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Lagos First Lady to Flag Off Measles-Rubella, Routine immunization.

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Lagos First Lady to Flag Off Measles-Rubella, Routine immunization.

Lagos State is set to commence a statewide Measles–Rubella, MR, and Routine Immunisation, RI, campaign aimed at protecting children and adolescents against vaccine-preventable diseases.

This is as the First Lady of the state, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, is scheduled to officially flag off the exercise on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

The week-long campaign, which will run until Wednesday, February 5, 2026, will be implemented across all Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in the state.

It is part of an integrated public health intervention aligned with national and global immunisation goals to reduce childhood illnesses and mortality.

Measles remains a major cause of vaccine-preventable diseases among children, while rubella infection, particularly during pregnancy, can result in congenital rubella syndrome with serious consequences such as heart defects, cataracts, hearing impairment and developmental delays in infants.

Speaking on the importance of the campaign, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, described routine immunisation as a proven and cost-effective intervention for preventing diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, whooping cough, diphtheria, cervical cancer and others.

He noted that the integrated immunisation campaign is a critical step towards safeguarding public health in the state, stressing that Lagos is committed to reaching every eligible child and adolescent regardless of location or socio-economic status.

According to him, all vaccines to be administered during the campaign are safe, effective and provided free of charge.

Dr. Mustafa further explained that sustained immunisation efforts play a significant role in reducing child morbidity and mortality, improving school attendance and promoting long-term economic and social development.

He urged parents, guardians, community and religious leaders, as well as school authorities, to support the campaign by ensuring that eligible children and adolescents are vaccinated.

The campaign will be implemented with the support of key development partners, including the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund and other immunisation partners.

These collaborations are expected to strengthen vaccine delivery, cold chain management, health worker training and community engagement across the state.

Vaccination services will be provided at primary health care facilities, schools, religious centres and temporary vaccination posts to ensure that hard-to-reach and underserved populations are adequately covered.

All vaccinations will be administered by trained health personnel in line with national and international safety standards.

Residents have been encouraged to visit the nearest primary health care centre or designated vaccination post within their communities during the campaign period, as Lagos State continues its drive towards building a healthier, safer and more resilient population through effective immunisation.

Sanwo-Olu Approves Recruitment of 150 Additional Firefighters

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Sanwo-Olu Approves Recruitment of 150 Additional Firefighters

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the recruitment of an additional 150 firefighters into the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

This is part of efforts to strengthen emergency response and enhance public safety across the state.

The approval was disclosed by the Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, during the flag-off of the LSFRS Squad 23 training exercise in Ikeja, Lagos.

Adeseye said the latest recruitment reflects the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to building a resilient, well-equipped and professionally trained fire and rescue service capable of responding effectively to emergencies.

She noted that the recruitment follows earlier engagements under the current administration, including the enlistment of 100 firefighters in 2020, shortly before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, to boost frontline emergency response.

According to her, the state recorded its highest-ever recruitment into the fire service in 2022 with the enlistment of 435 firefighters. Their Passing Out Parade formed part of the Lagos State Fire Service Golden Jubilee celebrations held in October 2022.

She added that the milestone event also featured the commissioning of 62 fire-fighting apparatuses, the unveiling of new fire stations at Ajegunle, Ebute Elefun and Oba Oniru in Lekki, as well as the commissioning of an ultra-modern headquarters at Alausa, Ikeja.

Adeseye further disclosed that the newly recruited 150 firefighters, who were employed in November 2025, have commenced intensive training at the upgraded Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Fire Academy. She said they are currently undergoing the Professional Basic Firefighting Competency and Short Service Course to prepare them for operational duties in line with global best practices.

She assured that the Lagos State Government remains committed to continuous investment in human capacity development, modern infrastructure and operational equipment to ensure the safety of lives, property and the environment across the state.

Ogun Police Arrest 14 Suspects, Recover Firearms, Vehicles in Midnight Operation

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Ogun Police Dismiss Curfew Rumours, Assure Residents of Safety

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 14 suspects during a midnight operation across the Isara, Ipara and Ode axis of the state as part of ongoing efforts to curb cultism, unlawful assembly and threats to public peace.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of January 24, 2026, led to the recovery of three locally made pistols, 11 live cartridges, four rounds of 9mm Beretta ammunition and nine vehicles of various brands, some without registration plates and others bearing unauthorised dealer plates.

According to the police, actionable intelligence revealed that suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity had converged at a bush location in Ipara-Remo, Ogun State, allegedly to initiate new members and plan activities capable of breaching public peace.

Acting on the intelligence at about 1:20 a.m., a joint team of operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, with support from personnel of the Ipara and Isara Police Divisions, conducted a coordinated sweep of the area, resulting in the arrest of the suspects.

Those arrested include Solomon Shobamiwo, also known as Solo Hot; Farooq Ogunsola; Toheeb Abolade; Balogun Williams; Ayodele Abdulkareem; Adedapo Ogunsanya; Toheeb Saka; Akpan Dara; Michael Olakemi; Habeeb Olayinka; Dapo Adeola; Adetunji Adeyemi; and Henry Kingsley, all males, as well as Nanso Blessing, a female.

Other items recovered during the operation include criminal charms, confraternity caps, a drum allegedly used for cult initiation, 19 mobile phones and a Samsung mini laptop.

The Police Command said investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. It added that intelligence-led patrols and sweep operations have been intensified in the area to apprehend other fleeing suspects and ensure sustained peace and security.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Lanre Ogunlowo, Ph.D., condemned unlawful assembly, cult-related activities and all forms of criminal conduct in the state. He urged youths to renounce cultism and criminal associations.

The Commissioner assured residents that the Command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property across Ogun State.

He encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines, including the Gateway Shield toll-free line 0800 000 9111, and other emergency numbers provided by the Command.

Tinubu and Oyedepo Share ‘Do-It-Yourself’ Ideology, Says Bamidele Atoyebi

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Tinubu and Oyedepo Share ‘Do-It-Yourself’ Ideology, Says Bamidele Atoyebi

By Ademola Sanusi

Published by Blacktalker

Convener of the BAT Ideological Group, Hon. Bamidele Atoyebi has emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Bishop David Oyedepo are guided by remarkably similar principles.

Atoyebi highlighted that both men advocate a “do-it-yourself” philosophy, emphasize empowering others, prioritize service, and focus on building strong institutions, principles he says have sustained their long-term influence and effectiveness.

In the spiritual sphere, Oyedepo teaches members of Living Faith Church to read, understand, and apply Biblical teachings personally.

Church literature and programs are designed so that anyone who follows prescribed steps can achieve similar outcomes. Testimonies within the church demonstrate that consistent application of these principles produces measurable results.

In politics, Tinubu has applied the same approach through empowerment initiatives. As Lagos State Governor, he funded WAEC and JAMB exams to make education accessible to all.

At the federal level, programmes such as NELFUND and TIFET continue to train Nigerians, enabling self-sufficiency and equipping citizens to support others.

Service is another common principle. Oyedepo teaches that helping others multiplies personal benefits, while Tinubu has a history of supporting political allies to rise to leadership positions, including figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Muhammadu Buhari, and Yemi Osinbajo. Atoyebi said this approach reflects a strategic vision of collective advancement.

Both leaders also emphasize institutional strength, ensuring their respective ministries and political systems function effectively without constant personal oversight. According to Atoyebi, this protects the longevity of their work and sustains impact beyond their direct involvement.

Hon. Atoyebi concluded that understanding the shared ideology of “do it yourself, empower others, serve first, and build institutions” provides insight into the enduring influence of Tinubu and Oyedepo in Nigeria’s political and spiritual landscapes.

Rite Foods Reaffirms Commitment to Learning on International Day of Education

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Rite Foods Reiterates Commitment to Clean Energy

In commemoration of the International Day of Education, Rite Foods Limited, a leading Nigerian food and beverage company, has reiterated its commitment to advancing access to quality education and promoting sustainable learning outcomes in communities where it operates.

Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework, the company has been supporting pupils in public primary schools in underserved communities across Lagos and Ogun States. The initiative provided essential learning materials, including school bags and exercise books, to ease learning challenges and encourage academic engagement among students.

A notable feature of the programme was its focus on sustainability. The school bags distributed were made from recycled post-consumer packaging waste sourced from Rite Foods’ product portfolio, including Fearless Energy Drinks, Bigi Soft Drinks and Water, and sausage packaging.

The initiative also incorporated interactive learning sessions, educational activities, and practical demonstrations on recycling and environmental responsibility, equipping pupils with knowledge on sustainable practices.

Commenting on the initiative, Ekuma Eze, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods, said:

“Education is the foundation upon which sustainable societies are built. At Rite Foods, we remain committed to supporting learning initiatives that not only improve access to education but also inspire responsible citizenship and environmental consciousness.

Our approach goes beyond material support. It is about empowering young minds with the confidence, values, and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

The company’s outreach highlights how private-sector organisations can contribute meaningfully to education, environmental stewardship, and community development, reinforcing the role of corporate initiatives in national development.

As the global community observes the International Day of Education, Rite Foods Limited continues to champion programmes that combine learning, sustainability, and social impact to support the growth and development of young Nigerians.

IDE: Promasidor Reaffirms Commitment to Child Nutrition, Learning

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IDE: Promasidor Reaffirms Commitment to Child Nutrition, Learning

In celebration of this year’s International Day of Education, Promasidor Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting education and child nutrition across the country through ongoing initiatives.

The food and beverage company highlighted its efforts to enhance learning outcomes in schools by providing high-quality nutritional products, particularly through its ‘Ikun Milk Day’ programme, which delivers dairy products rich in essential nutrients to students.

Speaking on the occasion, Promasidor CEO Francois Gillet emphasized the link between nutrition and education, noting that proper nourishment is critical for children to reach their full potential.

He said the company’s dairy products are fortified with calcium, vitamins, and essential minerals, supporting bone development, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

“Improved nutrition directly contributes to better educational outcomes and long-term societal growth,” Gillet said, underscoring the company’s philosophy in product development and social impact initiatives.

For nearly a decade, Promasidor has also empowered secondary school students through its flagship career guidance programme, “Harness Your Dream,” targeting Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3) students at a crucial stage in their academic journey. The initiative equips young Nigerians with the knowledge needed to pursue sustainable and fulfilling career paths.

The company’s longstanding investment in mathematics education continues through the ‘Cowbellpedia TV Quiz Show,’ themed ‘Mega Minds’ in 2025.

The programme now covers STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and offers a larger prize pool of up to ₦100 million, including cash rewards, laptops, educational equipment, and products. Top winners also enjoyed an all-expenses-paid educational excursion to South Africa.

These initiatives demonstrate Promasidor’s commitment to leveraging private-sector resources to strengthen educational standards in Nigeria.

With a portfolio of brands including Cowbell, Loya Milk, Miksi, Top Tea, Onga Seasoning, Twisco, and Kremela, Promasidor continues to connect with consumers while contributing meaningfully to education and child development across the country.

CAPPA Urges Lawmakers to Prioritise Public Health in Proposed SSB Tax Review

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CAPPA Urges Lawmakers to Prioritise Public Health in Proposed SSB Tax Review

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, has urged the National Assembly to strengthen Nigeria’s excise duty on sugar-sweetened beverages, SSBs, warning that weak taxation continues to worsen the country’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases.

The advocacy group made the call following a public hearing held by the Senate Joint Committee on Finance, Customs and Excise in Abuja, where lawmakers considered a bill seeking to amend the existing excise duty framework for non-alcoholic, carbonated, and sugar-sweetened beverages.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, proposes replacing the current fixed N10 per litre excise duty with a levy based on a percentage of the retail price, while also providing for the earmarking of part of the revenue for health promotion and disease prevention programmes.

CAPPA noted that the proposed amendment represents a critical opportunity to align Nigeria’s fiscal policies with public health priorities, particularly as the country grapples with a rising prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses.

Speaking at the hearing, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, described the bill as more than a revenue-generating measure, noting that it is designed to redirect part of existing excise proceeds toward strengthening health infrastructure and improving the wellbeing of Nigerians.

According to CAPPA, Nigeria’s current SSB excise duty, introduced through the 2021 Finance Act, has become ineffective due to inflation and rising retail prices. The group observed that while the cost of sugary drinks has increased significantly over the years, the N10 per litre levy has remained unchanged, reducing its impact on consumption patterns and public health outcomes.

CAPPA further cited data showing that non-communicable diseases now account for nearly 30 per cent of annual deaths in Nigeria, with approximately 30,000 diabetes-related deaths recorded each year.

It added that treatment costs for diet-related illnesses continue to place severe financial pressure on households and the country’s underfunded health system.

The group also expressed concern over Nigeria’s low health-sector funding, which remains below five per cent of the national budget, despite increasing disease burdens and declining donor support.

While industry stakeholders have raised concerns that a higher SSB tax could lead to job losses and increased production costs, CAPPA argued that international evidence from countries such as South Africa, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines shows that such taxes can reduce consumption without significant economic disruption.

The organisation called on lawmakers to resist industry pressure and adopt an evidence-based excise structure that prioritises public health, noting that effective SSB taxation could reduce healthcare costs while encouraging manufacturers to reformulate products and invest in healthier alternatives.

The National Assembly is expected to continue deliberations on the bill in the coming months.

Waka Community, Q-Life, HEI Announce Wakathon in Honour of Dr. Ade Alakija

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Waka Community, Q-Life, HEI Announce Wakathon in Honour of Dr. Ade Alakija

Waka Community International Foundation, Q-Life and Health and Education Initiative, HEI have announced plans to host a Wakathon on March 28, 2026, in Lagos, in honour of renowned medical practitioner and philanthropist, Dr. Ade Alakija.

The event, described by the organisers as the biggest walking event in the world, is scheduled to hold in Lagos, Africa’s largest city, and is aimed at promoting healthy living, community engagement, and preventive healthcare through physical activity.

According to the organisers, the Wakathon will commence at 7:00 a.m. at the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase One, and will feature a non-competitive 10-kilometre walk designed to encourage participation across age groups and fitness levels.

They noted that the walk is not a race but a fun and inclusive exercise intended to foster wellness and social interaction among participants.

As part of the event, participants will receive free T-shirts, medical checks, and light refreshments. The organisers also disclosed that a DJ will provide music along the walking route, while Pocari Sweat Nigeria will provide hydration points to support participants throughout the walk.

Q-Life and HEI explained that the Wakathon forms part of their broader efforts to raise awareness about healthy lifestyles and the importance of regular physical activity, while also celebrating individuals who have contributed significantly to health and humanitarian causes.

They added that the 2026 edition is expected to attract a large turnout, further reinforcing Lagos’ growing profile as a hub for large-scale wellness and community-focused events.

Nigeria Police Strengthen Community Engagement with Lagos Command Band Launch

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Nigeria Police Strengthen Community Engagement with Lagos Command Band Launch

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has described the launch of the Lagos State Police Band as a major step toward strengthening professionalism, discipline, and public engagement within the Nigeria Police Force.

Egbetokun made the remarks in Ikeja, Lagos, while officially commissioning the Lagos State Police Band, an initiative he said corrects a long-standing structural omission in one of the most strategic and highly visible police commands in the country.

According to the IGP, modern and effective policing goes beyond operational enforcement and must be supported by strong institutional structures that foster cohesion, pride, discipline, and positive public perception.

He noted that the Nigeria Police Band has consistently projected the image of the force positively at official, social, and international engagements, serving as a symbol of unity, professionalism, and national pride.

He assured that the Force leadership would intensify efforts to modernize the band through improved musical equipment and operational support, while charging officers of the newly commissioned band to uphold the highest standards of conduct and performance, noting that they represent the entire Nigeria Police Force.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for approving and personally commissioning the band, describing the development as a long-overdue institutional necessity rather than a luxury.

CP Jimoh noted that the absence of a police band within the Lagos State Command had remained a significant gap despite Lagos being the most complex and highly scrutinized police formation in the country.

He explained that the command operates under the pressure of a mega city characterized by intense economic activity, dense population, and high security demands.

According to him, the establishment of the Lagos State Police Band will enhance ceremonial duties, boost officers’ morale, improve public trust, and strengthen community policing through music and cultural engagement.

He added that the initiative would also reduce the command’s reliance on the Police College, Ikeja, which is currently heavily engaged in continuous recruit training.

Delivering goodwill messages on behalf of the Lagos State Government, the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, conveyed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s support for initiatives aimed at strengthening security and deepening trust between the police and the public.

The Governor noted that policing in Lagos must go beyond enforcement to include empathy, connection, and sustained community engagement.

The event also featured remarks from the First Female Director of Music of the Nigeria Police Band, Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCO Favor U. Chinonyerem, who described the commissioning as a proud moment in the history of the force and reaffirmed the band’s role in promoting unity and positive police-community relations.

Dignitaries in attendance included members of the Lagos State Executive Council, senior judicial officers, traditional rulers, security stakeholders, and community leaders, all of whom commended the initiative as a strategic step toward humane and people-centered policing.

The ceremony concluded with the formal declaration of the Lagos State Police Band for operational use, reinforcing the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to institutional growth and stronger community relations.

LASWA Concludes 5-Day Water Hyacinth Recycling Training for Women, Youths in Epe

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LASWA Felicitates Waterways Users on Eid-el-Adha, Emphasises Safety Compliance

The Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, has successfully concluded a five-day Water Hyacinth Recycling Training Programme for women and youths in Eredo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Epe, Lagos State.

The training, organised in partnership with social enterprise Mitimeth, was held from January 19 to 23, 2026, and empowered 50 participants with practical skills in recycling water hyacinth into innovative and marketable products.

Designed to promote environmental sustainability and economic empowerment, the programme equipped participants with hands-on knowledge in harvesting, processing, and recycling the invasive aquatic plant. Sessions were also conducted on safety practices, entrepreneurship, and sustainable environmental management.

Speaking on the initiative, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said the programme reflects LASWA’s commitment to innovative solutions that enhance waterway safety, protect ecosystems, and improve livelihoods in riverine communities.

According to him, transforming water hyacinth from an environmental challenge into an income-generating resource aligns with Lagos State’s vision for sustainability, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.

Mitimeth, which facilitated the training, provided practical demonstrations and mentorship throughout the programme, enabling participants to immediately apply their newly acquired skills. At the end of the training, participants showcased various recycled products and expressed plans to form cooperatives and micro-enterprises.

The Executive Chairman of Eredo LCDA, Hon. Monsuru Akinloye, commended LASWA for bringing the initiative to the community, noting that it would help address the persistent challenge of water hyacinth while empowering women and youths with valuable vocational skills.

LASWA disclosed that over 450 women and young people have benefited from similar trainings across Lagos State’s riverine areas, adding that plans are underway to scale up the initiative to other communities.

The Lagos State Waterways Authority is responsible for the regulation, management, and development of the state’s inland waterways, with a focus on safe navigation, environmental protection, and economic development.

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