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EXPERTS IDENTIFY WALKING AS EFFECTIVE METHOD TO MANAGE CANCER, HEART DISEASE, OTHER CONDITIONS

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……As Waka Community International Foundation, Q-life Family Clinic and Health Emergency Initiative honour late Dr Ade Alakija

Nigerians have been urged to embrace walking to help prevent or manage conditions including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes.

The Founder, of Waka Community International Foundation, Lorenzo Mba gave the advice on Saturday in Lagos during a walk event with Q-life Family Clinic and Health Emergency Initiative (HEI) to honour the late Dr Ade Alakija, a former the Chairman of Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) Board.

Mba, who noted that walking also helped improve cardiovascular fitness, said the walk, in its third edition, was held to immortalise Alakija who wore many caps and was a pioneer member of the Waka Community International Foundation.

“Today’s walk and free health check for interested participants and the public is driven by our conviction that a healthy Nigeria is a wealthy Nigeria.

“It provides us with the opportunity to inform, educate and persuade Nigerians and indeed the world, to take personal responsibility for their wellness by walking, eating right, hydrating well, getting enough quality sleep.

Mba also encouraged Nigerians to walk a minimum of 30 minutes daily, eat healthy in small portions, drink lots of water and get adequate sleep to be fitter, leaner, healthier and ultimately happier.

“We encourage everyone to walk indoors or outdoors depending on choice, safety or convenience.

“Walking is also inexpensive as one can walk barefeet indoors and on beaches,” he said.

Medical Director of Q-life, Olayinka Olowojulo explained that in addition to the walk, the Clinic provided free health checks for all attendees, reinforcing the event’s focus on wellness.

He also underscored the significance of taking personal responsibility for health through regular exercise, balanced nutrition and adequate hydration.

On his part, the Executive Director of Health Emergency Initiative (HEI), Mr Paschal Achunine said walking was a call to healthy living without strain.

He said HEI would continue to train first responders and enlighten the general public on practical steps to save lives.

“Exercise is an escape route for certain diseases and calling people’s attention to exercise is a noble move that the late Alakija stood for,” he said.

”CULTIVATING THE GARDEN WITHIN” MINDFULLY WITH TUNMISE HOSTS REFLECTIVE SESSION ON SELF AWARENESS FOR WOMEN

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Women from all walks of life have gathered in an intimate setting to participate in the “Cultivating the Garden Within” event, a reflective and empowering session hosted by Oluwatunmise Oladapo-Kuku, the host of Mindfully with Tunmise podcast.

Oladapo-Kuku who is also a mental health advocate and wellness coach explained that the gathering was designed to encourage women from diverse backgrounds to explore their relational, professional and maternal roles, while embracing self-awareness and balance.

The metaphor of “cultivating the garden within” represents the journey of self-discovery and growth. As Oladapo-Kuku explained, “Every woman plays multiple roles, and it is essential to find peace within those roles by recognizing both strengths and perceived weaknesses. What may be a strength for one woman may be a weakness for another.”

She also said the event aimed to create a space for open discussions, something many women rarely get the opportunity to have.

Oladapo-Kuku further highlighted the societal expectations placed on women, particularly the generational patterns where mothers dictated responsibilities without providing the necessary emotional and psychological tools.

“Our mothers only told us what we should do, but they didn’t guide us in finding ourselves. Now, as we raise the next generation, we must understand our values, whether in spirituality, relationships, or career paths,” she said.

The women who attended the event, each with their unique experiences and perspectives described it as a form of soul sisters bonding, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance, balance and decision-making.

Funsho Kola-Ogunlade, one of the attendees, described the event as a privilege, noting that it helped her rediscover deeper aspects of herself and her friends. “I learned the importance of balance—being myself, being happy, and taking care of myself first so I can take care of others. Finding a supportive community where I can share my thoughts was truly valuable.”

Another participant, Diana Emenyonu expressed her joy at reconnecting with old friends. “I love that we are open and vulnerable as women. This event was a reminder to keep growing and to focus on personal happiness because a happy woman creates a happy environment.”

For Tolase Olohunnihi, the event reinforced the need to live unapologetically. “I learned that I can be myself without needing to apologize. That is how I want to be moving forward.”

Eyinmofe Onifade highlighted the significance of embracing different stages of life as a woman. “It was enlightening to see women at different stages, some further along and others still navigating their paths. It reminded me that every stage is temporary, and it’s important to enjoy the moment.”

“It was refreshing to just be in our own space, embracing our femininity and unwinding from the pressures of work, family and societal expectations,” Onifade added.

Mofebisola Omopeloye brought a humorous and heartfelt perspective, sharing that no gathering is complete without good food. “I won’t stop talking about the food!”. “But beyond that, I learned to be more intentional about my growth and my family, she said. I also learned from older women about their journeys, family and personal growth. I now understand the importance of nurturing my garden.”

For Opeyemi Bamidele, the event not only strengthened friendships but also provided a space for re-evaluating values and fostering self-acceptance.

“Cultivating the Garden Within” proved to be more than just a gathering; it was a powerful movement towards self-awareness, intentional living and community support among sisters, she added.

As part of the event, the women participated in a podcast, while each participant received motivational affirmation cards to serve as daily reminders of their journey.

The host, Oladapo-Kuku emphasized the power of these affirmations, stating, “Whenever they feel low, I hope they look at their cards and remember that everything unfolds at the perfect time.”

Cultivating the Garden Within proved to be more than just a discussion, it was a transformative experience, leaving participants with a renewed sense of purpose and community. Through meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and affirmations, these women are now better equipped to cultivate their inner gardens and embrace life with confidence and clarity.

Chief Consultant of TPT International Limited To Headline NIPR Lagos Chapter PR Discourse

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The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR Lagos chapter is scheduled to hold its monthly Public Relations (PR) Clinic, where vital issues on the growth of PR practice and its contribution to the national economic value chain will be discussed.

The monthly PR Clinic, with the theme “PR RESET, will have the founder of TPT International Limited, Adetokunbo Modupe speaking on” PR RESET: Reinventing Yourself for the Evolving PR LANDSCAPE”.

Expected at the special discourse are members of NIPR, special guests, and important personalities in the private and business sectors.

According to Dr. Ahmadu Fatimah-Binta, the General Secretary of NIPR, the monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, and will feature one of the most sought-after Public Relations Consultants in Africa, Adetokunbo Modupe, Founder of TPT International Limited.

Modupe a Harvard Business School and York St John University trained  leadership Innovation and Management specialist will bring to bear his vast knowledge of the PR practice spanning over three decades.

The event will be held at the Eko FM Multipurpose Hall, Agindingbi, Ikeja, by 3 pm, and deliberations are expected to be very thought provoking and impactful.

2025 Eid-El-Fitri: LAWMA Calls for Responsible Waste Disposal

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LAWMA Steps Up Crackdown on Indiscriminate Dumping Across Lagos

… To provide backup services during the festivities

The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA has called on residents to properly bag and dispose of their waste, through their PSP operators, during and after the Eid-El-Fitri festivities.

Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, in a statement, disclosed that the Authority had put adequate measures in place to ensure that the celebration was observed in a dirt-free environment.

He said, “As we mark this year’s Eid-El-Fitri, it is important that we do so in an environment-friendly manner. For this reason, we have put adequate measures in place to ensure that cleanliness is maintained across the metropolis during and after this period”.

He noted LAWMA’s resolve to tackle all forms of improper waste disposal in the state, which had led to environmental degradation, appealing to residents to patronise only assigned PSP operators and shun garbage cart pushers, whose activities undermine the agency’s efforts.

Gbadegesin said that PSPs would be working all through the celebration, irrespective of their assigned days, adding that trash bags would be distributed via the waste collectors, to enable residents bag their refuse properly.

He urged the populace to desist from dumping waste indiscriminately on road medians, canals, uncompleted buildings, and other unauthorised locations, assuring that LAWMA would be providing backup services for PSP operators in areas with service gaps.

“I want to implore residents to shun the act of improper waste disposal at unauthorised locations such as road medians, canals and uncompleted buildings. We want to assure Lagosians that we will be providing backup services in places where they are needed, to ensure proper sanitation in every part of the city”, he stated.

The LAWMA boss appealed to motorists to drive with caution to protect the lives of sanitation workers, who would be active on major roads across the state, during the festive period.

While wishing residents happy celebrations, he advised them to call the agency’s toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 or 617, for waste management-related issues and inquiries.

World Bank’s Water Reform Projects Fail to Provide Potable Water, CAPPA Report Reveals

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The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has raised serious concerns about the efficacy of World Bank-supported privatisation reforms intended to improve access to potable water in Nigeria.

CAPPA made this known while presenting a report titled; “Big Debt, Big Thirst: A Case Study of World Bank Supported Projects in Ekiti, Rivers, and Bauchi States”, which provides a damning assessment of the National Urban Water Sector Reform Project (NUWSRP3), a World Bank initiative that concluded in 2020.

Despite substantial financial investments and promises of improved access to water, CAPPA’s findings reveal that millions of Nigerians in the target states remain without reliable water access.

The NUWSRP3 was designed with a 250 million dollar loan from the International Development Association, part of the World Bank, and aimed to modernize water systems in Ekiti, Rivers, and Bauchi States by transforming public water boards into corporatized entities.

Under the project, Ekiti State received 50 million dollars, Bauchi 65 million dollars, and Rivers 80 million dollars. CAPPA’s report evaluates the impact of this financial injection, questioning whether these funds have resulted in the promised improvements in water access, and it raises red flags about the conditions attached to these loans.

According to CAPPA’s Programme Officer on Water Campaign, Sefa Ikpa, the report primarily seeks to answer a fundamental question: Has the World Bank’s investment translated into tangible improvements in water access for local communities?

“The World Bank’s vision for water reform involved privatization—transforming public water boards into profit-driven corporations. These conditions included tariff hikes, cost recovery mechanisms, and other commercial measures that raised serious concerns about public control over water. Our research has shown that this approach has not improved access to water for ordinary citizens. In fact, it has worsened the situation,” Ikpa said during the media presentation of the report.

In Ekiti State, where CAPPA conducted an in-depth analysis, the situation is particularly troubling. Although significant investments were made in critical infrastructure, including the Ero and Ureje dams, many residents in areas like Iworoko and Olorunsogo, located in the capital city Ado Ekiti, continue to face water deprivation.

Despite paying significant fees ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 naira for prepaid meters and connections to central water points, they report that the taps remain dry. Some residents have pointed to the 1990s as the last time they had reliable water supply, during a period when water utilities were publicly managed.

Similarly, Bauchi State, which received substantial funding under the World Bank project, has seen little improvement. Chronic water scarcity persists, with many areas unable to access even the most basic water services. The situation is exacerbated by persistent electricity shortages, which further undermine water supply infrastructure. “We’ve seen that electricity shortages continue to undermine the potential of these water systems,” Igbea explained. “Without consistent power, water pumps and treatment plants simply cannot function.”

In Rivers State, the impact of the reform is equally disheartening. Although the NUWSRP3 initially sought to improve water supply for over 1.5 million people in Port Harcourt’s Obio-Akpor area, the project faced multiple challenges. Poor coordination between the World Bank and the African Development Bank, compounded by delays in procurement, led to the World Bank withdrawing its support midway through the project.

These complications resulted in stalled infrastructure projects and an overall lack of tangible progress for the local population. As with the other states, residents continue to experience severe water shortages despite promises of improvement.

The commercial conditions attached to the World Bank’s loans have drawn significant criticism. CAPPA’s research highlights how the transformation of public water boards into corporatized entities, which were supposed to operate as profit-making businesses, has created barriers for ordinary citizens. “These commercial models are built on the assumption that market forces will drive efficiency, but that hasn’t been the case. Instead, it’s led to increased tariffs and reduced service quality,” said Ikpa. “People are now paying more for less water, and the water they do get is often unreliable.”

Furthermore, the report emphasizes that these privatization reforms have led to increased public debt. The loans, which are denominated in foreign currency, create long-term debt obligations for the states, which will be paid back over the next 40 years. Ikpa noted that the increased financial burden on states means that funds are diverted away from other essential services, exacerbating the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.

CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, highlighted the broader implications of the report. “This report provides critical evidence that the World Bank’s water reforms are not working. The narrative that privatization is the answer to water scarcity simply does not hold up in practice. We’ve seen the failures of this approach in the electricity sector, and now we’re seeing the same pattern with water,” Oluwafemi said during the media presentation. He called on the Nigerian government to reject privatization models and instead invest in the public water sector to ensure that water remains a public good, not a market commodity.

The CAPPA report advocates for a fundamental shift in how Nigeria approaches its water crisis. It calls for the Nigerian government to declare a state of emergency in the water sector and to reject the neoliberal policies that have driven the privatisation of essential services. The report further stresses the importance of public investment in water infrastructure, emphasizing the need for increased budget allocations to the sector and a commitment to transparent governance.

“Water is a basic human right. The Nigerian government cannot afford to outsource it to private companies whose primary concern is profit, not the welfare of citizens,” Oluwafemi said. He also recommended that the government explore public funding mechanisms, such as using revenues from natural resources, to finance water infrastructure projects and ensure long-term sustainability.

The report concludes with a strong call for rethinking the current water governance model in Nigeria. It argues that the privatisation of water systems has been proven ineffective, both in Nigeria and around the world, and urges the government to place water back in the hands of the people through public ownership and democratic control.

As the water crisis in Nigeria continues to deepen, CAPPA’s report serves as a critical reminder that access to water is not only a matter of infrastructure, but of public policy and human rights. The findings call for urgent action to safeguard water as a public good and to ensure that all Nigerians have the right to clean, affordable, and reliable water.

Ogun State Police Command Reviews 2025 First Quarter Performance, Records Decline in Crime Rate

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The Ogun State Police Command has reported a decline in crime rate during the first quarter of 2025, attributing its success to increased community engagement, enhanced police visibility, and the support of the Ogun State Government.

The Command disclosed this in a quarterly review of its activities, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and accountability.

The Public Relations Officer of the Command, CSP Omolola Odutola, anipr noted thatthe review highlighted the Command’s intensified efforts to bridge communication gaps with residents through direct engagement. She said this initiative has provided valuable insights into security concerns and fostered collaborative solutions to crime prevention challenges.

According to the report, from January to March 2025, a total of 2,141 suspects were arrested for various offences, with 1,345 cases charged to court and 1,530 suspects prosecuted. Convictions remained stable over the three months, with 62 individuals found guilty.

The report provided a breakdown of key crime statistics recorded within the first quarter:
Armed robbery arrests: 42
Armed robbery suspects neutralized: 3
Arms recovered: 40
Ammunition recovered: 177
Cult-related arrests: 65
Stolen vehicles recovered: 26
Kidnap suspects arrested: 5
Rape suspects arrested: 43
Total value of property recovered: ₦106,786,000

While February saw a spike in criminal activities, March recorded a decline in cases investigated and prosecuted. While the number of rape arrests dropped, cult-related arrests increased due to proactive measures by the anti-cultism unit.

The Command also noted a significant reduction in kidnapping incidents, although five suspects were arrested in connection with attempted kidnappings.

The recovery of 26 stolen vehicles was attributed to heightened patrol activities and stop-and-search operations. Many of these vehicles had been stolen from other states, with criminals attempting to use Ogun State’s strategic location as an escape route.

To bolster security, the Command has established a security shed along the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode highway and stationed motorized patrol teams along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

Additionally, armored personnel carriers (APCs) have been deployed to strategic locations, including Sagamu interchange, Ilaro, and Ijebu Ode, with additional units in Abeokuta and Sagamu.

The command urged commercial motorcyclists to avoid working late at night to prevent attacks. Parents are also advised to monitor their children’s activities, particularly secondary school students, to curb their involvement in criminal activities.

”Citizens are encouraged to follow the Command’s social media platforms for timely reporting and information sharing to ensure prompt police intervention.”

Social Media Handles:
X (Twitter): @OgunPoliceNG
Instagram: Ogunpolice_Ng
Facebook: OgunCommand
YouTube: @Embracepeace

The Ogun State Police Command expressed gratitude to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Inspector-General of Police, security agencies, and the public for their continued support in ensuring a safer Ogun State.

GTCO Plc Releases 2024 Full Year Audited Results

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

…Pays Shareholders Record Dividend of N8.03k for 2024 Financial Year

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, GTCO has released its Audited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The Group reported profit before tax of ₦1.266trilion, representing an increase of 107.8% over ₦609.3billion recorded in the corresponding year ended December 2023.

This performance reflects not just strong earnings but also the quality and sustainability of our earnings, underpinned by a well-diversified revenue base, robust risk management practice, and disciplined capital management.

The Group recorded growth across all financial and non-financial metrics, and continues to maintain a well-structured, healthy, and diversified balance sheet. The Group’s loanbook (net) increased by 12.3% from ₦2.48trillion in December 2023 to ₦2.79trillion in December 2024, while deposit liabilities grew by 37.8% from ₦7.55trillion to ₦10.40trillion during the same period. Total assets and shareholders’ funds closed at ₦14.8trillion and ₦2.7trillion, respectively.

Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained very robust and strong, closing at 39.3%, likewise, asset quality was sustained as evidenced by IFRS 9 Stage 3 Loans which closed at 3.5% at Bank Level and 5.2% at Group in December 2024 (2023: Bank, 2.5%; Group, 4.2%) and cost of risk (COR) closed at 4.9% from 4.5% in December 2023.

Commenting on the results, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc), Mr. Segun Agbaje, said; “Our strong performance for 2024 underscores the resilience and depth of our business, driven by a well-diversified earnings base across our banking and non-banking subsidiaries, all of which are P&L positive.

Our capacity to generate sustainable high-quality earnings, maintain strong asset quality, and drive cost efficiencies reflects the soundness of our long-term strategy and disciplined execution. We have also prudently provided for all our forbearance loans, well ahead of the June 2025 timeline, whilst fully accruing for the windfall tax, further strengthening our balance sheet and enhancing financial resilience.

He further added; “The total dividend of N8.03k for the 2024 FYE is underpinned by the quality of our earnings and is in line with our long tradition of increasing dividend pay-out year-on year. Looking ahead, we remain committed to building a Financial Services Group that thrives on innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable profitability.

We will continue to deepen our relationships with customers, leverage technology to deliver cutting-edge financial solutions, and accelerate the growth of all our business verticals—Banking, Funds Management, Pension, and Payments—to unlock new opportunities and create more value for our shareholders.”

Overall, the Group continues to post one of the best metrics in the Nigerian Financial Services industry in terms of key financial ratios i.e., Pre-Tax Return on Equity (ROAE) of 60.5%, Pre-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 10.3%, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 39.3% and Cost to Income ratio of 24.1%.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) is a leading financial services group with operations across Africa and the United Kingdom. Renowned for its strong corporate governance, innovative financial solutions, and customer-centric approach, GTCO Plc provides a wide range of banking and non-banking services, including payments, funds management, and pension fund administration. The Group is committed to delivering long-term value to stakeholders while driving growth and development across its markets.

NCSP hosts Chinese Science and Technology Entrepreneurs, Targets Collaboration to Boost Nigeria’s Technology Ecosystem

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Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of NCSP, with Shi Qilin, Executive Secretary-General of Z-Park Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Association, and his delegation, during a recent visit to the NCSP on boosting collaboration to scale up Nigeria’s digital economy, infrastructure development, science and technology, education, and cultural exchanges.

As part of efforts to deepen the longstanding strategic partnership between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China, the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, NCSP has hosted a delegation from Z-Park Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Association.

The visit marked a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new areas of cooperation between Nigeria and China.

The delegation, led by Mr. Shi Qilin, Executive Secretary-General of Z-Park Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Association, was received by the Director-General of NCSP, Mr. Joseph Tegbe. Discussions during the visit centered on boosting collaboration to scale up Nigeria’s digital economy, infrastructure development, science and technology, education, and cultural exchanges.

The proposed collaboration aims to harness Chinese scientific and technological achievements. This will provide localized industrial and agricultural solutions tailored to regional needs, creating jobs and boosting economic prosperity.

Additionally, the partnership seeks to enhance local workforce skills development through industry-education integration programs, addressing the demand for skilled technicians and managers and thus driving industrialization in Nigeria and Africa.

Mr. Shi delivered a comprehensive presentation on the industrial and technological advancements in Zhongguancun Infovalley Science and Technology Park of the ZGC group. He noted that the group has existed for 25 years and have built 50 parks across China and are committed to replicating the same in Africa, especially Nigeria. He highlighted areas of possible strategic collaboration with Nigeria, leveraging the existing Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone and other initiatives. The group expressed interest in establishing mutually beneficial partnerships with Nigeria, particularly in science, technology, engineering, education, and knowledge transfer.

While welcoming the delegation, Mr. Joseph Tegbe reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with China, leading to the establishment of the NCSP. He emphasized the administration’s focus on trade, investment, and infrastructure development as vital to economic growth and national progress.

Furthermore, he noted opportunities in electricity generation and transmission, deployment of renewable energy solutions, and the production of electric vehicles, which are in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to clean energy.

Other members of the Chinese delegation are Mr. Shen Wei, Executive Secretary-General of Zhongguancun Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Association, Mr. Zheng Yi, Regional General Manager of Beijing Zhongguancun Infogu Asset Management Co Ltd, Mr. Chen Jia, Chairman of Infogu (Tianjin) Industry-Education Integration Technology Co Ltd, Ms. Wang Xiuqing, Africa Regional Manager of Infogu (Tianjin) Industry-Education Integration Technology Co. Ltd, Mr. Kou Jianlu, Director of Infogu (Tianjin) Industry-Education Integration Technology Co. Ltd, Ms. Lv Chunrui, Industry Service Manager at Tianjin Zhongguancun Science and Technology Park Operation and Service Co Ltd and Mr. Liu Zhigang, Deputy General Manager of Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone.

The visit highlights the increasing significance of Nigeria-China relations in promoting economic development and cross-border cooperation. As NCSP’s discussions with ZGC progress, both parties are optimistic about opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration.

ASF FRANCE TRAINS JOURNALISTS, SECURITY AGENTS ON DIGITAL RIGHTS

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……As experts harped on collaboration and ethical practices in the digital spaces.

Legal and Digital experts have emphasized the need for collaboration and ethical practices in the digital space by journalists and security agencies to promote accountability, transparency and the rule of law.

They made this call at a two-day training programme under the e-RIGHTS project by Avocats Sans Frontières France, ASF France for Security Agencies and Journalists in Abuja and Lagos aimed at promoting digital rights in Nigeria.

Associate Professor at the Public Law Department of the University of Lagos and a collaborator with ASF France, Dr. Abiodun Odusote,  noted that journalists serve as watchdogs for democracy, emphasizing that beyond informing and entertaining the public, they have a constitutional obligation to ensure accountability in governance.

“The media does more than entertain; it ensures compliance with the rule of law and promotes democratic values,” Dr. Odusote stated. “Journalists are responsible for reporting the truth, motivating citizens to demand transparency, and ensuring that government actions align with the principles of democracy.”

He said while the media’s role is crucial, security agencies also must maintain national stability, law, and order, and both parties must execute their roles truthfully, diligently and within the boundaries of constitutional provisions to prevent conflicts and abuses of power.

Also, an Associate Professor at the Private and Property Law Department of the University of Lagos, Dr. Folashade Adegbite addressed the evolving landscape of digital rights, describing them as emerging fourth-generation rights.

Dr. Adegbite explained that as people increasingly rely on digital platforms for communication, commerce and content creation, it is imperative to protect their rights online as they exist offline as well.

“When we talk about digital rights, we are referring to fundamental rights that extend to the digital space,” she explained. “People go online daily to search for information, conduct business and express their opinions. These activities must be safeguarded to ensure freedom of expression and privacy.”

She noted that journalists, in particular, must understand the various legal frameworks domestic, regional and international that protect their digital rights.

“There is fire on the mountain,” Dr. Adegbite remarked metaphorically. “Both journalists and security agencies must work together to put out that fire by striving for a better democracy and a more secure society.”

On her part, AI and Computer specialist, Dr. Chinoyelum Nwufoh highlighted the importance of maintaining a secure online presence,  referencing the increasing risks journalists face in the digital space, including cyberattacks, surveillance and misinformation campaigns.

“Journalists face significant online threats and ensuring their protection is paramount,” Dr. Nwufoh stated. “Using encryption tools, VPNs and other cybersecurity mechanisms is crucial to safeguarding information integrity and personal security.”

She advised journalists and civil society organizations, CSOs to prioritize cybersecurity tools that offer full protection.

“The free versions of many cybersecurity tools do not provide adequate security,” she cautioned. “Journalists should invest in full-version encryption tools and VPNs to ensure their information remains authentic and protected from malicious actors.”

The AI specialists also urged journalists to stay informed about emerging threats and regularly update their knowledge of digital security measures.

“A tech-savvy journalist is a powerful journalist,” she concluded. “Embracing technology enhances journalistic work, making it smoother, more interesting, and safer.”

The training which is funded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO and implemented together with its partners; the Centre for Technology and Development, CITAD and Spaces for Change, S4C ended with a strong call to action, urging journalists, security agencies, and policymakers to work together in ensuring a free and secure digital space.

Participants drawn from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ and the National Cybercrime Centre of the Nigeria Police Force left the event with a renewed commitment to uphold democratic principles, advocate for digital rights and implement stronger cybersecurity measures in the line of their duties.

Governor Sanwo-Olu Approves Major Infrastructure Upgrade for LASUCOM

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The Lagos State University College of Medicine, LASUCOM is set for a major infrastructural transformation following the approval of key expansion and renovation projects by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The initiative, overseen by the Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency, LASIAMA marks the beginning of a long-term development plan aimed at enhancing medical education and healthcare delivery in the state.

As part of Phase 1 of the project, LASUCOM’s Histology and Anatomy Laboratories in Ikeja will be renovated, while the CACOVID Centre at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, and the Cardo-Renal Center in Gbagada will be converted into annexes for the college.

On March 26 and 27, 2025, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, visited the project sites alongside LASUCOM executives and other stakeholders. They met with contractors to finalize plans and discuss the project’s commencement.

Prof. Abayomi described the development as a “crucial step in expanding the college and addressing the shortage of human resources in the health sector.” He confirmed that the first phase is expected to be completed within four months.

Mr. Sule echoed the sentiment, stating, “This project is about a greater Lagos rising. By expanding the workforce in the health sector, we are securing the future of healthcare delivery in our state.”

LASU Vice-Chancellor expressed excitement about the progress, noting that key accrediting bodies, including the National Universities Commission (NUC), Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), and Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), are expected to commence their accreditation processes within a year.

LASUCOM Provost, Prof. Olufemi Idowu, lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to medical education and healthcare infrastructure, calling the project a significant step toward addressing the shortage of medical professionals in Lagos.

LASIAMA General Manager, Ms. Adenike Adekanbi, reassured stakeholders that the agency is committed to delivering high-quality work within the stipulated timeframe.

The site visit concluded with a symbolic handing-over ceremony at the Cardo-Renal Centre in Gbagada, where contracts were formally signed and handed over to contractors, officially transitioning the project from planning to execution.

With this initiative, LASUCOM is on track to become a leading institution in medical training and research, reinforcing Lagos State’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare sector.

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