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CP OGUNLOWO ATTENDS 2026 ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY IN ABEOKUTA

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CP OGUNLOWO ATTENDS 2026 ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY IN ABEOKUTA

Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, Ph.D, on Wednesday joined the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony held at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Governor Abiodun was ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, at the ceremony held in honour of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.

Also in attendance were senior government officials, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, and representatives of the Nigerian Legion.

Highlights of the event included the laying of wreaths, prayers for the departed, and the ceremonial release of pigeons.

Jameson Lights Up Lagos with Eco-Friendly Christmas Installation

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Jameson Lights Up Lagos with Eco-Friendly Christmas Installation

Jameson Irish Whiskey, a brand under Pernod Ricard Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, creativity, and community engagement with the unveiling of an upcycled Christmas Tree installation at Ikeja City Mall in Lagos.

The installation, which officially marked the start of the brand’s “12 Days of Christmas” celebration, was constructed entirely from 2,500 recycled Jameson bottles, symbolising environmental responsibility and creative reuse during the festive season.

According to the company, the initiative was designed to demonstrate how culture, sustainability, and innovation can come together to promote more conscious forms of celebration.

From December 21, 2025, to January 1, 2026, visitors to the mall were treated to a variety of activities, including live music performances, cocktail demonstrations, candle-making workshops, karaoke sessions, a Christmas carol night, themed parties, craft-and-sip experiences, and a New Year’s Eve concert.

Speaking on the initiative, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Nigeria, Michael Ehindero, said the celebration reflects the company’s desire to create a unique festive experience that blends sustainability, creativity, and entertainment, while reinforcing its commitment to responsible drinking and community engagement.

He noted that the Jameson Christmas Tree experience goes beyond seasonal celebration, stressing the brand’s focus on connection and giving back to the community.

Mr Ehindero also commended the partnership with Ikeja City Mall, describing it as a platform to deliver an inclusive festive experience and create lasting memories for visitors.

The event was open to the public, with participants encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the hashtags #JamesonChristmasTree and #MustBeAJameson.

Pernod Ricard Nigeria is the local affiliate of the Pernod Ricard Group, a global wines and spirits company with a diverse portfolio of premium and luxury brands, including several of the world’s leading spirits labels.

LIRS Reaffirms Jan. 31 Deadline for Employers’ Annual Tax Returns

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LIRS Urges Taxpayers to File Annual Returns Before March 31 Deadline

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS, has reiterated January 31, 2026, as the deadline for all employers in the state to file their annual tax returns for the 2025 financial year.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Dr Ayodele Subair, reminded employers that the requirement is a statutory obligation under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, NTAA.

Dr Subair explained that employers are mandated to submit detailed returns on emoluments and other compensation paid to employees, as well as payments made to service providers, vendors, and consultants, and to ensure that all applicable taxes due for 2025 are fully remitted.

He stressed that the filing of annual returns is compulsory, warning that failure to comply will attract statutory sanctions, including administrative penalties, as provided for under the new tax law.

According to Section 14 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, employers are required to file comprehensive annual returns of all emoluments paid to employees, including taxes deducted and remitted to the relevant tax authorities, not later than January 31 of every year.

“Employers must prioritise the timely filing of their annual income tax returns. Compliance should be part of our everyday business practice,” Dr Subair said. “Early and accurate filing not only ensures adherence to the law, but also supports effective revenue tracking, which is vital to Lagos State’s fiscal planning and sustainability.”

The LIRS boss also reiterated that electronic filing through the LIRS eTax platform remains the only approved method for submitting annual returns, noting that manual submissions have been completely phased out in the state.

He said the move is aimed at simplifying and standardising tax administration processes, while making compliance easier for employers.

Employers are therefore required to submit their annual tax returns exclusively through the LIRS eTax portal.

Dr Subair described the eTax platform as secure, user-friendly, and accessible round the clock, adding that it provides a convenient and efficient means for organisations to meet their tax obligations.

He further advised employers to ensure that the Tax Identification Numbers (TaxID) of all employees are correctly captured during filing, warning that employees without a TaxID should generate one promptly to avoid delays or disruptions in the process.

Dangote Rewards Distributors with ₦15bn, Targets 90m-Tonne Cement Capacity

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Dangote Rewards Distributors with ₦15bn, Targets 90m-Tonne Cement Capacity

Dangote Cement Plc has rewarded its distributors and customers with gifts and cash valued at ₦15 billion in recognition of their loyalty and performance, while also announcing plans to expand its cement production capacity to 90 million tonnes.

The celebration took place at the company’s 2026 Distributors’ Awards Night held at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the theme “Partner for Growth.”

High-performing distributors were presented with cash prizes, containers of cement, luxury vehicles, and CNG-powered trucks.

Speaking at the event, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, described the distributors as the backbone of the organisation, commending their role in ensuring the company’s products reach communities across the country.

He said the awards were a reflection of the company’s commitment to partnership and growth, noting that the event signalled the beginning of its growth journey for 2026.

Mr Dangote also used the occasion to outline the group’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to transform Dangote Industries into a 100-billion-dollar enterprise by the year 2030 through industrial expansion, cross-border investments, and strengthening Africa’s self-sufficiency in energy, manufacturing and infrastructure.

According to him, Dangote Cement is targeting an expansion of its production capacity to approximately 90 million tonnes by 2030, stressing that the company’s ambitions go beyond factory construction to building Africa’s long-term industrial capacity.

He further disclosed that under the same vision, the group plans to expand its petroleum refinery from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, increase fertiliser production to 12 million metric tonnes annually, and scale up output at its polypropylene plant.

Mr Dangote also highlighted the launch of a ₦1 trillion education fund by the Aliko Dangote Foundation in December 2025, aimed at supporting over 1.3 million vulnerable Nigerian students, with emphasis on scholarships, science and technology education, technical and vocational training, and girls’ education.

Chairman of the Board of Dangote Cement Plc, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, in his first official appearance in that role, emphasised the importance of distributor partnerships in ensuring nationwide availability of the company’s products.

He announced that about ₦9 billion in cash was being distributed to partners at the event, with some recipients receiving multiple awards based on both volume and growth performance.

Mr Ikazoboh said the rewards also included CNG-powered trucks, luxury vehicles, and other incentives, noting that the company is investing in compressed natural gas logistics as part of its sustainability and efficiency drive, with a target to transition all trucks to CNG by the end of 2027.

He further revealed plans for a new two-line cement plant in Itori, Ogun State, with a capacity of six million metric tonnes per annum dedicated to exports, as well as expansion of the company’s grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire, reinforcing Dangote Cement’s pan-African growth strategy.

The Board Chairman praised distributors for their commitment and loyalty, describing them as central to the company’s success and reaffirming Dangote Cement’s commitment to supporting their businesses and long-term profitability.

Kaduna Customs Posts 35% Revenue Growth in Last Quarter of 2025

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Kaduna Customs Posts 35% Revenue Growth in Last Quarter of 2025

The Kaduna Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has announced a significant improvement in revenue performance, recording ₦14.68 billion in the last quarter of 2025.

The disclosure was made on Tuesday at a press briefing held at Kabala Doki in Kaduna State by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Sa’ad Hassan, who presented the Command’s operational scorecard for the period covering October to December 2025.

According to the Comptroller, the revenue figure represents a 35 per cent increase over the ₦10.86 billion generated during the same period in 2024, amounting to a growth difference of more than ₦3.8 billion.

Comptroller Hassan described the achievement as evidence of the diligence, professionalism, and commitment of officers and men of the Command, noting that the improved performance reflects Customs’ contribution to national economic growth.

A month-by-month breakdown of the revenue showed that the Command generated ₦5.16 billion in October, ₦3.83 billion in November, and ₦5.68 billion in December.

He stated that the Command would continue to implement measures to enhance revenue collection through collaboration with other service units, sustained engagement with traders and host communities, and rigorous enforcement of compliance with government fiscal policies.

The Area Controller attributed the success recorded during the quarter to improved motivation from the Management of the Nigeria Customs Service, as well as the continuous deployment of intelligence and reconnaissance by monitoring and compliance teams.

He also commended the Customs Intelligence Unit, Valuation Unit, and Customs Police Unit for their cooperation and prompt actions, which he said contributed significantly to the Command’s achievements.

Comptroller Hassan noted that the performance aligns with the policy direction of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose leadership is driven by the principles of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation.

In his concluding remarks, he appealed to factories, terminal operators, and traders to ensure the timely payment of excise duties, import duties, and other statutory charges, assuring stakeholders of the Command’s continued commitment to its mandate as provided in the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The briefing ended with appreciation to the management of the Nigeria Customs Service and critical stakeholders for their support and collaboration in advancing the objectives of the Kaduna Area Command.

LSSTF Boosts Eko Strike Force with Operational Vehicles

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LSSTF Boosts Eko Strike Force with Operational Vehicles

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, has strengthened the operational capacity of the Eko Strike Force of the Lagos State Police Command with the provision of new operational vehicles.

The vehicles were presented by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, at a brief ceremony in Lagos.

Dr. Ogunsan said the intervention was aimed at enhancing the reach, responsiveness, and effectiveness of the Eko Strike Force in tackling crime and maintaining public safety across the state.

According to him, the donation forms part of LSSTF’s ongoing efforts to support security agencies with critical logistics and equipment required for improved policing and rapid response to security threats.

In his response, CP Jimoh commended the Lagos State Security Trust Fund for its consistent support to the Police and other security agencies in the state, describing the gesture as timely and strategic in strengthening operational efficiency.

Senior police officers present at the presentation included DCP Shina Lawal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations); CSP Adekunle Salako, Commander of the Eko Strike Force; CSP Shittu Alaka, Administration Operations; SP Oyebade Robert, Officer in Charge of Transport; and ASP Adeoye Olufemi, Staff Officer to the Police Public Relations Officer.

The LSSTF leadership team at the event included Mr. Adegbola Lewis, Administrative Director of the Fund, alongside other officials.

In a related development, the LSSTF also donated batteries to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command as part of its broader support for operational logistics. The presentation was received by ASP Kashim Ebikwo of the RRS.

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund reiterated its commitment to strengthening security architecture in the state through sustained partnerships, equipment support, and strategic interventions aimed at ensuring the safety of lives and property across Lagos.

LASEPA Reviews 2025 Operations, Unveils 2026 Environmental Agenda

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LASEPA Reviews 2025 Operations, Unveils 2026 Environmental Agenda

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, has reviewed its performance for 2025 and outlined key priorities for 2026, as it intensifies efforts to strengthen environmental regulation, enforcement, and public health protection across the state.

The General Manager of the agency, Mr. Babajide Ajayi, disclosed this at LASEPA’s Annual Performance Appraisal and Media Parley, where he said the agency recorded notable progress through a combination of advocacy and firm regulatory actions.

According to Ajayi, LASEPA’s Enforcement Department reviewed 244 enforcement cases across Lagos during the period under review. He explained that enforcement activities were deliberately expanded beyond traditional industrial areas to include religious centres, hospitality facilities, warehouses, markets, and hotels, in a bid to drive behavioural change among residents and businesses.

He further revealed that the agency led a joint monitoring and abatement exercise at the Ojota Chemical Market, in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Taskforce on Environmental Protection.

The unscheduled inspection, he said, was aimed at assessing compliance with safety regulations, warning operators against violations, and laying the groundwork for the establishment of a chemical registry system for markets dealing in hazardous substances.

“At the centre of our work is the protection of public health,” Ajayi said. “Whether pollution is from noise, chemicals or water, our goal is to ensure the safety of lives and livelihoods of Lagosians.”

The General Manager disclosed that LASEPA received 8,437 public complaints during the review period, with about 3,300 linked to noise pollution, making it one of the most reported environmental infractions in the state.

On inter-agency collaboration, Ajayi said LASEPA worked with the Lagos State Ministry of Health to conduct water quality testing in government-owned health facilities, adding that the findings from the exercise had contributed significantly to environmental health policy development.

He also announced that the agency secured a $2,000 grant from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, UNIDO, which supported its cholera response and environmental health interventions.

Outlining the agency’s agenda for 2026, Ajayi said LASEPA would intensify collaboration with neighbouring states, including Ogun State, to address cross-border environmental challenges. Other priorities, he said, include the publication of environmental data and imagery to improve public communication, as well as the strengthening of regulations and enforcement mechanisms to boost compliance.

He reaffirmed LASEPA’s commitment to safeguarding the environment while promoting public health and sustainable development in Lagos State.

UNILAG Names Best Graduates as 16,506 Set for 56th Convocation

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UNILAG MANAGEMENT INSISTS EXAMINATIONS WILL CONTINUE AMID ASUU DISPUTE

The University of Lagos, UNILAG, has announced Chukwuzubelu Benedict Umeozor of the Department of Business Administration as its overall best graduating student for the 2025/2026 academic session, after he emerged with a perfect CGPA of 5.0.

Also honoured as the best graduating student in the Sciences is Deborah Isiuwa Oloton of the Department of Architecture, who recorded a CGPA of 4.91.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, stated this at a pre-convocation press conference held at the Senate Chamber, ahead of the University’s 56th Convocation Ceremonies.

According to her, the University will graduate a total of 16,506 students, comprising 10,584 undergraduates and 5,922 postgraduate students, with 140 graduands from the University of Lagos Business School.

Professor Ogunsola also announced the winners of this year’s doctoral research awards. The overall best Ph.D. thesis was won by Haruna Egbunu Abubakar in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Structures option), while the best Ph.D. thesis in the Humanities went to Beatrice Paul Zuhumnen in Educational Psychology. The best DBA thesis from the UNILAG Business School was awarded to Oyeyemi Idowu Adebamowo.

She explained that convocation activities will begin on Friday, January 16, 2026, with a Jumaat Service at the University Central Mosque, and continue on Monday, January 19, with the unveiling of the UNILAG Multimedia Library Studio, a facility funded through a World Bank Centre of Excellence project to enhance digital documentation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. An exhibition of staff and student innovations will also hold the same day.

The Convocation Lecture, titled “Maximizing Nigeria’s Demographic Dividend through Urgent Education Reform for Global Competitiveness in the 21st Century,” will be delivered by Mr. Orondaam Otto, founder of Slum2School Africa, at the J.F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium, and will be chaired by Professor Rahamon A. Bello, former Vice-Chancellor of the University.

Undergraduate degrees will be conferred on January 20 and 21, covering students from Arts, Architecture, Communication and Media Studies, Creative Arts, Education, Environmental Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical and Earth Sciences, Computing and Informatics, Social Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Law, Management Sciences, Pharmacy, and the Distance Learning Institute.

Postgraduate diplomas, master’s and doctoral degrees will be awarded on Thursday, January 22, alongside honours for distinguished scholars.

Two retired academics, Professor James Dele Olowokudejo and Professor Duro Oni, will be named Emeritus Professors, while Professor Akinsanya Olayide Osibogun will be conferred with the title of Distinguished Professor. Gold Medals will also be presented to Professor Ayoka Mopelola Olusakin and Dr. (Mrs.) Taiwo Folasade Ipaye for their sustained service to the University.

The University will further honour two prominent Nigerians: Mr. Jubril Adewale Tinubu, who will receive a Doctor of Business degree, and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Barrister Kanu Godwin Agabi, who will be awarded a Doctor of Laws degree.

Professor Ogunsola noted that the ceremonies will continue with a long-service awards ceremony and a convocation play, Ola Rotimi’s “Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi”, on January 23, and will conclude with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, January 25, at the Chapel of Christ Our Light.

She also highlighted the University’s recent achievements, announcing that UNILAG retained its number one position in Nigeria (alongside the University of Ibadan) in the 2026 Times Higher Education Rankings, placing in the 801–1000 band globally out of 2,191 institutions. According to her, the ranking showed UNILAG as first in research quality and industry income in Nigeria.

In addition, the University emerged as the winner of the Most International African Institution (West Africa) 2025, an award presented by the International Education (TINE) at its Africa Summit for its impact in advancing international education opportunities.

The Vice-Chancellor thanked Senate members, staff, alumni, partners, and stakeholders for their continued support, reaffirming the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, researc,h and community service.

Lagos Begins E-Registration, Payment for 2026 UBE by CAS, Placement Test

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Lagos Begins E-Registration, Payment for 2026 UBE by CAS, Placement Test

The Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of electronic registration and payment for the 2026 Universal Basic Education by Continuous Assessment Scores, UBE by CAS, and Placement Test for pupils transitioning from primary to junior secondary school.

The exercise, being coordinated by the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education through the Lagos State Examinations Board, is scheduled to run from Monday, January 26 to Thursday, April 30, 2026.

This was contained in a circular signed by Mr. Orunsolu Adebayo, the Registrar of the Examinations Board, and addressed to parents and guardians, head teachers, as well as proprietors and proprietresses of primary schools across the state.

According to the circular, only Primary Six pupils in public primary schools and approved private primary schools are eligible to participate in the registration for placement into Junior Secondary School (JSS).

Mr. Orunsolu explained that public primary schools are to download the Offline Data Capturing Application from the Board’s website at https://examsboard.lagosstate.gov.ng for registration, while approved private primary schools are required to access the Board’s portal via https://pay.examboard.com.ng to complete payment and registration.

He further stated that registration for pupils in public primary schools is free, while candidates from approved private primary schools are to pay a ₦5,000 fee per pupil through the Lagos State Central Billing System (CBS).

The Registrar also emphasised the mandatory use of the newly issued School Code for the registration process, noting that no school would be able to complete registration without it.

He urged the management of both public and private primary schools to adhere strictly to the stipulated timeline and ensure that parents and guardians are adequately informed of the requirements.

Mr. Orunsolu assured all stakeholders that the Board had put in place measures to ensure a seamless and efficient registration process, reiterating the government’s commitment to quality basic education and its determination to ensure that no eligible child is left out of the placement exercise.

CAPPA Condemns Arrest, Detention of AAU Students Over Anti-Kidnapping Protest

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CAPPA Condemns Police Crackdown on Lagos Demolition Protest

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, has condemned the arrest and detention of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, Edo State, over a protest against rising kidnapping incidents in the area.

In a statement on Tuesday, CAPPA described the remand of the students at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre on charges of malicious damage and robbery as unjust and misplaced, accusing the Edo State Government and the Nigeria Police Force of targeting victims instead of addressing worsening insecurity.

The students were arrested during a midnight raid on hostels around 3 a.m. on Sunday, with armed officers reportedly dragging students from their rooms. CAPPA noted that some of those arrested were not involved in the protest and were taken away in their sleepwear.

The protest, held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, followed repeated kidnappings near student hostels and campus routes in Ekpoma. CAPPA noted that another abduction was reportedly captured on CCTV shortly after the protest, underscoring the security concerns raised by the students.

Reacting, CAPPA said the state’s response reflected a failure of governance.

“Instead of confronting kidnappers who operate with impunity, the government has turned its force against students who demanded safety,” the organisation stated.

Assistant Executive Director of CAPPA, Zikora Ibeh, stressed that peaceful protest is a constitutional right.

“These students are victims twice over, first of insecurity and then of state repression. Arresting them only deepens fear, disrupts learning, and worsens the mental and physical safety of young people, especially female students,” she said.

CAPPA warned that criminalising protest while insecurity persists would further erode public trust and social stability.

The organisation called for the immediate release of the detained students, an independent investigation into the arrests, and urgent action by the Edo State Government to tackle kidnapping through improved security oversight and community engagement.

“Jailing students will not stop kidnappings,” CAPPA said. “Only genuine commitment to public safety will.”

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