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Makoko Demolitions: CSOs Condemn LASG Over Deaths, Forced Evictions, Youth Leader’s Arrest

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Makoko Demolitions: CSOs Condemn LASG Over Deaths, Forced Evictions, Youth Leader’s Arrest

Civil society organisations have strongly condemned the Lagos State Government over ongoing demolitions in the Makoko waterfront community, alleging deaths, mass displacement, and the arrest of a community youth leader.

These CSOs are the Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE) Nigeria, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the groups described the demolitions as a “brutal and unconstitutional exercise” that has reportedly led to the death of two babies and an adult, the destruction of thousands of homes, and the displacement of over 10,000 residents.

They accused the state government of exhibiting a pattern of disregard for the rights to life, housing, and dignity of marginalised communities, particularly waterfront residents who, according to them, have endured years of neglect.

The organisations also raised concerns over the arrest of a Makoko youth leader, Mr. Oluwatobi Aide, popularly known as Woli.

According to the statement, Aide was arrested on Monday, January 12, 2026, after appealing to demolition officials to grant residents time to retrieve their belongings when the exercise allegedly extended beyond the initially announced demolition corridor.

Aide was reportedly first taken to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) office in Alausa before being transferred to Area F Police Station in Ikeja. The groups said his health has deteriorated in detention, having earlier been tear-gassed during the demolitions and hospitalised.

Condemning the exercise, Director of HOMEF, Nnimmo Bassey, described the demolitions as “violent attacks on vulnerable populations,” accusing the state of treating waterfront residents as expendable in pursuit of elite interests and land speculation.

“This state campaign of land-grabbing and displacement is repugnant and must be halted,” Bassey said, likening the experience of Makoko residents to the insecurity faced by victims of banditry in other parts of the country.

The groups stated that since January 5, 2026, armed security personnel, demolition teams, and bulldozers have repeatedly invaded Makoko, a historic fishing community on the Lagos Lagoon with an estimated population of over 100,000 people.

They alleged that homes were burnt or demolished with little or no notice, sometimes while residents were still inside.

They further claimed that tear gas was deployed against women, children, and the elderly, resulting in injuries and hospitalisations. Among those reportedly killed are a 70-year-old woman, Ms. Albertine Ojadikluno, and a five-day-old baby, Epiphany Kpenassou Adingban.

According to the statement, more than 3,000 houses, five schools, two clinics, and several places of worship have been destroyed. Many displaced residents are now reportedly sleeping in boats, churches, school buildings, or in the open, exposing them to severe health and safety risks.

Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the demolitions contradict earlier assurances by the Lagos State Ministry of Urban Development that the exercise would be limited to structures within 50 metres of power lines.

“Demolitions have since extended to areas without power lines, reinforcing fears that the real intention is the wholesale clearance of the Makoko community,” Oluwafemi said.

CEE-HOPE Executive Director, Betty Abah, noted that Makoko’s situation mirrors similar demolitions carried out in communities such as Oko-Baba, Ayetoro, Otumara, Baba-Ijora, Oworonshoki, and Precious Seeds, among others, often without notice, consultation, or resettlement plans.

The organisations described the demolitions as violations of Section 44 of the Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and international standards on forced evictions.

They demanded an immediate halt to demolitions, the unconditional release of Aide and other detained residents, an independent investigation into reported deaths and human rights abuses, and adequate compensation and resettlement for affected residents.

The groups warned that pursuing urban development through forced evictions would worsen Lagos’ housing deficit and undermine social stability, urging the state government to adopt inclusive, rights-based, and humane development approaches.

Emmanuel Advocates Integrated Data, Payment Systems for Transport Synergy

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Emmanuel Advocates Integrated Data, Payment Systems for Transport Synergy

Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, has called for integrated data-sharing and payment platforms to enhance synergy across Lagos State’s multimodal transportation system.

Mr. Emmanuel made the call while speaking on a panel at the maiden Lagos State and Federal Parastatals Summit, organised by the Parastatals Monitoring Office, with the theme “Enhancing Efficiency, Accountability and Strategic Governance Across Lagos State and Federal Parastatals.”

According to him, cross-pollination of data and a unified payment system across various modes of transportation would significantly improve coordination, efficiency, and service delivery within the state.

“There is already cross-pollination of data where payment systems cut across different modes, and that helps synergy within the state. Having a unified platform, whether for payments or data sharing, will further strengthen collaboration across all modes of transportation,” he said.

Mr. Emmanuel also stressed the importance of access and connectivity, particularly within the waterways transportation system. He explained that seamless first-mile and last-mile connectivity remains critical to maximising the benefits of water transport.

“After disembarking from boats, passengers still need to get to their final destinations. Access to jetties must be improved, with multiple road connections and alternative transport options available. This direct access is key to achieving true intermodal synergy,” he noted.

Sterling Bank Leads Nationwide Cleanup, Beach Adoption Drive

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Sterling Bank Leads Nationwide Cleanup, Beach Adoption Drive

Sterling One Foundation and its partner have strengthened climate action efforts across Nigeria through a nationwide Environmental Cleanup and Beach Adoption exercise held on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

These partners include Sterling Bank, Sunbeth, government agencies and community volunteers.

The initiative, aligned with the United Nations Decade of Action, took place across 17 states, including Wuse Market in Abuja, Alpha Beach in Lagos, and communities in 15 other states. It underscored the importance of sustained, community-driven action in tackling plastic and waste pollution while restoring environmental health nationwide.

Speaking on the Abuja cleanup, Tunde Akande, Business Executive, Institutional Banking, Sterling Bank, Abuja, emphasised the role of local participation in environmental sustainability.

“Maintaining a clean and safe city depends heavily on sustained local participation. The effort in Abuja, where residents and institutions work hand-in-hand, truly embodies communal responsibility and environmental pride,” Akande said.

Also speaking, the Director of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Engr. Braimah Osilama, represented by Omenta Rachael Chinenye, Head, Community Sanitation and Education, Environmental Health and Safety Department, described the initiative as critical to long-term environmental progress.

“This partnership-driven initiative is vital for lasting environmental change. Continuous education, community engagement, and strong institutional support remain essential,” she said, while commending the dedication of volunteers.

At the Lagos beach cleanup, Akporee Idenedo, Divisional Head, Commercial Banking, Sterling Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

“The collective energy from residents and stakeholders is inspiring. Sterling Bank remains committed to initiatives that protect public spaces and improve quality of life. Our Sterling Environmental Makeover (STEM) programme has thrived for over a decade, and environmental sustainability remains a priority for us,” he stated.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, described the exercise as a demonstration of collective national responsibility.

“This nationwide effort shows what Nigerians can achieve when united by purpose. Every act of service contributes to a cleaner, healthier future. We remain committed to deepening environmental awareness, strengthening partnerships, and inspiring sustained action,” Ibekwe said.

Across all participating locations, volunteers collected plastic waste, cleared debris, and engaged in awareness sessions on recycling, waste sorting, and responsible disposal, reinforcing the call for continuous action to protect Nigeria’s environment.

Lagos Fire Service Records Major Gains as Adeseye Charts 2026 Preparedness Agenda

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Lagos Fire Service Records Major Gains as Adeseye Charts 2026 Preparedness Agenda

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LSFRS has reaffirmed its commitment to effective emergency response, preparedness, and people-centred service delivery.

Controller-General of LSFRS, Mrs. Margaret Abimbola Adeseye, stated this at the 2026 Annual Staff Engagement held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa with the theme: “People, Preparedness and Service Delivery”.

Adeseye described the engagement as a critical platform for reflection, capacity building, and strategic alignment in addressing Lagos’ growing fire safety and disaster management needs.

She emphasised that personnel remain the Service’s greatest asset, noting that operational readiness and quality service delivery are central to protecting lives and property across the state.

The Controller-General commended the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration for its sustained support, particularly the signing of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Bill into law, which she said has strengthened the Service’s legal framework and operational efficiency.

Presenting highlights of the Service’s 2025 performance, Adeseye disclosed that LSFRS responded to 2,617 emergency calls, including 1,685 fire incidents, rescuing 473 victims alive while recovering 133 fatalities. 

She noted that assets valued at ₦118.32 billion were saved, compared to losses of ₦19.72 billion, reflecting a 6:1 rescue-to-loss ratio.

In the area of fire prevention, the Service inspected 8,791 facilities, issued 7,997 safety certificates, and carried out 390 community engagements, including media appearances, public sensitisation campaigns, and school outreach programmes.

On personnel development, the Controller-General revealed that the Service currently has 929 personnel, with 150 new recruits and 105 promotions recorded in 2025, noting that there were zero dismissals during the period.

She also highlighted ongoing infrastructure expansion, including the operation of 22 fire stations across 20 local government areas, with four additional stations and an ultra-modern workshop under construction.

Despite these achievements, Adeseye acknowledged challenges such as false emergency calls, inadequate water supply, communication gaps, and restricted access to emergency scenes, assuring that strategic measures are being implemented to address them.

She urged officers to remain committed, proactive, and professional in building a safer and more resilient Lagos State.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Tunde Ogundeko emphasized the importance of collaboration, accountability, and performance-driven service within the Fire and Rescue Service. He highlighted the need for strong institutional systems that support staff welfare, continuous training, and effective performance measurement.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas, said the engagement was aimed at fostering collaboration and ensuring the welfare and well-being of officers. She stressed the importance of proper motivation and performance measurement in the public service.

Mrs. Dapo-Thomas explained that the Lagos State Public Service operates a structured staff performance appraisal system, using established tools to assess officers’ performance as satisfactory or otherwise.

She noted that committed and outstanding officers are rewarded, while those who fall short of expected standards are sanctioned in line with civil service rules. She cited recent recognitions such as the Outstanding Officer Awards as evidence of the state government’s commitment to rewarding excellence.

Addressing concerns about staff shortages, the chairman said the government responds promptly to workforce gaps caused by retirement or resignation, noting that the state recently carried out the strategic employment of 50 new firefighters to strengthen the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

She commended the bravery of fire officers, describing them as gallant men and women who run towards danger when others run away. She urged them to remain passionate and compassionate in the discharge of their duties, assuring them that their sacrifices would continue to be recognised and rewarded.

Wema Bank Upgrades ALAT App with Voice Banking, Tap-and-Pay Features

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blacktalker
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Wema Bank Upgrades ALAT App with Voice Banking, Tap-and-Pay Features

Wema Bank has launched an upgraded version of its flagship digital banking platform, ALAT by Wema.

With this new upgrade, the Bank is introducing innovative features such as voice banking, contactless payments, and uptime prediction to enhance customer experience.

Tagged “ALAT: The Evolution,” the upgrade marks a new phase in the bank’s digital transformation journey. Key features include SAW (Speak to ALAT by Wema), a voice-banking function that allows users to perform transactions using natural voice commands; Tap and Pay for fast, secure contactless payments; and uptime prediction, designed to improve service reliability and transparency.

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Mr. Moruf Oseni, described the upgrade as more than a routine update.

“ALAT: The Evolution reflects our commitment to redefining digital banking in Africa. It is smart, intelligent, and dependable, designed to genuinely improve how customers bank every day,” he said.

Oseni assured customers that migration is seamless, noting that existing users only need to update the app via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, while new users can onboard directly through the app.

Also commenting, the Chief Digital Officer of Wema Bank, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, said the upgrade focuses on delivering a more intuitive and adaptive banking experience.

“By integrating voice banking, contactless payments, and predictive reliability, we have built a platform that responds intelligently to customer needs and remains consistently available,” he said.

With the upgraded ALAT app, Wema Bank reinforces its position as a digital-first institution, delivering innovative, customer-centric solutions for Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

LASU to Host 11th International Conference of Community Psychology

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LASU Dominates National Kickboxing Championship with 19 Medals Haul

Lagos State University, LASU, is set to host the 11th International Conference of Community Psychology, ICCP 2026, from August 28 to September 7, 2026, bringing global scholars and practitioners to Lagos.

The Vice-Chancellor of LASU and Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, announced this on Monday during a press conference to create public awareness and mobilise partnerships for the event.

She explained that the conference would feature pre-conference activities from August 28 to 30, the main conference from September 1 to 4, and post-conference engagements from September 5 to 7.

Held under the theme “Gathering in the Motherland: Celebrating Ways of the Waters and Reconnecting to the Source,” ICCP 2026 will focus on community-centred psychological solutions rooted in indigenous knowledge and collective resilience.

Professor Olatunji-Bello said Lagos was selected for its status as Nigeria’s commercial and cultural hub, assuring international delegates of adequate security, logistics, and hospitality.

The conference will be hosted by LASU in partnership with the Nigerian Psychological Association and the Pan-African Psychology Union, with support from international professional bodies and universities.

She described ICCP 2026 as an opportunity for Africa to contribute meaningfully to global psychological research while boosting tourism, academic exchange, and economic activities in Lagos State.

Nigeria Customs Begins Implementation of SOP for Courier Companies Under DDP Regime

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Nigeria Customs Begins Implementation of SOP for Courier Companies Under DDP Regime

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has commenced the implementation of a new Standard Operating Procedure, SOP, to regulate courier companies operating under the Delivered Duty Paid, DDP, regime, as part of efforts to strengthen trade facilitation, compliance, and revenue assurance.

The newly introduced SOP provides a unified framework covering registration, manifest submission, declaration, valuation, clearance, delivery, and compliance monitoring for courier operators, in line with international best practices.

According to the NCS, the DDP initiative is anchored on established global and national legal instruments, including the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Incoterms 2020, the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards, the Revised Kyoto Convention, the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement, the NCS Courier Clearance Guidelines, and the Nigeria Postal Service Act 2023.

Under the new procedure, courier companies seeking to operate under the DDP regime are required to obtain a licence from the NCS Headquarters Licence and Permit Unit under the Tariff and Trade Department.

Applicants must submit mandatory documents such as Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration papers, valid courier licences, compliance bonds, and a formal application.

The SOP also mandates licensed courier operators to submit an Advance Electronic Manifest (AEM) at least 24 hours before shipment arrival, clearly indicating DDP as the applicable Incoterm.

The manifest must contain comprehensive shipment details, including Harmonised System (HS) codes, item descriptions, values, countries of origin, and consignee information, in line with the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards.

Furthermore, courier companies are required to act as declarants by filing Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) through the B’Odogwú platform. Declarations must reflect accurate FOB values and be supported by relevant documents such as invoices, airway bills, and packing lists.

All applicable customs duties, Value Added Tax (VAT), and other statutory levies must be fully paid through authorised NCS payment channels before clearance.

Risk-based cargo profiling will guide inspection processes, with physical examinations conducted where discrepancies or high-risk indicators are identified. Delivery of shipments to consignees will only be permitted after full customs clearance, while Proof of Delivery (POD) may be requested by the Service.

To ensure compliance, the NCS has introduced a robust monitoring framework, including periodic Post-Clearance Audits (PCA). These audits are designed to verify the accuracy of declarations, prevent revenue leakages, and ensure adherence to classification and valuation standards.

The Service warned that violations such as false declarations, non-payment of duties, or other operational misconduct will attract sanctions, including suspension or revocation of licences, seizure of goods, financial penalties with interest, and possible prosecution under the NCS Act, 2023.

Courier operators are also required to submit monthly reports detailing DDP shipments, duty payments, classification data, and delivery records to relevant Area Commands.

LSSTF Donates Operational Vehicles to Key Agencies in Lagos

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LSSTF Donates Operational Vehicles to Key Agencies in Lagos

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, has donated operational vehicles to several strategic agencies across Lagos State, aimed at enhancing security, operational efficiency, and service delivery.

The donations included vehicles to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Lagos State Strategic Command, the Lagos State Police Airport Command, the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, LSCCC, the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, Lagos State, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Lagos State Command.

During the presentations, LSSTF’s Administrative Director, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, personally handed over the vehicles to agency representatives.

Receiving the vehicles on behalf of their agencies were DCN James E. Akogwu of NDLEA, SP Oladipupo Taiwo and CSP Daramola Kazeem of the Airport Police Command, Mr. Femi K. Giwa of LSCCC, Mr. Olumide Aremu of NIMC, and Corps Commander Kehinde G. Hamzat of FRSC.

The LSSTF said the donations are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security infrastructure, improve operational readiness, and support the state’s mission to safeguard lives and property.

Nigeria Kicks Off Preparations for 2026 AFROVISION X Ahead Global Festival in Canada

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Nigeria Kicks Off Preparations for 2026 AFROVISION X Ahead Global Festival in Canada

Nigeria has officially begun its activation for AFROVISION X 2026, a month-long global festival celebrating African and Caribbean creativity, scheduled to hold from June 1 to June 30 across Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga in Canada.

Led by Nigerian partners Inspiro Productions, the activation phase, which commenced in January 2026, focuses on mobilising Nigerian creatives, engaging stakeholders, and securing partnerships ahead of the Canadian showcase.

The programme covers multiple creative disciplines, including fashion, music, film, theatre, and visual arts.

Organisers say Nigeria, widely recognised as a powerhouse of African creativity, will play a leading role in the festival, which coincides with the global World Cup period, boosting its international reach.

The Nigerian activation will include public and private sector engagements, sponsorship and partnership drives, mobilisation of artists and performers, a Lagos-based international press conference, and official guidelines for participation.

Lead Convener of AFROVISION X 2026, David Bebiem, said the festival aims to showcase African and Caribbean creativity at world-class standards while recognising key individuals and institutions driving the sector’s growth.

CEO of Inspiro Productions, Ayoola Sadare, described AFROVISION X as a global marketplace for Nigerian creativity, emphasising efforts to ensure maximum participation and impact.

The festival in Canada will feature a grand opening ceremony on June 1 with cultural showcases, live performances, fashion previews, film trailers, curated art displays, and the premiere of the AFROVISION X Anthem.

It will also include Fashion Week, Film Festival, arts and performing arts programmes, World Music Week, and will conclude with the AFROVISION X Awards Gala on June 30.

Beyond cultural celebration, organisers say AFROVISION X 2026 is a strategic platform for economic and creative collaboration, promoting trade, tourism, and investment between Nigeria, Africa, the Caribbean, and Canada, while supporting job creation and youth empowerment.

LASWA Reiterates Night Travel Ban on Lagos Inland Waterways

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

The Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, has issued an urgent reminder to the public that night-time travel on Lagos inland waterways remains strictly prohibited.

The warning comes ahead of Sunday’s January 11, 2026, concert at Ilashe Beach by renowned Fuji musician, Alhaji Sule Alao Malaika.

In a statement, LASWA emphasized that all boat operations, commercial or private, are restricted to daylight hours to prevent accidents caused by poor visibility and navigational hazards.

The authority urged concert-goers and other waterway users to plan their trips carefully, arrive early, and avoid attempting travel after sunset.

It reminded boat operators to strictly follow authorized operating hours, enforce life jacket use for all passengers, and comply with all safety protocols.

According to the statement, LASWA, in collaboration with the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, and other safety and security agencies, will patrol the waterways to enforce the rules.

It said offenders will face legal action.

The agency reiterated that maintaining safety on Lagos waterways is a shared responsibility and remains committed to ensuring secure and well-regulated water transport for residents and visitors alike.

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