Category: Featured

The Ogun State Governor has disclosed that the state’s foremost tourist attraction, Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, now generates about ₦20 million weekly following its recent renovation.

According to the governor, the facelift has not only enhanced the aesthetics and safety of the iconic historical site but also significantly boosted patronage from both local and international tourists.

He noted that the surge in revenue demonstrates the economic potential of tourism when properly harnessed, adding that the state government remains committed to developing more tourist sites to diversify its economy and create jobs.

Olumo Rock, one of Nigeria’s most popular heritage sites, holds deep cultural and historical significance for the Egba people of Abeokuta. The governor emphasized that with the growing revenue, the state is positioning tourism as a major driver of its internally generated revenue (IGR) and overall development.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a senior member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Shamsideen Adio, for allegedly beating a dispatch rider to Coma on Tapa Street, Lagos Island.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred on Wednesday after a minor clash between Adio and the victim, who was accused of scratching his vehicle. The argument quickly escalated, and Adio, reportedly joined by some of his colleagues, descended heavily on the rider, beating him until he collapsed.

A journalist, Chris Nwandu, who shared a video of the incident on social media, described Adio as notorious for similar violent attacks on tricycle (Marwa) operators in the area. He alleged that just days earlier, the suspect had assaulted another operator who ended up in hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries and died.

A police source confirmed that the rider succumbed to the injuries sustained in the attack. “The victim died from the beating, and the suspect has since been arrested. He is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department,” the source said.

The Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, could not be reached for official comment as of the time of filing this report.

The Lagos State Government has ordered probe into the viral video of secondary school students allegedly caught smoking Indian hemp.

This was contained in a statement made available by Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, Honourable Commissioner
Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education via his official X handle as read in part:

“The State Government views this incident with the utmost seriousness, as it goes against the core values and behavioural standards expected within the educational system of Lagos State.

“We wish to inform the public that the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MBSE), via the relevant agency, Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), is fully aware of the content of the video and has commenced a thorough investigation into the matter. Our Monitoring and Investigation team has been dispatched to verify the authenticity of the video, confirm the identities of those involved, and determine the level of institutional oversight.

“Preliminary engagements have also begun with the school authorities to gather all relevant facts, and any school found culpable will face appropriate sanctions in line with Lagos State education policies and regulations.

“The safety, well-being, and moral values of all students remain paramount to the Lagos State Government. We are committed to ensuring that all learning environments are safe, disciplined, and conducive to the academic and moral growth of every learner”.

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of an Islamic cleric, identified as Alfa Bashiru, for being in possession of suspected human flesh in Ibadan. The suspect was intercepted by officers of the Federal Highway Patrol at the Toll Gate axis of the Ibadan Expressway while driving a white bus with registration number XA 551 IRG around 11:30 a.m.

According to police reports, Bashiru allegedly confessed that he bought the suspected human parts in Lagos. The exhibits have been sent for forensic analysis to ascertain their authenticity and origin.

Police spokesperson CSP Adewale Osifeso said the case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, Ibadan, for further investigation.

The death toll from Tuesday’s fire outbreak at Afriland Towers, Lagos, has risen to 10, following confirmation from affected organizations.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announced the loss of four staff members, while United Capital Plc confirmed the death of six employees.

The inferno, which began around 1:30 pm in the building’s basement inverter room, trapped several occupants in the eight-storey commercial tower that houses major firms. Emergency responders rescued at least nine persons, with five successfully resuscitated.

Authorities continue investigations into the cause of the blaze as families and colleagues mourn the victims.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned that rising cases of internet fraud are worsening visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians abroad.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said fraudulent practices not only destroy the future of those involved but also tarnish Nigeria’s international image, resulting in stricter travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.

Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent CSE Coker Oyegunle, spoke on Monday at an event in Port Harcourt organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs. His remarks were contained in a statement issued by the commission on Tuesday.

“The EFCC boss highlighted that internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, undermining national growth and depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities,” the statement read.

He added that such crimes “erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad.”

The EFCC chairman cautioned youths to embrace digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry instead of cybercrime. He was quoted as saying: “Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ always end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future.”

Olukoyede further assured that the EFCC would intensify sensitisation, enforcement, and collaboration with communities to combat fraud.

The warning comes amid recent EFCC operations that led to multiple arrests and convictions of internet fraud suspects, and follows U.S. visa restrictions that now limit some categories to three-month, single-entry permits.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lifted the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State six months ago. The suspension, which takes effect from September 18, restores Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly to their offices.

Tinubu had declared the emergency in March, citing political deadlock in the Assembly and the government’s failure to address persistent oil pipeline vandalism. A retired naval officer, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, was appointed sole administrator during the period.

The Presidency explained that the decision to end the rule was due to a “new spirit of understanding” among political stakeholders in the state. The move also coincides with the expiration of the initial six-month emergency period under the 1999 Constitution.

The lifting of the emergency marks the restoration of democratic governance in the oil-rich state after months of political and legal battles.

The Consul General of Brazil in Lagos, Ambassador Manual Innocencio De Lacerda Santos Jnr on Tuesday morning hosted a courtesy meeting with His Royal Majesty, Oba Ademola Olugbile Folakanmi, the Alado of Ado Awaye, and his entourage.

During the meeting, the Alado delivered a presentation on the cultural and tourism potential of Ado Awaye, particularly the world-renowned Iyake suspended lake, the only natural suspended lake in Africa.

Responding, Ambassador Santos described the timing of the engagement as auspicious, noting that a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) has already been signed between Nigeria and Brazil. He revealed that Air Peace has been designated to commence scheduled flights between Lagos and São Paulo under the agreement.

According to the envoy, the development will not only ease air connectivity but also encourage more Brazilian tourists to visit Nigeria. “When they come, they will visit Oke-Ogun to see the Iyake suspended lake, the only natural suspended lake in Africa,” Santos said.

The Consul General also received an official invitation to attend the Iyake Festival 2025, scheduled to hold between November 18 and 22.

The Alado was accompanied to the meeting by his wife, Olori Titilola Olugbile; Oloye Bola Olalere, the Amuludun of Ado Awaye; Prince Rashid Owoiya; and Imam Rasheed Basiru.

Lagos Island witnessed two major fire incidents on Tuesday, sparking panic among residents and businesses. The first outbreak occurred at Afriland Tower on Broad Street, where a branch of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) is located.

The fire, which reportedly started in the inverter room, forced several staff and customers to jump from upper floors to escape heavy smoke. At least seven people were rushed to hospital with injuries, while firefighters from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations battled the blaze.

Hours later, another fire erupted at Emab Plaza, a four-storey commercial building behind Mandilas on Taiwo Street.

The fire began on the top floor and spread quickly, with firefighters from Ebute Elefun and Oniru stations responding. No fatalities have been confirmed as at press time, and investigations into the causes of both incidents are ongoing.

A socio-political group in Oyo State has insisted that the next governor of the state should not come from Ibadan, arguing that other zones deserve a fair chance at leadership.

The group noted that since the creation of Oyo State, Ibadan has consistently dominated the governorship seat, producing six governors, including the incumbent, Seyi Makinde.

They recalled that the only non-Ibadan indigene to have governed the state was the late Adebayo Alao-Akala from Ogbomoso, who served between May 2007 and May 2011.

According to the group, the political imbalance has marginalized other regions, particularly Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, and Oyo zones, which they believe are equally qualified to lead the state.

They, therefore, called on political parties, stakeholders, and opinion leaders to support a zoning arrangement that would allow power to rotate and foster inclusivity across the state.