COWA Launches Nationwide Tree Planting Campaign, Targets 1,000 Trees in One Hour

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April 29, 2026

COWA Launches Nationwide Tree Planting Campaign, Targets 1,000 Trees in One Hour

The Customs Officers’ Wives Association, COWA has launched a nationwide tree planting campaign aimed at planting 1,000 trees within one hour across multiple locations in Nigeria on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

The initiative, implemented under the COWA Green Borders sustainability drive, is designed to promote grassroots environmental stewardship and strengthen community-led responses to climate change, deforestation and land degradation.

Structured as a coordinated national exercise scheduled between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., the campaign will bring together volunteers, environmental advocates, and community members at designated planting sites across the country. Organisers say the effort is both symbolic and practical, combining awareness with measurable environmental impact.

Speaking on the initiative, COWA National President, Kikelomo Adeniyi, described the campaign as a call for collective responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.

“If we are to secure a healthier and more sustainable future for our communities, we must all recognise that environmental stewardship is a shared duty. This initiative is not simply about planting trees; it is about planting hope and restoring our environment,” she said.

Adeniyi noted that the campaign aligns with the association’s broader vision of linking sustainability with community development and citizen engagement, particularly among women and young people.

She added that while the immediate goal is to plant 1,000 trees within the one-hour window, the long-term objective is to build a sustained culture of environmental responsibility across communities.

“The awareness we are creating will help nurture environmentally conscious citizens, especially among younger generations. Our vision is to make environmental consciousness a way of life,” she said.

Beyond the planting exercise, the campaign is expected to stimulate broader conversations around environmental protection and ecosystem restoration, while strengthening partnerships with stakeholders and expanding citizen participation in sustainability initiatives.

With the rollout of the “1,000 Trees in One Hour” campaign, COWA is positioning itself as a key player in community-driven environmental advocacy, reinforcing the role of citizens in safeguarding Nigeria’s ecological future.

Lagos Police Arrest 118 Suspects, Recover Firearms, Stolen Telecom Equipment in Statewide Crackdown

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blacktalker

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April 29, 2026

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Lagos Police Debunk Bandit Invasion Rumours, Arrest 15 Over Mob Killing

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 118 suspects in a series of coordinated operations targeting armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, vandalism and other crimes across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, stated this during a press briefing and parade of suspects, noting that the successes were driven by intelligence-led policing and rapid response strategies deployed throughout April 2026.

According to him, the operations led to the recovery of several weapons and exhibits, including 11 locally fabricated Beretta pistols, one English-made pistol, two Dane guns, nine telecom batteries, cutlasses, charms and suspected hard drugs.

In one of the major crackdowns, police operatives arrested 58 suspected hoodlums, popularly known as “Otaku Boys,” along the Lekki corridor over alleged involvement in harassment, extortion and attacks on motorists and residents.

The command also confirmed the arrest of two suspects linked to the kidnapping and murder of a 17-year-old, Thompson Adams, in Ikorodu. Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly abducted, tortured and killed the teenager before dumping his body in a remote area.

Police further linked the suspects to the killing of a female victim in 2025 after allegedly collecting a ransom of ₦300,000 from her family.

In a related development, operatives uncovered a syndicate involved in the theft of telecom infrastructure, leading to the recovery of nine stolen telecom batteries in parts of Ikeja and Ikorodu.

Additional arrests were made during raids targeting suspected cultists and armed robbery gangs in Lagos Island, Ajah, Festac and other parts of the state.

Fatai assured residents of the Command’s commitment to sustaining security and tackling criminal activities across Lagos, urging the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.

Ogun Land Crisis Deepens as Okanran Communities Allege Attacks, Seek Government Intervention

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blacktalker

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April 29, 2026

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Ogun Land Crisis Deepens as Okanran Communities Allege Attacks, Seek Government Intervention

Residents of Okanran and 47 other Ogu-speaking communities in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area have raised alarm over alleged persistent attacks by suspected land grabbers, calling on Governor Dapo Abiodun, security agencies and the Federal Government to urgently intervene.

The communities, who claim ancestral ties spanning over five generations, alleged that they are under siege by a group reportedly led by Jaiyeola Jimoh Togun of the Akapo family, alongside other unidentified individuals.

According to the residents, the group’s claims are linked to a chieftaincy dispute involving a single family and do not extend to land ownership.

They further alleged that attempts to justify the claims through a Supreme Court ruling were misleading, insisting that the court had dismissed any connection between the dispute and land ownership.

Jaiyeola Jimoh Togun of the Akapo family

The communities accused the group of laying claim to about 1,200 hectares of land based on a gazette allegedly issued during the administration of former governor Gbenga Daniel.

They described the claim as fraudulent, alleging the use of thugs and falsified documents to intimidate residents and assert control.

Regent of Okanran community, Chief Akinyanmi Elijah, alleged that armed men frequently invade the communities, assaulting inhabitants and destroying property, creating a climate of fear that has disrupted farming and trading activities.

He also accused some officials of the Bureau of Lands and Survey of complicity in attempts to appropriate community land.

Another resident, Chief Ojo Agen, recalled a 2011 incident in which a young man was killed near a primary school, leading to the withdrawal of pupils over safety concerns.

Although a peace agreement was later reached between the communities and the Akapo family to occupy separate portions of land, residents alleged that the agreement is no longer being respected.

The communities lamented years of neglect, citing lack of basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, schools and healthcare facilities. They added that the only public school in the area has been destroyed, forcing children to attend schools in neighbouring communities.

In a Save Our Souls appeal, the residents called for a thorough investigation into the crisis, strict adherence to due process in land administration, and the revocation of any disputed gazette.

They also expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as the inaction of the Ogun State House of Assembly and their elected representatives.

Documents obtained indicate that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the parties following the 2011 crisis. The matter resurfaced at a Grade One Customary Court in Ado-Odo on November 4, 2025, before being escalated to the Ogun State High Court for adjudication, where the respondents were reportedly absent.

Residents also referenced a court order of perpetual injunction restraining further encroachment beyond agreed boundaries, alleging that violations have continued despite the ruling.

They urged the state government to convene all stakeholders, enforce existing legal decisions, and restore peace to the affected communities.

Ecobank Leads Drive to Develop Future Chess Stars in Nigeria

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blacktalker

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April 29, 2026

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Ecobank Leads Drive to Develop Future Chess Stars in Nigeria — L-R: Austen Osokpor, Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ecobank Nigeria; Adekunle Adewuyi, Head, Education Faith Based and Social Services, Ecobank Nigeria; Daniel Taiwo, Leader, Platform School Chess Team; Prince Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President, Nigerian Chess Federation; and Ambesh Kumar, Head, Marketing, Schoolmate Nigeria, at A press conference to announce The Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship 2026 In Lagos, Yesterday.

Ecobank Nigeria Limited is spearheading efforts to nurture young chess talents across the country through its partnership with the Nigeria Chess Federation on the National Schools Chess Championship.

Speaking ahead the third edition of the tournament, the bank’s Segment Head of Education, Faith-Based and Social Services, Adekunle Adewuyi, said the initiative reflects Ecobank’s commitment to youth development and capacity building across Africa.

He described chess as a critical tool for intellectual growth, noting that it enhances strategic thinking, concentration, and decision-making skills among students.

“Chess develops IQ and prepares young people for leadership roles. That is why Ecobank is committed to sustaining this initiative,” he said.

Adewuyi disclosed that participation in the competition has grown steadily, from about 1,210 students in its first edition to over 1,600 in the second, with expectations of even higher turnout this year.

He added that the bank is exploring internship opportunities for top-performing participants, aimed at exposing them to professional environments and grooming them for future careers.

Also speaking, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Adeyinka Adewole Samuel, said the championship aligns with global standards set by FIDE, which encourages countries to organise school-level competitions.

According to him, the tournament now focuses on players aged seven to eighteen, targeting primary and secondary school students as part of efforts to develop future grandmasters.

Prince Adeyinka said about 150 primary and 150 secondary schools are expected to participate, with each fielding five players, bringing total participation to approximately 1,500 students across about 15 states, with a total prize pool of 20 million naira.

According to him, measures have also been put in place to ensure transparency in player eligibility and improve event management, including better crowd control and the deployment of 50 trained arbiters.

He noted that the initiative has already yielded results, with Nigerian participants excelling at continental competitions, including a gold medal performance in Uganda.

The federation also revealed that Nigeria is set to host the FIDE World Chess Blitz and Rapid Championship in August 2026 in Abuja, marking the first time an African country will stage the global event.

In his goodwill message, representative of the co-sponsor and Head of Marketing at SchoolMate Nigeria, Mr Ambesh Kumar expressed readiness to sustain support for the game, while charging participants to give their all and embrace the spirt of sportmanship.

The championship, scheduled to hold in Lagos between May 7 and 8, will feature both primary and secondary school categories, with each school fielding a team of five players.

The primary school event will take place on May 7, followed by the secondary school competition. Matches will be played in a six-round Swiss format, with each round lasting approximately 25 minutes under rapid time control rules.

Winners in the secondary school category will receive 2.5 million naira, while the primary school champions will take home 2 million naira, alongside trophies and gold medals.

Individual board prizes will also be awarded to outstanding players across all five boards.

Customs, FRSC Strengthen Inter-Agency Collaboration in Oyo

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blacktalker

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April 29, 2026

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The Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger collaboration in Oyo State, as part of efforts to enhance national security and service delivery.

This followed a courtesy visit by the Oyo State Sector Command of the FRSC to the Operational Headquarters of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Customs Service on April 28, 2026.

The Sector Commander, Kehinde Sunday Dahunsi, who led the delegation, was received by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Wale Moses Adewole, alongside members of the command’s management team.

Dahunsi commended the Customs Service for its role in protecting Nigeria’s borders against the influx of prohibited goods that could threaten public health and safety, while also facilitating legitimate trade.

He assured of the FRSC’s continued support through improved operational synergy, joint capacity-building, and enhanced collaboration.

In his response, Adewole appreciated the visit and acknowledged the FRSC’s contribution to road safety and the protection of lives across the country.

He stressed the importance of sustained cooperation between both agencies in achieving their shared objectives of national security and public safety.

The meeting highlighted the resolve of both organisations to deepen institutional partnerships and improve coordination in delivering on their mandates.

Customs, NDLEA Set Up Joint Committee to Boost Anti-Drug Operations

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blacktalker

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April 29, 2026

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The NCS and the NDLEA have agreed to establish a joint committee aimed at strengthening coordination in the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime.

The decision followed a high-level meeting between the Comptroller-General of Customs, , and the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, , held at the NDLEA headquarters in .

The meeting focused on improving collaboration between both agencies, enhancing accountability in handling seized narcotics, and building a more coordinated enforcement framework.

Adeniyi said the fight against drug trafficking has become a global concern, stressing that Nigeria’s credibility with international partners depends on effective domestic cooperation.

He noted that intelligence shared with Nigeria must translate into concrete actions, including interception, prosecution, and destruction of illicit drugs, warning that gaps in enforcement could undermine the country’s global standing.

The Customs boss disclosed that the Service has recorded significant seizures, particularly through its Apapa Command and other operational units, but emphasized that enforcement must go beyond interdiction.

“Interdiction is only the first act of enforcement, not the last,” he said, calling for improved post-seizure accountability, regular updates on prosecutions, and transparent destruction processes.

Adeniyi proposed a strengthened framework that includes joint destruction of seized drugs where suspects are not apprehended, periodic case status reports, coordinated court appearances, and improved liaison at command level.

Responding, Marwa described the concerns raised by Customs as valid and timely, assuring that the NDLEA remains committed to transparency and professional cooperation.

He said both agencies must move beyond routine handovers to a structured system that ensures formal updates on investigations, prosecutions, and disposal of seized narcotics.

Marwa announced the immediate constitution of a joint committee to review grey areas in the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the agencies and recommend clearer operational procedures.

According to him, the committee will also consider drafting a supplementary agreement to further strengthen collaboration and ensure more effective enforcement outcomes.

Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in tackling narcotics trafficking and safeguarding national and international security.

Customs, NDLEA Set Up Joint Committee to Boost Anti-Drug OperationsThe Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have agreed to establish a joint committee aimed at strengthening coordination in the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime.

The decision followed a high-level meeting between the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, held at the NDLEA headquarters in Jahi Abuja.