Category: Featured

The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed into law the ₦4.4 trillion 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity, marking a major fiscal milestone for Africa’s largest sub-national economy.

The budget, officially titled the ₦4,444,509,776,438 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity, was approved by lawmakers on Thursday, January 8, 2026, following weeks of deliberations and reviews.

According to details of the budget, over 52 per cent of the total expenditure has been earmarked for capital projects, underscoring the state government’s commitment to infrastructure-led development and inclusive economic growth.

Key priority areas of the 2026 budget include infrastructure and transport, education and healthcare, as well as economic growth and social development. The allocations are aimed at improving public service delivery, strengthening human capital development, and stimulating sustainable economic activities across the state.

The passage of the budget reflects the shared vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, to steer Lagos into what the government describes as a new era of shared prosperity.

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of alleged bandits’ warning notes in the community of Ikoyi-Ile, located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, and said a full-scale investigation has been launched to determine the origin and intent of the notes. 

The development was confirmed on Saturday, January 10, 2026, amid rising concern among residents after the notes reportedly hinted at a planned attack on the community scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026. 

According to gathered information, two separate threat notes, believed to have been written by suspected bandits, were discovered at the front and back of a building in the town. One note, handwritten in Yoruba and titled “Lati Odo Bandit,” warned in part that the writers would come on January 20 and instructed residents to prepare for them, suggesting impending violence. 

The second note, written in English, stated: “Bandit information. See, now, three days we work for you. We said you in Ikoyi-Ile is the government that sent us. Wait for us.” 

Although police officials have not yet verified the authenticity of the notes or established a definite link to known bandit groups, the warnings have caused widespread fear and tension among locals. 

The Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the individual who found the notes is currently being debriefed, and that authorities have commenced a thorough investigation into the matter. 

In his statement, Ayanlade thanked the public for its cooperation and urged residents to remain calm and vigilant as security agencies work to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the community. 

Noble FC have emerged champions of the 2025 Araromi LCDA Football Competition after a thrilling final decided by penalties against Authentic FC. The grassroots tournament, organised by the youths of Ado-Awaye under the umbrella of the Ado-Awaye Progressive Youths Movement (APYM), marked the third edition of the annual competition.

The tournament featured eight teams, divided into Groups A and B. Group A consisted of Authentic FC, Fabulous FC, Noble FC and Unbeatable FC, while Group B featured Akinwumi United, Lobi Star FC, Super Star FC and Wasinmi FC. Matches were played over seven days, producing intense competition and impressive displays of local football talent.

After the group-stage fixtures and knockout rounds, Noble FC defeated Wasinmi FC 2–0 in the semi-final, while Authentic FC secured a convincing 3–0 victory over Super Star FC. The third-place match saw Super Star FC edge Wasinmi FC 3–2. In the final, Noble FC and Authentic FC played out a goalless draw, before Noble FC clinched the title via a decisive penalty kick.

At the end of the competition, Noble FC claimed the top prize of ₦100,000, Authentic FC finished second with ₦70,000, and Super Star FC secured third place with ₦50,000.
The tournament received strong support and donations from prominent sons and daughters of Ado-Awaye, including Mr Abiodun Ogunleti, Mrs Taiwo Adetokun, Mr Oludare Ogunlana, Engr. Rasaq Jeleel (Cyberlink Filling Station), HRM Ọba Okunlola Amidu (The Alawaye of Awaye), Hon. Tiamiyu Ibrahim Oladoja, Hon. Adeola Bamidele, Mr. Ogundare Babalola (KoolFM) and several other community leaders.

The grand finale attracted a large turnout of Ado-Awaye indigenes and dignitaries, notably HRM Ọba Okunlola Amidu, representatives of Engr. Jeleel Rasaq Imoran, Prince Yemisi Ajayi, and the Chairman of Araromi LCDA, Hon. Tiamiyu Ibrahim Oladoja.

During the closing ceremony, special recognition was given to Adepoju Sodiq, celebrated as a “Golden Son of the Soil” for winning the Golden Boot as highest goal scorer at the Baba Bamboo Akintola Football Competition 2025 in Oyo Town. Organisers also encouraged young football enthusiasts to register as trained referees to strengthen local officiating capacity.

The APYM organising committee, led by Mr Gbenga Ajayi (Chairman), alongside Comr. Ajibola Abdul-Azeez Oluwaseun (Vice Chairman and APYM President), Mr Babatunde Johnson (Treasurer), Mr Sheu Afeez Olayemi (Financial Secretary), Busari Kabiru (Director of Sports), and Mr Shola (Member), was widely commended for a successful and well-organised tournament that promoted unity and youth development in Ado-Awaye.

Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, no fewer than four support groups backing the presidential aspiration of Dr. Gbenga Hashim have converged in Kano, pledging to intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure the actualisation of his ambition.

The groups, which met separately before a joint convergence, vowed that they would no longer work for politicians who use supporters merely as stepping stones to power, only to abandon them afterwards.

They expressed firm commitment to seeing Dr. Hashim emerge as President in 2027, insisting that his leadership would place Nigeria on the path of development, peace and progress.

The support groups are the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, led by Hajiya A’isha Mustapha; Gbenga Hashim Group, led by Miko Isyaku; Gbenga Hashim Support Group, led by Khalifa Muhammad; and the Gbenga Hashim Vanguard.

During the meetings, the groups passed votes of confidence on Dr. Hashim and appealed to their members and supporters to return to the grassroots to mobilise widespread support for his presidential bid.

Addressing supporters, the National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Abdulrazaq Hamza, expressed appreciation to all those backing Dr. Hashim, describing him as a well prepared and capable leader.

“We should continue to mobilise support for Dr. Gbenga Hashim. He has advised and assisted governments of many countries to achieve economic growth and development. He will definitely provide the leadership Nigerians are yearning for if he becomes our president in 2027,” Hamza said.

Similarly, the North West Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Vanguard, Aminu Bala, stressed the need for inclusiveness, urging support groups to relate with and welcome individuals across party lines in order to broaden the support base for Dr. Hashim.

He underscored the strategic political importance of Kano, describing it as a major political hub whose support could significantly influence other states in the region to rally behind Dr. Hashim’s presidential aspiration.

Chief of Staff to Dr. Gbenga Hashim, Mr. Kamaldeen Sani Adebayo, said the aspirant’s track record as a successful global businessman with enterprises in Nigeria and across several countries qualifies him for the nation’s highest office.

He conveyed Dr. Hashim’s goodwill message to the various support groups and assured them that he would remain committed to them, adding that they would not be abandoned if he eventually emerges as the democratically elected President of Nigeria.

In her remarks, the Kano State Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Hajiya A’isha Mustapha, charged coordinators from all local government areas of the state to intensify their mobilisation efforts to ensure victory for Dr. Gbenga Hashim in 2027.

The convergence also featured goodwill messages from leaders of the various support groups, all reaffirming their resolve to work collectively towards the success of Dr. Hashim’s presidential ambition.

Popular Nigerian music power couple, Adekunle Gold and Simi, have welcomed twin babies, sending waves of excitement across the entertainment industry and social media.

The happy news became public after Adekunle Gold took to his Instagram story to make a subtle but joyful announcement, hinting that the couple had been blessed with more than one child. Although the singer did not disclose full details about the twins, his message strongly suggested a double blessing.

In the post, Adekunle Gold wrote, “Asked God for another child and He blessed me double,” a statement many fans interpreted as confirmation of the arrival of twins.

Details surrounding the birth, including the sex of the babies, the exact date, and location, were not revealed, in line with the couple’s well-known preference for keeping their family life private.

Adekunle Gold and Simi, who tied the knot in a private ceremony in 2019, already share a daughter born in 2020. Over the years, the couple have earned admiration not only for their music but also for their strong bond and low-profile approach to family matters.

Following the announcement, congratulatory messages and prayers have continued to pour in from fans, fellow artistes, and celebrities, many describing the news as a “double blessing” for one of Nigeria’s most beloved music couples.

At least five officers of the National Park Service Forest Guard have been killed following a deadly attack by suspected bandits on the National Park Office in Oloka Village, Oyo State. The incident occurred earlier today while the officers were carrying out their lawful duties, marking one of the deadliest assaults on park officials in the area in recent times.

Preliminary investigations by security agencies indicate that the assailants were cross-border bandits who launched a coordinated attack on the facility. The killing of the forest guards has been described as a devastating loss, prompting renewed security concerns along border communities in the state.

Security agencies have since commenced joint operations to address the situation and are intensifying intelligence gathering to track down the perpetrators. Residents in the affected areas have been urged to cooperate with security operatives by providing useful information that could aid ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, residents of Oyo State—particularly those in Oriire Local Government Area and other border LGAs—have been advised to remain calm. Authorities confirmed that normalcy has been restored, with additional security personnel deployed to prevent further attacks. The state government has assured the public of its commitment to responding decisively to ensure such incidents do not recur.

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has intensified its grassroots mobilisation in Northern Nigeria, with a renewed push in Kaduna State as part of preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an engagement with local mobilising groups in Kaduna, the Chief of Staff to Dr. Gbenga Hashim, Mr. Kamal Sani, described the movement as strong, focused, and divinely guided, expressing confidence in its growing national momentum.
Sani said the calibre of individuals driving the movement, combined with what he described as divine support, positions it to make a meaningful impact on Nigeria’s future. He portrayed Dr. Gbenga Hashim as a unifier and bridge builder, citing his extensive background in politics and business, as well as his long-standing commitment to national development.

According to him, Hashim’s cross-religious and cross-regional relationships place him in a unique position to foster unity, national cohesion, and collective progress across the country.

Also speaking, the Chief Press Secretary to Dr. Gbenga Hashim, Mr. Hassan Ibrahim, emphasised the importance of disciplined communication, coordinated mobilisation, and consistency of message as the movement expands across the federation. He noted that effective grassroots engagement remains central to building national consensus ahead of 2027.

In his remarks, the National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Mr. Abdulrazaq Hamzat, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to what he described as safeguarding Nigeria through sustained grassroots mobilisation nationwide.

Hamzat explained that the Kaduna visit was part of the movement’s ongoing nationwide consultations, aimed at assessing state-level activities and encouraging members to remain focused despite the prevailing political climate.

He disclosed that the movement has established several mobilisation groups across the federation, noting that Kaduna State alone hosts four distinct groups spread across various local government areas.

According to him, GHSM operates through multiple solidarity structures, all united by a shared national objective of promoting good governance and national renewal.

“Our message to Nigerians as we approach the 2027 general elections is clear: citizens must actively safeguard the country from misrule and misgovernance,” Hamzat said, adding that the movement remains resolute in mobilising Nigerians nationwide.

In his remarks, the Kaduna State Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Comrade Ahmed Sabo Jimeta, commended the dedication of grassroots mobilisers working to advance the objectives of the movement. He expressed appreciation to supporters, particularly women and men actively involved in its activities, describing their efforts as critical to sustaining momentum.

Jimeta said the level of commitment demonstrated by members across Kaduna State reflects a strong sense of unity and purpose, reaffirming the movement’s resolve to continue supporting Dr. Gbenga Hashim’s presidential aspiration ahead of 2027.

In a related development, another pro-Hashim platform, the GOH Front, led by Muhammad Aliyu Kacham, called on coordinators across the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State to intensify mobilisation efforts towards the actualisation of Hashim’s presidential ambition.

The one day event attracted hundreds of supporters, many of whom paid glowing tributes to the Kebbi-born politician and global businessman.

Dignitaries in attendance included Dr. Ibrahim Umar, Alhaji Muhammad Zanna, Alhaji Muhammad Danmaliki, Amina Ibrahim, among others.

Lagos Task Force Arrests 32 Suspected Street Urchins for Highway Nuisance
The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested 32 street urchins, popularly known as Omotaku, for allegedly causing public nuisance and obstructing traffic on major highways across the state.

According to the Taskforce, the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated enforcement operation carried out in the early hours of the day at strategic locations known for traffic disruption and street harassment. Areas covered included major expressways, bus stops, and traffic intersections where commuters frequently complain of intimidation and congestion.

The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce said the operation was part of the government’s ongoing efforts to maintain public order, ensure free flow of traffic, and protect residents from harassment and safety risks posed by street urchins. He noted that the arrested individuals were found engaging in activities such as loitering on highways, accosting motorists, begging aggressively, and obstructing vehicular movement.

He stressed that Lagos State has zero tolerance for acts that threaten public safety or undermine the state’s urban management policies. “Highways are not meant for trading, loitering, or any activity that endangers lives. These actions contribute significantly to traffic gridlock and accidents,” he said.
The suspects have been charged to court for prosecution in line with existing laws on environmental sanitation and public order. The Taskforce also warned that enforcement operations would be sustained across the state, urging residents to comply with the law and report any activities that constitute public nuisance to the appropriate authorities.

The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to keeping roads clear, improving traffic management, and ensuring a safer environment for all road users.

The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has received with profound shock, deep sorrow and a heavy heart the devastating news of the sudden passing of an Eighteen years old Part Three student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery — who reportedly died in his sleep in the early hours of today, Tuesday, 6th of January, 2026.

A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that the student, Timilehin Adetoye TOROMADE with matriculation number CLI/2022/133, might have died after two in the morning because one of his room mates said that he opened the door for one of them at that time

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, on behalf of the Visitor, the University Council, Management, Senate, staff, and students of the University, expresses heartfelt and unreserved condolences to the bereaved family, classmates, colleagues, and friends of the deceased. According to the Vice Chancellor : “The loss of a young life filled with promise, purpose, and potential is a tragedy that words alone cannot adequately capture.”
Describing the incident as deeply painful and distressing, the Professor Bamire notes that the entire University community is united in grief over the untimely departure of a student who had embraced the rigours of medical training with the hope of, one day, healing others and serving humanity. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his peers and all who knew him.

The University Management assures the public that it is working closely with relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident, in line with established medical procedures.

The Public Relations Officer said that the University is also putting in place appropriate support measures to assist students and members of the University community who have been emotionally affected by this tragic loss.

At this moment of collective mourning, we University calls on students, staff, alumni, and friends of the institution to remain calm, compassionate, and prayerful, and to uphold the values of empathy and solidarity for which the Great Ife is renowned.

As a community of faith, hope and learning, we commit the soul of our departed student into the hands of Almighty God, the giver and sustainer of life. We pray that the Lord, who comforts those who mourn, will grant his family and all of us the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may light perpetual shine upon him.