxed some of our brands by phasing out single-bottle cartons—practical steps that significantly reduce our waste footprint,” Ehindero stated.

These initiatives are part of the company’s global sustainability roadmap, “Good Times from a Good Place,” anchored on its Circular Making pillar, which promotes innovation in eco-friendly production and packaging.

Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s track record in driving impact-driven clean-up efforts has been notable. In 2024, the company partnered with Let’s Do It Nigeria to mobilize more than 26,000 volunteers across 28 states, collecting over 2,800 tons of waste.

At its 12th Responsib’All Day, employees collaborated with FABE International Foundation to clean the Okun-Aja beachfront in Lagos, removing plastics, glass, and other non-biodegradable waste to restore marine health and protect coastal communities. To date, the company’s clean-up initiatives have covered more than 300 locations nationwide, with over 10,000 tons of waste removed.

Ehindero reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment, stressing that its interventions extend beyond symbolic clean-up drives.

“Our vision for 2030 and beyond is to continue to lead by example, embedding sustainability at the heart of how we produce, package, and distribute, while mobilising communities to take ownership of protecting the environment we all share,” he added.

With consistent investments in sustainability, Pernod Ricard Nigeria continues to position itself as a corporate leader in environmental preservation, aligning global action with local impact.

University of Edinburgh Partners LASU to Tackle Gender-Based Violence in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

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University of Edinburgh Partners LASU to Tackle Gender-Based Violence in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

In a major step toward addressing Gender-Based Violence, GBV within Nigeria’s higher education sector, the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, and Lagos State University, LASU, Nigeria, have launched a collaborative research and capacity-building initiative under the British Council’s Going Global Gender Equality Partnerships Project.

The project, titled “Gender-Based Violence in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria: Developing a Framework for Report and Support Channels for Policy Practice,” is jointly led by Dr. Omolade Fakunle, Principal Investigator and Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, and Professor Igot Ofem, Acting Director of LASU’s Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV).

Three universities with established Gender Centres, Lagos State University, LASU, University of Ibadan, UI, and University of Abuja, UA were selected to participate in the project. The focus is on female staff, students, and physically challenged students, who are often most vulnerable to GBV.

The first phase of the research workshop was held on September 11, 2025, at LASU College of Medicine (LASUCOM), while the second phase took place on September 16, 2025, at the University of Ibadan. Both events drew large audiences of female students and staff, who engaged actively in discussions about strengthening reporting channels and institutional support systems.

During courtesy visits, the research team met with the Provost of LASUCOM, Professor Idowu Olufemi (represented by Deputy Provost, Professor Sunday Sokunle Soyemi), and the Vice-Chancellor of UI, Professor K.O. Adebowale (represented by Professor Juwon Arotiba). Both institutions pledged full support for the initiative.

Highlighting LASU’s pioneering role, Professor Ofem noted that the university was the first in Nigeria to establish a Centre dedicated to the response and prevention of GBV and has since integrated GBV policy into academic pedagogy. In her keynote paper, “Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Reporting and Support Systems on Campus: Why It Matters?”, she underscored the importance of building sustainable frameworks to protect students and staff.

The interactive sessions provided participants with an opportunity to share real-life challenges in reporting GBV cases while proposing strategies for more effective institutional interventions.

The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Olawunmi Macaulay-Adeyelure (Assistant Director on Rape Issues) and Dr. Salvage Oluremi (Assistant Director on Sexual Harassment).

Other LASU representatives present included Dr. Samad Lawal Arogundade (Assistant Director on Gender Violence), Mrs. Magret Oladejo, Mr. Sunday Alao, Ms. Sakirat Dabiri, Mrs. Adenike Marcus (Senior Public Relations Officer, CIPR), and Mr. Kunle Adekoya (Cinematography, CIPR).

The project is set to continue with further workshops at LASU’s Ojo and Epe campuses, as well as at the University of Abuja, ensuring wider reach and deeper impact across Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Speaking on the broader significance, the organisers emphasized that the collaboration not only strengthens Nigeria’s capacity to combat GBV but also fosters mutual learning between the UK and Nigeria. By aligning evidence-based gender equality policies and practices, the initiative provides a model for advancing gender equity in higher education across both countries

Lagos Police Foils Riot, Arrests 18 Hoodlums at Tejuosho Market

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

The Lagos State Police Command has restored peace to Tejuosho Market Phase II, Surulere, after hoodlums mobilized under the guise of protesting a power outage and unleashed violence on traders, property, and security operatives.

According to a statement issued on Friday, September 19, 2025, by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babaseyi B. Oluseyi, the disturbance began around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, when miscreants stormed the market, attacking people, damaging goods, and vandalizing property.

The hoodlums also targeted a commercial bank within the market, attacking mobile policemen stationed there. However, the officers repelled the attempt and prevented the criminals from invading both the bank and the nearby Market Police Post.

Upon receiving a distress call, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, immediately deployed additional operatives, including conventional officers and tactical squads, to the scene. The reinforcements dispersed the rioters, arrested 18 suspects in the act, and restored order.

“The joint police team promptly restored law and order in the market, enabling traders and customers to continue their activities without disruption,” the statement read. The arrested suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to track down others who participated in the violence. They will be prosecuted at the conclusion of investigations.

Reassuring residents, CP Jimoh emphasized that the command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property, warning that violent attacks on security operatives and destruction of property will not be tolerated.

He further urged Lagosians to remain calm, go about their lawful businesses without fear, and cooperate with the police by reporting complaints through the nearest police station or via the command’s emergency helplines:
07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870.

Police Arrest Suspect for Murder, Assault as CP Jimoh Quells Protest at Sandgrouse Market

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Police Arrest Suspect for Murder, Assault as CP Jimoh Quells Protest at Sandgrouse Market

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 55-year-old man, Samsideen Oladiti, popularly known as “Shamelon,” in connection with two violent incidents on Lagos Island, including a fatal assault.

According to police reports, Oladiti allegedly attacked a dispatch rider on September 17, 2025, inflicting severe injuries with a helmet and his fists. The victim is currently hospitalized and on oxygen.

Investigations further linked him to an earlier incident on August 28, 2025, during which he allegedly used a metallic ring to repeatedly strike another man on the head and face. Despite receiving medical treatment, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was confirmed dead on September 17. His remains have been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.

News of the death sparked outrage among sympathizers of the deceased, who staged a violent protest at the suspect’s office in Sandgrouse Market, Lagos Island. The protest escalated as demonstrators set two of the suspect’s motorcycles ablaze, causing panic in the area.

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, led a team of mobile policemen, tactical squads, and conventional officers to the scene. His intervention restored order, prevented further violence, and reassured residents that the suspect was already in custody.

“The suspect will be diligently prosecuted at the conclusion of investigations,” CP Jimoh assured, while appealing to residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

The police command further urged members of the public to cooperate with investigators as the case proceeds.

LASG TO COMMENCE STATEWIDE ENUMERATION OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS

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LASG TO COMMENCE STATEWIDE ENUMERATION OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS

The Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance, OEQA in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, has announced the commencement of a comprehensive statewide enumeration of private schools.

This initiative was unveiled on Tuesday, at the OEQA Conference Room by the Coordinating Director of OEQA, Mr. Remi Abdul as approved by the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun.

He said the exercise is designed to establish a robust database of all private schools operating in the state. “This enumeration is not merely a counting exercise; it is a strategic initiative to provide accurate, current, and comprehensive information about private schools across Lagos State. The data will guide policy formulation, resource allocation, and sector-wide planning,” Abdul added.

The Coordinating Director explained that the exercise is aimed at generating accurate statistics on enrollment, infrastructure, staffing, and distribution of schools by local government areas.

Secondly, it is to set baseline indicators for evaluating and improving standards in private institutions, while strengthening cooperation between government, private schools, NGOs, and development partners. Furthermore, it help to provide credible data for agencies such as UNICEF, UNESCO, and the National Bureau of Statistics.

The data to be collected, according to the Abdul, covers school identity (name, location, status), infrastructure (classrooms, facilities), human resources (teaching and non-teaching staff) and student demographics (enrollment by class, age, and gender).

Private schools are expected to designate Education Management Information System (EMIS) Officers to collaborate with OEQA field officers during the process.

Abdul assured Proprietors that the exercise will not disrupt school operations. “All information collected will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality and used strictly for planning and policy purposes. This exercise is designed to support, not burden, private educational providers. The data collection process has also been simplified to minimise administrative strain while capturing essential information,” he added.

He also disclosed that the database will serve as baseline information, with updates conducted quarterly to reflect changes in student and teacher population, as well as performance outcomes.

Information on the enumeration process will be shared through the OEQA website, WhatsApp groups, and other channels. Schools are expected to register via the official link: https://forms.gle/ib8jHZ3akqpJMyN86 or contact OEQA via prsoeqa@gmail.com.

Abdul concluded with a call for cooperation. “Your participation will not only benefit your institutions but will also strengthen the entire private education sector by providing the data necessary for informed decision-making and strategic planning. Together, we are building the foundation for a world-class educational system in Lagos State.”

The epoch-making event had in attendance top OEQA officials including the Director of Planning, Mr. Hakeem Kehinde Idowu; the Director of Research, Mrs. Evelyn Pelemo; the Director of Statistics, Mr. Johnson Adeyemi and also representative of various Associations such as Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria, Lagos Baptist Schools, Muslim Schools Proprietors Association of Nigeria, Seed Care and Support and Education Reformers Association of Nigeria among others.

Organisers of Calabar Entertainment Conference Announces FirstBank as Official Sponsor

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FirstBank Highlights Step by Step Process to Install, Register FirstMobile App

Hit FM, organizers of Calabar Entertainment Conference, CEC has announced First Bank of Nigeria Limited as official bank partners for the flagship youth engagement programme in the Creative Sector.

CEC has held every year since 2017, and now in its 9th year, executive producer and CEO of Hit FM Patrick Ugbe says the creative sector “has not been in more urgent need of interventions that facilitate capacity building, funding, distribution, and thought leadership.”

This year’s event will hold on the 17th and 18th of October at Hogis Royale, in Calabar, Cross River State, bringing together young talents, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to explore opportunities, tackle challenges, and chart pathways for sustainable growth within Nigeria’s dynamic creative economy.

FirstBank’s partnership underscores the bank’s long-standing commitment to supporting youth empowerment, innovation, and entrepreneurship across diverse sectors. 

Ugbe adds: “by coming on board as the Official Bank, FirstBank further demonstrates its role as a catalyst for growth, providing financial inclusion and fostering creativity among young Nigerians. “

“We are thrilled to welcome FirstBank as the Official Bank of the Calabar Entertainment Conference. Their support not only validates the importance of the creative sector in driving national development but also provides a strong platform for youth to access resources, knowledge, and networks that will help transform their ideas into sustainable ventures”.

Also speaking on the partnership, Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, stated, “At Firstbank, we are passionate about supporting platforms that empower young people and nurture talent. Our partnership with the Calabar Entertainment Conference aligns with our drive to promote innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship as key drivers of Nigeria’s future”.

“Through our First@Arts initiative, which is geared at consolidating support for the creative arts, we are leveraging platforms like the Calabar Entertainment Conference to enable our stakeholders to explore the wealth of opportunities that the creative industry has to offer.”

The two-day event will feature keynote addresses, masterclasses, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to inspire and equip participants to maximize the opportunities in the creative industry.

Fidelity Bank Extends GAIM 6 Promo, Raises Total Cash Rewards to ₦189 Million

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blacktalker
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Fidelity Bank Extends GAIM 6 Promo, Raises Total Cash Rewards to ₦189 Million
L – R: SME Cordinator, Victoria Island/ Lekki Region, Fidelity Bank Plc, Stanley Ogbuze; GAIM 6 Seventh Monthly draw Winner, Osoroh Igho Anthony; and Retail sales Co-ordinator, Victoria Island/ Lekki Region, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ruth Edobor; at a GAIM 6 prize presentation ceremony held at Fidelity Bank, Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos recently

Fidelity Bank Plc has announced a three-month extension of its flagship savings campaign, the Get Alert in Millions (GAIM) Season 6 promo, extending the deadline to November 30, 2025.

Alongside the extension, the bank has also increased the total cash rewards from ₦159 million to a record ₦189 million.

The bank said the decision was driven by overwhelming feedback from customers and prospects who requested more time to participate. GAIM 6, which began in November 2024 with an initial nine-month timeline, had been scheduled to end in August 2025 before the extension was approved by regulators.

Speaking on the development, Osita Ede, Divisional Head of Product Development at Fidelity Bank, said:
“Our decision to extend the GAIM 6 campaign is borne out of the feedback we received from our customers and prospects. They asked for more opportunities to benefit from the promo, and we listened. With management and regulatory consent, we’re thrilled to keep the excitement going for another three months.”

As part of the ongoing campaign, 20 customers recently received ₦1 million each in the 7th and 8th monthly draws, conducted under the supervision of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and other regulatory agencies to ensure fairness.

Ede noted that beyond cash prizes, winners also receive financial advisory support at the Fidelity SME Hub. “A million Naira is a life-changing amount, and we encourage recipients to make the most of it,” he added.

With more than ₦30 million still available to be won, the bank said upcoming draws will award ₦2 million, ₦5 million, and ₦10 million to the second runner-up, first runner-up, and grand prize winner, respectively.

Fidelity Bank, which serves over 9.1 million customers through digital platforms and 255 business offices in Nigeria and the UK, reiterated that GAIM remains part of its broader mission to promote savings, reward loyalty, and empower Nigerians financially.

The bank has won multiple local and international awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award from BusinessDay’s BAFI Awards, Euromoney’s Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria, and Export Financing Bank of the Year.

Lagos Government Probes Viral Video of Students Smoking, Drinking in Dormitory

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Lagos Government Probes Viral Video of Students Smoking, Drinking in Dormitory

The Lagos State Government has launched an investigation into a viral video allegedly showing students of Excel College, Ejigbo, engaging in smoking and alcohol consumption inside a dormitory.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, the government described the incident as “disturbing” and contrary to the values and behavioral standards expected in the state’s education system.

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, through the Office of Education Quality Assurance, has dispatched a monitoring and investigation team to verify the authenticity of the video, identify the students involved, and assess the level of supervision within the school.

Preliminary engagements with the school authorities are already underway, and the government warned that any institution found culpable will face sanctions in line with existing education policies and regulations.

Alli-Balogun reiterated that the safety, well-being, and moral development of students remain paramount, assuring parents and the public that the state is committed to maintaining disciplined and conducive learning environments across all schools.

Lagos Police Clears Pastor Adefarasin Over Viral Gun Video

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Lagos Police Clears Pastor Adefarasin Over Viral Gun Video

The Lagos State Police Command has cleared Pastor Paul Adefarasin of any wrongdoing following a viral video that appeared to show him holding a firearm.

Pastor Adefarasin, who is the Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, had voluntarily presented himself at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja for questioning after the clip sparked public debate.

Police investigations, which included interrogation and a cautionary statement, revealed that the object seen in the video was not a firearm but a stun gun.

According to Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the findings showed no grounds to press charges. “The case is hereby discontinued,” Adebisi said in a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.

The Command reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring public safety, and maintaining transparency in its investigations.

Massive Turnout as Lagos Schools Resume 2025/2026 Academic Session

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Lagos Government Probes Viral Video of Students Smoking, Drinking in Dormitory

Basic and secondary schools across Lagos State have resumed for the 2025/2026 academic session on Monday with a massive turnout of students and teachers.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, led top officials of the Ministry on a monitoring exercise across several schools to ensure compliance with the state’s directive on resumption and to assess readiness for the new term.

Speaking after the tour, the Commissioner commended parents, teachers, and students for their enthusiasm, describing the turnout as proof of alignment with government policies and programmes in the education sector.

He urged students to remain mentally prepared for learning, attend classes regularly, and take their assignments seriously, while encouraging teachers to diligently cover the curriculum within the stipulated period.

Alli-Balogun disclosed that the term would run for 13 weeks, from September 15 to December 12, 2025, noting that a universal timetable would soon be distributed to all schools.

Addressing the newly adopted Computer-Based Test format for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, the Commissioner advised teachers to step up computer literacy training for students, stressing that digital proficiency would enhance speed and efficiency in examinations.

In a bid to support teaching and skills acquisition, the Commissioner presented writing materials to pupils and students, and donated a standard oven, gas cooker, and sewing machine to Dolphin Senior High School on Lagos Island for Home Economics and vocational training.

He also urged school principals to manage funds prudently and complement government efforts while encouraging teachers to be creative and resourceful in overcoming classroom challenges.

The monitoring exercise covered Dolphin Senior and Junior High School, Saint Paul’s Anglican Nursery and Primary School, Millennium Grammar School, and several other institutions across the state.

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