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CAPPA Faults Lagos Government Over ‘Shit Water’ Borehole Remarks

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CAPPA Condemns Police Crackdown on Lagos Demolition Protest

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has criticised the Lagos State Government over recent comments by Mahmood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, that residents of Lekki Peninsula are “probably drinking what I will call ‘shit water’” from contaminated boreholes.

In a statement issued on Sunday, CAPPA said the blunt remark reflects deeper systemic failures in the state’s water governance rather than the fault of residents.

“The government is bad-mouthing a crisis it manufactured,” the group stated, arguing that boreholes are not a luxury but a survival measure for Lagos residents who lack access to reliable and affordable public water.

The organisation accused the state of neglecting public water infrastructure for decades while pursuing privatisation models “that place profit above people.”

It noted that the health risks from faecal contamination and poor wastewater management are longstanding, but remain unaddressed due to the absence of a comprehensive, transparent plan.

CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said: “You cannot neglect your constitutional duty for decades, then turn around to shame people for doing what they must to survive. The question we must ask is: What is the Lagos State Government doing to ensure that its citizens no longer have to drink contaminated water, or live in fear of the next outbreak of disease?”

The group called for urgent public investment in water and sanitation, suspension of market-based reforms, and the development of a community-led water policy through open consultation with residents, civil society, and experts.

It also urged the government to implement a state-wide emergency plan to repair wastewater systems, expand access to safe water in underserved areas, and adopt climate-resilient water management approaches.

While acknowledging the need to regulate borehole drilling, CAPPA insisted this should only follow the provision of “viable and accessible public water alternatives.”

FirstBank Champions Inclusive Fintech Innovation at CAFS 2025

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FirstBank Champions Inclusive Fintech Innovation at CAFS 2025

FirstBank has reaffirmed its commitment to global fintech growth and financial inclusion by sponsoring the Canada-Africa Fintech Summit, CAFS 2025, held from August 5–8 at the Sheraton Centre in Downtown Toronto.

The summit, convened by Dr. Segun Aina, President of the African Fintech Network brought together fintech leaders, regulators, startups, and investors from Africa and Canada to explore scalable digital solutions, stimulate investment, and promote inclusive economic development across both continents.

Speaking on the sponsorship, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, said:

“Our support of CAFS 2025 reflects our belief that collaboration between African and Canadian fintech ecosystems can lead to transformative innovations. FirstBank is proud to help shape that future.”

During a high-level panel session alongside Rudy Cuzzeto, MPP for Mississauga–Lakeshore, and David Stevenson, Country Director for the United Nations World Food Programme (Nigeria), FirstBank’s Group Executive for E-Business & Retail Products, Chuma Ezirim, highlighted the importance of digital collaboration in Africa’s financial ecosystem.

“We’re building APIs that understand regulatory bifurcation, who has access to what, and why. The technology is the easy part. The real challenge lies in maintaining security, consent, and performance,” Ezirim said.

“In Nigeria, fintech has evolved beyond disruption to convergence, integrating banks, fintechs, and regulators into an agile and accountable ecosystem. The more we collaborate, the more lessons we learn, and the greater the benefits for consumers.”

In another panel session, FirstBank’s Chief Technology Officer, Rachel Adeshina, spoke on leveraging artificial intelligence to extend credit access to the underbanked.

“We’re addressing data poverty by using AI to interpret alternative data, allowing us to lend to individuals who might otherwise be invisible to the traditional credit system,” she explained.

Adeshina revealed that FirstBank has disbursed over ₦1 trillion in digital loans through its AI-powered model, with a repayment rate exceeding 99%. She credited this success to both technology and enabling policies, including API banking regulations, data privacy laws, and a shift from account-based to wallet-based banking.

She also stressed the need for interoperability to achieve scale in Africa’s fragmented markets:

“In a continent like Africa, digital scale will come from interoperability. Connecting the 54 markets is the next big challenge, and fintechs are ideally positioned to lead that initiative.”

WAEC Reviews 2025 WASSCE Results After Error in English Paper Marking

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WAEC Assures Stakeholders of Seamless Conduct of 2026 WASSCE Despite Workers’ Protest

The West African Examinations Council, WAEC has released revised results for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE for school candidates following the discovery of a marking error in one of the key subjects.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, expressed “deep sorrow and regret” over the situation, which he described as “embarrassing” for the Council.

According to Dr. Dangut, the initial results released on August 4 reflected a significant drop in candidates’ performance due in part to an error in the grading of the English Language Objective Test (Paper 3). The mistake occurred after a wrong serialized code file was used during printing, leading to the use of incorrect marking keys.

“This was an internal error during the implementation of our paper serialization innovation,” Dangut said. “We sincerely apologise to the affected candidates and stakeholders. The anomaly has now been fixed, and the accurate results are available on our portal.”

A total of 1,969,313 candidates sat for the 2025 examination in Nigeria and in some Nigerian-curriculum schools in Benin Republic, Cote d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea. Of this number, 976,787 were male (49.60%) and 992,526 female (50.40%).

Following the review, 1,794,821 candidates (91.14%) obtained credits and above in at least five subjects (with or without English and Mathematics), while 1,239,884 candidates (62.96%) achieved credits and above in five subjects including English Language and Mathematics. This represents a 9.16% drop compared to the 2024 performance.

Candidates with special needs also took part in the exams, including 112 visually challenged, 615 with impaired hearing, 52 spastic/mentally challenged, and 37 physically challenged candidates — all of whose results have been released.

Results for 205,916 candidates (10.45%) are still being processed due to various technical issues, while 191,053 results (9.7%) remain withheld over suspected examination malpractice.

The Council noted that the malpractice figure was 2.22% lower than in 2024 and that affected candidates can seek redress via WAEC’s complaints portal.


WAEC urged indebted state governments to settle outstanding fees so results of their sponsored candidates can be released. Candidates are advised to check their results via www.waecdirect.org and apply for their digital certificates, which will be ready within 48 hours. Printed certificates for fully processed results will be available within 90 days.

“This is a trying time for us,” Dangut said, appealing for understanding from parents, schools, and government authorities. “We are putting measures in place to ensure such an occurrence never happens again.”

U.S. Consul General Commends Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute as Visionary Legacy for Global Leadership Advancement

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U.S. Consul General Commends Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute as Visionary Legacy for Global Leadership Advancement
Left - Joellen Gorg, Consul General of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, during her visit to OOLI. Right – Prof. Daramola, Deputy Chief Executive of OOLI.

In a resounding show of support for visionary African leadership, Consul General of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, Joellen Gorg has lauded the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute, OOLI as a worthy legacy established by former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, calling it a beacon of transformational leadership and ethical governance.

During a high-level engagement with institute representatives and stakeholders, Consul General Gorg expressed deep admiration for the objectives underpinning OOLI’s establishment.

She highlighted the institute’s mission to groom principled leaders capable of navigating complex global challenges while honouring Africa’s rich heritage and intellectual capital.

“OOLI represents a forward-thinking platform that not only champions ethical leadership in Africa but also cultivates dialogue and collaboration across borders. I fully embrace the vision behind its founding and welcome future partnerships to broaden its international reach,” stated Consul General Joellen Gorg.

This endorsement signals a promising avenue for bilateral collaboration between the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute and global institutions focused on leadership development, peacebuilding, and social impact.

Plans are already underway to explore joint initiatives that will amplify OOLI’s influence and integrate global best practices.

Deputy Chief Executive of OOLI, Prof Daramola, in response, expressed appreciation for the Consul General’s recognition, reaffirming OOLI’s commitment to preparing a new generation of servant-leaders equipped with integrity, innovation, and resilience.

As OOLI continues its rise as a continental force in leadership education, this international acknowledgment sets the tone for deeper engagement and transformative partnerships that reflect Africa’s strategic role in global affairs.

CAPPA Urges FG to Raise Tobacco Tax to 100%, Citing Health, Economic Crisis

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Advocates Raise Alarm on Targeting of Nigerian Students with Nicotine Products by Foreign, Local Groups

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has urged the Federal Government to urgently raise the excise tax on tobacco products to 100 percent, warning that continued inaction is costing Nigeria thousands of lives and hundreds of billions of naira annually in healthcare and productivity losses.

In a statement issued Thursday, CAPPA said Nigeria’s current tobacco tax regime remains weak despite overwhelming evidence linking tobacco use to fatal diseases and economic strain.

The group cited findings from the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), which revealed that the country spent ₦526.4 billion in 2019 treating tobacco-related illnesses.

“The tobacco industry is having a field day aggressively targeting young Nigerians with vapes and other e-cigarettes under the guise of ‘harm reduction,’” said Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director at CAPPA. “These products are not only addictive but also harmful and the industry knows it.”

According to CAPPA, Nigeria currently employs a mixed excise tax model comprising a 30 percent ad valorem tax and a specific tax of ₦84 per pack of 20 cigarettes.

The system also includes a tax of ₦3,000 per litre or ₦1,000 per kilogramme on shisha and smokeless tobacco, with incremental increases of ₦500 per year. Though the government proposed raising the tax to 50 percent in April 2023, the change has not yet taken effect.

Oluwafemi called for Nigeria to adopt global best practices, pointing to recent developments across Africa. In Senegal, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko raised tobacco taxes to 100 percent just last week.

Kenya also announced an immediate ban on the importation of vapes and nicotine-containing products, citing a spike in youth addiction. South Africa has proposed legislation to prohibit public smoking and vaping entirely.

“These countries are taking bold steps to protect public health. Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind,” Oluwafemi stated. “Raising taxes is a proven method to discourage consumption and reduce the burden of disease.”

CAPPA warned that over 20 billion cigarettes are consumed annually in Nigeria and nearly 30,000 Nigerians die from tobacco-related conditions each year. Developing nations like Nigeria, it added, bear the brunt of tobacco production’s environmental and health costs while wealthier countries reap most of the profits.

The group also recommended that a portion of the revenue from increased tobacco taxes be ring-fenced for health promotion, prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and full enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Act.

“Government at all levels must resist tobacco industry interference,” Oluwafemi said. “Protecting Nigerian lives should never take a back seat to corporate profit.”

Sanwo-Olu Urges WAPA Graduates to Become Job Creators as Over 5,000 Complete Vocational Training

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Sanwo-Olu Urges WAPA Graduates to Become Job Creators as Over 5,000 Complete Vocational Training

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged graduates of the State’s Skills Acquisition Centres to embrace entrepreneurship and creativity, urging them to become job creators within their communities.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the June and December 2024 sets of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA Skills Acquisition Centres, held at the Blue Roof, LTV Complex in Ikeja, the Governor commended the 5,309 graduating students for their resilience and determination to acquire vocational skills.

Sanwo-Olu encouraged the graduands to set fair pricing, innovate within their craft, and persevere through the early challenges of entrepreneurship, especially within the critical first five years. “This is your opportunity to begin your business journey. Embrace it with confidence and never relent in your path to success,” the Governor said.

Also speaking at the event, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the ceremony as more than a graduation, but a launchpad into new opportunities. “Each one of you represents hope, resilience, and transformation. Use your skills to create value, inspire others, and secure your financial independence,” she said.

The First Lady praised the WAPA initiative for equipping thousands of residents with practical, life-changing skills and reaffirmed the State’s commitment to empowering women, men, and youth through inclusive programmes.

In her address, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, revealed that over 28,000 individuals have graduated from WAPA Skills Acquisition Centres since the start of the Sanwo-Olu administration.

The 2024 batch was trained in diverse fields including welding, barbing, photography, aluminum fabrication, hairdressing, bead making, catering, makeup artistry, and carpentry.

She also spotlighted the Ministry’s flagship initiative, the Life Skills Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP)which delivers four-week intensive training sessions across various local government areas. Recent LEEP graduation ceremonies were held in Agbowa, Ejirin, Ado, and Lagos Island, with participants trained in barbing, gele tying, soap making, crafts, and leatherwork.

“Inclusivity is central to all our programmes,” the Commissioner added. “We ensure participation of people with disabilities and victims of gender-based violence, while providing all LEEP graduates with start-up kits to jump-start their businesses.”

Hon. Dada further noted that the upcoming MESI programme, scheduled for August 19, will empower 70% of its participants with business kits.

Expressing gratitude, the Commissioner acknowledged Governor Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering support, the contributions of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and the efforts of ministry staff, principals, and instructors.

“This milestone is a testament to our collective commitment to driving inclusive economic growth, community development, and poverty alleviation across Lagos State,” she concluded.

Access Bank: A Hub For Africa’s Financial Superpower

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Access Bank, KIWDI Host Women of Influence and Investment Summit in Katsina

In today’s ever-evolving financial landscape, few institutions can claim to be true pioneers. But Access Bank, with its bold vision, cutting-edge innovation, and pan-African presence, has shattered the traditional image of a bank.

It is no longer just a financial institution—it’s a movement, a catalyst for economic empowerment, and a force driving sustainable change across continents.

From Nigeria to the World

With headquarters in Lagos, Access Bank has become Africa’s largest bank by customer base, serving over 60 million customers across more than 20 countries in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. With bank’s total assets valued at a staggering N41.5 trillion (Access Holdings); N40.8trillion (Access Bank) as at FY December 31, 2024, it’s Nigeria’s largest bank by assets and a formidable multinational financial player.

Global Footprint: Beyond Borders

In Africa, it has recorded a domineering presence in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Zambia, DRC, Tanzania, South Africa, Cameroon, Mozambique, and Angola. Excellently spreading its tentacles in European countries, its footprint is felt in the United Kingdom and France while it has penetrated the Middle East: United Arab Emirates (UAE).

However, the bank also have representative Offices in India, China, and Lebanon.

Innovation as a Growth Engine

What sets Access Bank apart isn’t just its size, but its commitment to innovation and customer-centric technology.

In partnership with Avaya, the bank deployed a hybrid cloud contact center solution, enhancing real-time customer engagement and scalability.

Result? An impressive 10% increase in customer satisfaction score (from 54% to 64%) and a dramatic Net Promoter Score jump from -4 to +23.

Its digital banking platforms support millions of daily transactions, providing secure, accessible banking across mobile, internet, and agent networks.

Expanding Digital Inclusion

It’s investment in technology isn’t just about convenience—it’s about financial inclusion:

  • Over 50,000 Closa Agents across Nigeria, ensuring the unbanked and underserved have access to basic financial services.
  • Robust mobile banking platforms designed to work even in low-bandwidth areas.
  • Internet Banking offering seamless 24/7 account management, bill payment, and fund transfers.

Banking on Sustainability: ESG in Action

Access Bank is Africa’s most recognized ESG-focused bank, winning:

  • Best Bank in Nigeria
  • Best Bank in Ghana for ESG both at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2024 and 2025

Through sustainable finance initiatives, the bank has:

  • Financed renewable energy projects across rural Africa
  • Promoted clean energy access
  • Cut carbon emissions through green operations and eco-loans

Its SME Banking Programme empowers thousands of small businesses with tailored financial products, mentorship, and market access—crucial for Africa’s post-pandemic recovery.

The 2027 Vision: 125 Million Customers

With its determination to be a driver in the industry, Access Bank is targeting 22 African countries by 2027, signaling a strategic drive for dominance across emerging markets.

However, doubling its customer base to 125 million by 2027 is a huge feet that is conquerable. In realisation of that, it’s anchoring on:

  • Aggressive digital expansion
  • Continental acquisition strategy
  • Inclusive financial products
  • Youth and women-focused entrepreneurship financing

With its smart, people-first approach, Access Bank is not just participating in Africa’s growth story—it’s writing it.

Conclusion

As Africa eye a new economic dawn, Access Bank is proving that banking can be more than numbers—it can be purpose-driven, sustainable, and transformational.

For the youth in Kano or Kigali, the entrepreneur in Accra or Addis Ababa, and the rural trader in Makurdi or Mombasa,Access Bank isn’t just a bank. It’s a partner for progress.

According to the Nigeria Online Media Alliance (NOMA), this ambition is not only possible—it’s well underway.

So, yes—Access Bank is more than banking. It’s the future. And the future is here.

“Access Bank represents a bold new vision of what an African bank can and should be—global, inclusive, digital, and sustainable. As Chairperson of NOMA, I can confidently say: This is not just Africa’s largest bank by numbers—it is Africa’s most impactful bank by purpose.”

NIMC Warns Against Device Switching, Cache Clearing on NIN Self-Service Portal

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NIMC Pushes Digital Public Infrastructure to Improve Service Delivery, National Security

The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC has issued a fresh public advisory outlining crucial operational guidelines for Nigerians accessing its National Identification Number, NIN Self-Service Modification Portal.

In the statement, the Commission cautioned users against switching devices or browsers once their account is created, stating that each self-service account is uniquely tied to the browser and device used during the initial registration. As a result, any attempt to access the portal from a different browser or device may result in access difficulties.

Additionally, the Commission warned users not to clear their browser cache, as doing so would reset access settings and potentially lock the user out of their account. In such cases, users would be required to initiate an unlinking process to regain access—a process that could delay data modifications.

NIMC also revealed that users with locked accounts will be allowed a maximum of five unlock requests. Once this limit is exceeded, the system will no longer process additional requests, effectively freezing access to the account.

“These precautions are part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to safeguard user identities and protect the integrity of the NIN self-service modification process,” the advisory noted.

The Commission urged all users to strictly adhere to the stated guidelines to avoid unnecessary disruptions. For further assistance, members of the public are encouraged to contact NIMC via nimccustomercare@nimc.gov.ng.

WAPA Graduates New Batch of Trainees Under LEEP, Renews Commitment to Grassroots Empowerment

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WAPA Graduates New Batch of Trainees Under LEEP, Renews Commitment to Grassroots Empowerment

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA has celebrated the graduation of another set of beneficiaries from its flagship Life Skills Economic Empowerment Programme, LEEP, further strengthening the state’s mission to combat poverty through grassroots skills development.

The graduation ceremony, held at Suberu Oje Central Hall, Alagbado, was a vibrant celebration of resilience and transformation, as dozens of women, youth, and vulnerable residents received certificates and start-up kits after completing weeks of intensive vocational training.

In her keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping citizens with practical, income-generating skills across Lagos.

“Today marks yet another milestone in our unwavering commitment to empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups with relevant entrepreneurial skills,” said Hon. Dada. “LEEP is not just a training programme. It is a life-changing intervention that fosters financial independence and reduces poverty at the grassroots.”

She highlighted the diversity of the programme’s beneficiaries, which includes widows, single mothers, indigent youth, persons living with disabilities, military spouses, retiring civil servants, and parents of out-of-school children.

The Honourable Commissioner also listed the vocational skills taught under the initiative, including catering, tailoring, gele artistry, Ankara crafts, household product manufacturing, event decoration, and fashion embellishment, among others. All graduates were presented with start-up kits to support immediate application of their new skills.

The Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, in her vote of thanks, commended the dedication of the graduates, trainers, and facilitators, while paying glowing tribute to the leadership of Hon. Bolaji Dada.

“Today is a celebration of resilience, hard work, and the transformational power of skill acquisition,” Mrs. Onigbanjo said. “You have completed this journey with grace and determination, and we are confident that you will use these skills to create lasting impact in your communities.”

She also acknowledged the coordination and support of WAPA directors and programme facilitators, whose efforts helped deliver yet another successful training cycle.

As the Ministry prepares for the next graduation at its Ibeju-Lekki centre, the success of the Alagbado ceremony stands as a testament to the state’s ongoing investment in sustainable empowerment and inclusive economic growth.

LSSTF Donates Buses to Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Correctional Service to Boost Security Operations

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LSSTF Donates Buses to Lagos Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Correctional Service to Boost Security Operations

In a continued effort to bolster the state’s security and justice system, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, has donated operational buses to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, Lagos State Command.

The handover ceremony, held in Lagos, was attended by key officials including the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Oyenuga Hameed Olanrewaju; and the Controller, Nigeria Correctional Service, Lagos Command, Mr. George O. Daramola.

The Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, who officially presented the vehicles on behalf of the Fund said the donation forms part of its broader mandate to enhance the operational effectiveness of security and justice agencies across Lagos State.

“These buses will support more efficient coordination between correctional facilities and the courts, and help reduce delays in the justice delivery process,” said Dr. Balogun. “By improving logistics for the Ministry of Justice and the Correctional Service, we are directly contributing to safer communities and a more responsive justice system.”

The initiative underscores the Lagos State Government’s strategic emphasis on collaborative security reform and institutional support. It also aligns with LSSTF’s mission of providing material and logistical assistance to agencies that play key roles in law enforcement, judicial processes, and public safety.

The Attorney General, Mr. Pedro, commended the LSSTF for its consistent support and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to utilizing the resources judiciously to enhance access to justice and uphold the rule of law in the state.

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