The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Afenifere leader Fasoranti mourns Lucia Onabanjo

    Afenifere leader Fasoranti mourns Lucia Onabanjo

    …says she was a model as a wife and mother

    The national leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, has paid tribute to the late Chief Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, describing her as an exemplary figure in family support and community service.

    Fasoranti, a nonagenarian, conveyed his remarks following the passing of the Onabanjo matriarch, according to a statement by Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi.

    He noted that throughout the professional and political career of her husband, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, she provided unwavering support that strengthened the home and enabled him to excel in journalism and public service.

    “Mama stood firmly. She managed the home front in a manner that allowed her husband to reach the peak of his career in journalism and in politics,” Fasoranti recalled.

    Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, Ogun State’s first civilian governor from October 1979 to December 1983, was a distinguished journalist and author of the popular Aiyekooto column, through which he critiqued societal issues and governance. He was also a committed supporter of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    Ajayi added that Fasoranti’s association with Onabanjo grew from shared ideological alignment under Awolowo’s leadership, which also brought him into close contact with the late Onabanjo’s wife.

    “Reports have it that Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabanjo breathed her last on Monday, January 11, 2026, aged 100 years. 

    “Chief Fasoranti recalled that before and even when her husband became governor, Mama carried herself with dignity and unobtrusively. 

    “She stood firmly with her husband without interfering negatively in his political engagements. She was a model as a wife and as a mother.”

    The Asiwaju Yoruba (Fasoranti) added that when Chief Onabanjo faced political persecution particularly under the military after the 1983 coup, Mama did all that was humanly possible to ensure that the family did not suffer much.

    “On behalf of the entire Afenifere family and Yorubas generally, we condole the immediate and extended families of the Onabanjos and pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late Matriach, Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo”, Ajayi quoted Fasoranti as praying.

  • Why FAAN thrives under Olubunmi Kuku

    Why FAAN thrives under Olubunmi Kuku

    By Afolabi Idowu

    Since assuming leadership of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in late 2023, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku has steered the Authority through one of the most consequential periods in its history.

    Confronted with legacy infrastructure deficits, systemic revenue leakages, operational bottlenecks, and eroding passenger confidence, Kuku’s tenure has marked a decisive pivot from reactive management to proactive transformation. Two years on, FAAN is not only stabilised—it is ascending.

    Kuku’s administration has been overhauling infrastructure and operations strategically through execution of high-impact capital projects aimed at restoring operational integrity and elevating service delivery.

    Within her first quarter, FAAN completed the long-delayed rehabilitation of Runway 18R/36L and Taxiway B at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos—restoring full 24-hour operations through the replacement of critical airfield lighting systems. This was followed by the expansion of the Domestic Terminal (formerly GAT) and the commissioning of premium lounges, which significantly decongested passenger flow and enhanced comfort.

    The MMIA Rehabilitation and Expansion Project, currently underway, represents the most substantial single investment in Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure. Backed by the Federal Government, the project will modernise terminal architecture, integrate advanced passenger processing systems, and upgrade airside facilities—positioning MMIA as a regional hub of international repute.

    Through nationwide modernisation and operational resilience, Olubunmi has extended across the network FAAN’s infrastructural momentum. New airfield lighting systems have been installed at Enugu and Ilorin, while the domestic terminal in Minna has been commissioned. Power and HVAC system upgrades in Kano, Katsina, and Jos reflect a strategic shift from cosmetic refurbishments to a more comprehensive asset renewal, ensuring operational reliability and scalability amid rising traffic volumes.

    On security and safety, a technology-driven paradigm under Kuku’s leadership, FAAN has embraced a security architecture anchored in global best practices. 

    The deployment of Smiths Detection screening systems with automated tray return mechanisms, coupled with extensive CCTV upgrades and the distribution of over 3,000 digital radios, has significantly enhanced situational awareness and response capability. These investments have yielded measurable improvements, as evidenced by strong performance in recent ICAO and TSA audits.

    The establishment of integrated access control systems and centralised emergency operations centres has reduced passenger screening times by up to 80% during peak periods. Following the aerodrome recertification of MMIA and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in 2024, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) recently certified Mallam Aminu Kano and Port Harcourt International Airports—bringing the total to four certified international gateways, an unprecedented milestone in Nigeria’s aviation history.

    On financial reengineering and digital transformation, a cornerstone of Kuku’s reform agenda is financial sustainability. Through the implementation of a Regularisation Policy targeting encroached airport lands and the aggressive recovery of legacy debts, FAAN has significantly improved its revenue position. The Authority’s adoption of Microsoft Business Central ERP is streamlining financial workflows, enhancing transparency, and enabling real-time performance monitoring.

    Regarding passenger-centric reforms and service excellence, Kuku’s administration has embedded a passenger-first ethos across FAAN’s operations. Network-wide lounge refurbishments, the introduction of mother-and-child facilities, and enhanced support for passengers with reduced mobility—including dedicated hotlines and trained assistance staff—have redefined service delivery standards. A transparent refund policy and simplified complaint resolution mechanisms further reinforce FAAN’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

    In the area of human capital development and organisational alignment, Olubunmi recognizes that infrastructure is only as effective as the people who operate it, Kuku has prioritised workforce development. The implementation of the revised national wage structure, clearance of outstanding arrears, and rollout of targeted training programmes aligned with the FAAN 2025 Performance Roadmap have reinvigorated staff morale. A new Performance Management System ensures that individual contributions are aligned with institutional KPIs, fostering a culture of accountability and meritocracy.

    FAAN’s international footprint has expanded under Kuku’s stewardship. Strategic collaborations with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council are repositioning airports as multimodal trade enablers. Notably, her advocacy was instrumental in attracting West Africa’s first aircraft manufacturing and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, with Abuja and Akure designated as host locations. Ongoing engagements with IATA and AviaDev are expected to catalyse new domestic and regional route development.

    Just last November, Mrs Kuku hosted the third FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC), which drew a host of state governors, international aviation experts, and investors to recognise opportunities and tap into them. Given her position as Vice President of Airports Council International – Africa, Nigeria is expected to become a hub for global conversations on the sector in the near future.

    Mrs Kuku’s leadership has redefined the expectations of what is possible within Nigeria’s aviation governance framework. Her approach—anchored in strategic foresight, disciplined execution, and stakeholder collaboration—has delivered tangible outcomes in record time. Her open-door leadership style and insistence on professionalism underscore a broader cultural shift—one that places collective responsibility and international compliance at the heart of FAAN’s transformation.

    As FAAN enters its next phase, the focus is on institutionalising reforms, deepening operational excellence, and transforming Nigeria’s airports into globally competitive hubs of connectivity and commerce. With Mrs Kuku at the helm, there is no better time to bet on Nigeria’s aviation industry.

    Afolabi Idowu, a media practitioner, writes from Lagos.

  • Immigration Service rolls out enhanced passport tracking feature 

    Immigration Service rolls out enhanced passport tracking feature 

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Thursday announced the rollout of an enhanced passport tracking feature as part of mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in passport acquisition in and outside the country. 

    The tracking feature is aimed at checking details regarding its production and reducing any form of sharp practices in the application processes 

    The Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, had warned personnel of the Service against any form of sharp practices or corruption-related misdemeanours at a recent Conference on anti-corruption at the headquarters of the Service in Abuja.

     She said the NIS would leave no stone on unturned to ensure that the on-going reforms in the Service was carried out successfully, while all the gadgets installed across the country for seamless experience function optimally. 

    Read Also: Release Sowore’s passport now, Hashim urges Tinubu

    However, the update, posted by the Service on one of it social media platforms was as a result of rising complaints over delays in passport issuance and collection.

    The Service said it had observed that hundreds of passports produced had remained uncollected, leading to increasing complaints from applicants.

     The updated system now introduces a new status—“Produced (Passports Produced, Ready For Collection)”—to the existing passport tracker. 

    Our correspondent gathered that the feature is intended to give applicants clearer visibility on when their passports are ready for pickup, or to be delivered through courier Service, thereby reducing uncertainty around processing timelines.

    It was learnt that the tracking feature was part of reforms to eliminate deliberate bottlenecks within the system and reduce public outcry over  delays in acquisition of the documents. 

    Sources within the Service assured that the new tracker status would help applicants distinguish between production delays and passports that are ready for collection, but yet to be retrieved.

  • Tinubu leads Nigerians to observe 2026 Armed Forces Celebration, Remembrance Day

    Tinubu leads Nigerians to observe 2026 Armed Forces Celebration, Remembrance Day

    …reaffirms commitment to welfare, dignity of Armed Forces

    …as Shettima represents President at Abuja ceremony

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday led Nigerians to observe the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD), honouring officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.

    The President was represented at the national ceremony by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who led dignitaries to lay wreaths at the cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier at the National Arcade.

    In his message to mark the day, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of the Armed Forces, assuring serving personnel that Nigeria stands firmly behind those who defend its sovereignty. 

    The message was posted on the President’s verified X handle, @officialABAT.

    “As President and Commander in Chief, I reaffirm my commitment to the welfare and dignity of our Armed Forces. A secure Nigeria stands behind those who defend it. We will continue to support them in action,” the President said.

    The President noted that the annual commemoration provided an opportunity for the nation to pause and honour the memory of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces who paid the ultimate price in the service of the country.

    “We remember the brave men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces who sacrificed everything for our country. Their names might not always be remembered, but their courage sustains our freedom and peace,” he said, adding that a nation that forgets its fallen heroes risks losing its sense of direction.

    President Tinubu also paid tribute to the families of fallen service members, acknowledging the deep pain borne by widows, children and loved ones left behind.

    “Your loss is profound, and no words can replace the sacrifices of your loved ones. They served Nigeria with honour, and our people will never forget their sacrifices,” he said.

    While honouring the fallen, the President celebrated serving personnel across all formations, commending their discipline, courage and professionalism in protecting lives and property on land, sea and air, often at great personal cost and far from home.

    “From the frontlines to support positions, you carry the heavy responsibility of protecting our people and sovereignty,” Tinubu said.

    Read Also: Tinubu, top officials honour fallen heroes, serving troops at Remembrance Day

    The AFCRD, organised annually by the Ministry of Defence, honours personnel who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peace support operations and internal security engagements, including the ongoing fight against terrorism and other threats to national stability. 

    Beyond remembrance, the event also celebrates living veterans and mobilises support for the welfare of wounded service members and the families of fallen heroes.

    Although Nigeria once observed Remembrance Day on November 11 in line with Commonwealth tradition, January 15 is now marked to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War and to align the remembrance with national realities.

    This year’s ceremony took place amid reports of operational gains by the Armed Forces in the North-East and other parts of the country, underscoring the courage and professionalism of troops confronting Nigeria’s security challenges.

    At the ceremony, Vice President Shettima was joined by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by his deputy, Benjamin Kalu; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; Chief of Defense Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; alongside the Service Chiefs, senior military officers, members of the Diplomatic Corps and the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Grace Morenike Henry.

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was unavailable, while the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, represented the territory and joined other dignitaries in the wreath-laying.

    Highlights of the 2026 AFCRD included artillery gun salutes, the firing of volleys, a minute of silence in honour of the fallen and the symbolic release of pigeons to signify peace and national unity.

    President Tinubu concluded his message with prayers for the repose of the souls of the fallen, renewed strength for the Armed Forces and God’s continued blessings on Nigeria.

  • Hajj 2026: Lagos begins medical screening for intending pilgrims, appoints LGA coordinators

    Hajj 2026: Lagos begins medical screening for intending pilgrims, appoints LGA coordinators

    The Lagos State Government has commenced medical screening for all intending pilgrims from across the state ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin.

    He said the screening exercise, barring any unforeseen circumstances, is scheduled to run from Wednesday, January 14, to Saturday, January 24, 2026, across 10 designated centres in the state.

    Ajomagberin explained that the exercise, coordinated by the medical team led by Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, was decentralised to ensure easy accessibility and operational flexibility, with local government areas grouped under specific screening centres and health facilities.

    According to him, Agege and Ifako-Ijaiye LGAs will be screened at the Agege LGA Secretariat and General Hospital, Orile-Agege; Ikeja and Oshodi-Isolo at the Ikeja LGA Secretariat and BT Diagnostic Centre, LASUTH, Ikeja; Shomolu and Mushin at the Mushin LGA Secretariat and Bukyano Medical Diagnostic/BT Diagnostic, LASUTH, Ikeja; Eti-Osa, Epe and Ibeju-Lekki at the General Hospital, Ibeju-Lekki; and Badagry and Ojo at the General Hospital, Badagry.

    Read Also: Kaduna flags off enlightenment programme for 2026 Hajj intending pilgrims 

    Other centres include Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa and Ajeromi-Ifelodun at the Ajeromi LGA Secretariat and Bukyano Medical Diagnostic; Surulere, Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island at the Surulere LGA Secretariat and Bukyano Medical Diagnostic; Ikorodu and Kosofe at the Ikorodu LGA Secretariat and General Hospital, Ikorodu; Alimosho at the Alimosho LGA Secretariat and Bukyano Diagnostic Centre; while government officials will be screened at Adeyemi-Bero and BT Diagnostic Centre, LASUTH, Ikeja.

    The board secretary urged all intending pilgrims to present themselves for the exercise, warning that failure to undergo the mandatory screening would result in denial of entry visa by the Saudi Arabian Embassy.

    Meanwhile, the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has appointed Local Government Schedule Officers to coordinate and oversee the welfare of pilgrims both in Nigeria and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Those appointed include Sanusi-Alaka Hajara (Agege); Kadiri Kudirat Oluwatoyin (Ajeromi-Ifelodun); Bello Aminat Yetunde (Alimosho); Oladipupo Sherifat Abeni (Amuwo-Odofin); Mumeen Rabiu Adebayo (Apapa); Gafar Mojeed (Badagry); Gatta Tajudeen Abiola (Epe/Eti-Osa); Adeoye Rohimot (Ifako-Ijaiye); Ige Rasaq Kolade (Ikeja); Murtador Morenikeji Saudat (Officials); Shitta Riskat O. (Ikorodu); Hassan Sikirat Temitope (Kosofe); Lawal Abubakar Abolore (Lagos Island); Muhammed Rukayat (Lagos Mainland); Oshile Mudirat Bukola (Mushin); Akinyemi Suraju (Ojo); Famosa Olabisi Ibironke (Oshodi-Isolo); Coker Esther (Shomolu); Ganiu Ridwan Abiola (Surulere); and Hassan Taofeek (JAIZ/NIA/ROYAL).

    Ajomagberin noted that the appointments were approved by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, during a meeting with the coordinators at the Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, which was also attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Mr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe.

    He urged the coordinators to demonstrate commitment and professionalism in the discharge of their duties, assuring that the state government remains committed to providing a conducive environment for pilgrims to fulfil their spiritual obligations, while warning that any acts capable of undermining the exercise would not be tolerated.

  • I want written agreement before I’ll join APC -Kwankwaso

    I want written agreement before I’ll join APC -Kwankwaso

    National leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on Thursday indicated interest to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The former Kano governor clarified that he has not rejected the ruling party but was being cautious due to a past experience.

    He stated this while addressing NNPP supporters from Rano and Dawakin Tofa local government areas who paid him a loyalty engement visit in his residence in Kano.

    He told his guests that his strategic move is to protect them and maintain leverage in negotiations with President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership.

    Read Also: Kwankwaso: Yusuf’s defection would ease tension in NNPP

    Kwankwaso said his position on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s possible defection has been misunderstood.

    “I didn’t say I won’t join APC, but we must first be clearly assured of the future of Kano State government before we join the APC.

    “What will be the fate of our lawmakers and other supporters before we agree to defect?

    “I will not go to the APC blindly. I must be clearly informed of my role, the direction of the journey, and the fate of our plans for the common people,” he said.

    Recalling previous a political alignment, Kwankwaso said his camp had played significant roles in forming the Muhammadu Buhari-led government but were later sidelined.

    He emphasised that any defection must be based on clear assurances regarding the protection of his supporters and the Kano State government structures.

    According to him, so far, no firm guarantees have been offered to him to safeguard Kwankwasiyya’s interests or ensure fair treatment of its members within any new arrangement.

    “Without written assurances, abandoning the NNPP would be premature and risky,” he noted.

  • LASG strengthens mental health support for survivors of gender-based violence

    LASG strengthens mental health support for survivors of gender-based violence

    The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (MWAPA), has intensified efforts to provide mental health support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the state.

    The ministry, through its Domestic Violence Unit (DVU), organised a one-day awareness and sensitisation programme on mental health for survivors of SGBV at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa.

    The programme brought together key stakeholders, professionals, religious leaders and participants to address the growing need for mental health care, healing and resilience for survivors of abuse and violence.

    Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, said the effects of gender-based violence go beyond physical injuries, noting that emotional and psychological trauma often has long-lasting consequences.

    Read Also: LASG charts new path for stronger primary healthcare

    She stressed the need to prioritise mental wellbeing as a critical part of survivors’ recovery and reintegration, adding that the theme of the programme, “Building Resilience and Gaining Access to Services,” aligns with the state’s THEMES Plus Agenda, particularly in the areas of social inclusion, human capital development and responsive governance.

    Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Rianat Onigbanjo, described the programme as impactful and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening access to mental health support services for survivors of gender-based violence.

    She commended the commissioner for her leadership and policy direction in promoting the protection, empowerment and holistic wellbeing of women and vulnerable persons in Lagos State. 

    Onigbanjo appreciated survivors for their courage in sharing their experiences and assured them of the ministry’s continued support towards healing, recovery and empowerment. She also commended media partners for amplifying awareness on mental health and gender-based violence.

    During the programme, facilitators from the Lagos State Employee and Wellness Centre educated participants on the concept and forms of gender-based violence, including emotional, economic and physical abuse, as well as harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and denial of inheritance rights.

    They also highlighted the mental health implications of gender-based violence, with emphasis on depression, and discussed prevention and management strategies, encouraging self-awareness, healthy boundary-setting, regular exercise and seeking professional help without fear or stigma.

    Participants were further enlightened on trauma management, coping mechanisms, counselling services and available support structures within Lagos State, and were urged to report abuse through designated helplines. 

    The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders to promote a safer, more inclusive and resilient Lagos State where survivors of gender-based violence receive timely care, protection and support.

  • Lassa fever death toll hit 215 in 2025, fatality rate exceeds 2024 level – NCDC

    Lassa fever death toll hit 215 in 2025, fatality rate exceeds 2024 level – NCDC

    Nigeria recorded 215 deaths from Lassa fever in 2025, with the disease’s case fatality rate rising to 18.7 percent, higher than the 16.3 percent recorded during the same period in 2024, according to the latest Situation Report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

    The report shows that confirmed cases increased from 21 in Epidemiological Week 51 to 27 in Week 52, covering the period from December 22 to 28, 2025. 

    The new infections were reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Nasarawa and Taraba States.

    Cumulatively, Nigeria recorded 1,148 confirmed Lassa fever cases by the end of Week 52 in 2025, with infections reported across 22 states and 107 Local Government Areas, reflecting the continued nationwide spread of the viral haemorrhagic disease.

    Despite the increase in cases during the final week of the year, the NCDC noted that the overall number of suspected and confirmed cases in 2025 was lower than what was recorded during the same period in 2024, indicating gradual improvements in surveillance, early detection and response.

    The report revealed that 89 percent of all confirmed cases in 2025 were concentrated in four States — Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Taraba. 

    Ondo State accounted for 35 percent of confirmed cases, Bauchi 26 percent, Edo 16 percent and Taraba 12 percent, while the remaining 11 percent were reported across 17 other states.

    Young adults aged 21 to 30 years were the most affected group, with reported cases ranging from infants aged one year to elderly persons aged 96 years. 

    The median age of confirmed cases was 30 years, and the male-to-female ratio stood at 1 to 0.8.

    The NCDC also confirmed that no healthcare worker was infected during Epidemiological Week 52, underscoring improved infection prevention and control practices in health facilities.

    The agency said the National Lassa Fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group continues to coordinate response activities nationwide, covering surveillance, case management, risk communication and logistics support.

    Read Also: NCDC Report: Lassa fever killed 176 in 10 months

    It stated that Lassa fever response efforts were intensified across the country ahead of the new outbreak season, including the conduct of a dynamic risk assessment and a webinar on the application of the Lassa fever advocacy toolkit.

    According to the agency, behavioural assessments were conducted in 10 high-burden states, alongside community-based One Health planning, After Action Reviews for the 2024/2025 outbreak season, and strategic capacity development sessions.

    It added that health facility preparedness was strengthened through infection prevention and control training, hand hygiene audits, clinician sensitisation in hotspot local government areas, and the launch of the NCDC’s IPC e-learning platform.

    The agency noted that national and subnational partners supported vaccine development planning, clinical trials in Ondo State, as well as multiple fellowship and clinical management training programmes.

    It further disclosed that Rapid Response Teams were deployed to affected states, while essential commodities including personal protective equipment, Ribavirin and information, education and communication materials were distributed.

    The agency said these efforts were complemented by enhanced risk communication through jingles, targeted messaging, and the integration of Lassa fever messages into broader viral haemorrhagic fever strategies, alongside sustained regional and international collaboration across ECOWAS countries.

  • Lagos steps up support for artisans, targets global job opportunities

    Lagos steps up support for artisans, targets global job opportunities

    The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to empower artisans and unemployed youths with skills, certification and job readiness, as it engaged Human Invest Group Africa to strengthen vocational training and open access to local and international employment opportunities.

    The engagement, facilitated by the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, focused on strategies to improve artisans’ earning capacity, workplace safety and competitiveness, including positioning them for job opportunities beyond Nigeria.

    Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, said the state government remains deliberate in empowering artisans, describing skilled labour as the backbone of essential services and economic growth in Lagos.

    Read Also: Researchers expand climate-resilient support for vulnerable Lagos communities

    He noted that structured training and proper certification would not only enhance artisans’ incomes but also provide recognition for their skills and enable them to access wider job opportunities.

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Lolade Aina, underscored the importance of collaboration between the ministry and Human Invest Group Africa, stressing that accurate data, effective regulation and coordinated interventions are critical to achieving sustainable employment outcomes.

    Earlier, the Founder of Human Invest Group Africa, Mrs. Ajibola Ponle, a former Commissioner for Establishment and Training in Lagos State, called for the regulation and licensing of artisans in line with international best practices.

    She advocated the strengthening and harmonisation of the state’s artisans’ database, noting that proper certification would enhance value, ensure quality assurance, protect the nation’s image and create pathways for artisans to access global job opportunities.

  • FG, Legion plan affordable housing scheme for military veterans

    FG, Legion plan affordable housing scheme for military veterans

    The Nigerian Legion is collaborating with the Federal Government to establish affordable housing estates for military veterans as part of efforts to ensure a smooth and dignified transition from active service to retirement.

    The initiative was aimed at ensuring that no retired personnel were left without a home after years of dedicated service to the nation.

    The National Chairman of the Legion, Ms Grace Henry, disclosed this while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, held in Abuja on Thursday.

    She said, “We do not want our people to retire and have nowhere to go.

    “We are creating a new Legion framework where veterans, widows, and their families can have a place to live and a sense of belonging.”

    Henry said that the welfare conditions for veterans and widows had improved in recent months, noting that pension payments were now more regular, leading to a significant reduction in street protests by retired personnel.

    Read Also: Nigerian Legion honours cleric

    “For the past six months, we have not had our members on the streets again. Pensions are now being paid as and when due, and this has brought relief to widows and veterans,” she added.

    Henry described the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day as a comprehensive initiative that honoured fallen heroes while also celebrating serving and retired personnel.

    She said the expansion of the former Armed Forces Remembrance Day into a week-long celebration had helped to deepen public awareness of the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the need for sustained support for their families.

    The chairman of the five-man Ministerial Committee on Military Veterans’ Welfare, Air Commodore Femi Oguntuyi (retd), said the committee was engaging the federal government on critical welfare concerns affecting veterans.

    According to him, the priority areas included the review of veterans’ salary structure, improved medical care for disabled ex-servicemen, and equitable payment of post-service entitlements.

    He said even as progress had been gradual, the committee remained optimistic that ongoing engagements would yield tangible improvements in the living conditions of veterans across the country.