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OGUN STATE POLICE COMMAND INVESTIGATES INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT AT QUANTUM STEELS NIGERIA LIMITED

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blacktalker
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The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into an industrial accident that occurred at Quantum Steels Nigeria Limited, located at KM 16, Ikorodu-Sagamu Road, Ogijo. The incident, which took place on March 2, 2025, resulted in severe injuries to seven workers, including both Nigerian and expatriate staff members.

The accident, reportedly caused by a blast from one of the factory’s machinery, was formally reported to the Ogijo Police Division on March 5, 2025, by a staff member, Joseph Adewale. The injured workers have been identified as: Daniel Bala (Male, 28 years); Mutiu Olajide (Male, 39 years); Godwin Solomon (Male, 27 years); Maduabuchi Onwe (Male, 27 years); Ajun Kumar (Male, 37 years); an Expatriate Chandan Kumar (Male, 50 years); an Expatriate and Rakash Kumar (Male, 30 years) also an Expatriate.

All victims are currently receiving medical attention at Rolayo Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos State, and are responding to treatment.

Following the report, police detectives swiftly visited the site, conducted an initial assessment, interviewed key witnesses, and documented the scene with photographic evidence. Authorities have assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion and assess compliance with industrial safety regulations.

The Ogun State Police Command has urged all companies to prioritize workplace safety and adhere strictly to safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The public is encouraged to provide any relevant information that may assist in the investigation.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

LASWA Installs Stair Lift at Five Cowries Terminal to Enhance Accessibility

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blacktalker
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In a significant step towards inclusivity, the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA has installed a modern stair lift at its head office in Five Cowries Terminal, Falomo, Ikoyi.

LASWA in a statement signed by its Public Affairs Unit, says the initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES Plus Agenda, reinforcing its commitment to accessibility for all, particularly the physically challenged and the elderly.

It notes that the newly installed stair lift is designed to provide a safe and comfortable mobility solution, ensuring that individuals who require assistance can navigate the facility with ease.

Speaking on the development, LASWA’s General Manager, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, emphasizes the agency’s vision for accessibility.

“We believe that accessing public spaces should never be a challenge for anyone. This stair lift is just one step toward creating a friendly and welcoming environment. We’re dedicated to ensuring that using Lagos waterways and our services is easy and accessible for everyone,” he stated.

”The installation is part of LASWA’s broader initiative to enhance its facilities, prioritizing safety, convenience, and exceptional service for all waterway users.”

The Agency urges residents and visitors to take advantage of this new accessibility feature, as LASWA remains committed to making the Lagos water transport system inclusive, safe, and efficient.

For more information, LASWA can be reached on social media at @TALKTOLASWA or via phone at 0700 CALL LASWA and 08090129777.

DG, NCSP Attends Mobile World Congress, Shares thoughts on Cybersecurity Trends

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blacktalker
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The Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, NCSP, Joseph Tegbe, has attended at this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, where he harped on the need to balance innovation and risk that Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents in the new world order.

Tegbe averred that while innovation should be fully encouraged, guiding regulations and policies must be flexible and adaptable.

This was his submission on cybersecurity trends at the Global Regulator Roundtable on cybersecurity, at the WMC on the invitation of Huawei Technologies, a global leader in the information, communication and technology (ICT) value chain, in the evolving digital economy.

The annual event, which is the ultimate confluence of technology, people, and ideas, creates the blueprint for future industries and societies, and the NCSP team’s participation presents opportunities for a deeper understanding of the array of solutions and capabilities of Huawei Technologies.

However, Tegbe’s role as the NCSP boss signals the country’s commitment to maximising the vast opportunities between both Nigeria and China. It is pivotal to enhancing bilateral cooperation in key sectors, such as trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, and foreign policy.

As China solidifies its role as Nigeria’s top trade partner, NCSP under Tegbe will play a crucial role in ensuring both nations benefit from their growing economic interdependence, as the partnership is poised to reach unprecedented heights, shaping the country’s economic and diplomatic future for decades to come.

Fittingly, as an experienced policy strategist, economist, and technocrat, Tegbe brings a wealth of expertise in economic planning, international trade, and strategic governance.

He is a technocrat with economic expertise with decades of experience in economic planning and investment strategy.  He will be bridging policy and practice, by coordinating government agencies, private sector players, and diplomatic entities to ensure the country maximises its trade and investment relations with China.

The DG will also enhance Nigeria’s bargaining power, by streamlining negotiations and ensuring coherent policies, and will strengthen the country’s position in trade and investment discussions with China.

Jamara Home Celebrates Ramadan with Exclusive Offers on Home Essentials

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blacktalker
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Jamara Home Backs Community Bonding at Syrian Charity Bazaar & Fun Day in Lagos

Jamara Home, a leading destination for electronics and home appliances in Nigeria, is celebrating the season with special offers designed to enhance the home experience. Whether shopping online or visiting one of its many showrooms, customers can take advantage of exclusive Ramadan deals on high-quality products.

As part of its commitment to providing value and convenience, Jamara Home offers unbeatable prices on a wide range of appliances and electronics from globally trusted brands, ensuring comfort and efficiency for households. Customers can explore these offers online at Jamara Home Ramadan Deals.

The Managing Director, Rabi Jammal, reaffirmed Jamara Home’s dedication to delivering top-tier products and exceptional shopping experiences. “This season is a time for reflection, togetherness, and comfort. At Jamara Home, we aim to support our customers by making it easier to upgrade their homes with premium products at great prices.”

Jamara Home offers a vast selection of products from multiple renowned brands, including Aeon, along with locally assembled products to ensure quality and affordability.

With a growing presence across the country, Jamara Home continues to expand its chain of showrooms and service centers, solidifying its reputation as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing consumer goods retailers.

During this Ramadan, Jamara Home is introducing exciting promotions, including a quiz trivia game on its social media pages. Customers can participate by following and engaging with Instagram or Facebook, where they can answer questions and win exclusive discount codes.

For convenient shopping, visit Jamara Home Online, or to experience products firsthand and get expert guidance, find the nearest showroom at Jamara Home Showrooms.

ANSEC Approves Modern Medical Equipment for Ojukwu Varsity Teaching Hospital

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blacktalker
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Anambra State Executive Council, ANSEC has approved the contract for the installation of state-of-the-art medical equipment at the State Trauma Centre, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka, in Anambra State.

According to the State’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, the contract was awarded to Oxygen Healthcare Ltd and will enhance the healthcare delivery system at the Varsity Teaching Hospital.

ANSEC’s healthcare move stems from Governor Charles Soludo’s government commitment to revamping the state’s healthcare system, which has resulted in the delivery of a new general hospital with up-to-date facilities for Okpoko community in Ogbaru Local Government Area.

Applauding Soludo for the development, Dr. Chinasa Eze, from the Ophthalmologist Unit of the Okpoko General Hospital, recently affirmed that the governor has equipped the eyecare division with facilities to improve the sight of the people in the community. Free antenatal services for pregnant women were also approved for the women of the community.

Governor Soludo is also constructing a primary healthcare centre for Nawfia community in Njikoka Local Government Area (LGA).

Many primary healthcare centres have been upgraded, and five new general hospitals have been constructed. These hospitals are equipped with first-rate facilities and skilled personnel for efficient, affordable, and quality healthcare services.

To further enhance the sector, the governor employed 1,000 health workers, including doctors, nurses, consultants, pharmacists, and medical laboratory technicians, and introduced telemedicine for efficient healthcare solutions.

Some of these achievements must have been considered for Soludo’s recent award as the best-performing governor in primary healthcare delivery in the Southeast and Nigeria overall.

BEN-GURION, UNILAG STUDENTS VISIT LAWMA, EXPLORE WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEEGIES

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blacktalker
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The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA has hosted students and faculty members from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, and the University of Lagos, UNILAG as part of their study tour on urban challenges and environmental sustainability.

The delegation, led by Head of the African Studies Department at Ben-Gurion University, Israel, Prof. Lynn Schler was welcomed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who gave an overview of LAWMA’s role in ensuring cleanliness across Lagos and its efforts to promote environmental sustainability.

He stated that LAWMA, established in 1977, emerged from the need to address the state’s waste crisis experienced earlier, adding that the agency’s operations aligned with the THEMES Plus+ agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, with emphasis on health and environment.

Gbadegesin identified climate change as a major challenge, contributing to the influx of migrants to the state, many of whom take up scavenging as a means of survival, noting that LAWMA was working on properly integrating them into the waste management system in the state, through the ‘Last Man Collector’ initiative.

“We have approximately 3,000 scavengers at the Olusosun dumpsite alone. So far, we have enumerated about 5,000 of them, and our goal is to transition them to be better structured in the waste collection roles,” he explained.

He further disclosed LAWMA’s plan to establish an upcycling centre in Otto, one of the state’s oldest communities, with the aim of training young people in upcycling and other sustainable waste management practices, shifting from simply cleaning the state to implementing sustainable solutions that prevent waste from reaching public spaces.

Responding, Prof. Schler commended LAWMA’s waste management and environmental sustainability initiatives, applauding the Authority’s leadership and forward thinking strategies.

“If this were the only activity on our study tour, it would have been entirely worthwhile. The leadership and forward-thinking strategies at LAWMA are truly inspiring”, she said.

Shira Lahav, a student of Ben-Gurion University, expressed her excitement about the program, emphasising the importance of international collaboration. “This experience exceeded my expectations. Learning about Lagos and its waste management system has been incredibly insightful,” she said.

A history and strategic studies student from UNILAG, Femi Anjola Elizabeth, who joined the Israeli students on the tour, admitted that she knew little about how waste collection worked in Lagos before the visit.  She said, “I have seen PSP operators in my area, but today, I have gained a much deeper appreciation of the system.”

The event also featured a question-and-answer session, where the students and faculty members engaged with the LAWMA boss on critical issues bordering on LAWMA’s operations, providing valuable insights into the challenges and solutions shaping waste management in one of Africa’s most populous cities.

For waste management-related issues, call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.

LASU, Nigerian Army Ordnance School Strengthen Security, Territorial Ties

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blacktalker
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The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, has led a high-level delegation of university management and personal aides to a crucial meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Army Ordnance School, Epe.

The meeting, held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at the military institution bordering LASU’s Epe Campus, aimed to address security and territorial concerns identified by both establishments. The visiting delegation was received by the Nigerian Army Ordnance School led by its Commandant, Major General A.G. Ibrahim, and Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel C.U. Okereke, alongside other senior officers.

Discussions between the two parties proved fruitful, as both LASU and the Nigerian Army Ordnance School agreed to reinforce collaboration for the mutual benefit of their institutions. The deliberations focused on fostering a safe and secure environment for academic activities while strengthening inter-institutional relations.

The meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation between educational institutions and security agencies in ensuring a conducive atmosphere for learning and development. Both LASU and the Nigerian Army Ordnance School reaffirmed their commitment to working together to promote peace, security, and progress within the region.

2025 WED: APWEN Lagos Calls for Investment in Female Engineers for National Development

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blacktalker
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The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, Lagos Chapter, has urged government agencies, industry leaders, and corporate organizations to invest in female engineers to accelerate national development.

The call was made by the chairperson of APWEN Lagos, Dr. Atinuke Owolabi, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos to commemorate the 2025 World Engineering Day (WED). Owolabi, a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), emphasized the need for increased funding for training, mentorship, and industry placements for female engineers to enhance their career prospects.

“We also advocate for policies that enhance the employability and competitiveness of female engineering graduates,” she said.

She highlighted the importance of bridging the gender gap in engineering, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and fostering innovation as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

According to her, these efforts will unlock the full potential of engineering in driving sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.

“At APWEN Lagos, we remain dedicated to empowering female engineers, promoting sustainable solutions, and ensuring that women engineers in Lagos actively shape the future. Together, let’s harness the power of engineering to build a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous world,” she stated.

Dr. Owolabi, an award-winning engineer, politician, and educationist, outlined APWEN’s ongoing advocacy for women in engineering, STEM mentorship, and its efforts to lead innovations toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She announced the upcoming launch of a five-week hands-on training programme on Electrical Wiring Installation and Solar Technology, aimed at equipping students and both young and experienced engineers with skills to contribute to Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.

She also emphasized that the 2025 WED theme: “Shaping Our Sustainable Future Through Engineering,” underscores the critical role engineers play in addressing global challenges.

“Our initiatives equip women with the skills and opportunities to transform industries and communities. By investing in female engineers, we are investing in a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future,” she said.

Reflecting on her administration’s impact over the past year, Dr. Owolabi highlighted significant advancements in STEM education, mentorship, and hands-on training, inspiring a new generation of female engineers. She revealed that over 1,000 girls in Lagos had benefited from APWEN’s STEM and mentorship programmes, gaining confidence and knowledge to pursue careers in engineering.

Among APWEN’s achievements, she noted advocacy for STEM education, cybersecurity and AI innovation, reverse mentorship, technical and sustainable engineering training, and various building projects.

She also announced the upcoming commissioning of an Innovation Lab and Resource Hub at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Faculty of Engineering in April 2025. The centre will serve as a hub for research, hands-on learning, and collaboration in renewable energy, digital manufacturing, AI, smart infrastructure, and sustainable engineering solutions.

Furthermore, Dr. Owolabi outlined APWEN’s interventions in bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practice through initiatives targeted at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Primary Place of Assignment (PPA) in Lagos State. She urged the government to establish a dedicated Engineering Community Development Service (CDS) group within the NYSC framework and announced an upcoming event for corps members in April.

“To foster creativity and excellence, APWEN Lagos has designated April as ‘Innovation Month.’ This will feature competitions, scholarship awards, and capacity-building programs for female engineers, encouraging groundbreaking ideas and rewarding engineering excellence,” she added.


FIRSTBANK HOLDS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART ECO-FRIENDLY HEADQUATERS

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FirstBank, the premier bank in West Africa and a leading financial inclusion service provider has marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new green-certified Iconic Head Office Building in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.

This ambitious project 40-story building project set to be the tallest building in Nigeria, will be an engineering and environmental delight due to its technologically advanced, eco-friendly and sophisticated construction which would set a new standard for the financial services sector in Africa.

The groundbreaking ceremony which took place on Wednesday, 5th March 2025 signifies the beginning of a transformative journey that reinforces FirstBank’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The new headquarters is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring a green-certified building that reduces operational costs and positions FirstBank as a leader in sustainable banking practices.

According to CEO, FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu; “We are proud to mark this significant milestone in our journey towards excellence. Our new Head Office is envisioned as a world-class structure that represents our dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainability. We believe that this development will play a crucial role in fostering economic growth and development across Africa, creating long-term value for all our stakeholders.”

With a legacy spanning over 130 years, FirstBank has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and sustainable business practices. The Bank has a robust international presence, operating subsidiaries in nine countries across three continents.

Chairman of FirstHoldCo, Femi Otedola added; “Today’s gathering highlights the importance of collaboration and support from various sectors in bringing our ambitious plans for the new headquarters to life. We appreciate the unrelenting support from our customers and stakeholders as we work together to turn this vision into reality.”

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Senators and Lawmakers, State Governors, Federal Ministers and Captains of industry . This event marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in FirstBank’s storied history, solidifying its role as a leader in the African financial industry.

About FirstBank

First Bank of Nigeria Limited “FirstBank”, established in 1894, is the premier bank in West Africa, a leading financial inclusion services provider in Africa, and a digital banking giant. 

FirstBank’s international footprints cut across three continents ─ Africa, Europe and Asia, with FirstBank UK Limited in London and Paris; FirstBank in The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea and Sierra Leone; FBNBank in Senegal; and a FirstBank Representative Office in Beijing, China. All the subsidiary banks are fully registered by their respective Central Banks to provide full banking services.

Besides providing domestic banking services, the subsidiaries also engage in international cross-border transactions with FirstBank’s non-Nigerian subsidiaries, and the representative offices in Paris and China facilitate trade flows from Asia and Europe into Nigeria and other African countries.

For 130 years, FirstBank has built an outstanding reputation for solid relationships, good corporate governance, and a strong liquidity position, and has been at the forefront of promoting digital payment in the country with over 13 million cards issued to customers (the first bank to achieve such a milestone in Nigeria). FirstBank has continued to make significant investments in technology, innovation and transformation, and its cashless transaction drive has been steadily accentuated with virtually 23 million active FirstBank customers signed up on digital channels including the USSD Quick Banking service through the nationally renowned *894# Banking code.

With over 42 million customer accounts (including digital wallets) spread across Nigeria, UK and sub-Saharan Africa, the Bank provides a comprehensive range of retail and wholesale financial services through more than 820 business offices and over 233,500 agent locations spread across 772 out of the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.

In addition to banking solutions and services, FirstBank provides pension fund custody services in Nigeria through First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited and nominee and associated services through First Nominees Nigeria Limited.

FirstBank’s commitment to Diversity is shown in its policies, partnerships and initiatives such as its employees’ ratio of female to male (about 39%:61%; and 32% women in management) as well as the FirstBank Women Network, an initiative that seeks to address the gender gap and increase the participation of women at all levels within the organisation.  In addition, the Bank’s membership of the UN Women is an affirmation of a deliberate policy that is consistent with UN Women’s Women Empowerment’s Principles (WEPs) ─ Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Nondiscrimination.

For six consecutive years (2011 – 2016), FirstBank was named “Most Valuable Bank Brand in Nigeria” by the globally renowned The Banker Magazine of the Financial Times Group and “Best Retail Bank in Nigeria” eight times in a row, 2011 – 2018, by the Asian Banker International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards.

In 2022, the Top 100 African Bank rankings released by The Banker Magazine ranked FirstBank as number one in Nigeria in terms of Overall Performance, Profitability, Efficiency and Return on Risk. Also in 2022, the Bank received the “Most Innovative Retail Banking Product in Nigeria (FastTrack ATM)” and “Best Retail Bank in Nigeria” awards from International Finance Magazine. FirstBank was also awarded “Best Corporate Banking Western Africa, 2022” and “Best CSR Bank Western Africa, 2022’’ by Global Banking and Finance Magazine.

Other notable awards in FirstBank coffers include: “Best Bank in Nigeria” by Global Finance magazine – fifteen times in a row; “Best Private Bank in Nigeria-2021” awarded by Global Finance magazine; “Best Internet Banking Nigeria” and ‘’Best CSR Bank Africa’’ by International Business Magazine.

In 2023, FirstBank received notable awards including “Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing in Africa 2023” by Global Finance Awards; “Best Sustainable Bank in Nigeria 2023” by International Investors Awards; “Best Bespoke Banking Services in Nigeria 2023” by International Investors Awards; “Best Financial Inclusion Service Provider in Nigeria 2023” by Digital Banker Africa; and “African Bank of the Year” by African Leadership Magazine; ’’Best Corporate Bank in Nigeria 2023’’ by Euromoney Awards and ‘’Most Innovative Banking Brand – Nigeria 2023’’ by Global Brands Award.

Other laudable feats in 2023 include FirstBank’s international recognitions on major indices by Euromoney Market Leaders, an independent global assessment of the leading financial service providers where FirstBank was crowned:

Market Leader: (tier-1 recognition) in Corporate Banking,

Market Leader: (tier -1 recognition) in Digital Solutions,

Highly Regarded: Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR),

Highly Regarded: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Notable: in SME Banking.

Significantly, FirstBank’s Global Credit Rating was A+ with a positive outlook while ratings by Fitch and Standard & Poor’s were A (nga) and ngBBB+ respectively both with Stable outlooks as at September 2023. FirstBank maintained the same level of international credit ratings as the sovereign; a milestone that was achieved in 2022 for the first time since 2015.

Our vision is ‘To be Africa’s Bank of first choice’ and our mission is ‘To remain true to our name by providing the best financial services possible. This commitment is anchored on our core values of EPIC – Entrepreneurship, Professionalism, Innovation and Customer-Centricity. Our strategic ambition is ‘To deliver accelerated growth in profitability through customer-led innovation and disciplined execution and our brand promise is always to deliver the ultimate “gold standard” of value and excellence to position You First in every respect.

LASU COMMISERATES WITH FAMILY OF ADEDAMOLA OGUNBODE, CALLS FOR TIMELY JUSTICE

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LASU Dominates National Kickboxing Championship with 19 Medals Haul

Lagos State University, LASU has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic killing of Adedamola Quadri Ogunbode, a recent graduate of the institution, allegedly murdered by a self-proclaimed prophet in the Ojo area of the State.

Adedamola, popularly known as Horlar, was a 28-year-old graduate of Political Science Education, whom reports indicated had been missing since January 16, 2025. Following investigations by security agencies, his mutilated body was reportedly discovered buried within the premises of a well-known church in the area.

The prophet, who is the prime suspect in the case, has been apprehended and is currently assisting the police in their investigations.

In a statement issued by the university management, LASU extended its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, describing his death as a significant loss to the university community. The institution strongly condemned the brutal act and called for urgent action to ensure justice is served.

“We strongly condemn this senseless act of violence. The brutality and criminality behind Adedamola’s death are unacceptable in any society. We call for swift and thorough action by the relevant security agencies to ensure that those responsible face justice and that the perpetrators of this horrific crime do not go unpunished,” the statement read.

The university also urged its students and the general public to remain calm while the authorities carry out their investigations. It further encouraged vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

Reiterating its commitment to student safety, LASU assured the public of its ongoing collaboration with security agencies to maintain a secure environment for all members of the institution.

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