Home Blog Page 43

Dangote Refinery, Fertiliser Empower 3,704 Students in Ibeju-Lekki

By
blacktalker
-
0
Dangote Refinery, Fertiliser Empower 3,704 Students in Ibeju-Lekki
Cross section of City and Guilds London Programme trainees from Ibeju Lekki host communities at the 6th Dangote Scholarship Award Programme and the distribution of school kits to students in Ibeju Lekki on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

In a major boost to education in Ibeju-Lekki, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited have donated school materials valued at N241 million to 3,704 students across host communities.

The gesture was part of the 6th edition of the Dangote Scholarship Award Programme, aimed at enhancing access to quality education and improving learning environments.

The donation included school bags, uniforms, sandals, and sanitary materials distributed to 1,348 primary school pupils in five schools and 2,356 secondary school students across four schools.

Speaking at the event, Edwin Devakumar, Vice President, Oil and Gas, Dangote Group, emphasized the transformative power of education.

“Since the launch of the scholarship scheme in 2019, the programme has steadily expanded, supporting hundreds of students annually. For 2025 alone, 442 students are benefiting, including 410 secondary and 32 tertiary students,” he said.

Devakumar also highlighted the company’s broader social investments, including skills development and employment opportunities for youth in host communities. “Recently, 22 youths completed City & Guilds of London certifications in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, with 19 already employed within the organisation,” he noted.

“At the Dangote Group, our philosophy is simple: the prosperity of our communities and the success of our businesses must go hand in hand,” he added, stressing that the initiatives align with global goals such as quality education, poverty reduction, and inclusive economic growth.

The programme received further support from the Aliko Dangote Foundation, which contributed additional school kits for beneficiaries.

Local leaders praised the interventions. Engr. Rasaki Bamidele Kasali, Executive Chairman of Lekki LCDA, described the initiative as “impactful and timely” and appealed for similar programmes to extend to neighbouring communities.

Likewise, HRM Oba Kazeem Olumuyiwa Ogunbekun, Onilekki of Lekki Land, commended Dangote’s consistent support, noting its positive impact on livelihoods and community relations.

Beneficiaries also lauded the initiative. Yusiot Taiwo, a City & Guilds graduate, described it as life-changing and providing pathways to employment, while Saheed Olukayode, an indigene of Ibeju-Lekki, said the programme renewed his educational aspirations.

The Dangote Group reiterated its commitment to aligning business growth with community prosperity, focusing on education, skills development, and inclusive opportunities for host communities.

LSSTF Secures Federal Support, Begins Construction of Modern Police Stations Across Lagos

By
blacktalker
-
0
Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF

Lagos State’s security landscape is set for a major transformation as the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF has secured a federal donor to fully fund the construction of new, modern Police stations across key locations in the state.

Construction has commenced immediately and will roll out in phases to cover additional stations over time.

The initial facilities are being developed at: Morogbo Police Division, Badagry, Elere Police Division, Agege, Hogan Bassey Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Yaba, Oko Awo Police Station, Jankara, Lagos Island, MAN Centre Police Station, Ikeja and a new Police Division in Ilasamaja

The geographic spread reflects a deliberate strategy to strengthen operational efficiency and response times across both urban and semi-urban corridors.

Under the leadership of LSSTF Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, the project demonstrates growing collaboration between public institutions and donor-backed initiatives to bolster internal security in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.

With a population exceeding 20 million residents and a daily influx of thousands, many existing Police facilities in Lagos face capacity constraints, outdated infrastructure, and inadequate work environments.

The new stations are designed to address these challenges with purpose-built structures equipped for modern policing needs. For example, the Hogan Bassey Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Yaba will enhance intelligence-led operations against kidnapping and organized crime, while Morogbo Division in Badagry will strengthen border and coastal security along Lagos’ western corridor.

Divisions in Agege and Ilasamaja are expected to improve community policing and crime prevention, and facilities in Ikeja and Lagos Island will bolster law enforcement coverage for commercial hubs, financial institutions, and markets.

Beyond security, the upgraded infrastructure is expected to have wider socio-economic impacts by improving working conditions for officers, enhancing residents’ quality of life, and boosting investor confidence.

Since his appointment in October 2025, Dr. Ogunsan has prioritized partnerships with government, private sector actors, and development partners to ensure law enforcement agencies are better equipped to address evolving security threats.

The LSSTF’s ability to secure a single federal donor to fund six Police stations is being hailed as a testament to the Fund’s credibility, transparency, and strategic vision.

As construction progresses, the new stations are expected to set a benchmark for Police infrastructure development across Nigeria and pave the way for broader phased upgrades across the state.

NUJ, Afenifere Mourn Akran of Badagry, Commiserate with Family, Community

By
blacktalker
-
0
NUJ, Afenifere Mourn Akran of Badagry, Commiserate with Family, Community

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, describing his passing as a monumental loss to both the traditional institution and the media profession.

The NUJ delegation was led by the Deputy National President, Dr Abimbola Oyetunde, and accompanied by members of the Lagos State Council Executive under the leadership of Adeleye Ajayi.

The team also commiserated with the people of Badagry over the demise of the revered monarch.

Speaking during the visit, Dr Oyetunde noted her personal connection to Badagry, stating that her late stepfather hailed from the town.

She described the late monarch as an accomplished journalist and mentor who contributed immensely to the growth of the media industry.

According to her, the late Akran remained deeply connected to journalism, having edited several newspapers and guided many practitioners in the profession.

She further highlighted the late monarch’s developmental strides, particularly his role in fostering peace and economic growth in Badagry.

Oyetunde recalled his support for initiatives such as the establishment of a community radio station in the area, noting that his leadership created an enabling environment that attracted growth and development to the ancient town.

The NUJ Deputy President also read a condolence letter signed by the Union’s National President, Alhassan Yahya, who described the monarch’s death as a painful loss.

The letter extolled the late Akran’s virtues of wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to community service, adding that he served as a bridge between the media and traditional institutions.

Other members of the delegation included notable journalists such as the National Financial Secretary, Samuel Dada, the State Secretary, Tunde Olalere, Gbenga Fatile, alongside other stakeholders in the media industry.

In a related development, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, also paid a condolence visit to the royal family and the people of Badagry.

The delegation was led by the Lagos State Chairman of the group, Chief Deji Wellington, who conveyed the message of the National Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

In the condolence message, Afenifere described the late monarch as a highly revered traditional ruler whose nearly five-decade reign brought peace, unity, and cultural preservation to Badagry and the wider Ogu land.

The group noted that since his ascension to the throne in 1977, the late Akran demonstrated exceptional leadership, dignity, and commitment to communal harmony.

The group further acknowledged his contributions as a distinguished journalist, cultural icon, and advocate for the preservation of Ogu traditions, noting that his legacy extended beyond Badagry to the entire Yoruba land and Nigeria at large.

Afenifere prayed for the repose of his soul and urged the royal family and the people to sustain the values of peace and development he championed.

In his remarks, veteran journalist, Prince Adeyinka Amosu, paid tribute to the late monarch’s enduring influence in journalism, noting that he belonged to a rare generation of media professionals who distinguished themselves through dedication and excellence.

He called for robust media coverage of activities lined up for the celebration of the monarch’s life and legacy.

Responding on behalf of the family, Chief Anthony Ajose expressed appreciation to the NUJ leadership, Afenifere delegation, and other well-wishers for their visits and show of solidarity in this period of mourning.

PSC South-West Commissioner Visits Lagos Police Command

By
blacktalker
-
0
PSC South-West Commissioner Visits Lagos Police Command

The Lagos State Police Command has played host to the Chairman, Committee on All Police Matters and Commissioner representing the South-West at the Police Service Commission, Taiwo Lakanu, during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja.

Lakanu, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, was accompanied by Omolara Oloruntola, Commandant of the Police College, Ikeja, as well as Abdulwasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah.

Speaking during the visit, Lakanu said his presence in Lagos was part of his oversight responsibilities on the ongoing police recruitment screening exercise in the state.

He commended the Commissioner of Police and the Command for their proactive efforts in ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across Lagos.

He also charged members of the screening committee to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and professionalism, stressing the need for fairness and transparency throughout the recruitment process.

In his response, Jimoh expressed appreciation for the visit and the commendation, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to supporting the Police Service Commission and ensuring a credible and hitch-free recruitment exercise.

The visit underscores ongoing efforts by relevant authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in the Nigeria Police recruitment process.

Customs FOU Zone ‘B’ Intercepts Live Pangolins, Intensifies Crackdown on Wildlife Trafficking

By
blacktalker
-
0
Customs FOU Zone ‘B’ Intercepts Live Pangolins, Intensifies Crackdown on Wildlife Trafficking

The Federal Operations Unit, FOU Zone ‘B’ of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted two live pangolins being illegally transported along the Kano–Jigawa axis, reinforcing its ongoing crackdown on the smuggling of endangered species.

The seizure, which occurred on March 12, 2026, followed a routine stop-and-search operation by operatives of the Unit as part of intensified enforcement measures across key transit routes.

According to the Service, the interception was carried out in line with the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, a global agreement aimed at ensuring that international trade does not threaten the survival of wildlife species.

Following the interception, the animals were secured in protective cages and transported to the Unit’s headquarters in Kaduna. A physical examination revealed that each of the pangolins weighed approximately 15 kilogrammes.

The Comptroller of the Unit, Aminu Sule, has since ordered a comprehensive investigation to uncover the source and intended destination of the animals.

“This seizure sends a clear message that Zone ‘B’ will not be a transit point for wildlife traffickers,” he stated.

Widely regarded as one of the most trafficked mammals globally, pangolins remain highly vulnerable to illegal trade, driven by demand for their scales and meat.

Women Entrepreneurs Applaud Ecobank’s Enhanced Ellevate Initiative

By
blacktalker
-
0
Women Entrepreneurs Applaud Ecobank’s Enhanced Ellevate Initiative
Subuola Oyeleye, CEO, Beauty Hut Africa; Victoria Igun, Ellevate Manager, Ecobank Nigeria; Titilayo Adesoga, CEO, Village Farms Commerce; Omoboye Odu- Head, SME, Partnerships & Collaborations, Ecobank Nigeria; Mrs. Nike Ogunlesi, Founder, Gatimo Limited & Creative Director, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble ; Ayodele Osolake , Head, Premier Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, and Mrs. Bode Abifarin, Founder & CEO, Strata Advisory, at the launch of the Enhanced Ecobank Ellevate Proposition in Lagos.

Women entrepreneurs and professionals have commended Ecobank Nigeria for deepening its support for women-owned businesses following the launch of the Enhanced Ecobank Ellevate Proposition aka Ellevate 2.0 in Lagos.

The upgraded initiative, unveiled at an event themed “Her Voice. Her Power. Her Growth.”, brought together female business leaders and professionals for insightful discussions on leadership, resilience, and growth.

The programme is part of the bank’s broader strategy to strengthen women’s economic participation across Nigeria.

Delivering the keynote address, Founder of Gatimo Limited and Creative Director of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, Adenike Ogunlesi, praised the bank for its longstanding commitment to women entrepreneurs. She recalled how Ecobank supported her business with a loan at a critical stage when other institutions declined.

Ogunlesi urged women to embrace self-awareness, resilience, and purpose as key drivers of sustainable success, describing these qualities as essential for navigating business challenges.

The event also featured a panel session with industry leaders including Bode Abifarin, Founder and CEO of Strata Advisory; Titilayo Adesoga, CEO of Village Farms Commerce and Exchange; and Subuola Oyeleye, Founder of Beauty Hut Africa.

The panelists shared personal and professional experiences, highlighting the importance of adaptability, resilience, and strategic thinking in building successful enterprises. They encouraged women to take ownership of their growth journeys, embrace change, and remain confident in the face of challenges.

Speaking at the event, Ayo Osolake, Head of Premier Banking and Wealth Management at Ecobank Nigeria, who represented Managing Director/Regional Executive Bolaji Lawal, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering women.

According to her, the enhanced Ellevate proposition has evolved into a bank-wide offering designed to provide improved access to credit, digital payment solutions, capacity-building programmes, and expanded market opportunities through Ecobank’s Single Market Trade Hub.

Also speaking, Victoria Igun, Ellevate Manager at Ecobank Nigeria, described the initiative as a strategic move to strengthen women’s access to finance, markets, and professional networks.

She noted that the upgraded platform would enable women entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and translate ambition into measurable impact.

Ecobank Nigeria continues to support women-led enterprises through platforms such as Adire Lagos, Oja Oge, +234Art Fair, Lagos Pop-Up Museum, SME Bazaar, and the Design & Build Exhibition, all aimed at providing visibility, market access, and growth opportunities for female entrepreneurs.

FirstBank Expands Homeownership Access with ₦100m MREIF Mortgage Facility

By
blacktalker
-
0
FirstBank Expands Homeownership Access with ₦100m MREIF Mortgage Facility

For many Nigerians, the dream of owning a home has long remained out of reach due to high property costs and expensive lending rates. However, First Bank of Nigeria Limited is seeking to change that narrative through a new mortgage initiative designed to improve access to affordable housing finance.

The bank, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund, MREIF, has introduced a mortgage facility aimed at enabling Nigerians to secure property ownership through long-term, low-cost financing.

Backed by a ₦1 trillion intervention fund, the initiative is targeted at addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit by providing eligible applicants with access to up to ₦100 million in mortgage loans.

The facility offers a repayment tenor of up to 20 years at an interest rate of 9.75 per cent per annum, significantly lower than prevailing commercial lending rates in the country.

Industry observers note that the reduced interest rate could ease the financial burden on borrowers, making homeownership more attainable for a broader segment of the population.

The mortgage scheme is open to a wide range of applicants, including salary earners, business owners, and Nigerians in the diaspora seeking to invest in property back home.

The development is part of broader efforts to stimulate the housing sector, expand financial inclusion, and provide sustainable pathways for wealth creation through property ownership.

Analysts say initiatives such as the MREIF-backed mortgage scheme could help shift more Nigerians from the cycle of rent dependency toward long-term asset ownership, particularly if awareness and uptake continue to grow.

Lagos Police Assures Merit-Based Screening as Federal Character Commission Delegation Visits

By
blacktalker
-
0

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Olohundare Jimoh, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism and fairness in its operations, assuring that all screening and related processes will be conducted strictly on merit and without bias.

CP Jimoh gave the assurance on Monday while receiving the Honourable Commissioner representing Lagos State at the Federal Character Commission, Abdulwasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja.

Bawa-Allah was accompanied by the Director of the Federal Character Commission in Lagos State, Oluwakemi Islamiat Opakunle, alongside other senior staff of the commission.

Also present during the meeting were the Team Lead of the Screening Committee, Lawal Balogun, and members of the Command’s management team.

During the visit, Bawa-Allah assured the Lagos State Police Command of the Federal Character Commission’s support throughout the screening process, emphasising the need for fairness and adherence to due process.

Responding, CP Jimoh reiterated that the Command remains committed to upholding professionalism in all its activities, stressing that recommendations arising from the screening exercise would be based strictly on merit, transparency, and established guidelines.

The visit formed part of ongoing engagements between the Federal Character Commission and relevant institutions to ensure compliance with federal character principles and equitable representation in public service processes.

Lagos Police Clarifies Viral Ikorodu Traffic Incident

By
blacktalker
-
0
Recruitment: Lagos Candidates to Sit Written Exam at Police College Ikeja as PSC Warns Against Scams

The Lagos State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding a viral video from the Ikorodu axis alleging that operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce were driving against traffic, stating that the footage did not capture the full events that led to the incident.

Addressing journalists on Monday, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Olohundaare Jimoh, said the incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, during a routine traffic enforcement operation along the Mile 12 corridor.

According to the police chief, officers of the Safer Highway Patrol and Protection intercepted a driver who made a wrongful turn, an act considered a violation of traffic regulations under the Lagos State Road Traffic Law.

Jimoh explained that the situation escalated when the driver allegedly attempted to evade arrest.

“In an attempt to escape, the driver reversed his vehicle and rammed into an oncoming commercial mini-bus, damaging the vehicle and putting other road users at risk,” he said.

The Safer Highway Patrol team subsequently handed over the suspect and the vehicle to officers of the Lagos State Taskforce for further action.

However, the police commissioner said the suspect resisted arrest during the enforcement process and obstructed traffic along the corridor, causing a temporary gridlock in the area.

“To restore order and clear the obstruction, personnel attached to the Taskforce applied minimal and necessary force to remove him from the roadway and restore normal traffic flow,” Jimoh stated.

He added that the damaged mini-bus was later towed to the Taskforce office in Oshodi, while the suspect’s vehicle was conveyed to Alausa for further investigation.

The police command also alleged that the suspect attempted to incite bystanders against the officers, which briefly resulted in mob action during which stones were thrown at Taskforce personnel.

According to the command, the viral video circulating on social media was recorded by the suspect while his vehicle was being transported to Alausa and did not reflect the full context of the incident.

The suspect, identified as Lateef Adeyemo, was subsequently arraigned before a mobile court sitting in Oshodi on four counts, including conduct likely to cause breach of peace, driving against traffic, obstruction of public officers in the discharge of their duties, and malicious damage.

Police said the court ordered his remand in prison custody after he was unable to meet the bail conditions.

Jimoh noted that Part III, Schedule 1, Item 27 of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law and Regulations 2018 prohibits driving in a prohibited direction or disregarding lawful traffic instructions, an offence punishable upon conviction with up to one year imprisonment and possible forfeiture of the vehicle to the state government.

The command therefore urged motorists across Lagos to obey traffic regulations and cooperate with law enforcement officers.

It also cautioned members of the public against spreading misleading information capable of creating misunderstanding about law enforcement operations.

“The Lagos State Police Command reiterates that no one is above the law. Anyone who violates the law or challenges lawful authority will face the full consequences,” Jimoh said.

He added that the command remains committed to professional policing and maintaining safety on Lagos roads.

Apapa Customs Seize ₦3.398bn Codeine Syrup Concealed in Utensil Containers

By
blacktalker
-
0
Apapa Customs Command Records ₦2.93 Trillion Revenue in 2025

The Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Area Command has intercepted two containers laden with codeine-based cough syrup valued at ₦3.398 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos, in a major anti-smuggling operation carried out in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.


Customs Area Controller of the Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, disclosed that the seizure was made on Sunday, March 15, 2026, during a joint enforcement operation targeting illicit drug trafficking through the nation’s busiest seaport.


According to Oshoba, the two containers contained a total of 3,398 cartons—equivalent to 339,800 bottles—of codeine-containing syrup carefully concealed inside shipments declared as household utensils.


He explained that one of the containers, with number MRKU 3816476, contained 1,700 cartons of the syrup hidden among 38 cartons of pearl-plating insulated casserole and bullet-insulated hotspots, while the second container, numbered TGBU 5399178, held 1,698 cartons concealed with 36 cartons of pearl-plating casserole.


The seized items, he said, have a combined Duty Paid Value of ₦3,398,000,000 and have been officially converted to seizure in line with provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
Oshoba described the interception as a clear demonstration of the Command’s commitment to the enforcement directives of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.


He noted that the seizure came barely five days after the Comptroller-General’s visit to Apapa Port, where he warned smugglers and criminal networks against using legitimate trade channels to traffic illicit substances.


“This fresh seizure, coming just five days after the CGC’s visit and strong warning to criminal elements, is a direct response to his charge on us,” Oshoba said.


He added that the Command remains fully aligned with the Service’s intelligence-led enforcement strategy and will continue to make Apapa Port hostile to smugglers and drug traffickers.


The Customs chief also commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for its seamless collaboration and operational support during the interception.


He reaffirmed that the Apapa Area Command would sustain efforts to protect public health, safeguard national security and ensure that only legitimate trade passes through the port, in line with the Customs Service’s renewed emphasis on technology-driven operations and zero tolerance for smuggling.


The seizure underscores the ongoing crackdown by the Nigeria Customs Service on the smuggling of controlled pharmaceutical products through the country’s ports.

1...424344...272Page 43 of 272