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Out of School: How Hon. Kehinde Joseph is Bridging the Gap for Lagos Children

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Out of School: How Hon. Kehinde Joseph is Bridging the Gap for Lagos Children

In many underserved communities across Lagos, the journey to education is not just about learning, it is about distance, cost, and survival.

For families in parts of Alimosho Constituency II, accessing secondary education has long meant a daily struggle, with the nearest school located nearly nine kilometres away.

For parents already grappling with economic realities, the burden of transportation, estimated at about ₦2,000 per child daily, has forced difficult choices. For some, it has meant withdrawing their children from school altogether.

It was this reality that stirred Hon. Kehinde Joseph, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, into action.

Rather than wait for government intervention, Joseph chose to act. Drawing on personal resources, support from friends, and collaboration with the state government, he embarked on building a secondary school that is now set to change the narrative for hundreds of families.

“I realised that if we keep waiting, it might take time,” he explained. “But within my capacity, I decided to start something that will directly impact the people.”

The result is a fully equipped public secondary school designed to cater for both junior and senior students. With a projected capacity of at least 1,000 students, the school stands as a response to a pressing community need, access.

But beyond bricks and mortar, the project reflects a broader commitment to educational equity.

The school has secured the approval of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, ensuring it operates within the state’s formal education system. Importantly, it will be free for students, removing one of the biggest barriers to learning for families in the area.

Support also came from the Lagos State Government, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu facilitating the construction of a laboratory to meet required academic standards. The gesture underscores the importance of public-private collaboration in addressing systemic gaps in education.

Equally significant is the role of the host community. The land for the school was donated by the Shokunbi family, a contribution that highlights how community ownership can drive sustainable development.

For Joseph, the vision goes beyond infrastructure. It is about restoring opportunity.

“When children cannot access education, the consequences affect the entire society,” he noted, pointing to the link between lack of schooling and rising social challenges.

By situating the school within the community, the lawmaker hopes to reduce dropout rates, ease the financial burden on parents, and create a pathway for young people to build better futures.

The Lagos State Ministry of Education has already taken over the recruitment of teachers and administrative staff, ensuring that the institution is not only accessible but also functional and sustainable.

As the school prepares for commissioning, it stands as more than just a new facility, it is a symbol of what targeted intervention, collaboration, and community-driven leadership can achieve.

For many children in the area, the long journey to school may finally be over. And in its place, a new journey, one of learning, opportunity, and hope can begin.

IWD: LASU Calls for Stronger Action on Gender-Based Violence

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blacktalker
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IWD: LASU Calls for Stronger Action on Gender-Based Violence

Lagos State University, LASU, through its Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, CRPSGBV, has called for strengthened efforts to protect women’s rights and combat gender-based violence.

The call was made during the University’s 2026 International Women’s Day commemoration held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Ojo campus, under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.”

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the Acting Director of CRPSGBV, Professor Igot Ofem, described the theme as a rallying point for deliberate and collective action towards gender equality, safety, and dignity.

She reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to policies and frameworks that promote inclusion and zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence.

The Vice-Chancellor, in her remarks, noted that despite progress, systemic barriers still hinder access to education, leadership, and justice for many women, stressing LASU’s resolve to sustain advocacy and institutional reforms.

Also speaking, Dr. Philomena Ojomo highlighted the persistent challenges faced by survivors, including stigma, fear, and delayed justice, and called for the creation of safe spaces and responsive support systems.

The event featured insights from the National Campus Climate Baseline Survey on Sexual Harassment, which underscored the prevalence of gender-based violence in tertiary institutions and the need for stronger policy implementation and advocacy.

Goodwill messages were delivered by stakeholders, including representatives of Access Bank Plc and Sterling One Foundation, who emphasised the importance of partnerships in promoting safety, inclusion, and empowerment.

Participants also called for increased multi-sectoral collaboration to ensure that the rights of women and girls are actively protected. A film screening further highlighted the realities of gender-based violence and the need for institutional accountability and support for survivors.

The event concluded with a renewed call for measurable action beyond advocacy, urging members of the university community to foster a culture of respect, accountability, and inclusion.

Easter: Lagos Police Order Massive Deployment, Assure Residents of Safety

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blacktalker
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Recruitment: Lagos Candidates to Sit Written Exam at Police College Ikeja as PSC Warns Against Scams

Lagos State Police Command has announced a comprehensive security deployment across the state ahead of the Easter celebrations.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, ordered the massive deployment of personnel and operational assets to strategic locations, including worship centres, recreational facilities, major highways, transport hubs, and other critical infrastructure.

The Command said the proactive measures are aimed at ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free celebration before, during, and after the festive period.

Special attention has also been given to riverine areas, with the Marine Police deployed for surveillance and patrol to prevent criminal activities and enhance safety on waterways. Traffic management plans have equally been put in place in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure smooth vehicular movement across the state.

While extending Easter greetings to Christian faithful, the Commissioner urged residents to embrace the virtues of love, sacrifice, and peaceful coexistence. He also emphasised the importance of community partnership in effective policing and called on members of the public to remain vigilant.

Residents were advised to report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines, noting that timely information is critical to proactive policing.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property and wished residents a peaceful and secure Easter celebration.

Fidelity Bank, Aircraft Finance Germany Partner to Boost African Aviation

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blacktalker
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Fidelity Bank Holds Masterclasses on Pricing, Digital Sales, Global Expansion for SMEs

Fidelity Bank Plc has entered into a strategic partnership with Aircraft Finance Germany, AFG to drive growth and development in the aviation sector across Nigeria and Africa.

The agreement was signed in Germany by AFG’s Managing Director, Business Aviation and SVP Commercial, Christian Hatje, and Fidelity Bank’s Executive Director and Chief Operations and Information Officer, Stanley Amuchie.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hatje described the collaboration as a significant step toward advancing Africa’s aviation future, noting that the partnership would enable both institutions to deliver structured financing solutions to support industry growth.

Under the agreement, both organisations will work together to identify and finance aviation opportunities, providing leasing and funding solutions for airlines and operators to expand capacity, modernise fleets, and improve operational efficiency.

Amuchie reaffirmed Fidelity Bank’s commitment to supporting the aviation industry through tailored financial solutions, stating that the collaboration would enhance the bank’s ability to deliver sustainable financing across the sector.

The partnership is expected to stimulate investment, unlock growth opportunities, and strengthen the aviation ecosystem across the continent. It also aligns with AFG’s broader global expansion strategy in aviation financing.

With Nigeria positioned as a key aviation hub in Africa, stakeholders say the collaboration will leverage AFG’s leasing expertise and Fidelity Bank’s industry experience to drive long-term development and innovation within the sector.

Comptroller Kaila Begins Tenure with Inter-Agency Visits at Seme Border

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blacktalker
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Comptroller Kaila Begins Tenure with Inter-Agency Visits at Seme Border

The Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, has commenced his tenure with a series of familiarisation visits to sister security agencies along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.

Kaila made this known during a visit to the 243 Recce Battalion, Ibereko Barracks in Badagry, where he emphasised the need for collaboration in executing the Service’s statutory responsibilities.

Describing the Seme border as a critical gateway for trade and cross-border movement, the Controller noted that the strategic importance of the corridor requires sustained cooperation, intelligence sharing, and mutual support among security agencies.

He stressed that enhanced synergy would not only strengthen border security but also promote economic stability and improve the well-being of residents in border communities.

In his response, the Commanding Officer of the 243 Recce Battalion, Lt. Colonel Ambrose Ikoro, commended the role of the Customs Service in safeguarding the nation’s borders and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining and improving existing collaboration.

As part of the engagement, Comptroller Kaila also visited the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Badagry; the 15 Field Engineer Regiment of the Nigerian Army, Topo; and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC office at Seme.

The visits underscore efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, enhance operational efficiency, and address challenges affecting trade and border security along the corridor.

WAEC Council Meeting Ends in Accra, Elects New Vice Chairman

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blacktalker
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WAEC Council Meeting Ends in Accra, Elects New Vice Chairman

The 74th Annual Council Meeting of the West African Examinations Council, WAEC has concluded in Accra, Ghana, with the election of Professor Ernest Kofi Davis as Vice Chairman for a one-year tenure.

He succeeds Honourable Amos Armah Fully of Liberia.

The week-long meeting, held from March 24 to 28, 2026, was declared open by John Dramani Mahama, represented by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.

In his keynote address, President Mahama congratulated WAEC on its 74th anniversary, describing the Council as one of Africa’s most successful examples of regional collaboration. He commended member countries for sustaining the institution and preserving the credibility of its examination processes.

However, he raised concerns over the growing threat of examination malpractice, warning that fraud and certificate falsification could undermine WAEC’s integrity if not collectively addressed. He called on stakeholders to uphold values of honesty and transparency in protecting the credibility of the Council’s assessments.

Also speaking, Ghana’s Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, represented by Deputy Minister Dr. Clement Apaak, reaffirmed the importance of examinations in developing human capital.

He announced Ghana’s reinstatement into the international version of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates, beginning from the 2026 diet.

At the event, three Ghanaian students were honoured with the WAEC International Excellence Award for their outstanding performance in the 2025 WASSCE.

Huda Suglo Suleman emerged overall best candidate in West Africa, clinching the Augustus Bandele Oyediran Award, while Paula Adzo Elinam Suwo and Matthea Aba Andoh placed second and third respectively.

The Council also conferred its Distinguished Friend of Council Award on Professor William Afiakwa Asomaning for his contributions to the organisation’s growth.

WAEC’s governing council, which meets annually on a rotational basis among its five member countries, announced that the 75th edition will be hosted by Nigeria in March 2027. The previous edition was held in Monrovia, Liberia.

The meeting brought together delegates from The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, including representatives of governments, education ministries, universities, and other stakeholders, to review operations and chart the future of the Council.

Lagos Police Hold Stakeholders’ Meeting, Present ₦53.3m to Families of Fallen Officers

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blacktalker
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Lagos Police Hold Stakeholders’ Meeting, Present ₦53.3m to Families of Fallen Officers

The Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command, on Day 4 of the 2026 National Police Day, convened a security stakeholders’ meeting and presented cheques worth over ₦53.3 million to families of officers who died in the line of duty.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), community and religious leaders, as well as members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, as part of efforts to strengthen community partnership and trust.

Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Olaiwola Fatai, commended stakeholders for their continued support in crime prevention and control.

He stressed the importance of synergy, prompt response to distress calls, and sustained collaboration in maintaining peace and order across the state.

The CP also highlighted critical security concerns such as cultism and electoral violence, noting that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-led policing and technology-driven strategies to tackle emerging threats.

In a solemn highlight of the event, a total sum of ₦53,387,209.48 was presented to families of fallen officers under the Inspector-General of Police Family Welfare Scheme, underscoring the Force’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their loved ones.

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the support, describing it as a significant relief, while the Commissioner reaffirmed that the sacrifices of fallen officers would never be forgotten.

CAPPA Backs NAFDAC on Sodium Reduction as Stakeholders Push Public Health Regulations

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blacktalker
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CAPPA Backs NAFDAC on Sodium Reduction as Stakeholders Push Public Health Regulations

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has reaffirmed its support for National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC over ongoing efforts to introduce sodium reduction regulations aimed at improving public health outcomes in Nigeria.

The assurance was given by CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, during a stakeholders’ engagement on proposed limits for sodium content in pre-packaged foods, where he commended the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, for her leadership and pledged continued advocacy support for the agency’s mandate.

The one-day engagement, held in Lagos, brought together key stakeholders and was convened by NAFDAC in collaboration with the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED).

Oluwafemi stressed the importance of sustained collaboration in tackling diet-related health challenges, noting that CAPPA would continue to support policies that protect Nigerians’ well-being.

In her remarks, Prof. Adeyeye said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s food regulatory framework and addressing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. She highlighted excessive sodium intake as a major risk factor linked to conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke.

Also speaking, NHED Technical Advisor, Dr. Jerome Mafeni, warned of increasing cases of non-communicable diseases among younger Nigerians, describing the trend as a growing public health concern.

The push for sodium reduction aligns with the 2025 National Sodium Reduction Guideline introduced by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which targets a reduction in daily sodium intake to below two grams per person by 2030 and a 25 per cent drop in hypertension prevalence.

Global partners, including the World Health Organization and Resolve to Save Lives, described the engagement as timely, urging sustained action to safeguard public health in Nigeria.

Ogun Police Present Cheques to Families of Fallen Officers

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blacktalker
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Ogun Police Present Cheques to Families of Fallen Officers

The Nigeria Police Force, Ogun State Command has presented cheques to families of fallen officers as part of activities marking Day 4 of the 2026 Police Week.

The presentation was carried out by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, in honour of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

A total sum of ₦30,552,851.16 was disbursed to the beneficiaries, aimed at providing financial support and reassurance to the bereaved families.

The gesture highlights the Force’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and the families they leave behind, while reinforcing the enduring bond between the Police and its officers, both serving and fallen.

COWA Oyo/Osun Chapter Supports Vulnerable Children, Widows with Humanitarian Outreach

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blacktalker
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COWA Oyo/Osun Chapter Supports Vulnerable Children, Widows with Humanitarian Outreach

The Customs Officers’ Wives Association, COWA, Oyo/Osun Chapter, has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian service through a series of outreach visits to vulnerable children and widows.

Led by its Chairperson, Mrs. Omowunmi Adewole, the association visited the Ibadan Motherless Babies Home and the House of Providence Special School for Children with Intellectual Disability, where members showed support and solidarity with children requiring care and special attention.

Speaking during the visits, Mrs. Adewole appreciated the National President of COWA, Dr. Mrs. Adeniyi Kikelomo, for her leadership and continued support, noting that the outreach was aimed at promoting love, care, and inclusion for children in underserved communities.

She stressed that every child deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive in a supportive environment, adding that the association remains guided by values of discipline, respect, and selfless service in line with the ideals of the Nigeria Customs Service.

As part of the initiative, the group donated various items to the children and commended caregivers and management of the institutions for their dedication to nurturing and supporting the beneficiaries.

In addition, the association extended its welfare efforts to widows of Customs officers, presenting support items and reaffirming its commitment to the well-being of officers’ families.

Mrs. Adewole noted that the outreach underscores COWA’s resolve to continue making meaningful contributions to society, emphasizing that acts of kindness, no matter how small, can inspire hope and create lasting impact.

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