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LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY TEAM ATTENDS ALLIANCES FOR AFRICA’S WORKSHOP ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND GENDER POLICY

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The Lagos State University team, comprising members of the Students’ Union Government, SUG, and Campus Journalists, participated in a Two-day workshop organised by Alliances for Africa. The workshop aimed at developing a strategic plan on sexual harassment and gender policy in Nigerian institutions.

The event, held at Bolton White Hotels and Apartment, Abuja, on Friday, 28th June 2024, brought together twelve Nigerian universities’ SUG representatives and their campus journalists.

The Executive Director of Alliances for Africa, Iheoma Obibi, welcomed the participants during her opening address. She commended them for their presence and encouraged them to share their insights and experiences regarding the prevalence and nature of sexual harassment within their institutions.

Obibi emphasized the need for systemic change, as sexual harassment has become a normalised phenomenon affecting all genders.



Project Director of Alliances for Africa, Blessing Duru, presented a comprehensive overview of the project during her session. She outlined the goals and objectives, provided background information on the current situation of sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions, and shared key statistics and findings from recent studies. Duru also discussed the strategies employed by Alliances for Africa, including their engagement with these bodies; NUC, ASUU, and other stakeholders who provided valuable insights into tackling sexual harassment.



The participants engaged in group planning and conversations, where each group presented their responsibilities and expectations as Students’ union leaders. The workshop also facilitated an open forum for SUG and Campus Journalists to share their experiences, concerns, and their desired changes as student leaders in addressing sexual harassment. They also explored opportunities for identifying and harnessing resources in their roles.

The Communication Policy and Advocacy Officer of Alliances for Africa, Rejoice Wobilor-Agua, introduced the participants, set expectations, and established ground rules. The workshop is scheduled to come to an end on Saturday, 29th June 2024.

This workshop serves as a significant step forward to addressing sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions, as Students’ leaders and campus journalists collaborate to develop strategies and policies that promote a safer and more inclusive environment for all.

LASU APPROVES RELEASE OF CERTIFICATE FOR 2022/2023 GRADUANDS

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blacktalker
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The Lagos State University, LASU has approved the Release of Certificate for the 2022/2023 Graduating students.

In a reminder notice, the University’s management said graduating students of 2022/2023 academic session are to proceed to the Examinations and Records Division at the Administrative Block 2, main campus, Ojo, Lagos for the collection of their Certificates.

It will be recalled that the Vice Chancellor, Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello gave the breakdown of the graduating students as followed: 

(A) DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES: Out of 554 Diploma students, there are 55 Distinctions, 274 Upper credits, 224 Lower credits and 1 pass

(B) FIRST DEGREE PROGRAMMES: Out of the 8,670 students, 153 came out with First Class, 3029 with second class Upper Division, 715 with second class Lower Division, 228 with a Pass and 195 are graduating with Non-Classified Degrees

(C ) GRADUANDS FOR HIGHER DEGREE PROGRAMMES: Out of the 2164 Postgraduate students, there are 375 Postgraduate Diplomas, 962 Academic Masters, 672 Professional Masters, 89 Doctor of Philosophy and 66 Professional Doctoral Degrees.

CAPPA Criticises Lagos State Government’s Push for Water Privatisation

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blacktalker
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Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa,CAPPA has voiced strong opposition to the Lagos State Government’s apparent focus on privatizing water utilities, claiming this approach disregards alternative management models and harms disadvantaged communities.

CAPPA’s criticism follows the Lagos International Water Conference, LIWAC, held from June 25 to 26, 2024. The conference, themed “Financing Water and Sanitation for a Greater Lagos,” was organized by the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, LASWARCO.

It aimed to explore innovative funding solutions for the state’s water sector and attracted government stakeholders, private sector investors, diplomats, and international NGOs.

However, CAPPA highlighted a significant bias towards Public-Private Partnerships, PPPs, as the exclusive solution for Lagos’s water crisis. The organization pointed to speeches by the State Governor, the Minister for Water Resources, representatives of the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, and the State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, all of whom supported privatization.

CAPPA argues that while Lagos undeniably faces a potable water crisis, PPPs are not the only solution. The organization emphasized that alternative approaches such as public control and community management of water have been effective worldwide, providing more inclusive and sustainable solutions to water challenges.

“Evidence from Africa and elsewhere shows that water privatization does not improve community access to water,” CAPPA stated. “Countries like Gabon, Cameroon, Ghana, Mozambique, and Tanzania have faced legal and financial issues trying to reverse failed privatization attempts.”

CAPPA noted recent examples such as Niger re-municipalizing its water utilities after decades of privatization and Senegal, often cited as a privatization success, now facing public backlash over rising costs and water scarcity, leading to an audit of all PPP contracts.

The organization also criticized the conference for not including frontline communities, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, girls, persons with disabilities, and members of informal communities, who are most affected by the lack of access to safe public water. CAPPA condemned the absence of pro-public water civil society organizations and water justice advocates at the event.

CAPPA urged the Lagos State Government to consider sustainable water financing models that engage critical stakeholders and groups meaningfully. The organization called on authorities to listen to communities on the frontlines of the water crisis, including civil society organizations and grassroots social movements.

“The Lagos State Government must adequately fund its water sector and resist privatization pressures from international financial institutions and private water corporations,” CAPPA asserted. “The discussions at LIWAC 2024 promoted water as an economic good rather than a social necessity, a stance that is immoral given the systemic and historic defunding of the state’s water sector.”

CAPPA concluded by urging the government to reevaluate its reliance on PPPs in the water sector and prioritize democratic control of water utilities. The organization highlighted the case of Manila, Philippines, where water privatization led to a 300% increase in tariffs, workforce downsizing, and substantial government debt, contrasting sharply with the positive image promoted by privatization advocates.

“For Lagosians, water privatization would mean steep and unrealistic water cost increases, mass job losses, corporate grabbing of public water, a decline in water quality, a general deterioration in the quality of life, and significant economic and social liabilities for the Lagos State Government,” CAPPA warned.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT ENGAGES BUSINESS COMMUNITY ON PUBLIC PROCUREMENT PROCESSES

…. Pledges commitment to ease of doing business.

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blacktalker
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The Lagos State Government has emphasised the importance of the Ease of Doing Business to the present administration as it is embedded under Security and Governance, which is the 6th pillar of the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus agenda.

Head of Service, Olabode Agoro stated this at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Engagement with the Business Community on Procurement Process organised by the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency with the theme: “Creating A User-Friendly System and A Customer-Friendly Environment.”

Agoro, who was represented by the Secretary, Lagos State Staff Housing Board, Mr. Abdul-Rafiu Fashola, expressed belief that regular engagement between Government Agencies, Service Providers and the customers on Procurement Process will not only facilitate mutual understanding amongst all parties, but also serves as a catalyst for sustainable Ease of Doing Business in Lagos State.

According to him, it is appropriate for the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency to regularly interface and engage with Service Providers, Civil Society Organisations and other categories of stakeholders in a bid to keep them abreast of new development in public procurement policies and processes and as well receive valuable feedbacks from stakeholders.

” I will like to commend the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency for this laudable initiative which is aimed at creating an enabling User- Friendly System, as well as a Customer-Friendly Environment for service providers engaging in business with Lagos State Government.”

In his goodwill message, Chairman House Committee on Procurement in the State House of Assembly, Samuel Apata noted that the House is resolutely committed to ensuring ease of doing business in the State and shall not hesitate to amend any section of the Lagos Public Procurement Agency Law that may require amendment to achieve this objective.

According to him, as elected representatives of the people, Speaker and Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly will continue to be dispassionate in its duties and ensure that only bills that will serve the interest of all stakeholders are passed by the House.

Apata assured the Agency and all its stakeholders that the House will always support any initiative aimed at making the public procurement system of the State more user-friendly and the operating environment more customer-friendly.

“I urge service providers transacting business with the State Government to move with the changing times in the socio-economic environment in which you operate so that the emerging opportunities may not elude you.

Earlier, Director General of the Public Procurement Agency, Fatai Onafowote, explained that in continuation of the Agency’s efforts towards a  user-friendly procurement environment, the engagement will focus tech driven topics such as Data Protection, Contractor Registration, Understanding the Bidding Process Using Technology, Understanding Evaluation and Monitoring Process.

Onafowote noted that with 140 Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the State already onboarded on the e-procurement platform, all service providers are expected to build their capacity in Information Communication Technology to be able to continue to do business with the Lagos State Government and its MDAs.

“Today’s event is part of the efforts of the Agency to assist service providers to successfully migrate from the old-fashioned and outdated procurement system to a more efficient and seamless system of public procurement system driven by technology in Lagos State.

“I, therefore, wish to enjoin participants to seize this great opportunity to learn so that you can apply the knowledge gained for the benefit of your organisations.”

LASU LAW STUDENTS WIN INTER-UNIVERSITY MOOT COURT COMPETITION

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blacktalker
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Students from the Faculty of Law, Lagos State University, LASU have emerged winners of the Moot Court competition for Law Students in the Six Geographical Zones of the country.

The Students – David Akinwunmi, Johnson Ogundein and Adeyemi Soffiyah – beat participants from the Faculty of Law of twelve (12) other universities to emerge winners of the keenly contested competition, which held at the Dr Olusegun Law Resource Centre, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye in Ogun State.

The competition, held to sharpen the skills of prospective lawyers, saw the participants argue on a case titled Copyright and Patents Infringement, following which LASU emerged overall winner of the competition.

LASU’s feat marks the 4th consecutive time the institution would be coming tops at inter-varsity moot court competitions during this academic session. Very recently, in May 2024, LASU Law also emerged first among 52 participating universities in a moot court competition held at the Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, congratulated the victorious students, noting that their feat reinforces LASU’s place as the best university to study Law in Nigeria. Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Kareem Olatoye has also congratulated the students.

“Kids Say the Darndest Things” Makes a Triumphant Return to Africa as Paramount Global Partners What Media Group

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blacktalker
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The family favorite, “Kids Say the Darndest Things”, is back for its third season, bringing more laughs, more surprises, and more heartwarming moments. This season marks a groundbreaking partnership between the iconic show and two entertainment powerhouses: Paramount Global Content Distribution and What Media Group. With the broadcast platform being The What Network and the production partner Mansa Studios, the show is set to deliver its unique blend of humor and authenticity to audiences.

The collaborative force behind the new season aims to enhance the viewer experience by delivering a world-class production of the Paramount Global Content Distribution series alongside the local expertise of What Media Group. This format licensing deal is not just a commitment to quality entertainment but a celebration of African children and their unique voices and perspectives.

“We are thrilled to be working with What Media Group to bring the Kids Say the Darndest Things format to audiences across Africa,” says Lauren Marriott, SVP, of Content Partnerships and Brand Strategy, Paramount Global Content Distribution. “Opening up the show across the African continent will allow kids and parents alike to watch this hilarious reimagined format together as a family.”

CEO of WHAT MEDIA GROUP, Chichi Nwoko, echoed this enthusiasm, emphasizing the show’s commitment to celebrating the diversity and originality of African Kids: “With the support of Paramount, we’re setting the stage for a season like no other.  We’re dedicated to maintaining the show’s essence, where the candidness of our young stars takes center stage. In the past, the show focussed on Kids from Nigeria, but this year we are excited to open it up to kids from across the African Continent. We aim to keep the content fresh, engaging, and true to the experiences of today’s connected and vibrant generation.”Prepare to be amused, amazed, and moved as “Kids Say the Darndest Things Africa” brings the unfiltered brilliance and humor of Africa’s children to the forefront, in what promises to be the most memorable season yet.


The new season promises a diverse cast of children from across Africa, sharing their spontaneous and often hilarious insights on life. In keeping with the show’s tradition, these young stars are not professional actors, and they are not rehearsed.  This ensures that their responses remain genuine and unpredictable as we never know what they will say.

As “Kids Say the Darndest Things Africa” prepares for its return, the production team is hard at work, setting the groundwork for a season that promises to captivate, entertain, and inspire. Casting calls will be announced shortly, inviting children aged 4 to 11 from all over Africa to share their unique perspectives.

The U.S. version of “Kids Say the Darndest Things” is produced by CBS Studios in association with Anvil 1893 Entertainment and She Ready Productions. The format rights are licensed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Police Arrests Suspected Ritualist for Grave Desecration in Abeokuta

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blacktalker
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The Adatan Divisional Police Officer has apprehended a suspected ritualist for the unlawful possession of a human head on June 24, 2024, at approximately 3:50 PM.

The suspect, identified as Lekan Akinyemi, was detained following a report made by Nojeem Balogun, a resident of Iyana Cele, Car Wash, Abeokuta. Balogun visited the police station and reported a disturbing discovery made on June 23, 2024, at around 8:00 AM.

According to Balogun, one of his siblings had noticed unusual activities at their late father’s grave in Isale Itoko, Abeokuta. Upon inspecting the site, Balogun discovered that their father’s head had been removed by an unknown individual or group.


Subsequent investigations led to the identification of Lekan Akinyemi as the perpetrator. Akinyemi was caught in the act of desecrating the grave and severing the head.

The case has been handed over to the Anti-Robbery unit for further investigation before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, CID, for a more comprehensive inquiry.

2024 International Widows Day: Lagos State Government Empowers 800 Widows with Financial Support

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blacktalker
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The Lagos State Government has extended financial support to 800 widows, providing each beneficiary with N50,000. These beneficiaries were selected from various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), faith-based societies, the state social register, and vulnerable groups.

During a media parley to commemorate the 2024 International Widows Day, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Cecilia Bolaji Dada, announced the initiative. This year’s theme is “Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality (with emphasis on strengthening land and property rights).”

Dada emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing the plight of widows and their children. “Lagos State joins the rest of the world in marking this day, focusing mainly on raising awareness of the plight of widows, especially the vulnerable ones and their children,” she stated.

The Commissioner reassured widows that the state government is committed to supporting them through policies and programs aimed at promoting self-reliance and economic stability. “To all the widows out there, we see you, we hear you, and we will support you. We recognize the sacrifices you’ve made and the challenges you are going through. Be assured that you are not alone in this journey,” Dada said.

She highlighted the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus agenda for social inclusion, initiated by the Governor, which includes annual financial support for widows to promote inclusive governance.


Dada acknowledged the severe challenges faced by widows, stressing the need for access to quality healthcare, education, and a decent livelihood free from violence and abuse. She emphasized the importance of securing land and property rights for widows and called for the engagement of all social agents to combat discrimination.

“In this quest to protect the inheritance rights of widows, the family units are sensitized by the Ministry towards getting all members of society to treat women as human beings with equal human rights,” she said. “Nigeria, and Lagos as a center of excellence, have joined the developed world in advocating for best international human rights practices which emphasize equality for all persons.”

Dada assured that the Ministry will continue collaborating with stakeholders, including the Office of the Public Defender and the Ministry of Justice, to set standards that allow women, especially vulnerable widows, to become independent and successful.

“Once again, I encourage all our beneficiaries to utilize the cash to support your businesses, focus more on yourself, build your children in peace, and hold on to God, who is the only available succor. On behalf of the State Government and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, we wish you all a happy Widows Day,” she concluded.

International Widows Day occurs annually on June 23 and it is a day deemed by the United Nations to recognize and address the “poverty and injustice faced by millions of widows and their dependents in many countries.”

NIMC Denounces Data Compromise Allegations, Warns Against Phishing Sites

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blacktalker
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NIMC APPROVES PRICE REVIEW FOR ITS SERVICES, PRODUCTS

The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, has firmly refuted allegations of a data breach involving sensitive information of Nigerian citizens.

In a press statement signed by Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke,the Commission assured the public that their data remains secure and has not been compromised.

NIMC emphasized that it has not authorized any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number, NIN or any other identities.

The Commission specifically identified several unauthorized websites, including idfinder.com.ng, verify.ng, championtech.com.ng, trustyonline.com, and anyverify.com, as fraudulent data harvesters. The public is urged to avoid these sites and disregard any services or claims they offer.

“NIMC urges the public to avoid giving their data to these unauthorised and potentially fraudulent sites, which harvest and store data illegally,” the statement read. The Commission reassured Nigerians that it has implemented robust measures to protect the nation’s database from cyber threats. The NIMC’s infrastructure complies with the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard and the Nigerian Data Protection Law, with annual recertifications ensuring ongoing security.

The NIMC also reminded Nigerians to only verify their NINs through approved channels and to be cautious of phishing attempts. “Licensed partners or vendors are not authorised to scan or store NIN slips but to verify NINs through approved channels,” the Commission reiterated.

In collaboration with security operatives, NIMC is actively working to apprehend those behind these fraudulent websites and ensure they face legal consequences. The Commission urged the public to stay vigilant against false information and to rely on verified sources for accurate updates.

“The Commission remains committed to providing secure and reliable identity management and upholding the highest level of security for systems and databases, which are critical national assets,” the statement concluded.

Professor Elvis Efe Otobo: Pioneering Archival Science, Diplomatics in Africa

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blacktalker
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The extraordinary accomplishments of Professor Elvis Efe Otobo, a distinguished scholar who has made history as Africa’s first Archival Science and Diplomatics professor are inspiring. His dual appointment in 2022 as both an associate and a full professor at Ballsbridge University underscores his profound impact and expertise in the field.

Ballsbridge University is a dynamic open international academic centre known for its innovative approach to education, including open learning, online learning, blended transnational learning, and virtual learning. Incorporated in Dominica, the university operates in multiple countries, fostering an environment where knowledge and learning are boundless.


Professor Otobo’s academic journey is marked by a wealth of publications in renowned journals and a significant collection of unpublished research papers that have contributed to the advancement of archival science.

He designed training courses in archives and records management which has received global recognition. His recent roles at Caleb University, including GST Lecturer and Acting Director of Public Relations, Protocol, and Marketing, have been pivotal in the university’s growth.


With a robust educational background that includes a first degree in Public Administration from the University of Benin, a Master’s in Archives, Records, and Information Management from the University of Ibadan, and a Ph.D. in Information Resources Management with specialization in Archival Administration and Records Management from Babcock University. His Ph.D. Thesis is on ‘Records Management Practices and Work Environment as Determinants of Administrative Effectiveness of Lagos State Judiciary, Nigeria.


Professor Otobo’s credentials are impeccable. His recognition as a New Professional awardee by the International Council of Archives (ICA) in 2015 further solidifies his standing in the academic community.


Professor Otobo’s pioneering spirit is evident in his role as Nigeria’s first business archivist and his collaborative efforts with the National Archives, United Kingdom, to provide annual training for Nigerian records managers, archivists and others in the Records and Information Management ecosystem is widely acknowledged both locally and internationally. His international experience includes internships at the National Archives of Iceland, volunteer work at The Box, Plymouth, The National Trust at Saltram, United Kingdom.


Currently, Professor Otobo is enriching his knowledge through heritage studies at the University of Plymouth and leading the largest online platforms for archives and records management professionals worldwide. His scholarly collaborations with esteemed academics like Professor Gabriel Alegbeleye are well-regarded and cited. Keynote speakers in his training programmes at the National Archives Uk includes Professor Luciana Duranti; Professor James Lowry and Ms. Margaret Crocket among many other distinguished professionals.


A certified leadership coach and experienced SEN Educator, Professor Otobo has garnered numerous accolades, including Fellow of the Certified Business Management Professionals, Ambassador of the International Leadership Summit of Leaders, and commendations from the National Archivist of Iceland. His role as a GWA Judge for the International Public Relations Association and his honorary doctorate from the Swiss Business School are among his many achievements.


Professor Otobo’s inspirational journey has been shaped by luminaries, his mentor, Dr. Oladega Adebogun, founder and visitor to Caleb University and Proprietor, Caleb Group of Schools and Professor Emeritus Luciana Duranti of the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. His membership in various professional organizations reflects his commitment to excellence and his influence on the field.


Professor Otobo as a leading academic figure as made contributions to the global discourse on archival science and diplomatics.

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