Lagos State Allocates ₦14.9 Billion to Subsidize Public Transport Amid Economic Hardship

Lagos State Allocates ₦14.9 Billion to Subsidize Public Transport Amid Economic Hardship

As part of measures to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship in the country, the Lagos State government on Tuesday revealed that it has subsidised the public transport fare with N14.9bn to ease commuters’ burden. This was disclosed by the state’s Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, during the 2025 ministerial briefing to mark the second year of the second term of the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, led administration in office held at the state government Secretariat located in Alausa, Ikeja area of the state. Flanked at the briefing by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Special Advisers to the Governor on Transportation and Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, among others, Osiyemi said the State Government established the Lagos Bus Service Limited (LBSL) to save commuters’ time and money and enhance socioeconomic development of the state. Osiyemi said, “LBSL moved 60,882,000 passengers from May 2019 to February 2025. LBSL currently moves over 42,266 passengers daily, averaging 1000 daily bus trips. “LBSL average fare for February was N542.66 while informal public transport fare was N1,097.73. “Since inception, the LBSL average fare has been N261.67 cheaper than the average fares in Lagos. LBSL has implicitly subsidised fares for the Lagosians transported to an estimated sum of N14.9 billion.” The commissioner further explained, “LBSL Driving School produced an additional 144 drivers for 3,537 certified high-capacity bus drivers as of 18 March 2025. He added, “Public transport is safer than private cars in terms of accident rates and severity. Public transport enhances the overall safety and security of passengers. Public transport moves more people with fewer vehicles. Reduces Congestion — Public transport reduces traffic congestion and travel time.” Harping on the state government’s bus reform initiative through the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority, LAMATA, Osiyemi disclosed that an additional three rolling stocks are expected in May to enhance service delivery with the increasing number of passengers on the Blue Line Rail. He said, “The State Governor inaugurated the Blue Line Rail in the state in December 2022. The first phase of the infrastructure works for the rail project (Marina to Mile 2) has commenced operation. “The Blue Line is one of seven Lagos metro rail lines, spanning from Marina to Okokomaiko. The first phase has already commenced with commercial passenger operations and has transported more than two million passengers. “The full Line is 27km from Marina to Okokomaiko. Construction of phase 2 from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko started in December and is expected to carry 500,000 passengers daily.”

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Delta Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori Decamps to APC

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has reportedly dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He was said to have defected alongside his commissioners. This was revealed after a high-level, closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday evening. The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Festus Ahon, said the decision came after “wide consultations with political stakeholders and in the interest of Delta’s long-term development.” Oborevwori was elected in 2023 under the PDP platform. Senator James Manager, who addressed the press after a meeting of the PDP stakeholders in Government House, said a formal declaration would be made on Monday. He said that the governor’s defection to the ruling party was in the interest and the overall development of Delta state. Mr Manager said the entire PDP structure in the state had collapsed to the APC. Present at the briefing were Governor Oborevwori, the immediate past governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guor and other PDP stalwarts.

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**Governor Alia Appoints Music Star 2Baba as Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach**

Governor Alia Appoints Music Star 2Baba as Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach

The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music icon, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach, News360 Nigeria reports., The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by the veteran singer to the governor’s office. Governor Alia commended 2Baba for his continuous support towards the state government and expressed confidence in his capacity to further contribute to the administration’s efforts in entertainment and community development. “In addition to the good work you’ve been doing, we believe you can do even more. On behalf of the government and the people of Benue State, we are pleased to appoint you as Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach,” Governor Alia stated. In another development, 2Baba has formally introduced his fiancée, Honourable Natasha Osawaru, to the traditional leadership of the Idoma nation and his hometown community. The introduction ceremony took place on Monday, April 21, 2025, during the Idoma Nation Peace and Unity Symposium held at the Och’Idoma Palace in Otukpo. Dressed in full traditional Idoma attire, 2Baba presented Natasha, a serving lawmaker and former Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, to His Royal Majesty, the Och’Idoma V, and gathered elders. Following the palace event, the couple visited Okpokwu, 2Baba’s ancestral hometown, where they met with community elders and sought their blessings.

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Transfer Window Heats Up: Major Moves Brewing Across Europe

Manchester United have drawn up a two-man wishlist of Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton as they aim to strengthen in midfield, TEAMtalk reports. Bruno, who scored in Newcastle’s 4-1 win over Man United earlier this month, has a contract at St James’ Park that runs until 2028, while Wharton is committed to Selhurst Park for a further year. Christian Eriksen is expected to leave Old Trafford in the summer, but the Red Devils could struggle to offload Casemiro due to the Brazilian’s large wages. Arsenal and Aston Villa are among the clubs that have held exploratory talks about Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha, reports Sky Sports, who add that Saudi Arabian clubs are also willing to trigger the 25-year-old’s release clause. They also reference interest from Manchester United who, sources have told ESPN, are exploring the possibility of triggering Cunha’s release clause. Real Madrid’s defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League has shifted their focus to the transfer window, reports AS. As such, Los Blancos are looking at AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen at centre-back and Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi in midfield. Both players being worth €60m complicates things — as does Bayer Leverkusen wanting €150m for Florian Wirtz — and Real Madrid could have to offload players to make a move and prefer to focus on players whose contracts are coming to an end. Real Madrid will announce a contract extension for Vinícius Júnior at the end of this season, according to Cadena SER. The Brazil international’s deal — which currently runs until 2027 — will be extended by another two or three years, the radio station reported on Tuesday. Interest from Saudi Arabia was not, in the end, tempting for Vinícius, according to SER, with the player having doubts over moving to the Saudi Pro League on a five-year deal. He would only have considered a switch to Saudi for two years, at the most. Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García — who’s been LaLiga’s standout keeper this season — has offers from the Premier League, the Bundesliga, and other LaLiga clubs, Cadena COPE reports, although he hasn’t received an approach from Real Madrid. García, 23, will be available on a €25m release clause this summer, or 15 million if Espanyol are relegated, which now looks unlikely. According to COPE, García’s agents are waiting to see if an offer arrives from Madrid before taking a decision on where his future lies.

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Senator Neda Imasuen Set to Defect to APC Senator Neda Imasuen Set to Defect to APC

Senator Neda Imasuen Set to Defect to APC

STRONG indications emerged on Wednesday that the Labour Party (LP) in Edo State would soon be hit by another defection as its member representing Edo South Senatorial District in the Senate, Senator Neda Imasuen, may soon defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as members of the APC are believed to be mounting pressure on the Chairman, Senate Committee and Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges to leave the LP. The lawmaker recently said that the Supreme Court decision on the crisis in the LP may have come too late as much damage has been done to the party that has led to many defections. Imasuen enjoys good relationship with notable leaders of the APC in the state and he has been severally in public functions with some of them in addition to the fact that he was a senior legislative to his predecessor in office, Sen. Matthew Uroghide now in the APC and he was the Director General APC Campaign Council ahead of the September 21st governorship election in the state. Giving credence to the speculation and his imminent defection, it was gathered that the Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Political Mobilisation and Engagement, Hon Eugene Utubor, Tuesday night visited the LP Senator in a bid to convince him to join Okpebholo in his developmental agenda. It was reliably gathered that the meeting, which lasted for several hours, centred on discussions on having the LP National Assembly member join the party. A source privy to the meeting described it as fruitful. Imasuen was said to have expressed gratitude for the visit and commended the efforts of Governor Monday Okpebholo in driving development in the state. He was quoted as saying, “The Governor has done remarkably well in such a short time. “It is crucial that we come together to ensure the success of his vision for our people. Every well-meaning Edo citizen is encouraged to rally around the Governor as he works diligently for our collective progress

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President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa, warning that such actions threaten the democratic progress and stability the region has painstakingly achieved. Speaking at the official launch of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday, Tinubu—represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu—reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles, good governance, and regional unity. He emphasized that the resurgence of military coups, which have gripped parts of the region since 2021, undermines the fundamental values of democracy, rule of law, and peace. Between 2020 and 2024, West and Central Africa witnessed nine coup attempts, with Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger falling under military rule. ECOWAS responded by suspending the affected countries and imposing sanctions in a bid to restore civilian governance, but tensions eventually led to the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the bloc. Despite the strain, President Tinubu used the occasion to advocate for reconciliation and reintegration of the estranged member states. He stressed that this milestone anniversary should be a time to renew unity and shared responsibility. “It is a time to strengthen the bonds that tie us together through shared values, collective responsibility, and a common vision for a prosperous region,” he said. Calling for constructive engagement, Tinubu urged ECOWAS to remain open to dialogue with the junta-led countries while implementing sweeping reforms to enhance the bloc’s credibility and institutional strength. “There is an urgent need to implement bold, comprehensive reforms that will enhance our institutions’ effectiveness, relevance, and credibility to meet the challenges of today and the future,” he concluded.

Tinubu Warns Against Coup Resurgence in West Africa Calls for Reconciliation

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa, warning that such actions threaten the democratic progress and stability the region has painstakingly achieved. Speaking at the official launch of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday, Tinubu—represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu—reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles, good governance, and regional unity. He emphasized that the resurgence of military coups, which have gripped parts of the region since 2021, undermines the fundamental values of democracy, rule of law, and peace. Between 2020 and 2024, West and Central Africa witnessed nine coup attempts, with Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger falling under military rule. ECOWAS responded by suspending the affected countries and imposing sanctions in a bid to restore civilian governance, but tensions eventually led to the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the bloc. Despite the strain, President Tinubu used the occasion to advocate for reconciliation and reintegration of the estranged member states. He stressed that this milestone anniversary should be a time to renew unity and shared responsibility. “It is a time to strengthen the bonds that tie us together through shared values, collective responsibility, and a common vision for a prosperous region,” he said. Calling for constructive engagement, Tinubu urged ECOWAS to remain open to dialogue with the junta-led countries while implementing sweeping reforms to enhance the bloc’s credibility and institutional strength. “There is an urgent need to implement bold, comprehensive reforms that will enhance our institutions’ effectiveness, relevance, and credibility to meet the challenges of today and the future,” he concluded.

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NSA Ribadu: Tinubu Inherited ‘Extremely Bad Government’, Urges Support Amid Benue Killings

NSA Ribadu: Tinubu Inherited Extremely Bad Government Urges Support Amid Benue Killings

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited a deeply troubled government, especially in terms of insecurity. Ribadu made the remarks on Tuesday during a visit to Benue State, where he sympathized with the government and people following the recent killings of over 72 individuals by suspected herdsmen. Condemning the attacks, Ribadu urged residents of Benue to support the Tinubu administration and avoid politicizing the crisis, noting that cooperation would enable the federal government to restore peace in the region. “Our Armed Forces are doing well, but it’s impossible to deploy soldiers or police to every hamlet,” he said. “We inherited an extremely bad government. Things have improved, and we’re working to address these lingering issues. Give us a chance and stop politicizing the killings.” In response, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, described the situation as tragic, saying the state has suffered continuous attacks and devastating loss of lives since 2011. According to reports, Benue and Plateau States have witnessed a surge in deadly violence in recent weeks. In the latest attack, gunmen stormed Afia community in Ukum LGA on Tuesday, killing 11 people and injuring many others.

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House of Reps Donates ₦18 Million to Victims of Enugu Tanker Explosion

House of Reps Donates ₦18 Million to Victims of Enugu Tanker Explosion

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday presented an N18 million relief cheque to the Enugu State Government to support victims of the January 25 petrol tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. The tragic incident claimed multiple lives and left several others injured. Presenting the donation in Enugu, the Speaker’s delegation, led by Hon. Nnolim Nnaji and comprising other members of the Enugu State Caucus in the House, described the explosion as a national tragedy. The lawmakers commended Governor Peter Mbah for his swift response in providing aid to affected families and reaffirmed the House’s commitment to standing with states during crises. “We are here to deliver the Speaker’s heartfelt condolences and this financial support to further assist the victims and their families,” said Hon. Nnaji. “The House of Representatives recognizes the gravity of this loss and will continue to support Enugu State in its recovery efforts.” Governor Mbah expressed deep gratitude for the gesture, noting that the funds would be disbursed transparently to those impacted by the disaster. “This donation reflects the Speaker’s compassion and solidarity beyond words. We assure you that every naira will reach the intended beneficiaries to help alleviate their suffering,” the governor stated. The explosion, which occurred at a busy section of the expressway, had drawn national attention, prompting calls for improved safety measures on highways. The Enugu State Government has since intensified efforts to assist victims while reviewing transport regulations to prevent future tragedies.

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