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Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command Strengthens Ties With ICPC, Nigerian Correctional Service

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Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command Strengthens Ties With ICPC, Nigerian Correctional Service

The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, KLT, Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified inter-agency collaboration with strategic courtesy visits to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, and the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, in Lagos.

The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller BL Adigun, led the engagement visits on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen partnerships, promote professionalism, and enhance operational efficiency across collaborating agencies.

During the visit to the Lagos office of the ICPC, Deputy Comptroller Adigun met with the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Mr Chukwura Alexander, fsi, and other officials.

He underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in combating corruption, noting that close collaboration would strengthen internal controls, improve compliance, and boost public confidence in government institutions. He described transparency and accountability as critical to sustaining trust in public service delivery.

Responding, Mr Alexander described the visit as timely and strategic, commending the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command for its proactive approach to inter-agency engagement. He noted that corruption thrives when institutions operate in isolation and praised the Acting Controller for fostering cooperation among key government agencies.

He assured that the ICPC would continue to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service to enhance transparency, promote accountability, and support integrity-driven initiatives.

At the Zonal Headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Zone A, Lagos, Deputy Comptroller Adigun also engaged the Assistant Controller-General, Mr Jude Agboje, and senior officers of the Service.

He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among security and law enforcement agencies to address emerging security and operational challenges. According to him, information sharing and coordinated initiatives are essential for improving national security and operational effectiveness.

In his response, Mr Agboje described the visit as significant, praising the Acting Customs Area Controller for his leadership and commitment to inter-agency synergy. He said such partnerships strengthen law enforcement efforts, enhance intelligence-led operations, and promote efficiency.

Mr Agboje also commended the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command for its Corporate Social Responsibility project within the Correctional Service facility, describing the initiative as impactful and commendable.

He pledged continued collaboration between the two agencies, noting that joint initiatives, shared expertise, and mutual support would contribute to achieving their strategic objectives.

The engagements highlight the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command’s focus on professionalism, proactive collaboration, and national service, reinforcing its role in promoting efficiency, security, and integrity within the Nigeria Customs Service.

Rite Foods Renews Rite-On-The-Beach Partnership with POP Beach Club

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blacktalker
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Rite Foods Reiterates Commitment to Clean Energy

Rite Foods Limited has announced the renewal of its partnership with POP Beach Club for the Rite-On-The-Beach initiative.

Rite-On-The-Beach is a points-based, community-driven program that tackles plastic pollution while delivering tangible social value to coastal communities in Lagos State. The initiative combines beach clean-ups, environmental education, advocacy, and community collaboration to promote responsible waste management.

Speaking on the renewed partnership, Ekuma Eze, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods, said the program reflects the company’s holistic approach to sustainability. “Sustainability goes beyond environmental responsibility; it is about creating shared value for people, communities, and future generations.

The renewal of our partnership with POP Beach Club allows us to integrate environmental action with education, youth empowerment, and community development in a practical and measurable way.”

The program aligns with Rite Foods’ EYEC Sustainability Pillars by exchanging recovered plastic for school supplies, directly supporting learning continuity for children in participating communities.

It also engages young people as environmental advocates, fostering responsibility, leadership, and awareness through structured clean-ups and plastic recovery activities.

Akin Disu, CEO of POP Beach Club, highlighted the impact of the collaboration. “Our partnership with Rite Foods has shown that environmental action can be impactful, visible, and community-driven.

We are committed to deepening the impact and continue to use our space as a platform for social change,” he said.

Since its launch in 2020, the Rite-On-The-Beach initiative has influenced disposal habits and promoted long-term community-led environmental stewardship. In 2025, the Plastic Free July campaign under the program recorded the recovery of over 40 tonnes of plastic in Lagos within one month.

The initiative demonstrates how purposeful partnerships can extend beyond isolated clean-ups to position plastic pollution as a shared responsibility among communities and stakeholders.

Rite Foods is a leading Nigerian food and beverage company committed to delivering quality products while driving sustainable development. POP Beach Club is a lifestyle and community platform that promotes environmental responsibility, sustainability awareness, and social impact through creative and community-driven initiatives.

Ogun Police Conduct Joint Security Exercise Ahead Festive Season

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blacktalker
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Ogun Police Conduct Joint Security Exercise Ahead Festive Season

Operatives of the Ibogun Division, led by Divisional Police Officer CSP Sasa Adeniyi, carried out a joint security exercise on Thursday in collaboration with SWAT teams and other state and non-state security actors.

The operation involved coordination with sister agencies including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, So-Safe Corps, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), and local hunters.

The exercise was aimed at demonstrating inter-agency synergy and showcasing the collective preparedness of security stakeholders ahead of the festive period.

The Ogun State Police Command commended the professionalism, coordination, and commitment of all agencies involved, noting that such collaboration reassures residents of continued security and public safety in the area.

Lagos State University Announces End-of-Year Hostel Vacation

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blacktalker
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LASU Dominates National Kickboxing Championship with 19 Medals Haul

Lagos State University, LASU has directed all students residing in its hostels across the Ojo, LASUCOM, Epe, and Badagry campuses to vacate the premises for the End-of-Year Break.

The break, approved by the University Senate, runs from Friday, December 19, 2025, to Friday, January 2, 2026. Students are required to leave the hostels no later than 12:00 noon on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

University activities, including lectures and socio-academic events, are scheduled to resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.

The university reiterated its commitment to providing a safe and orderly environment during the break.

Lagos Police Arrest Five Over Stage-Managed Kidnapping, Recover ₦1.7m Ransom

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blacktalker
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LLagos Police Confirm Arrests in Double Murder Case, Declare Key Suspects Wanted

Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspects in connection with a fake and stage-managed kidnapping involving a viral video of a schoolboy pleading for mercy in what was portrayed as a kidnappers’ den.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad on Thursday, December 18, 2025, following intelligence-led investigations into the incident, which had earlier generated widespread public concern.

According to the police, the case was initially reported as a missing person at the Ago Palace Police Division on November 26, 2025. However, further investigation revealed that the alleged kidnapping was deliberately orchestrated by the supposed victim, Victor Aligwo, in collaboration with four of his friends.

Police investigations established that the suspects used the room of one of their accomplices, Umeh Victor, to stage the fake kidnapping and record a distress video showing Victor Aligwo pleading for help.

The suspects, who were arrested between December 17 and 18, 2025, at Volkswagen Roundabout and the Ago Palace area, were identified as Kosiko Patrick (17), Victor Aligwo (15), David Odudu (19), Anyabike Kingsley (20), and Umeh Victor (19).

Further findings revealed that the group conspired to extort money from the victim’s mother, who had recently received ₦4 million from a contribution. To make the plot appear genuine, the suspects circulated the distress video to create fear and panic, demanding ransom for the boy’s release.

Police said a ransom of ₦1.7 million was paid by the victim’s mother and transferred to the account of one of the suspects. The money was subsequently shared among them.

The suspects were apprehended after police traced the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal used in processing the ransom transaction.

Confirming the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warned criminal elements to desist from all forms of crime, assuring residents that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

The police clarified that the incident was not a case of kidnapping and urged residents not to panic. Members of the public were encouraged to continue their lawful activities and report suspicious movements through the Command’s emergency lines: 0706 101 9374, 0806 515 4338, 0806 329 9264, and 0803 934 4870.

The suspects remain in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

NIMC Launches Pre-Enrolment Portal to Improve NIN Registration Process

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NIMC Pushes Digital Public Infrastructure to Improve Service Delivery, National Security

The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC has introduced a Pre-Enrolment Portal aimed at enhancing efficiency and improving user experience in the registration process for the National Identification Number, NIN.

In a statement issued on Thursday, NIMC said the digital platform allows applicants, both within Nigeria and in the Diaspora, to capture and submit their biodata online before visiting enrolment centres for biometric capture.

According to the Commission, the initiative is designed to reduce congestion and waiting time at enrolment centres nationwide, while improving data accuracy and operational efficiency.

NIMC explained that the portal forms part of its broader digital transformation strategy under the leadership of its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which prioritises efficient public service delivery, digitalisation and inclusive national development.

“The introduction of the Pre-Enrolment Portal underscores NIMC’s commitment to leveraging technology-driven solutions to strengthen institutional performance and improve service delivery to Nigerians,” the Commission said.

Key features of the portal include online capture and management of biodata, appointment scheduling to minimise queues, secure handling of user information, and seamless upload of required supporting documents.

Applicants are also expected to benefit from improved data accuracy, faster processing and a more user-friendly enrolment experience.

NIMC urged prospective NIN applicants to take advantage of the portal to enjoy a smoother and more efficient enrolment process, noting that the initiative will further strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem.

Applicants can access the Pre-Enrolment Portal via https://penrol.nimc.gov.ng.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to building a reliable and inclusive national identity system to support governance, service delivery and national development.

Nigeria Customs Commissions Renovated Senior Officers’ Mess at Kaduna Command

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blacktalker
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Nigeria Customs Commissions Renovated Senior Officers’ Mess at Kaduna Command

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has commissioned a fully renovated Senior Officers’ Mess at the Kaduna Area Command, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance officers’ welfare, morale and operational efficiency.

The facility, located at the Kabala Doki Customs Barracks, Kaduna, was commissioned on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, under the leadership of the Customs Area Controller, Kaduna Area Command, Comptroller Sa’ad Hassan

The Zonal Coordinator, Zone B, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Ms Nsika Umoh, formally commissioned the project on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs.

The renovated Mess has been upgraded to provide a functional and conducive environment for official engagements, fitness activities and social interaction among senior officers, with the aim of strengthening teamwork and effective service delivery within the Command.

Speaking at the event, the Zonal Coordinator commended the Customs Area Controller and his management team for what she described as prudent utilisation of resources and strategic foresight in executing a project that directly impacts officers’ welfare.

She noted that the initiative aligns with the broader reform agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, which prioritises improved working conditions, professionalism and discipline as critical drivers of enhanced revenue generation, trade facilitation and border security.

In his remarks, Comptroller Sa’ad Hassan expressed appreciation to the Zonal Coordinator, Assistant Comptroller General Idris Abba-Aji, and other senior officers for their guidance and support.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to welfare-driven initiatives and urged officers to ensure proper maintenance of the facility in line with the core values of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The commissioning ceremony featured an inspection of the renovated complex, a brief formal programme and a group photograph involving senior officers, other ranks and invited guests, underscoring the Command’s collective commitment to professionalism and excellence in service delivery.

GTCO Food & Drink Festival Holiday Edition Kicks Off in Lagos

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blacktalker
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GTCO Food & Drink Festival Holiday Edition Kicks Off in Lagos

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, GTCO, will on Saturday, December 20, 2025, open the maiden Holiday Edition of the GTCO Food & Drink Festival in Lagos, marking a strategic expansion of Africa’s largest food and beverage platform into the festive season.

The two-day event, scheduled for December 20 and 21, will hold at the GT Centre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos, and will run daily from 10:00am to 10:00pm. The festival is free and open to the public.

Designed to coincide with one of the most commercially active periods of the year, the Holiday Edition is curated to deliver a blend of culinary experiences, family-friendly entertainment and enterprise development, while sustaining the festival’s core objective of supporting Nigerian food entrepreneurs.

GTCO said the Holiday Edition reflects its evolving approach to experience-led engagement, with a strong emphasis on immersive consumer experiences.

This year’s event will feature 213 Nigerian-owned food and beverage businesses, selected from more than 4,000 applications nationwide, further reinforcing the festival’s relevance as a viable commercial platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and a contributor to Nigeria’s creative economy.

Festival-goers are expected to experience a wide range of offerings, including traditional Nigerian dishes, contemporary street food, artisanal beverages and modern fusion cuisine.

Participating vendors include MelonyPine, Firewood Jollof Nigeria, Dundu Nation, Polo Club Suya, Thugg Burgers, Pizzawheels, Chow Noodle Bar, Jazzy’s Burger, 247 Drinks and 247 Cocktails, The Coconut Lady, Pancakes & Co., Butterfly Bakery, Amala Place Canteen, Nonos Catering, Sooyah Bistro and Mmaabacha, among others.

Unlike previous editions, the Holiday Edition has been structured to prioritise festive engagement over instructional programming. Attractions include a Christmas Village featuring curated gift items and seasonal treats, an expanded Street Food Hub, a dedicated Children’s Play Zone, and continuous live DJ performances throughout the event.

Speaking on the significance of the Holiday Edition, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Mr Segun Agbaje, said the festival remains a strong platform for enterprise development while fostering shared cultural experiences.

He noted that the Holiday Edition provides an opportunity to support food entrepreneurs during a peak sales period, while offering families and communities a high-quality and accessible festive destination.

In line with its commitment to inclusive growth, GTCO retained its zero-cost participation model for vendors, ensuring that small and medium-sized businesses benefit from increased visibility, customer engagement and revenue generation without financial barriers.

The GTCO Food & Drink Festival: Holiday Edition underscores the Group’s belief in making cultural experiences, creativity and economic opportunity accessible, positioning the event as a convergence of commerce, culture and celebration during the holiday season.

Top 20 Finalists Emerge for Hackaholics 6.0

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Top 20 Finalists Emerge for Hackaholics 6.0

Wema Bank has announced the Top 20 finalists for Hackaholics 6.0 following a two-day pre-pitch held on December 16 and 17, 2025.

The finalists are split between the Hackathon stream and the Ideathon stream, reflecting the competition’s dual focus on building new solutions and refining existing ones.

The Hackathon finalists are Rapid DEV, Secure IT, Neurafeed, Trust Lock Babcock, Pulse Track, IlluminiTrust, Trust Lock FUTA, Fix Fraud AI, KASH Flow, and VOC AI.

The Ideathon finalists include PLOY, Fertitude, VarsityScape, Mama ALERT, StockMed, Chao, All Arbitrate, FarmSlate, Sane AI, and Cycle X.

Speaking on the structure of the competition, Wema Bank Managing Director/CEO Moruf Oseni explained that Hackaholics 6.0 combines both hackathon and ideathon approaches to give participants opportunities to innovate from scratch or improve existing solutions.

“Innovation isn’t just building from scratch. Sometimes, it’s looking at what exists and developing new ways to optimise it,” Oseni said.

The pre-pitch involved 43 contenders presenting their ideas and solutions to secure a spot among the Top 10 in their respective streams. Following rigorous evaluations, the Top 20 finalists emerged and will now compete in the grand finale.

The grand finale is scheduled for December 19, 2025, and will bring together leading players in Africa’s tech and innovation ecosystem. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions to potential investors and compete for substantial prizes.

The Ideathon prizes include 25 million naira for the winner, 20 million naira for the first runner-up, 15 million naira for the second runner-up, and 5 million naira each for two women-led teams. Hackathon prizes range from 20 million naira for first place to 5 million naira for fourth place.

Members of the public can watch the grand finale live on Wema Bank’s official YouTube channel, @Wema Bank, and follow the conversation on social media using #Hackaholics6.

SIFAX Group Hosts 3rd Annual Thanksgiving, Celebrates “God’s Faithfulness”

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blacktalker
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SIFAX Group Hosts 3rd Annual Thanksgiving, Celebrates “God’s Faithfulness”

SIFAX Group held its third Annual Thanksgiving and Praise Night on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, celebrating the theme “God’s Faithfulness, Our Gratitude.”

The event brought together the company’s board, management, staff, clients, senior government officials, and other stakeholders for an evening of corporate unity, spiritual reflection, and festive glamour.

Speaking on the purpose of the gathering, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, said the event was an opportunity to appreciate God for His guidance and faithfulness throughout 2025.

“As we reflect on the outgoing business year, it is evident that our achievements, resilience, and progress were not by might, nor by power, but by the grace and faithfulness of God,” he stated, noting that the company navigated global uncertainties with divine clarity and stability.

The evening featured a star-studded lineup of musical ministrations that energized the audience. Omotola Sax and the Ijebu Anglican Choir opened the worship session, followed by Eyinju Jesu and the Nonso Choir, who set a festive Christmas mood with carols and hymns. BJ Sax delivered a soul-stirring performance, while Emma OMG added a unique rhythmic flow that had attendees of all ages dancing in delight.

Key ministrations were led by Adeyinka Alaseyori and Dare Justified, whose spirit-filled worship deepened the night’s reflective atmosphere. The celebration concluded with powerful performances from Mercy Chinwo and Laolu Gbenjo, leaving participants with a profound sense of gratitude.

The SIFAX Group Annual Thanksgiving remains a hallmark of the company’s culture, emphasizing that in the midst of a competitive corporate environment, recognising God as the source of success is a central value.

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