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LASG Organises One-Day Stakeholders’ Forum on Construction, Demolition, Disaster Waste

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LASG Organises One-Day Stakeholders’ Forum on Construction, Demolition, Disaster Waste

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening sustainable waste management practices with the organisation of a one-day stakeholders’ forum on construction, demolition and disaster waste, CDDW management.

The event, held in Ikoyi, Lagos, was organised by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), in conjunction with Wastecare Solutions Ltd, bringing together key players in the construction and environment sectors, to discuss strategies for managing the rising volume of waste generated from building activities and disaster incidents.

Theme of the event is “Building Responsibly and Driving Efficiency: Strengthening Stakeholder Collaboration in Construction, Demolition and Disaster Waste Management in Lagos State”

Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, represented by Mr. Adeoye Babajide, said the forum was designed to harness ideas that would enhance environmental sustainability, safety, and livability.

Wahab noted that the global shift towards circular economy principles required deliberate efforts to minimise waste, maximise resource utilisation, and ensure recycling and reuse, stressing that Lagos, with its growing population and human activities, could not afford to be submerged in unmanaged waste.

He said, “The theme is critical, timely and a calculated step aimed at harnessing approaches to construction and demolition waste management, focusing on sustainability and environmental safety”.

He explained that the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) had moved beyond conventional collection and disposal methods by promoting responsible building practices that emphasised reduction, reuse, and recycling.

The Commissioner charged stakeholders in the construction sector to adhere strictly to government regulations on waste handling, recycling, and disposal, warning that non-compliance could result in penalties, including the sealing of project sites.

“The essence of compliance is to ensure environmental responsibility, conserve resources and avoid sanctions. Our aim is not punishment, but safeguarding the environment and protecting public health,” Wahab said.

Earlier in his welcome, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by the Executive Director, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, gave an overview of the programme and what informed the decision to organise it, stressing that partnership was key in achieving the goal of establishing sustainable environment.

According to him, “Lagos thrives on collaboration and partnerships. This has been the foundation of our progress, and even the THEMES+ Agenda, which guides the current administration, is built entirely on the principle of working together. Through partnerships and coordinated efforts, we can achieve sustainable development and better outcomes for our communities”.

The guest speaker, Dr. Tijani Ajibola, in his presentation titled, “Bridging the Gap between Policy and Practice: Strengthening the Compliance in Construction and Demolition Waste Management”, walked participants through the processes involved in construction, demolition, and disaster waste management, stressing that the world is a shared and valuable space, which must must be preserved responsibly, for the benefit of future generations.

He highlighted that CDDW contributed significantly to air pollution, stressing that responsible management at every stage, from planning and construction to disposal and recycling, was crucial to minimising environmental impact and ensuring a safe, sustainable, and livable environment for all.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Oba of Iru Land, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, represented by Chief Adebayo, Alawe of Oniru Kingdom; Architect Ekaete Bassey, Resident Consultant, Architect Nigeria; Ogunba Abiola, representative of Lagos State Wastewater Management; Sheriff Daramola, President, International Facility Management Association, Nigeria Chapter, and representatives of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, as well as the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority.

The event also featured technical sessions where panelists exchanged ideas and actionable strategies to strengthen waste management practices in the state.

LAWMA Academy Concludes Year 2025 Summer School

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LAWMA Academy Concludes Year 2025 Summer School

The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has successfully concluded the 2025 edition of its annual Summer School Programme organised through LAWMA Academy.

The three-week intensive session, held at LAWMA’s headquarters Ijora-Olopa, brought together pupils from schools across Lagos to learn, innovate, and engage in sustainability-focused activities.

This year’s programme, themed ‘Saving the planet one step at a time’, featured a rich blend of classroom lessons, practical demonstrations and field trips, aimed at deepening participants’ understanding of waste management and environmental sustainability.

Pupils took part in recycling and upcycling workshops, creating centre tables and frames from tyres, plant vases from PET bottle covers, and ottomans from PET bottles and foam.

They also visited Mouka Limited, a foam and mattress manufacturer, to learn how waste is managed in the company. In the same vien, a lecture on marine life, was delivered by the Lekan Bakare Foundation, which enlightened the pupils on the dangers of ocean littering and its harmful effects on marine ecosystems.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, commended the participants, noting: “Our children are the future custodians of the environment. By equipping them with the right knowledge and mindset, we are investing in a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos. He encouraged them to continue to be the best in what they do and prayed for their success”.

A major highlight of the event was the actualization of the Managing Director’s pledge during the opening ceremony, to give the best-performing student an opportunity to serve as “One Day MD.” 

At the closing ceremony, this promise was fulfilled as Ayedun Emmanuel Ire eventually emerged as the outstanding student and was officially announced as the lucky winner of the prestigious role.

Other highlights include, the ‘Cooking without Waste’ session, where overripe bananas were used to make banana pancakes, and stale bread was transformed into sweet butter bread.

Olajumoke Agbetanmije, a Sustainability Analyst at 7up Bottling Company said, “We supported the summer school to help build a society where children take responsibility for their environment and manage waste properly.

To achieve this, we must catch them young, and with what LAWMA Academy is doing, they have our support, in building these young minds”

Similarly, the Head of LAWMA Academy, Mrs. Bola Adewumi, encouraged the pupils to spread the knowledge they gained, acting as ambassadors of responsible waste management in their schools and communities.

Some pupils received awards according to some listed categories, for outstanding performances in the course of the programme.

The 2025 Summer School Programme, the fifth in the series, marks another milestone in LAWMA’s commitment to environmental education, equipping young people with the tools to drive positive change in their communities, on issues bordering on the environment.

Also present at the ceremony was the Executive Director, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi and other management staff.

FirstBank Surpasses ₦1 Trillion in Digital Loan Disbursements, Redefines Inclusive Lending in Nigeria

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FirstBank Partners NTA, Others for 2026 Children’s Day Activities

FirstBank of Nigeria Limited has announced that it crossed the ₦1 trillion mark in cumulative digital loan disbursements, a milestone that underscores its leadership in driving financial inclusion through technology.

Since launching its instant digital loan offering in August 2019, the 131-year-old institution has transformed access to credit in Nigeria, eliminating collateral requirements and reducing loan approval times from weeks to under five minutes.

Through channels such as *894# USSD, FirstMobile, LitApp, and the FirstMonie Agent network, loans now reach market traders, salary earners, artisans, civil servants, and rural farmers.

With over 1.5 million unique borrowers served, FirstBank’s digital lending ecosystem has become one of the largest in Nigeria’s financial services industry.

Products such as FirstAdvance (for salary earners), FirstCredit (for individuals without formal employment), and Agent Credit (for microbusinesses within the FirstMonie network) have expanded the bank’s reach into segments previously excluded from traditional banking.

“This milestone is not just about numbers, it is about impact,” said a senior FirstBank executive. “We are empowering everyday Nigerians from the shopkeeper in a rural community to the civil servant in Lagos with quick, affordable access to credit that enables them to thrive.”

The model, which leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning for alternative credit scoring, aligns closely with Nigeria’s financial inclusion agenda.

According to the 2023 EFInA Access to Financial Services Survey, 64 percent of Nigerians are now formally included in the financial system, with digital banking playing a major role in this progress.

For micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which account for nearly 50 percent of Nigeria’s GDP and over 80 percent of its workforce, FirstBank’s Agent Credit has been particularly transformative, providing capital in areas underserved by physical bank branches.

Industry observers say the bank’s success highlights how traditional financial institutions can combine the agility of fintech with the scale and trust of established banks. While digital lenders in Nigeria often face criticism over high interest rates and harsh recovery practices, FirstBank’s balance sheet strength and regulatory compliance position it as a more sustainable and responsible alternative.

Beyond Nigeria, the bank’s model offers a potential blueprint for inclusive finance across Africa, where over 350 million adults remain outside the formal financial system.

As FirstBank marks this ₦1 trillion milestone, it acknowledges both the opportunity and responsibility ahead. Scaling digital lending at this level, the bank says, requires continuous innovation and customer protection measures to ensure sustainability.

“Credit access is no longer a privilege for a few,” the bank noted. “It is a tool for empowerment, available to millions of Nigerians at the tap of a button.”

GTCO Raises GTBank’s Paid-Up Capital to ₦504 Billion

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GTCO Raises ₦10bn Through Private Placement After Securing Regulatory Approvals

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, GTCO has increased its investment in its flagship banking subsidiary, Guaranty Trust Bank Limited, GTBank, boosting the bank’s paid-up capital to ₦504 billion.

The recapitalisation followed GTCO’s subscription to 6.99 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each, issued by GTBank for a total consideration of ₦365.85 billion.

This raises GTBank’s paid-up share capital from ₦138.18 billion to ₦504.03 billion, ensuring compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) new minimum capital requirement for commercial banks with international authorisation.

The capital injection was funded through GTCO’s recently concluded two-phased equity raising programme. The initiative included a public offering in Nigeria that raised ₦209.41 billion from 130,617 valid applications for 4.7 billion ordinary shares, and an international offering on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), which secured $105 million from institutional investors for 2.29 billion new shares.

With the LSE listing, GTCO became the first West African financial services institution to dual-list on both the NGX and LSE.

Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, described the recapitalisation as a milestone for the Group.

“The successful recapitalisation of our flagship banking subsidiary, Guaranty Trust Bank Limited, marks a pivotal step in strengthening the foundation of our Group. With significant new capital secured and the CBN’s recapitalisation directive for Guaranty Trust Bank now fulfilled, we are focused on deepening innovation and service excellence, delivering improved performance, and expanding our footprint across high-growth markets, while upholding the industry-leading standards that define the GTCO brand.”

According to GTCO, the additional equity will be channelled into expanding GTBank’s branch network, growing its loan and investment portfolio, strengthening its IT infrastructure, and leveraging emerging opportunities in Nigeria and other key markets.

Following the injection, GTCO retains full ownership of GTBank, with directors of the holding company holding no direct or indirect interest in the bank.

GTCO Plc is one of Africa’s leading financial services institutions, with operations spanning banking, payments, asset management, and pension administration in 11 countries, including Nigeria, the UK, and other African markets.

Police Restore Calm in Onosa Community After Clash With Mob

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CSOs Petition PSC to Probe Lagos CP Over Alleged Assault on Activist Soweto

The Lagos State Police Command has restored peace to Onosa Community in the Elemoro area following a violent confrontation between officers on patrol and a mob in the early hours of Friday.

Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement, said six officers from the Elemoro Division were on routine patrol when they encountered an irate group. In the process of defending themselves, the officers discharged their firearms, leaving three individuals injured. The victims were immediately taken to hospital for medical attention.

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, swiftly led a detachment of officers to the area to quell the unrest. His intervention facilitated the removal of barricades that had obstructed traffic, restoring free movement within the community.

The police chief also engaged directly with community youth and leaders, appealing for calm and initiating dialogue to address underlying grievances. He extended an invitation to the leaders for further discussions aimed at preventing future clashes.

Meanwhile, the officers involved in the shooting have been taken into custody as investigations get underway. The Command assured that the probe would be thorough and transparent to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

Normalcy has since returned to Onosa, with a reinforced police presence maintained to sustain peace and the Command urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement, and avoid actions that could jeopardize public safety.

Police Arrest Kidnap Suspect, Rescue 7-Year-Old Boy in Lagos

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

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command, Special Squad I, have arrested a 32-year-old man, Chigozie Michael Clement, for allegedly kidnapping a 7-year-old child in Lagos.

According to police reports, the incident began on August 25, 2025, when the victim’s father lodged a complaint at the Alapere Police Division, stating that his son had been taken away by his painter without consent. Shortly after, the suspect contacted the victim’s mother, demanding ₦7 million ransom for the child’s release.

The case was immediately transferred to the Command’s Special Squad I for discreet investigation. Acting on intelligence, operatives traced Clement to Ijegun, Lagos, where he was arrested on August 27, 2025. The 7-year-old boy was rescued unharmed from a locked room where he had been held captive and has since been reunited with his family.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, claiming he resorted to kidnapping to raise money for personal family needs. Police authorities say investigations are ongoing to identify possible accomplices, with plans to charge the suspect to court once investigations are concluded.

Reassuring residents of the state’s safety, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, commended the operatives for their swift action. He pledged that the Command would continue to deploy all available resources to tackle criminal activities across Lagos.

Group Demands NNPCL Boss Ojulari Address Corruption Allegations

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Group Demands NNPCL Boss Ojulari Address Corruption Allegations

A group, the Nigerian Transparency Initiative, NTI has urged the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, to openly address the corruption allegations leveled against him in recent months.

The group said the controversies trailing his leadership are too weighty to be ignored, insisting that silence would only deepen public suspicion and erode confidence in the national oil company.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Muyiwa Salami, cordinator of NTI, in a statement, said the controversies are capable of undermining the reputation of the NNPCL and the confidence of Nigerians in the oil sector.

“We call on Mr. Bayo Ojulari to answer these allegations in clear terms. Failure to do so will only suggest that there is something to hide,” Salami said.

The group also noted that while some groups have dismissed the allegations as political blackmail orchestrated by entrenched interests, the scale and consistency of the reports demand accountability.

“It is in Ojulari’s own interest and in the interest of the Nigerian people that he speaks up. Transparency is the only way to clear the air and preserve the integrity of his office,” the statement added.

The group further called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant agencies to intensify investigations into the allegations, stressing that Nigerians deserve full disclosure on matters that touch on billions of naira in public resources.

Fidelity Bank Champions Africa’s Export Growth at FNITCC Atlanta 2025

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Fidelity Bank Grows Q1 Gross Earnings by 38% to N434.95bn

Fidelity Bank Plc has announced plans to convene a high-level panel of seasoned experts to chart a strategic roadmap for promoting African exports in global markets.

The panel session, titled “Laying the Tracks: Strengthening the Institutional Infrastructure for Africa’s Trade Promotion,” is scheduled for Day 2 of the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect, FNITCC Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the Omni Atlanta Hotel, Centennial Park, Georgia, USA.

Confirmed speakers include Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director/CEO of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council; Shaquana Teasley, Founder & CEO, Agate Solutions (U.S.); Titus Olowokere, Executive Director of the US-Nigeria Business Council; Affie Braimoh, Founder of Sac Fruits and former Commissioner of Industry, Trade & Cooperatives, Edo State; and Sebastine Osita, CEO of GIG Logistic Technologies Ltd.

Isaiah Ndukwe, Divisional Head of Export and Agriculture at Fidelity Bank Plc, stated, “As Nigeria’s leading financial institution in the non-oil export sector, Fidelity Bank Plc is driving sustainable growth and delivering measurable impact across Africa’s trade corridors.

Through tailored financial solutions, market access platforms such as FNITCC, and capacity-building initiatives like our Export Management Programme, we are reinforcing our strategic role in strengthening the export ecosystem and empowering businesses to thrive globally.”

He added, “The upcoming panel session at FNITCC is a timely intervention to address the institutional gaps that hinder Africa’s full participation in global trade. For us at Fidelity Bank, strengthening our trade infrastructure is more than an economic imperative—it’s a continental priority.”

Hosted in collaboration with AFRICON—the leading global forum for African innovators and change leaders—FNITCC Atlanta is scheduled to take place from September 18 to 20, 2025. The event is expected to attract over 3,000 participants, including investors, trade agencies, exporters, and diaspora professionals. It is expected to facilitate trade and investment transactions exceeding US$500 million.

In addition to panel discussions focused on enhancing African exports in international markets, FNITCC Atlanta will offer a variety of seminars and panels featuring prominent figures such as Mustafa Chike-Obi, Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc; Aishah Ahmad, Global Finance Leader and former Deputy Governor (Financial System Stability), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Abba Bello.

Others are Managing Director of Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM); and Olasunkanmi Owoyemi, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sunbeth Global Concepts Nigeria Ltd.

Further highlights include dedicated deal rooms, an exhibition showcasing African products and services across agriculture, extractive industries, fashion, creative sectors, and professional services; as well as targeted matchmaking sessions connecting US buyers, investors, and partners.

Interested participants are encouraged to register for the conference at www.fidelitybank.ng/fnitcc .

Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 9.1 million customers who are serviced across its 251 business offices and various digital banking channels in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Police Restore Calm After Clash Between Traders, Land Grabbers in Lagos

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Police Restore Calm After Clash Between Traders, Land Grabbers in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has restored peace and order to the Owode Onirin area of Lagos following a violent clash between traders and suspected land grabbers that left three people dead and a police officer critically injured.

According to the Command, the unrest, which disrupted public peace and blocked major roads leading in and out of the Owode Onirin Market, prompted swift intervention by Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh.

He personally led a combined team of officers from the Operations Department, Mobile Police Force, Rapid Response Squad, tactical units, and detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to the scene, reopening the roads to traffic and restoring normalcy.

To prevent a resurgence, the Police said adequate personnel remain deployed in the area.

During the confrontation, three individuals were fatally injured and confirmed dead at the hospital, while a police inspector sustained life-threatening injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

Preliminary investigations have linked the clash to one Abiodun Ariori, CEO of Prosperous Ariori Golden Venture Limited, who has since been declared wanted by the Command.

The Police stated that Ariori, whose last known address is in Egbeda, has evaded arrest and urged members of the public to provide information on his whereabouts or report to the nearest police station.

Meanwhile, four policemen alleged to have accompanied the suspect illegally from outside Lagos have been detained at the Command headquarters for orderly room trial. The outcome of their trial, according to police authorities, will be made public.

In a separate incident on Lagos Island, the Police dispelled reports of a tribal clash at Balogun Market.

The Command clarified that the violence was a fight between hoodlums in which Ebuka Adindu, from Abia State, allegedly stabbed Sodiq Ibrahim, from Kogi State, to death before turning the knife on himself.

Adindu is currently under police custody while receiving treatment in hospital and will face prosecution upon recovery.

The Police emphasized that the disturbance was not ethnically motivated and that no goods or properties belonging to traders were destroyed.

“Normalcy has been restored, and marketers as well as members of the public are encouraged to go about their lawful businesses without fear,” the Command said in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin.

Commissioner Jimoh also appealed to residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with the Police to sustain peace across Lagos State.

LASWA Leads Swift Recovery in 3rd Mainland Bridge Car Plunge

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LASWA Felicitates Waterways Users on Eid-el-Adha, Emphasises Safety Compliance

The Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA has highlighted the efficiency of its Search and Rescue (SAR) operations following a fatal accident on Saturday, August 23, when a Toyota Camry saloon car plunged into the Lagos Lagoon from the 3rd Mainland Bridge.

In a statement issued by LASWA’s Public Affairs Unit on Wednesday, August 27, the agency confirmed that its SAR team was activated immediately after receiving a distress call.

Responders arrived at the scene alongside emergency partners, including the Marine Police, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).

According to LASWA, the first victim, a female identified as Aisha, aged between 25 and 35, was swiftly recovered by local divers working in coordination with the SAR team and handed over to her family.

An extended search later confirmed a second passenger, 31-year-old Chado Daniel Danladi, a colleague of the first victim and resident of Ikeja, whose body was also retrieved and released to relatives.

The authority commended the collaboration with other state agencies and the critical role played by local fishermen, describing the operation as “an example of how prompt action and community support can save time and bring closure in waterway emergencies.”

LASWA reiterated its commitment to safety and rapid response, urging the public to report any waterway incidents through its emergency numbers: 0700 CALL LASWA and 08090129777, or via its social media handles @talktolaswa.

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