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LASG SEALS TIMELESS, ICELAND BEACHES FOR CONTRAVENTION OFFENSES

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LASG SEALS TIMELESS, ICELAND BEACHES FOR CONTRAVENTION OFFENSES

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, has sealed two major relaxation centres, Timeless Beach and Iceland Beach.

This as the Ministry also served stop-work notices on 180 other buildings in the Okun-Ajah, Eti-Osa axis of the State.

The enforcement was carried out due to failure to comply with summons over encroachment on State-owned land.

The exercise, led by the Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu who said several notices and summons had previously been issued to the defaulters, but were ignored, prompting the State Government to initiate strict enforcement measures.

Alebiosu expressed his disappointment with the encroachers, stating that they had deliberately disregarded multiple warnings from the State Government over time.

“This level of disregard for laid-down rules and property ownership cannot be tolerated. The State Government has made efforts to engage the affected parties, but their refusal to comply has left us with no choice,” the Commissioner stated.

Alebiosu said more than 40 offenders who had earlier been served contravention notices for encroachment had been accommodated by the State Government and issued their E-Survey documents after fulfiling all requirements stipulated by law, but some others have remained hell-bent on calling the bluff of the system while erecting their structures illegally.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting State owned land and ensuring sustainable development along the State’s waterfronts.

“Over 20 suspected defaulters were arrested in the course of the enforcement and they will be made to face the full wrath of the law”. Alebiosu concluded.

MTN Nigeria Empowers Isolo Public Library Through Y’ello Care Initiative

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MTN Nigeria has extended its flagship employee volunteer campaign, 21 Days of Y’ello Care, to the Isolo Public Library in Lagos, furthering efforts to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive access to technology in underserved communities.

The 2025 edition of the initiative, now in its 18th year, is themed “Connecting at the Roots: Connecting Communities through Digital Tools.”

It was launched at the library in partnership with the Lagos State Library Board, as part of a broader commitment to digital empowerment and community development.

Speaking at the event, MTN Nigeria’s General Manager for Global Sourcing and Supply Chain Management, Mr. Adeola Oduntan, underscored the lasting impact of the Y’ello Care initiative over the years.

“We are committed to giving back to the community, in addition to what we do through the MTN Foundation,” he said, expressing appreciation for the support from the Lagos State Government and describing the collaboration with the Library Board as invaluable.

As part of this year’s programme, the Isolo Public Library will host a three-day training session focused on digital literacy, coding, and cybersecurity for students and library users.

In addition, MTN enhanced the library’s infrastructure by equipping it with new digital tools, including computing devices, internet connectivity, and backup power solutions to ensure uninterrupted learning.

Representing the Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, the Director of the Lagos State Library Board, Mr. Asimiyu Amoo Oyadipe, praised MTN’s contribution.

He said the intervention would not only boost learning among students but also support the Lagos State Government’s agenda under the Education and Technology pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ development plan.

Oyadipe further appealed to MTN to consider expanding the Y’ello Care initiative to benefit other public libraries across Lagos State’s five divisions, noting the growing need for digital access in other communities.

Ogun Police Investigates Mysterious Death of 32 Cattle After Thunderstorm

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Ogun Police Arrest Cultist in Igbesa, Launch Manhunt for Accomplices

A mysterious incident in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State has left 32 cows dead, with police suspecting a lightning strike during a heavy downpour as the likely cause.

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the lifeless animals were discovered in a forest near Osara Community on Saturday, June 21, following a rainstorm that swept through the area.

The cattle, jointly owned by two herders, were found sprawled across the forest floor with no visible injuries.

Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, said the incident was reported at the Aregbe Divisional Headquarters around 4:40 p.m. by the herders, who said they believed the deaths were caused by a thunderstorm accompanied by intense lightning.

Ogun Police Investigates Mysterious Death of 32 Cattle After Thunderstorm

“A prompt on-the-spot assessment was carried out by the Divisional Police Officer. There were no signs of violence or foul play on the carcasses, and the owners have not accused anyone of wrongdoing,” the statement read.

While the exact monetary value of the loss is yet to be determined, the area has been cordoned off as a precaution. The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has urged members of the public to remain calm and view the incident as a natural occurrence.

The police say investigations are ongoing to confirm the exact cause of the mass death, although no suspicion of criminal activity has been raised.

Oshodi-Isolo Council Boss Flags Off Re-Election Campaign in Grand Style as APC Candidates Receive Party Flags

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Oshodi-Isolo Council Boss Flags Off Re-Election Campaign in Grand Style as APC Candidates Receive Party Flags

The Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Secretariat was a spectacle of colour and festivity as the incumbent chairman, Otunba Kehinde Oloyede Almaroof, officially flagged off his re-election campaign in a grand ceremony that drew party faithful, community leaders and entertainers from across Lagos.

The event also saw the presentation of All Progressives Congress (APC) flags to the party’s councillorship candidates across the seven wards in the local government area, symbolizing the start of their campaigns ahead of the local council polls.

Hundreds of constituents thronged the council secretariat, many donning vibrant Ankara, t-shirts, and traditional Aso Oke fabrics in party colours. The lively crowd turned the flag-off into a carnival-like celebration of the chairman’s achievements during his first term and his promise of a more impactful second tenure.

Member of the House of Representatives representing Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency I, Hon. Bashiru Dawodu, praised the council boss for what he described as a remarkable first term. “Otunba Oloyede’s achievements are visible to the blind and audible to the deaf. I urge all party members and supporters to take this campaign to every corner of the constituency,” he said.

The event attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including Hon. Anthony Adeyinka, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports, popularly known as Zulu Authority; the Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle Adio (Tafa Sego); and top APC leaders such as Prince Samuel Omotosho Aina, Hon. Israel Akiyode, Elder Salako, Chief Femi Akeju, Chief Sunday Akinwale, and Chief Mrs. Catherine Badejoko.

Traditional leaders also graced the occasion, including the Baale of Shogunle, High Chief Rafiu Ajisegiri; Baale of Shogunle Oke, High Chief Muniru Obidairo; Baale of Mafoluku, High Chief Adedayo Thomas; and the Regent of Oshodi, Chief Biliaminu Akinola.

Musical performances from top entertainers, Alhaji Shefiu Alao, gospel artist Mega 99 (Abel Dosunmi), and Adigun Abolore popularly known as 9ice, kept the crowd on their feet. Up-and-coming acts, including Lyon Oloyede, also thrilled the audience, while DJ Real kept the momentum going with a vibrant playlist.

The climax of the event was the symbolic presentation of APC flags to the councilorship candidates. Party Chairman Hon. Saheed Animashaun handed the flags to Otunba Oloyede, who in turn presented them to the candidates, signaling the formal commencement of grassroots campaign activities.

As the ceremony wound down, jubilant supporters of the various candidates took to the streets, dancing and celebrating in anticipation of victory at the polls.

Plan International Nigeria Brings Girls’ Rights and Safety to Africa Social Impact Summit 4.0 Agenda

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Plan International Nigeria Brings Girls’ Rights and Safety to Africa Social Impact Summit 4.0 Agenda
L-R: Helen Idiong, Director, Program & Influencing, Plan International Nigeria; Charles Usie, Country Director, Plan International Nigeria; Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation; and Sheila Ojei, Director, Philanthropy, Plan International Nigeria, at a press briefing, where Plan International Nigeria announced its theme partnership for the upcoming Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS), in collaboration with the Co-convener, Sterling One Foundation.

Plan International Nigeria, a leading advocate for girls’ rights and gender equality, is set for a return to the Africa Social Impact Summit this year with a strategic emphasis on policy influence, system strengthening, and high-impact partnerships that drive the protection, empowerment, and long-term advancement of girls across the continent.

As one of the summit’s theme partners, Plan International Nigeria will be driving strategic discussions on gender equity, inclusive education, and protection, amplifying the urgent need for resilient systems that safeguard and support adolescent girls, particularly in crises, conflict, and recovery.

The organisation continues to press for development strategies that deliver lasting support for girls in schools, in communities, and national policy agendas and their implementation, to ensure sustainable impact.

“The development conversation is incomplete if girls are still being left behind,” said Charles Usie, Country Director, Plan International Nigeria. “ASIS is a space where that reality cannot be ignored. We are here to keep the focus on meaningful change for every girl navigating risk, uncertainty and unequal systems.”

At ASIS 4.0, Plan International Nigeria will join high-level panels and working groups focused on education financing, youth policy, and gender-responsive development.

The organisation will also use the platform to spotlight community-driven stories that reflect the power of long-term, girls-centred interventions and initiatives.

CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, said “Plan International Nigeria plays a critical role in keeping the summit equitable and inclusive.”

“Plan International Nigeria does more than represent girls. It defends their place at the centre of every policy conversation,” she said. “Their presence raises the standard. It reminds every stakeholder that any solution that excludes girls is incomplete by design.”

The Africa Social Impact Summit will be held from July 10 to 11, 2025, at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos. Registration is open at theimpactsummit.org.

LAGOS OEQA HOLDS STRATEGIC COLLABORATIVE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING TO IMPROVE EDUCATION QUALITY

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LAGOS OEQA HOLDS STRATEGIC COLLABORATIVE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING TO IMPROVE EDUCATION QUALITY

To boost education standards across Lagos State, the Office of Education Quality Assurance, OEQA, has hosted the second quarterly meeting of the Collaborative Technical Committee (CTC) on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at the OEQA headquarters office, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

The meeting brought together directors, subject matter experts, and representatives from over 25 key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) such as Lagos State Safety Commission, Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory,Fire Service, Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency ( DSVA), Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency, LASEMA, LAWMA amongst others attended the meeting to evaluate the progress of their ongoing intervention activities in schools and chart a course for further engagement.

Themed “Strengthening Multi-Agency Collaboration for Improved Educational Outcomes in Lagos State,” the session reinforced the state’s commitment to an integrated, whole-of-government approach to educational development.

The Coordinating Director OEQA, Mr. Remi Abdul in his Opening Remarks, emphasized that no single agency can resolve the multifaceted issues confronting the State’s education system.

Abdul explained that the need to tackle these challenges birthed the quarterly meeting with the support of the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education Mr Jamiu Tolani Alli- Balogun.

Abdul described the forum as a vital strategy for ensuring that policies are not only designed but also effectively implemented through coordinated action across agencies.

He called on all MDAs to deepen collaboration and maintain the momentum, noting that the future of every child in Lagos depends on the effectiveness of the State’s collective efforts.

He concluded by urging the MDAs represented to connect with the broader vision of improving the learning experiences of every child in Lagos State.

On his part, the Director Planning, OEQA, Mr. Hakeem Kehinde Idowu, underscored the importance of collective effort in addressing challenges facing the education sector. he praised previous collaborative efforts that led to reforms in areas such as school safety, sanitation, curriculum monitoring, and infrastructure compliance.

According to him, ” Through the inter-agency forum, we are continually bridging the gap between policies implementation and the people they are meant to serve” he said.

He also urged all stakeholders to remain committed to driving meaningful, child-centered reforms.

A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Mr. Ojelade David Kayode, an Assistant Director of the Department of Planning, Research, and Statistics(PRS), who gave an overview of key developments since the last CTC meeting.

He noted improvements in areas such as waste management in schools, safety response mechanisms, curriculum monitoring, laboratory upgrades, and school health policy reviews.

These developments, he said, were the result of enhanced inter-agency coordination and shared responsibility.

Despite the achievements, Mr. Ojelade highlighted lingering issues, including lapses in reporting by some MDAs, coordination problems in placement examinations, and weak monitoring frameworks.

He called for greater accountability, timely feedback, and stronger oversight to ensure that the progress being made translates into real impact at the grassroots level.

Nigeria Lags in Human Rights as New Global Data Reveals Stark Gaps

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Newly released data by the Human Rights Measurement Initiative, HRMI has raised serious concerns about Nigeria’s progress in upholding basic human rights, with the country scoring poorly across several key indicators in the global Rights Tracker 2025 report.

Newly released data by the Human Rights Measurement Initiative, HRMI has raised serious concerns about Nigeria’s progress in upholding basic human rights, with the country scoring poorly across several key indicators in the global Rights Tracker 2025 report.

According to the data, Nigeria’s Safety from the State score, an aggregate measure of protection from arbitrary arrest, forced disappearance, extrajudicial killing, the death penalty, and torture sits at a troubling 3.2 out of 10.

The lowest-rated component is protection from arbitrary arrest, which scored just 2.5, placing Nigeria near the bottom of the international ranking alongside countries like Mexico and Venezuela.

Out of the eight African nations measured in this category, Nigeria ranked third-lowest, ahead only of Kenya and Mozambique.

The country’s Empowerment score, which reflects the extent to which citizens enjoy civil and political freedoms such as freedom of speech, assembly, association, and religion, also drew concern. With an overall score of 4.5 out of 10, HRMI noted that only freedom of religion and belief performed outside the “bad” range.

“Nigeria still has a long way to go in protecting the basic rights of its people,” said Nkosi Sibanda, HRMI’s East and Southern Africa Lead. “This is the first time we’ve produced civil and political rights data for Nigeria, and the evidence already paints a worrying picture.”

Human rights advocates, peaceful protesters, Indigenous communities, and labour rights activists were identified by HRMI’s expert respondents as being most at risk of rights violations. Specific mention was made of demonstrators involved in last year’s End Bad Governance, #EndSARS, #EndHunger, and Ebi np awa (“We are hungry”) protest movements.

In addition to civil and political rights, the report also assessed Nigeria’s performance in economic and social rights—including health, housing, food, and work—under the Quality of Life index. All of these rights fell into HRMI’s “very bad” category, with access to clean water and sanitation scoring critically low at 38.25% and 46.6%, respectively.

HRMI’s Nigeria Ambassador and Executive Director of the Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria, Kehinde Adegboyega, pointed to a worsening housing crisis as an example of how systemic economic pressures are eroding quality of life.

“In many parts of Nigeria, rent has more than doubled while wages have stagnated,” Adegboyega said. “People are being forced out of decent housing, depleting savings, and even selling personal belongings just to stay afloat. The government must treat affordable housing not as charity, but as a human right.”

HRMI Co-Executive Director Thalia Kehoe Rowden emphasized that Nigeria already has the resources to do better.“Our data show that Nigeria has all it needs to significantly improve the lives of its people,” Rowden said.

“What’s needed is the political will to keep human rights promises and invest maximum available resources into food, education, and healthcare.”

The HRMI Rights Tracker, which includes data on over 200 countries using robust and peer-reviewed methodologies, is used globally by institutions including the United Nations, World Bank, and Amnesty International.

The full dataset is available to the public at rightstracker.org.

Governor Soludo to Rehabilitate More Schools in Anambra

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Soludo’s Executive Council Approves 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework

As part of Governor Charles Soludo‘s transformation of the education sector, the 11th Anambra State Executive Council, ANSEC meeting at the Light House, Awka has reached an agreement to rehabilitate more schools to improve the educational standard of the state further.

The Council affirmed that more public schools that had not received enough attention would now receive it, following the government’s clearing of inherited counterpart financing arrears up to 2024, and the expected Federal Government counterpart contribution.

The State’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, stated that the move is to advance the educational sector in Anambra and to enhance the learning standard of students of the schools as well as the quality of their facilities.

This move recently spurred the procurement of smart boards in place of the approved interactive boards and the procurement of tablets for teachers in the 22 smart schools across the state.

According to Mefor, the governor awarded the contract for the reconstruction of Boy’s Secondary School, Uga, as a reference model secondary school for the state.

The governor’s free education policy has been extended up to Senior Secondary School Year 3 (SS3), and the state has recruited an additional 3,115 teachers, increasing the number to 8,115.

He has equipped over 60 secondary school laboratories with the required Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) equipment, and increased the operational budgets for primary and secondary schools to ensure they deliver the quality education promised.

Recently, the governor restored electricity to the Uli campus of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, in Ihiala Local Government Area, after 21 years of blackout, and also signed the provision of free internet access for the school.

AFRIMA 2025: International Jury Applauds Strong Turnout as Entry Portal Nears Closure

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AFRIMA 2025: International Jury Applauds Strong Turnout as Entry Portal Nears Closure

The international jury of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA has expressed satisfaction with the high volume of submissions received just four weeks after the opening of the entry portal for the 2025 edition of the prestigious awards.

AFRIMA, which celebrates excellence in African music and culture, opened its portal on Monday, May 27, inviting creatives from across the continent and the diaspora to submit works. So far, entries have poured in from artists, producers, songwriters, video directors, DJs, choreographers, dancers, labels, and even emerging talents.

Zimbabwean music producer and songwriter, Delani Makhalima, who represents the Southern Africa region on AFRIMA’s 13-member international jury, described the level of response as “massive and encouraging.”

“It tells us that African creatives believe in what AFRIMA stands for,” Makhalima said. “This is more than just an award, it’s a platform for global exposure and industry connection. The response reflects the increasing global relevance of African music and the trust creatives have in AFRIMA.”

The submission portal remains open until August 8, and only works released between August 8, 2024, and August 8, 2025, are eligible. All entries must be submitted via AFRIMA’s official website, www.afrima.org, with email submissions disallowed to ensure procedural integrity.

AFRIMA’s Northern Africa representative, Omar Essaidi of Morocco, also urged prospective entrants to meet the deadline, noting that the adjudication schedule is strict and will not be extended.

“Since 2013, AFRIMA has partnered with the African Union to reward African music talent globally through a transparent process that includes pre-screening, adjudication, voting, and auditing,” Essaidi said. “All timelines are fixed to ensure fairness and credibility.”

Entries will undergo pre-screening before moving to the main adjudication phase, scheduled for August 12 to 19. The final list of nominees will be unveiled on August 24, while public voting will open on September 5 and close on November 28, ahead of the grand finale.

AFRIMA 2025 will climax with a week-long celebration in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 25 to 30, following the African Union’s confirmation of the city as host. The week will feature high-profile events such as the Diamond Showcase, Africa Music Business Summit, Nominees & Industry Night, AFRIMA Music Village, and the Main Awards Ceremony on Sunday, November 30.

The grand event will be broadcast live to an audience in 84 countries worldwide, cementing AFRIMA’s role as Africa’s biggest music stage.

LASG Takes “Ounje Lo Re Awo” Isheri LCDA to Promote Grassroots Nutrition, Women’s Welfare

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LASG Takes “Ounje Lo Re Awo” IBA LCDA to Promote Grassroots Nutrition, Women’s Welfare

As part of efforts toward combating malnutrition and empowering women in vulnerable communities, the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA has taken its food and nutrition outreach programme tagged: “Ounje Lo Re Awo” to the Isheri Local Council Development Area of the State.

Honourable Commissioner for WAPA, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, explained that the programme is designed to promote wellness, restore dignity, and provide lasting support for women at the grassroots level.

“This initiative is not just about food,” the Commissioner said. “It is about restoring dignity, promoting wellness, and empowering women to live healthier, more informed lives.”

According to Dada, the Ounje Lo Re Awo programme has reached women in several local government areas, including Lagos Island and Isheri LCDA, while beneficiaries have received both food items and nutrition education from trained dietitians and healthcare professionals, aimed at promoting healthy living and preventing diet-related illnesses.

“This multi-sectoral approach reflects our core vision at WAPA,” Hon. Dada noted. “When we nourish a woman, we nourish an entire household and by extension, the entire community.”

The Commissioner applauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his administration’s continued focus on women’s welfare through the THEMES+ agenda, which prioritizes healthcare, empowerment, and social protection.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs. Rianat Onigbanjo, emphasized that nutrition is the foundation of good health, and real empowerment cannot thrive without proper nourishment.

“This initiative is a reminder that true poverty alleviation starts with dignity, education, and access—starting from the plate,” she noted.

Mrs Onigbanjo expressed heartfelt appreciation to all who made the event possible. “It has been a fulfilling day, as we have come together not just to share food items, but to promote awareness, healthy habits, and practical support for women especially those in vulnerable communities,” she said.

She extended a special appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of women and families in Lagos and praised Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada for her visionary leadership in executing impactful, people-centered programmes across the state.

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