Lagos Archives | Page 4 of 8

Morocco 2025: Flamingos Step Up Preparations as Algeria’s U17 Contingent Flies into Lagos

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, have stepped up preparations for this weekend’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round, first leg clash with their counterparts from Algeria, scheduled for the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo. The 2022 World Cup bronze medallists, under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Bankole Olowookere and his assistants, have remained in camp at the stellar Remo Stars Sports Institute since the demolition of South Africa’s Bantwana over two legs last month. Nigeria trashed South Africa 3-1 in the first leg at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, and followed up with a 2-0 win in Ikenne-Remo for a handsome 5-1 aggregate. The Algerians suffered a 2-1 reverse in their first leg against Botswana in Gaborone, but fired from all cylinders to win 4-0 in the return leg in North Africa. The Algerian girls, whose senior team lost to the Super Falcons in two friendly matches in Ikenne-Remo and Lagos in October last year, will land in Lagos on Wednesday evening, while the match officials are expected to arrive in Nigeria on Thursday. The Confederation of African Football has appointed Ugandan Shamirah Nabadda as referee, with Fides Bangurambona from Burundi as assistant referee 1. Nabadda’s compatriots Immaculate Ongiera and Diana Murungi will serve as assistant 2 and fourth official respectively. Naa Odofoley Nortey from Ghana will be the commissioner, with South African Deidre Carmill Zealand to be in the role of referee assessor. Both teams will battle things out in the return leg at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida (outside Algiers) on Friday, 25th April, with the winner on aggregate qualifying for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals. This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Morocco, 17 October – 8 November, with Africa to present 5 teams (including host nation Morocco) at the finals, which has been expanded to a 24-nation championship.

Northern Group Asks FG to Declare Lagos, Rivers as Additional FCTs

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

The Growth and Development of Northern Nigeria (GDNN) has called on the Federal Government to designate Lagos and Rivers States as Federal Capital Territories. The organisation argued that these two cities, as critical economic hubs, house national assets that deserve federal protection and equitable access by all Nigerians. During a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Haruna Buhari, Acting Secretary of GDNN’s Public Policy Advocacy Unit, disclosed that the resolution emerged from the group’s 18th Steering Committee meeting held on April 9, 2025. He emphasized that granting Lagos and Port Harcourt similar status to Abuja would resolve recurring political tensions and extend equal opportunities to all citizens, in line with the nation’s founding promises. Buhari recalled the commitment made in 1975 by then Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, to develop Abuja while designating Lagos, Kaduna, and Enugu as “Special Areas” in connection to the new Federal Capital City. He argued that limiting federal capital privileges solely to Abuja treats the North unfairly, despite its longstanding concessions to other regions. GDNN also urged the 19 northern governors to negotiate governance conditions that provide preferential treatment to citizens of Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States—areas whose lands contributed significantly to the formation of the current Federal Capital Territory. The group did not stop at constitutional matters but also expressed strong concerns over the current state of the Nigerian Senate. Citing the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and referencing earlier instances involving the late Senator Nuhu Aliyu, Senator Ali Ndume, and Senator Abdul Ningi, GDNN accused the Senate leadership of using its internal rules to suppress northern voices. Buhari warned against the reckless abuse of executive privilege, pointing out that most victims of such political actions have been Northern senators, which raises troubling questions about bias and fairness in legislative governance. Further addressing national concerns, GDNN criticized the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recent policy to tighten the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), labeling it counterproductive to economic growth and inflation control. Buhari also urged the Federal Government to sever ties with entities resembling the now-dissolved United States Agency for International Development (USAID), stressing the need for Nigeria to define its development priorities independently. He raised alarms over a flawed legal framework that criminalizes legitimate large-cash transactions, especially in open markets, and drew urgent attention to the looming environmental and health crisis at the Mpape landfill dumpsite in Abuja, calling for immediate government intervention.

Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency Receives Brand-New Patrol Vehicles

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

The Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency on Thursday received brand new patrol vehicles from the Lagos State Government via the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. Receiving the New Patrol Vans, Prince Ifalade Oyekan, FISN, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his unrelenting efforts at ensuring a safer Lagos. In his words, “We are committed to delivering on the safer Lagos initiative, and we have no option considering Mr. Governor’s deliberate efforts and investments at ensuring a conducive working environment for our officers.” Oyekan also commended the Executive Secretary of the Trust Fund and the entire staff of the fund for their commitment and dedication. The General Manager, however, took the time to warn the officers to always remember that every government resource belongs to the good people of Lagos and is held in trust for them by the Officers. “These vehicles are part of the trust bequeathed to your trust and deserve your utmost attention and care”, he stated.

Sanwo-Olu Congratulates Marwa, Pedro on Doctorate Awards

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), and former Deputy Governor of the State, Otunba Olufemi Pedro, for the Honorary Doctorate degrees conferred on them by the Lagos State University (LASU). Marwa, a former Military Administrator of Lagos State, was awarded Doctor of Humane Letters (Infrastructure, Security and National Development) Honoris Causa, while Otunba Pedro, a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), received Doctor of Business (Banking, Entrepreneurship and National Development) Honoris Causa during LASU’s 28th Convocation ceremony on Thursday. Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, said the distinguished honourees are exemplary leaders who have left an indelible mark on Lagos State. He said the honours bestowed on Marwa and Pedro are well-deserved considering their roles in the development and growth of LASU, Lagos State and Nigeria in different capacities as public officers and their remarkable impact in their chosen professions. “Your wealth of experience, exemplary leadership, and innovative spirit serve as a beacon of inspiration and have earned you a place among the most revered individuals in our society. These honorary degrees serve as a testament to your unwavering commitment to positive change in the state and nation at large,” he said. Governor Sanwo-Olu said Marwa’s innovative and impactful programmes, such as “Operation 250 Roads” and “Operation Sweep”, spearheaded by him during his regime as the Military Administrator of Lagos State, greatly improved the state’s infrastructure and security. He said Pedro’s exceptional leadership and economic expertise significantly helped to boost Lagos State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), particularly during his tenure as the deputy to former Governor Bola Tinubu, now President of Nigeria.

Int’l Zero-Waste Day: LAWMA Restates Commitment to Dirt-Free Lagos

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago05 mins

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has reiterated its commitment to achieving zero waste in Lagos State, aligning with global efforts to minimise waste generation and maximise resource recovery. Commenting on the International Zero Waste Day, themed, “Towards zero waste in fashion and textiles”, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, stated that the event underscored the urgent need for sustainable waste management practices, noting that LAWMA had continued to implement innovative strategies, aimed at reducing landfill dependence, increasing recycling rates, and promoting responsible waste disposal among residents. He said: “The International Zero Waste Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect the environment by adopting sustainable waste management practices. At LAWMA, we are fully committed to implementing policies and programs that support zero-waste principles, including waste sorting, recycling, and waste-to-energy initiatives. However, for these efforts to be successful, every Lagosian must take ownership of their role in ensuring proper waste disposal and environmental responsibility.” Gbadegesin highlighted some of LAWMA’s key initiatives in its zero-waste efforts, including the expansion of the Lagos Recycle initiative, the promotion of circular economy practices, and the enhanced enforcement of environmental laws. “Over the years, we have intensified our recycling programs to ensure that a significant portion of waste generated in Lagos is diverted from landfills. Through our partnerships with recycling firms and implementing the ‘Adopt-a-Bin’ program, we are actively encouraging waste sorting and promoting a recycling culture among households and businesses,” he said. In line with this year’s theme, Gbadegesin announced that LAWMA would be taking decisive steps to address the environmental impact of textile waste, revealing that textile waste constituted approximately 8% of the 13,000 tonnes of waste generated daily in Lagos. “LAWMA plans to ban textile waste from all landfills in the state. We will be collaborating with Tejuosho Market in Yaba to collect textile waste for transfer to recycling companies. In addition to that, students at the LAWMA Academy are being trained to upcycle textile waste into practical products, promoting sustainable practices and creating economic opportunities for residents”, he stressed. The LAWMA boss also disclosed that the Authority had continued to expand its Waste-to-Wealth programs, where organic waste was converted into compost and other useful by-products, stressing that LAWMA would continue to promote waste recycling to ensure that more waste materials are repurposed, thereby creating economic opportunities for residents. “We have seen remarkable progress in our waste conversion efforts. Organic waste, which forms a significant percentage of our total waste, is being processed into compost for agricultural use. Similarly, our collaborations with the private sector have facilitated the recycling of plastic waste, aluminum cans, and glass materials, further strengthening the circular economy in Lagos,” he added. Speaking further he said the Authority’s marine waste team had intensified efforts to clear waste from Lagos’ waterways, with ongoing cleanup operations along the coastline and drainage channels, particularly at Five Cowries Creek and other flood-prone areas. Reaffirming LAWMA’s zero-tolerance policy on environmental infractions, he urged Lagosians to support the state’s zero-waste vision by complying with waste management laws, embracing recycling, and ensuring proper waste disposal through assigned PSP operators, adding that community participation remained a key factor in sustaining a cleaner and healthier Lagos.

MTN Champs Continental Relays to Kick Off with Flag Run Event in Lagos

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago04 mins

MTN Champs Season 3 continues with Continental Relays in Lagos. These events will kick off with a Flag Run on April 8, ahead of the main competition scheduled for April 9 to 12 at the Yabatech and UNILAG sports complexes. The Flag Run will see young athletes participate in an experiential relay across Lagos, showcasing both their skills and the vibrancy of the city. The race will begin in Alausa and end at the MTN Plaza in Ikoyi, with athletes covering 5KM to 10KM distances in relay teams. The event is designed to highlight the fusion of sports, culture, and tourism, allowing athletes to engage with the city and its people while putting their talents on display. The runners will pass through key locations that reflect Lagos’ rich heritage and urban energy, reinforcing MTN’s sub-campaign, ‘See Naija’. A security team, traffic management officers, medics, and a team bus will accompany the athletes to ensure a smooth and safe race. Organised in partnership with Making of Champions, the MTN Champs Continental Relays will bring together top young athletes from across Africa to compete in various track and field events. The competition is aimed at developing emerging talent and positioning Nigeria as a hub for athletics on the continent. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria emphasised the importance of the Flag Run. “This is more than just a relay. It’s an opportunity to celebrate Lagos, its people, and its culture while showcasing the next generation of champions. The athletes won’t just be running; they’ll be bringing the city to life through sports.” The MTN Champs Continental Relays, taking place from April 9 to 12, will be open to the public and will feature track and field events, special guest appearances, music, and prizes for early attendees. Lagos residents are encouraged to attend and cheer on the athletes as they compete for top honours. The flag run will provide a unique opportunity for athletes to immerse themselves in the city’s culture while demonstrating their abilities on the road. This symbolic start to the MTN Champs Continental Relays will set the tone for a competitive athletics showcase.

BAL: Rivers Hoopers Hit Lagos to Intensify Preparation

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

Rivers Hoopers are in Lagos to continue their preparation for the fifth season of the Basketball Africa League. Hoopers will utilize the upcoming days by playing some friendly games. The team will depart Lagos for Rabat on Wednesday, 2 April. Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Sports, Kelvin Nweke, hosted the team for lunch just before their departure to Lagos on Sunday. Nweke reassured the team that they would receive continuous support from the Rivers State Government. He encouraged the team to surpass their third place finish in last season’s BAL. “On behalf of the ministry and the state government. We are promising you the best of support. “We are expecting you to go a step forward from last year’s result. Success is not easy. It is easy to get to the top but staying at the top is more difficult.” Rivers Hoopers will open their campaign this season against Stade Malien on Saturday, 5 April at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex Rabat, Morocco.

EFCC commences investigation of suspect arrested with $578,000 in Lagos

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago05 mins

Operatives of the Lagos Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have commenced investigations of a suspect, Okorie Sylvernus Sunday, arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, with $578,000( Five Hundred and Seventy Eight Thousand United States of America Dollars) The investigations commenced on Friday, March 21, 2025 when the Area Comptroller in charge of the NCS at the airport on Friday, March 21, 2025, handed over Sunday to the EFCC for false currency declaration. The suspect was arrested by the Customs upon arrival in the country from Johannesburg , South Africa, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. On arrival, he had approached the Currency Declaration Desk and declared the sum of $279,000( Two Hundred and Seventy-nine Thousand United States Dollar). However, an additional sum of $299,000( Two Hundred and Ninety-nine Thousand USD) was found to be neatly concealed in different packages, thereby totaling $578,000 (Five Hundred and Seventy Eight Thousand USD). During further examination, the suspect was found to have also concealed the sum of 100 Euros (One Hundred Euros) as well as a counterfeit $250 (Two Hundred and Fifty USD).” Speaking during the handing over, Harrison said: “ This is in contravention of the provisions of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011, which stipulates that any currency or other forms of negotiable instruments , where the value exceeds $10,000 threshold or its equivalent must be properly declared for inbound and outbound passengers.” Harrison, who spoke on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, added that “ The Command will be handing over a total sum of Five Hundred and Seventy-eightThousand, United States Dollar ($578,000) to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for false currency declaration.” While receiving the suspect, the acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Okotie Eboh, Ahmed Ghali, commended the NCS for its cooperation with the EFCC. He stated that inter-agency collaboration was very crucial to achieving a common goal, adding that “We are here today to take over one passenger coming from South Africa for falsely declaring the cash he was carrying along . I want members of the public to be weary of this kind of act . It is incumbent on each and every person going out or coming into the country to declare any cash in excess of $10,000. It is mandatory by virtue of the provisions of our laws, especially the money laundering law”. He also appealed to the members of the public to desist from the act of false declaration or non-declaration, adding that the long arm of the laws would always catch up with anyone involved in the criminal act. “We will not allow anyone to sabotage the economy or the nation’s financial system. This is because this kind of act exposes the country to a lot of risks, in terms of money laundering; it also makes the country to be seen as a haven of fraud. We will continue to synergise to make sure we have a better country , a stronger economy and a more functional financial system,” he said.