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Lagos Police Announce Activities for National Police Day 2026 Celebration

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Lagos Police Announce Activities for National Police Day 2026 Celebration

Lagos State Police Command, has announced the commencement of activities to mark the 2026 National Police Day celebration, aimed at strengthening community engagement and public trust.

The Command said this year’s celebration is themed “Community Partnership: Building Trust,” underscoring its commitment to community policing, honouring fallen officers, and showcasing professionalism within the Force.

According to the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, the week-long programme will feature a series of activities designed to promote collaboration between the police and the public.

Activities will commence on Monday, March 30, with a sanitation and environmental cleaning exercise across all Area Commands, alongside a medical outreach programme at Computer Village, Ikeja.

On Tuesday, March 31, a walkathon for public engagement and awareness will take place, starting from the State Command Headquarters in Ikeja GRA to Maryland Junction.

The programme will continue on Wednesday, April 1, with public sensitisation campaigns focusing on the dangers of electoral violence, cultism, and other security concerns, as well as safe driving practices.

Thursday, April 2, will feature stakeholder engagement sessions and the presentation of cheques to families of deceased officers in honour of their sacrifices.

The grand finale is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, in Abuja, where a ceremonial parade and tactical display will be held.

CP Fatai called on members of the public, community leaders, and partner organisations to actively participate in the activities, noting that sustained collaboration is essential to building trust, enhancing security, and promoting lasting peace in Lagos State.

Rite Foods Hydrates Essential Workers Across Lagos on World Water Day

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Rite Foods Hydrates Essential Workers Across Lagos on World Water Day

Rite Foods Limited has expanded its World Water Day campaign, bringing relief and recognition to essential workers across Lagos while reinforcing the theme for 2026, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.”

Marked annually on March 22, World Water Day highlights the importance of access to clean, safe water for health, dignity, and inclusion. This year, Rite Foods translated the message into action, reaching people who spend long hours working under Lagos’s scorching sun.

The initiative, driven by Bigi Premium Table Water, one of Rite Foods’ flagship brands, provided chilled water bottles across key locations, offering instant hydration to thousands of workers.

Beneficiaries included sanitation staff, traffic officials, street vendors, transport operators, and notably, women whose contributions are often overlooked despite their critical roles in keeping the city running.

Public service workers such as officials from the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Nigeria Police Force, and traffic wardens also benefited from the outreach, receiving a simple but meaningful gesture of support and appreciation.

Speaking on the campaign, Rite Foods Limited’s Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Manager, Dennis Aideloje, said:

“This year’s World Water Day theme speaks to inclusion and our shared humanity. At Rite Foods, we understand that something as simple as access to clean, refreshing water can make a real difference, restoring energy, bridging gaps, and reminding people that they are seen and valued. Through Bigi Water, we’re not just providing hydration, we’re connecting with people in diverse ways.”

Building on last year’s success, the 2026 campaign reached over 3,000 essential workers across 12 high-traffic locations in Lagos, ensuring support went to those most exposed to the heat.

The impact was visible in the gratitude and smiles of beneficiaries, many of whom commended Rite Foods and the Bigi brand for consistently putting people first.

Rite Foods plans to extend the initiative to other parts of the country, continuing its focus on community well-being and sustainable impact. Through this campaign, the company demonstrates that when water flows, lives improve, and equality can grow.

JMG Limited to Host Engineering Sustainability, Solar Adoption Walk

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JMG Limited to Host Engineering Sustainability, Solar Adoption Walk

JMG Limited has announced plans to host an Engineering Sustainability and Solar Adoption Walk, aimed at promoting renewable energy adoption and advancing sustainable development in Nigeria.

The initiative, themed around engineering sustainability and solar energy, is designed to bring together engineers, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates to champion cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.

According to the company, the walk will commence from its head office located at Ologun Agbaje Street, off Adeola Odeku, Lagos, and will serve as a platform to drive awareness on the importance of transitioning to solar energy.

Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Commercial Officer of JMG Limited, Rabi Jammal, described the walk as a call to action for stakeholders to rethink how energy is generated and consumed.

“Engineering has always driven progress, but the choices we make today will define the future we leave behind. Solar energy is no longer an option; it is the path forward,” he said.

Jammal noted that the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to leading Nigeria’s transition towards renewable energy through innovation and responsible practices.

JMG Limited, known for its integrated electro-mechanical solutions across power generation, electrical infrastructure, and cooling systems, said the event aligns with its broader strategy to support sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The company added that the walk underscores the growing need for collaborative efforts in addressing energy challenges and building a cleaner, more resilient future.

The initiative is expected to further position JMG Limited as a key driver of renewable energy advocacy and engineering innovation in Nigeria.

FirstBank to Host SMEConnect Webinar on AI-Driven Business Growth

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FirstBank Highlights Step by Step Process to Install, Register FirstMobile App

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced plans to host its upcoming SMEConnect Webinar aimed at equipping small and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs with practical knowledge on leveraging Artificial Intelligence, AI for business growth.

The virtual event, scheduled for March 31, 2026, is themed “AI for Business Growth: From Adoption to Integration and Scalable Impact.” It is designed to help SMEs navigate the evolving digital economy by adopting innovative tools to enhance productivity, streamline operations, and improve customer engagement.

The webinar will feature industry experts, including Temitope Odude, Senior AI Solutions Architect at Microsoft, who is expected to provide insights on integrating AI into everyday business processes.

Other speakers include Abednego Ugwueke, Head of Digital Channels, and Ibidun Adedewe, Head of SME Acquisition and Partnerships at FirstBank.

Speaking ahead of the event, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, e-Business and Retail Products at FirstBank, described SMEs as the backbone of the Nigerian economy, stressing the bank’s commitment to supporting their growth through innovation.

“SMEs are the backbone of the Nigerian economy, and at FirstBank, we recognise that the economy cannot thrive without them,” he said, noting that the bank has leveraged AI-enabled credit scoring to disburse over ₦1 trillion in loans to micro-SMEs.

He added that the initiative is part of efforts to provide business owners with practical insights and tools to scale sustainably in a competitive marketplace.

The SMEConnect Webinar series remains one of FirstBank’s flagship platforms for empowering entrepreneurs with strategic knowledge and business support.

The bank has also received multiple recognitions for its SME-focused initiatives, including awards for Best SME Bank in Nigeria and Africa, as well as SME Financier of the Year.

Interested participants are encouraged to register ahead of the session to gain access to expert-led discussions on AI-driven business transformation.

NCC Boss Pays Courtesy Visit to Head of Civil Service in Abuja

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NCC Boss Pays Courtesy Visit to Head of Civil Service in Abuja

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission,NCC, Aminu Maida, has paid a courtesy visit to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, in Abuja.

The visit, which took place on March 25, 2026, provided an opportunity for both officials to engage on issues of mutual interest, particularly around strengthening institutional collaboration and enhancing public service delivery.

During the meeting, discussions centred on fostering synergy between the telecommunications regulatory body and the civil service, with a view to improving operational efficiency and supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

The engagement also highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in driving reforms, innovation, and effective governance across the public sector.

CP Tijani Fatai Assumes Duty as Lagos State Commissioner of Police

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CP Tijani Fatai Assumes Duty as Lagos State Commissioner of Police

CP Tijani Fatai, PSC, has officially assumed duty as the 42nd Commissioner of Police for the Lagos State Command, taking over from CP Olohundare Jimoh, who served from February 18, 2025, to March 26, 2026.

A native of Agege Local Government Area, Lagos State, CP Fatai attended Anwar-ul-Islam College, Agege, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Olabisi Onabanjo University (formerly Ogun State University), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

Enlisting in the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) on June 10, 1994, he has served in several key positions across the country, including Commissioner of Police, Eastern Port, Port Harcourt; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, Maritime FHQ Annex Lagos; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Department of Finance & Administration, Zone 2 Command, Onikan Lagos; Area Commander in Ilaro, Ogun State, Maiduguri Metro, Borno State, and Surulere, Lagos State; and Officer-in-Charge, Homicide Section, SCID, Lagos.

CP Fatai is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, reflecting his global outlook and commitment to professional policing standards.

In his first address as Commissioner, CP Fatai reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating ongoing reforms within the Lagos State Police Command, enhancing internal security, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and fostering community partnerships.

He emphasized that protecting lives and property will remain paramount, guided by global best practices.

The Lagos State Police Command has called on stakeholders and the general public to continue supporting the force as the new leadership seeks to deepen professionalism, discipline, and service delivery across the state.

LASG to Replace Distressed Mainland Senior High School Buildings

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LASG to Replace Distressed Mainland Senior High School Buildings

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to construct two ultra-modern 18-classroom blocks at Mainland Senior High School, Fadeyi, following the demolition of two distressed buildings with the premises.

Chairman of the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools, SCRPS, Mr. Hakeem Smith, made this known during a routine site inspection.

He emphasized that the safety of pupils remains a top priority for the state government, prompting the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LABCA to oversee the demolition of the compromised structures.

Smith noted that the demolition followed a distress call from Oba Owolabi Adeniyi, the paramount ruler of Igbobi Sabe in Yaba LCDA, and the Building Collapse Protection Guild (BCPG), a professional body established to monitor public buildings and prevent collapse incidents.

An integrity test conducted by the Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) revealed that only one of the three school buildings met safety standards.

He noted that an I-shaped 18-classroom block with 30 toilets was previously constructed at the school last year as part of ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

Urging continued vigilance, Smith called on BCPG members to expand their monitoring efforts beyond Yaba and cover the entire state, assuring that the Lagos State Government remains committed to partnership in promoting building safety.

Coordinator of BCPG Yaba Cell, Engr. Adebayo Ogunrinde, reaffirmed the body’s dedication to monitoring distressed public buildings across Lagos and pledged ongoing collaboration with the government to safeguard students.

On his part, Oba Owolabi Adeniyi commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for the swift response, describing the decision to demolish and replace the buildings as timely. He called on the government to intensify project monitoring to ensure quality delivery of infrastructure.

NDLEA, Customs Deepen Collaboration as New Tincan Commander Visits KLT Command

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NDLEA, Customs Deepen Collaboration as New Tincan Commander Visits KLT Command

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA and the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking along Nigeria’s maritime corridor.

This followed a courtesy visit by the newly appointed Commander of NDLEA Tincan Strategic Command, Solomon Gbadebo Omotosho, to the NCS Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command in Lagos.

The visit, held on March 25, 2026, was aimed at fostering stronger operational synergy and enhancing cooperation between both agencies in tackling narcotics smuggling within port environments.

Receiving the delegation, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Bolaji Lukman Adigun, described the engagement as timely, noting that ports remain critical points in the prevention of illicit drug movements.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to balancing strict enforcement with the facilitation of legitimate trade, stressing the need for sustained intelligence sharing, coordinated cargo profiling, and joint examination procedures.

Adigun noted that closer collaboration between the agencies would significantly enhance operational efficiency and curb the activities of drug trafficking syndicates.

In his remarks, Omotosho said the visit was part of efforts to build a strong working relationship with the KLT Command and reinforce coordinated enforcement actions.

He emphasised the importance of seamless communication and proactive intelligence exchange, adding that the NDLEA remains committed to partnering with the Customs Service to dismantle illicit drug networks and strengthen national security.

The visit featured an exchange of plaques between both agencies, symbolising goodwill and a shared commitment to sustained cooperation.

Both agencies reaffirmed their resolve to deepen collaboration, enhance operational coordination, and maintain a united front in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime borders against illicit activities.

Adeniyi Makes History at Global Customs Forum, Leads WCO Enforcement Dialogue

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Adeniyi Makes History at Global Customs Forum, Leads WCO Enforcement Dialogue

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, has made history at the global stage after delivering the keynote address at the 46th Session of the World Customs Organization, WCO Enforcement Committee in Brussels, Belgium.

The high-level session, held at the WCO headquarters on March 23, 2026, marked the first time in over four decades that the Committee’s opening ceremony was jointly addressed by both the WCO Secretary-General, Ian Saunders, and the Council Chairperson.

The development underscores the growing strategic importance of the Enforcement Committee and highlights the increasing influence of Nigeria within global customs administration.

In his keynote address, Adeniyi commended customs administrations worldwide for their efforts in combating transnational organised crime, stressing the need for intelligence-driven and collaborative enforcement strategies.

“Customs enforcement today is no longer about isolated seizures; it is about protecting the integrity of global trade,” he said.

The session also reflected a significant shift in the Committee’s focus, evolving from a largely enforcement-driven platform to a broader policy-oriented body addressing emerging issues such as detection technologies, intelligence sharing, supply chain integrity, and trade-based money laundering.

As part of its contributions, the NCS is expected to present operational insights on fragile border management, drawing from Nigeria’s experience in managing complex border environments.

On the sidelines of the event, participants witnessed a demonstration of drone technology by the Netherlands Customs, highlighting the increasing role of unmanned systems in modern border surveillance.

Adeniyi concluded with a call for deeper global cooperation among customs administrations, noting that stronger collaboration would enhance enforcement effectiveness, safeguard trade, and bolster the resilience of the global economy.

The event further cements Nigeria’s role in shaping international customs policy and strengthening cross-border security frameworks.

Polaris Bank Positions Gender Equity as Growth Strategy at IWD 2026

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Polaris Bank Positions Gender Equity as Growth Strategy at IWD 2026
L-R; Belinda Nkechi Idinmachi, Entrepreneurship Specialist, ALX Founder Academy; Subulade Giwa-Amu, Non- Executive Director, Polaris Bank; Kayode Lawal, Managing Director/CEO, Polaris Bank; Tomi Somefun, Former Managing Director /CEO for Unity Bank Plc, & Abimbola Ozomah, Executive Director, Corporate & Investment Banking during the International Women's Day celebration in Lagos recently.

Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equity as a key driver of business growth and economic development, during its 2026 International Women’s Day 2026 celebration.

At the event, themed “Give to Gain,” stakeholders emphasised the importance of intentional investment in women as a catalyst for inclusive growth, collaboration, and long-term value creation.

Speaking, the Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, described gender equity as a strategic imperative, noting that empowering women delivers measurable returns for institutions and economies.

Lawal highlighted the bank’s continued support for women-led businesses through targeted financing, enterprise advisory, and capacity-building initiatives. He also pointed to sustained advocacy in breast cancer awareness, girl-child education, and inclusive workplace policies.

He added that the bank’s flagship initiative, Polaris Pearl, remains a key platform providing tailored financial solutions and growth opportunities for women professionals and entrepreneurs.

Delivering the keynote address, Tomi Somefun, immediate past Managing Director/CEO of Unity Bank, described gender equity as a critical lever for organisational performance. She urged institutions to move beyond rhetoric to structured, measurable action.

Also speaking, social entrepreneur Belinda Nkechi Indinmachi encouraged young professionals to adopt a strategic approach to value creation, stressing that purposeful contribution and long-term thinking are essential for sustainable growth.

In her remarks, the Executive Director, Corporate & Investment Banking at Polaris Bank, Abimbola Ozomah, said the bank’s commitment to women empowerment goes beyond symbolic gestures, citing initiatives such as Polaris Women Connect, which focuses on mentorship, leadership development, and knowledge sharing.

Earlier, the Group Head, Customer Experience & Value Management, Bukola Oluyadi, underscored the importance of collaboration and intentional support systems in driving collective success.

The bank also showcased its impact in advancing women’s economic participation, including the disbursement of over ₦1 billion in funding to female entrepreneurs, alongside investments in financial literacy and enterprise development.

Polaris Bank reiterated that its approach to gender equity is anchored on deliberate action and inclusive growth strategies, positioning women as critical drivers of economic transformation.