Soldier dies, others suffer injuries in Lagos autocrash

A private car driver on Friday recklessly ran into troops, killing a solider and injuring several others in Lagos. The tragic incident, according to a statement signed by Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel, Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, occured during the Bi-Annual Route March near Myhoung Barracks in Yaba, Lagos State. The Division’s image maker disclosed that tragically, a driver in a private vehicle recklessly ran into the participating troops resulting in the death of a soldier with others sustaining various degrees of injuries. He also informed that the deceased has been deposited in the mortuary while the injured are currently receiving medical care at 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba, Lagos, assuring that the 81 Division Military Police in conjunction with other relevant security agencies are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this incident. “The route march, which is an NA training exercise designed to enhance operational readiness, involved NA formations across Lagos State. The exercise had earlier been announced on various media platforms to create public awareness,” he pointed out. Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased soldier while praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded. He has also called for calm among the public as investigation into the sad occurrence has commenced. He added that the Division remains steadfast in its commitment to training and readiness to discharge its duties despite this devastating event. Furthermore, this tragic loss will not deter the Division’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and properties within its Area of Operations in accordance with the NA’s constitutional mandate.

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Sanwo-Olu to commission Old Ojo Road, three others

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is set to hand over yet another set of projects to Lagosians, with the formal commissioning of Old Ojo (Phase 1) Road in Oriade LCDA of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, on Tuesday. Also to be commissioned are three other roads Irede, Navy Town, and Mumuni Adio (Buba Marwa)Roads, all in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area. The projects will be inaugurated on Tuesday 28th, January 2025. The formal handing over further attests to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to the realization of the Transportation Pillar of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration’s THEMES+ Agenda with the provision of roads as a critical infrastructure that will support economic activities. Irede, Navy Town, Mumuni Adio (Buba Marwa), and Old Ojo (Phase 1) Roads provide a link to both the Lagos Blue Line Rail on the Lagos Badagry Expressway and the Water component of the multi-modal transportation initiative with many jetties along the axis. The 10.1km newly reconstructed roads connect the rail component on the Lagos Badagry Expressway to the Inland Waterways terminal with major linkages to residential and commercial areas. Irede Road is a 2.20km road off the Lagos-Badagry Expressway and terminates at the Irede Jetty for water transportation to the riverine communities of Ibasa, Ibeshe, Ilashe, and Imoore in Amuwo OdofinLocal Government Area. Mumuni Adio Road serves as the major arterial that provides access from and into Tank Farms and Industries in Ijegun Egba, a major petroleum products depot within the corridor, was constructed as a semi-urban road about 40 years ago. Navy Town Road leads to Ijegun Imoren Jetty and also connects the Old Ojo Road to Central Bank Estate, Training School, and Navy Town. First constructed in the early Sixties (1960s), the Old Ojo Road was a Single-carriageway with dilapidated pavement with an average width of 10m and ineffective drains. Given the strategic economic importance of these roads, the administration of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, approved their rehabilitation and upgrade to a standard that will stand the test of time Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration will continue to upgrade old roads and build new ones for the benefit of residents in fulfilment of his promise to Lagosians.

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Lagos reaffirms strong ties with India at Republic Day Celebration

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated the commitment of the State Government to strengthening the long-standing economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and India. Mr. Governor stated this in his goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin at the India Republic Day celebration held recently in Lagos. He commended the Indian business community for its significant contributions to Lagos’ economy, adding that Indian companies, with many headquartered in Lagos, remain some of the largest employers of labour in Nigeria after the Federal Government. Sanwo-Olu stated that their involvement in sectors such as manufacturing, retailing of consumer goods, construction, and air services has solidified India’s position as a major player in the Nigerian economy. “Our administration is committed to further enhancing this mutually beneficial economic partnership. We will continue to promote and provide an enabling environment for investment, trade, and economic development”, he assured. Beyond economic cooperation, Mr. Governor highlighted the robust cultural exchange between Nigeria and India. He applauded the influence of Indian culture in Nigeria, particularly through Bollywood cinema, music, and cuisine. While noting the growing appreciation of Nigerian arts, music, and literature in India, he described this cultural synergy as fostering greater understanding and stronger people-to-people connections between the two nations while praising the Consulate of India in Lagos for its efforts in promoting cultural exchanges and bilateral relations. “The potential for further collaboration between Nigeria and India is immense. We must continue to work together in areas such as agriculture, technology, renewable energy, education, and health care to address shared challenges and achieve common goals. By strengthening our partnership, we can create a brighter future for our citizens and contribute to a more prosperous and stable world,” Sanwo-Olu said. The Governor extended heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Chandramouli Kumar Khan and the entire Indian community in Lagos on India’s Republic Day. He expressed optimism for a brighter and more inclusive future for both Lagos State and India.

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Suspended RCCG pastor, Iluyomade, unveils new ministry in Lagos

Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the suspended pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David Parish, has launched a new ministry in Lagos called The Family Fellowship. In a video that went viral on Monday morning, Iluyomade was seen celebrating with members during their inaugural service held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The service, which took place on Sunday morning, was marked by joyous dancing and jubilation. Announcing the new ministry on Instagram, Iluyomade invited the public to attend the fellowship. He wrote, “The Family Fellowship invites you specially. Join us tomorrow at the Civic Centre for a special time in the Lord’s presence. Promises to be a great experience.” Iluyomade, formerly the senior pastor of City of David Parish, was suspended by RCCG in 2024 after his wife, Pastor Siju, hosted an elaborate 60th birthday celebration shortly after the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe, a prominent church member and former CEO of Access Bank, along with his wife and son. Many criticised the timing of the celebration, which took place just weeks after Wigwe’s passing in a helicopter crash in the United States, viewing it as insensitive.

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5-time Olympian Bose Kaffo drives talents hunt in Lagos

With music flowing out of the big speakers mounted at strategic corners on the dusty Irede street in Okerube-Abaranje around Ikotun in downtown Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, participants who were thrilled at the maiden Sports Fiesta organised by Bose Kaffo Innovations have appealed for more in the New Year. Children, right from age eight moved joyfully to the rhythm as they engaged one another in table tennis, basketball and snooker despite the heat from searing sun. Participants from the street and it’s adjoining areas as well as passerbys jumped on the opportunity at participating in different sports at no fee. While some adults including women tried to roll back the years with some nostalgic strokes on the boards, the children found their levels on the mini-table tennis setups provided by the High Performance expert. Wheelchair basketballers aslo got on the act with a demonstration game. It was the first of experience for many who were awed by the presence of the 5-time Olympics legend who brought sports with entertainment right to their doorsteps. Sports Fiesta appeared to have hit the soft spot of an area where constant hustling on the streets and the rat-race for daily needs have deprived the residents of the awareness about their innate talents. Birthing a sports fiesta in this locality known for other different activities was according to some observers was like making an oasis in the desert. For Bose Kaffo who became the first woman on the continent to participate in five Olympics, watching the raw joy and excitement on their faces described the atmosphere as soul-satisfying. On the sideline, adults were given medical support by Zeniva Pharmacy who checked their sugar level and also provided antimalarial drugs. As time winds down and the volunteers signalled for all activities to end, most of the participants wore long faces as they stopped reluctantly while appealling for more. The hunger has been ignited as it was indeed an eye-opening event. “I enjoyed the Sports Festival and it was very amazing!” Said Farouk a teenager. “I have not seen something like this before.This is my first time of seeing something like this right on our street. I’m very happy and excited. This is going to help me to be a sportsman and I thank the sponsor of Sports Fiesta.” The Amazon has been so resolute with her mission at sparking a change of awareness right at the lowest rung of the country’s pool of talents. According to the Sports Ethics and Integrity expert, her plan, barring any financial limitations is to expand the impactful outdoor programme to different areas of the state where it’s teeming young and restless populace in the suburbs yearn for sporting platforms to display their hidden talents. “This is fulfilling! Can you see how excited they are? This my dream has been in the works for some years now and I’m glad that it’s eliciting this reaction from them. They’ve played table tennis, basketball and snooker. You know, this is how you activate interest among the young ones who could be superstars in the nearest future. With more support we hope to do more,” she stated.

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Fuji musician Obesere plans 60th birthday party

Popular Fuji musician Abass Akande populary known as Obesere is set to celebrate his 60th birthday. The party is slated to hold in Lagos. Obesere also known as Omo Rapala who was born in 1965, will be 60 years old on 20th of this month. One of the singer’s associates, Waheed Salaudeen aka Buruj disclosed this on social media on Thursday. He hinted that only those with the lace and tags will gain access into the venue, saying fans that are interested in the cloth should contact Adunola Bello on 0803 462 7186. Obesere forced his way into the limelight through his unusual music style and slangs usage that throws his fans into a frenzy.

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Lagos warns Nightclubs against overcrowding

The Lagos State Safety Commission has observed a concerning trend of overcrowding in several clubs and lounges across the city in recent days. This was recently disclosed by the Director-General/CEO, Lagos Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, who stated that despite the Government’s support of the vibrant nightlife and the economic benefits it brings, it must be emphasised that there is a paramount need for nightclub owners/operators to strictly adhere to the authorised occupancy limits as approved by the Commission. According to him, on no account should any nightclub allow overcrowding, which poses significant safety risks, including the potential for fire hazards, smoking in public spaces, compromised emergency exits, and increased likelihood of accidents. These risks, he said, endanger not only the lives of patrons but also the staff and the general public. Mojola noted that the State Government strongly urge all owners and operators of hospitality venues to strictly comply with the safety measures and occupancy limits set forth by the Lagos State Safety Commission. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone. He disclosed further that the Commission has commenced rigorous inspections to ensure compliance, adding that any establishment found to violate these safety regulations will face immediate closure and further legal actions as deemed necessary. He declared that the Commission appreciates the cooperation of all stakeholders in maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all, saying, “Let us work together to keep Lagos safe and thriving”. The Government, therefore, enjoined stakeholders to contact the Commission on 07000SAFETY for further guidance on compliance.

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NAFDAC seizes unregistered food products worth N3.8bn

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s Investigation & Enforcement Directorate raided a warehouse at Apongbon Oke Arin Market, following a tip-off about the sale of unregistered food products. Various unregistered items valued at N3,818,802,720 were seized during the operation, and the facility has been placed on hold pending further investigation. The warehouse management, according to statement on NAFDAC’s X handle, has been summoned for questioning, and appropriate sanctions will follow after investigations.

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