The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • U.S. Embassy reopens newly redesigned American centre in Abuja

    U.S. Embassy reopens newly redesigned American centre in Abuja

    The United States Embassy has reopened its newly redesigned American Center in Abuja, raising the number of American Centres across Nigeria to 29.

    Located within the Embassy Chancery, the upgraded facility features modern spaces and enhanced technology designed to broaden educational, cultural and professional opportunities for Nigerians. 

    The Centre offers resources on the United States, English language teaching and learning, educational advising for study in U.S. institutions, American cultural programmes, networking opportunities with U.S. exchange alumni and professional development support.

    Speaking at the reopening ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills, Jr., underscored the importance of the American Center and the wider network of American Spaces in fostering access to information, learning and cross-cultural connections.

     “Today, we are proud to reopen the American Center as a space that celebrates American excellence in arts and reflects the values that define our nation. American Spaces have become trusted venues for young people seeking opportunities to learn about the United States, improve their English, and develop professional skills.  They offer a welcoming environment where students, entrepreneurs, and community leaders can connect, collaborate, and innovate.”    

    He added, “Through educational advising, entrepreneurship training, and digital literacy programs, American Spaces equip Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.” 

     “The individuals depicted on this mural embody the values of hard work, determination, and perseverance.  These are hallmarks of American achievement, but they are also qualities we see every day in Nigerian youth.” Ambassador Mills added.

    Also speaking during the reopening ceremony, Country Public Diplomacy Counselor, Lee McManis stated that the revitalized space joins twenty-nine other American Spaces across Nigeria, serving as vibrant hubs for cultural exchanges and learning.

     “We are thrilled to reopen the American Center here at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. This revitalized space joins 29 other American Spaces across Nigeria, serving as vibrant hubs for celebrating U.S. leadership in innovation and learning. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the center will foster meaningful connections and provide new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. 

     McManis said, “American Spaces are at the heart of our commitment to bridge building,” adding that “These Spaces offer a welcoming environment where people can access reliable information, develop new skills, and engage in open dialogue. By fostering connections and supporting lifelong learning, American Spaces empower individuals and strengthen the bonds between our nations.” 

    The newly redesigned centre features murals which are a series of large public artworks that celebrate American history, culture, and shared values. Created by skilled artists, murals often highlight themes such as freedom, innovation, and community. Through bold imagery and symbolic scenes, the murals are meant to educate, inspire, and reflect the experiences and ideals that have shaped the United States. 

     The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to resources and program that strengthen bilateral ties. 

    American Spaces support U.S. interests, foster a greater understanding of the United States, and offer opportunities for the United States to connect with aspiring leaders.  

    The reopening ceremony welcomed guests both in- person and virtually, including participants from all American Spaces across Nigeria.  

  • NYSC to adopt standardised protocol for corps members with disabilities

    NYSC to adopt standardised protocol for corps members with disabilities

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has said it would adopt a standardised protocol for the handling of corps members with disabilities during the orientation course and throughout the service year.

    The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, made this known at the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Pre-Orientation Workshop, themed: “Revamping the NYSC Orientation Course Experience as a Foundation for Impactful Service by Corps Members,” in Jos, Plateau State.

    He said the initiative, which was in furtherance of NYSC’s welfare strategies for corps members, would focus not only on compliance, but also dignity, inclusion and equal opportunity.

    In a statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the director – general said: “It underscores our commitment to leaving no one behind and positioning the NYSC as a humane, progressive, and nationally responsive institution.

    “Equally crucial is using emotional intelligence and showing empathy in all interactions with Corps Members and Camp officials.”

    General Nafiu stressed that the orientation course, being the bedrock of a successful service year, must continuously reflect national realities, global best practices and the dynamics of youth behaviour.

    He said the course must ensure relevance as well as quality and measurable outcomes that would enable the corps members to integrate seamlessly into their host communities and transit into productive and impactful lives beyond national service.

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    “It is in this context that the pre-orientation workshop becomes essential because it will analyse emerging challenges, and develop practical improvements that will genuinely enhance the National Service experiences and effectively address modern realities,” he said.

    The DG commended all NYSC officials and those of the partner agencies for their teamwork, which enabled the Scheme to record tremendous successes in previous orientation exercises.

    General Nafiu charged the workshop participants to come up with ideas that would impact the corps members with innovative ideas, operational efficiency and institutional intelligence while also ensuring better camp management and robust stakeholders’ engagement.

    “We expect technology-driven engagements and innovative contributions to transform the orientation course into a dynamic launchpad for transformative national service that would prepare corps members not just to serve, but to lead, innovate, and make significant impact on national development,” he said.

    The Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Nura Umar, said the theme of the workshop was strategic as it would showcase the importance of the orientation course in shaping the mindset, conduct, and overall experience of the corps members.

    The director said the orientation course would instill discipline, patriotism and other core values of the NYSC in the corps members.

    He said the workshop would review the conduct of the previous orientation exercise, identify operational challenges and  strengthen inter-agency collaboration with a view to offering best services in camp.

  • FG rolls out enhanced medical support amid veterans’ calls for pension increase

    FG rolls out enhanced medical support amid veterans’ calls for pension increase

    The Federal Government has rolled out enhanced medical support for military veterans, aiming to improve their healthcare access and overall welfare.

    This comes amid calls for an upward review of pensions and gratuities, with retirees citing the rising cost of living, fuel price hikes, and transportation challenges.

    The intervention was unveiled during a medical outreach organised for veterans as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD), held on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of ex-service personnel.

    Pheelangwa said the outreach was designed to support veterans, particularly those who could no longer adequately cater for their health needs.

    “This is essentially our way of giving back to society by reaching out to veterans who are unable to care for themselves,” he said.

    Pheelangwa explained that the outreach was not limited to Abuja, noting that similar exercises had been conducted in several locations nationwide to maximise impact.

    According to him, AFCRD is an annual event, and while the current outreach is tied to the 2026 celebration, other institutional mechanisms remain in place to address veterans’ long-term welfare.

    He disclosed that veterans could access lifelong medical care through accredited Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) upon proper registration.

    “Once veterans are registered with the HMO, they are entitled to medical facilities for life,” Pheelangwa said.

    The National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Grace Henry, clarified issues surrounding healthcare coverage for veterans, describing the outreach as symbolic and critical to their wellbeing.

    Henry explained that access to free medical treatment required registration with the Defence Health Maintenance Organisation (DHMO), through which a unique identification number is generated and used at approved hospitals.

    She noted that medical bills incurred outside designated hospitals would not be covered, adding that where approved coverage proved insufficient, affected veterans could apply for refunds through the scheme, which would be forwarded to the Ministry of Defence for consideration.

    Henry said honourably retired personnel, including their spouses, were entitled to healthcare benefits, stressing that only those dismissed from service were excluded.

    She said the Legion has engaged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to secure subsidised farm inputs and implements for veterans involved in agriculture.

    “We have applied with the ministry and discussions are ongoing. Farming is a key area we are advocating for, and we are hopeful of positive outcomes,” she said.

    Sharing his post-retirement experiences and expectations, a retired Master Warrant Officer of the Nigerian Air Force, Emmanuel Waniko, called for an upward review of pensions and gratuities, citing inflation, fuel price hikes and rising transportation costs.

    Waniko said while access to healthcare had improved through recent interventions, housing support for retirees remained largely absent.

    He said he took up farming after retirement, urging government support for veteran farmers through subsidised fertiliser, agro-chemicals and farm machinery, noting that high input costs were eroding the value of pensions.

    Another retiree, Magaji Abdallah, a retired Master Warrant Officer of the Nigerian Army, commended government initiatives, particularly the electronic pension verification process, which he described as stress-free and effective.

    “You can do it from the comfort of your home, even from the village, without travelling long distances or queuing for days,” he said.

    Abdallah, however, appealed for improved housing policies for retirees and expanded healthcare coverage to include drugs not currently captured under existing schemes.

    The veterans expressed appreciation for the medical outreach, while urging sustained reforms and stronger inter-agency collaboration to improve their quality of life and honour their years of service to the nation.

    The medical outreach featured free eye checks, High Blood Pressure test and distribution of free test devices as well as treatment and referral for other ailments.

    The outreach also involved distribution of 25kg bags of rice to about 100 beneficiaries.

  • Dangote varsity upgrades hostels, health facilities for better learning

    Dangote varsity upgrades hostels, health facilities for better learning

    The Vice Chancellor of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil (ADUSTECH), Professor Tukur Musa Yakasai, has disclosed that the institution has successfully renovated its students hostels and upgraded its healthcare services as part of ongoing efforts to improve campus life and academic standards.

    Professor Yakasai made this known during an inspection tour of key facilities across the university.

    He explained that the renovation of female hostels was completed last year through a direct labour approach, coordinated by the Dean of Students Affairs, an effort that has now been extended to the male hostels.

    The VC said the renovations were funded through modest contributions received from students, stressing that the university management ensured judicious use of the funds to deliver tangible improvements in students’ living conditions.

    He further revealed that the university’s healthcare services have been significantly upgraded to the status of a general hospital.

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    “A renowned consultant has been appointed to oversee the affairs of the health facility, with a view to providing improved and efficient medical services to students, staff and the university community,” he said.

    Professor Yakasai also noted that ADUSTECH remains one of the most affordable universities in Nigeria offering science and technology-based courses, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to accessible and quality education.

    Speaking during the tour, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Justice Abdu Aboki (Rtd), who led the inspection team, commended the university management and the Deanery Department for adopting the direct labour initiative in renovating the hostels.

    Justice Aboki said the upgrading of facilities would create a more conducive learning environment and contribute to the attainment of quality academic standards within the institution.

  • LSBTS raises alarm over looming blood shortage, urges stronger donor mobilisation

    LSBTS raises alarm over looming blood shortage, urges stronger donor mobilisation

    With hospitals grappling with rising emergencies and an overstretched blood supply system, the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) has issued a warning, mobilising donor advocates, partners and civil society groups to prevent a potential blood crisis in the state.

    At the 2026 Blood Donor Mobiliser Stakeholders’ Engagement held on Wednesday in Alausa, Ikeja, stakeholders were urged to scale up community-based mobilisation to address sharp fluctuations in voluntary blood donation that continue to endanger patient outcomes across Lagos.

    The Executive Secretary of LSBTS, Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, cautioned that while the demand for blood remains steady due to childbirth complications, road traffic accidents, surgical procedures, sickle cell crises and cancer treatment, donation levels are inconsistent and typically drop during festive seasons.

    “Blood cannot be manufactured or replaced,” she said. “When donations drop, lives are put on hold.” She noted that the sharp decline in donations in December exposed deep vulnerabilities in Lagos’ blood supply chain and reinforced the urgency of sustained, year-round mobilisation.

    Osikomaiya stressed that voluntary, non-remunerated donation remains the safest and most sustainable source of blood, describing donor mobilisers as the frontline defenders in the fight to save lives.

    According to her, no amount of infrastructure or policy can compensate for the absence of willing donors and trusted community voices.

    She disclosed that LSBTS’ 2026 strategy would prioritise turning one-time donors into regular life-savers through improved donor care, recognition and a referral-driven “each one, reach one or two” model, designed to multiply impact at the grassroots.

    The engagement, she added, was structured to deliver action rather than rhetoric, with clear performance benchmarks, simple reporting systems and outreach plans tailored to Lagos realities such as traffic congestion, distance and limited time.

    Providing insight into current realities, Head of Donor Recruitment and Retention, Ms Olayinka Animashaun, revealed that in 2025, LSBTS recruited 7,670 donors, recording 5,656 successful donations from 216 blood drives across the state.

    While improved face-to-face advocacy and better donor experience boosted turnout, she said persistent myths, low awareness, poor internet access and space constraints continue to limit optimal performance.

    Animashaun said the 2026 push would focus on deeper community penetration, sustained education and dismantling misconceptions that keep otherwise eligible residents away from donation centres.

    Partners echoed the urgency. President, Rotary Club of Lagos Palm Grove Estate, Rotarian Pravin Kumar, described Lagos as a critical link between donors and patients, noting that Rotary clubs remain key responders to emergency blood needs. He said Palm Grove Estate donates about 500 pints of blood annually, with plans to double the figure through intensified mobilisation.

    Co-founder, One Health Lifesavers, Mr Idris Ibrahim, said collaboration was no longer optional, stressing that shared networks and pooled resources were essential to reaching more residents and running multiple donation drives simultaneously.

    Similarly, PRO, KBK Club, Mr Kamal Safiriyu, said the forum offered a moment for honest reflection and strategic reset, adding that stronger partnerships were crucial to reversing donation gaps.

    Founder and CEO, Diabetes & Limb Salvage Foundation, Mrs Osarenkhoe Chima Nwagwugwu, gave the issue a human face, recounting her struggle to access blood in December. She described blood donation as a non-negotiable social responsibility and urged families and communities to make it a constant conversation.

    “Blood should never be searched for only in emergencies,” she said, calling on residents to see voluntary donation as a civic duty rather than an occasional act of charity.

    The engagement ended with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to strengthen trust, expand coordinated outreach and work closely with LSBTS to ensure that no patient in Lagos is denied life-saving blood when it matters most.

  • Tension in Delta community over suspected herdsmen attack

    Tension in Delta community over suspected herdsmen attack

    Tension is mounting in Umeh, a riverine community in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, following reports of attacks on residents and travellers allegedly carried out by herdsmen.

    A community leader and lawyer, Akpovienehe Duncan Afahakor, raised the alarm on Wednesday in a post on the Facebook platform Umeh Need Road, cautioning that the security situation was rapidly worsening.

    In the post titled “Umeh Under Attack,” Afahakor claimed that armed herdsmen had occupied farmlands and were attacking road users.

    “No one truly understands the intentions of the Fulani group. They have occupied the Umeh bushes, preventing our people from accessing their farms. Beyond this, they emerge from the bush to attack motorcycle riders along the Umeh bridge. Just two days ago, without any provocation, one of our youths was shot in the leg multiple times,” he wrote.

    According to him, the development has crippled farming activities in the agrarian community.

    “As a result, we can no longer go to our farms to tend to our pepper, cassava, and plantain crops. The attacks have now extended to the road, and if urgent help does not arrive, there is real fear that the violence could spread into the community itself,” the post added.

    Umeh, which gained access by road during the administration of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan following sustained advocacy on the Umeh Need Road platform, is mostly dependent on farming and riverine trade.

    When contacted, the Isoko South Local Government Council, through the Chairman ‘s Chief Press Secretary, Michael Akpodhoma said it would communicate its action on the matter by Thursday.

    However, the Delta State Police Command said it had not received any formal report of the alleged attack. 

    The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, told The Nation “we don’t have that report.” 

    Residents are calling for urgent intervention by the State Government and security agencies to prevent further escalation.

  • Tributes pour in as Badagry mourns late Akran

    Tributes pour in as Badagry mourns late Akran

    The Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, has clarified the reason behind the delayed public announcement of the passing of the Akran of Badagry, His Royal Majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I.

    Speaking during a press interview at the Akran Palace, Hunpe explained that the council first sought and secured authorisation from the Lagos State Governor before making the monarch’s demise public.

    The late Akran, the 18th ruler of Badagry Kingdom, joined his ancestors on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the age of 89. 

    He reigned for 49 years and was widely celebrated as a unifying figure whose leadership brought stability and moral guidance to the ancient coastal kingdom. His death has thrown the community into mourning, with residents, traditional institutions and political leaders expressing deep grief.

    Hunpe added that the governor’s approval was eventually granted, allowing for the formal announcement and commencement of traditional mourning rites, while burial arrangements are being awaited from the royal family.

    “When we got the news, we had to inform the governor and seek his approval before any public announcement. The approval was graciously given and we officially announced the display. We are now awaiting burial arrangements from the family before placing that in the public domain,” Hunpe said.

    He described the late Akran as a symbol of peace and stability and a father to all, a custodian of tradition and a bridge between generations, noting that peace reigned in Badagry throughout his over four decades on the throne.

    “To the glory of God, Baba lived a good life. For more than 40 years on the throne, peace reigned in Badagry. That is the foundation he laid and the legacy we must all sustain,” Hunpe added.

    In recognition of the monarch’s legacy, the local government declared seven days of mourning across Badagry, urging residents to reflect on the values of unity, tolerance, discipline and service to humanity that defined the Akran’s reign.

    Hunpe said the presence of prominent sons of the soil, including former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (rtd), at the palace shortly after the monarch’s passing was a testament to the goodwill and respect he commanded while alive.

    He urged residents to maintain the peace established by the late monarch, especially during the seven-day mourning period, stressing that peace remained the bedrock of development.

    The council chairman described the monarch’s passing as a major loss not only to Badagry but to Lagos State and Nigeria at large, noting that the Akran stood firmly for dialogue, cultural preservation and community progress.

    Meanwhile, traditional rulers from across Badagry Division and neighbouring communities have continued to visit the Akran Palace to condole with the royal family.

    On Tuesday, the Aladi Onijanikin of Ijanikin, Oba (Dr.) Momodu Afolabi Asafa (MFR), sent a delegation bearing his staff of office to the palace as a mark of respect and condolence.

    Speaking on the life and reign of the late Akran, Oba Asafa described his transition as a painful loss to the entire Badagry Division, saying the monarch was a strong, fearless and dependable voice for the division at the state level.

    According to him, the Akran consistently stood up for the collective interest of Badagry Division and played key roles in resolving challenges confronting the area.

    He recalled several occasions when both monarchs worked closely to advance development in the division, including joint interventions when there were moves to relocate Lagos State University (LASU) from Ojo, outside Badagry Division.

    Oba Asafa said similar engagements also helped in securing the siting of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) at Oto, noting that the late Akran was deeply committed to projects that would deliver long-term benefits to the people.

    The Onijanikin, who has reigned for close to 53 years and is the oldest reigning monarch in Lagos State, said it was particularly painful that the Akran, who spent 49 years on the throne, joined his ancestors as a fellow long-serving monarch from the same division.

    “You will not see Baba again, but you will see yourselves,” Oba Asafa said, urging the children of the late monarch to remain united and calling on the entire Badagry community to embrace love, togetherness and mutual respect.

    He concluded by offering prayers for the royal family and appealed for peace, unity and continued progress across Badagry Kingdom and the entire Badagry Division.

    Similarly, the Oloto of Oto Awori, Oba (Dr.) Aina Josiah Olanrewaju Ilemobade Kuyamiku, also sent emissaries to the Akran Palace on Tuesday to sympathise with the royal family and the people of Badagry.

    As condolence visits continue, former Chief of Air Staff and eminent son of Badagry, Air Marshal Nunayon Amosu (rtd), paid a condolence visit to the Akran Palace to commiserate with the royal family.

    Amosu described the late monarch as a man of peace, wisdom and uncommon humility, whose reign was marked by harmony, inclusiveness and service to humanity.

    According to him, the Akran’s consistent promotion of peaceful coexistence helped position Badagry as one of the most hospitable and stable communities in Lagos State and Nigeria.

    Receiving the delegation, Hunpe thanked the former Air Force chief for standing with the royal family and the people of Badagry at the solemn moment, and reaffirming the council’s resolve to uphold the Akran’s enduring legacy of peace and communal progress.

    Traditional rites are currently ongoing within the inner circles of the kingdom. While no official curfew has been declared, symbolic market closures, adjusted trading hours and restricted movements are expected during sacred processions approved by the Badagry Traditional Council. Public buildings across the division are flying flags at half-mast.

    As condolence visits continue, residents and traditional institutions are reflecting on the enduring legacy of the late Akran of Badagry as a monarch whose reign was defined by peace, unity and service.

  • First African principal of Ekiti Baptist High school Oyewole dies at 94

    First African principal of Ekiti Baptist High school Oyewole dies at 94

    High Chief Emmanuel Ilesanmi Oyewole, the first African Principal of the Ekiti Baptist Boys High School, now Ekiti Baptist High School, Igede-Ekiti, is dead. He was 94.

    Oyewole, who was also the Okunato of Aramoko-Ekiti, died barely three months after the death of his wife Chief (Mrs.) Florence Mosebolatan Oyewole.

    The late Mrs. Oyewole, a retired school headmistress and Iyaloja of Aramoko-Ekiti, died on September 27, 2026, and preparations for her burial were ongoing when news of her husband’s death broke.

    The deaths of the couple have thrown the Nigerian Baptist Convention into mourning, as both were noted for their lifelong commitment to the church and its ideals.

    Oyewole’s death has also drawn tributes from across the country, largely due to his contributions to education and public service. 

    He served as a teacher, school administrator and electoral officer with the Independent National Electoral Commission in the old Ondo State.

    A Physics graduate of Fourah Bay College, Sierra Leone, Oyewole was Principal at several secondary schools, including Obalatan Commercial Secondary School, Ilupeju-Ekiti; Ode Grammar School, Ode-Ekiti; Annunciation School, Ikere-Ekiti; Ise-Emure Grammar School, Ise-Emure-Ekiti; and Notre Dame College, Usi-Ekiti.

    He joined the staff of Ekiti Baptist Boys High School in 1958 and was appointed Vice Principal in 1964. He became the substantive Principal in 1966 following the departure of the American missionary, Mr. J.B. Hill, making history as the school’s first African principal.

  • Soludo commissions 5km community road, hails public-private-community partnership

    Soludo commissions 5km community road, hails public-private-community partnership

    Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has commissioned a five-kilometre road project constructed by industrialist and philanthropist, High Chief Sir Dr Amb. Anthony Ikenna Obele, in Ezinifite, Aguata Local Government Area of the state.

    The commissioning ceremony, which was held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, marked a major milestone for residents of the community, as the road was executed through private initiative rather than government funding.

    The multi-billion-naira project features a fully asphalted roadway, drainage system and solar-powered streetlights, linking Aku village to neighbouring communities and significantly improving access, trade and mobility in the area.

    Speaking at the event, Governor Soludo described the project as a model of shared responsibility in development, noting that government alone cannot meet the state’s infrastructure needs at the required pace.

    “At the speed we need to move, government alone cannot achieve development,” the governor said, calling on Ndi Anambra at home and in the diaspora to invest in their communities.

    He commended High Chief Obele for complementing the state’s development agenda and aligning with the administration’s Public-Private-Community Partnership framework.

    High Chief Obele, an illustrious son of Aguata, said the project was driven by a sense of responsibility to his people rather than personal recognition, stressing that leadership should be measured by the impact made on lives and communities.

    Residents of Ezinifite described the road as a major relief, noting that it has eased transportation challenges, reduced erosion-related damage and enhanced economic activities in the area. Community leaders said the project had transformed daily life and opened up new opportunities for growth.

    Traditional rulers and stakeholders at the event praised the initiative, describing it as a turning point for the community and a demonstration that meaningful development can be achieved through private commitment.

    Governor Soludo, while commissioning the project, encouraged other well-meaning individuals to emulate the gesture, assuring that the state government would continue to recognise and support community-driven development efforts.

    The Ezinifite road project is the first of its kind by an indigene of Aku village to be commissioned by a sitting governor at his country home, further underscoring its significance to the community.

  • Police deploy marine, land patrols, gadgets to secure Third Mainland Bridge

    Police deploy marine, land patrols, gadgets to secure Third Mainland Bridge

    To ensure real-time surveillance, detection, and prevention of crimes on the Third Mainland Bridge and surroundings, the Lagos State Police Command has deployed marine and ground forces for 24-hour patrols.

    The patrol teams would work with the state-of-the-art control room built and donated to the police command by the Federal Ministry of Works.

    Test-running the facilities on Wednesday, which have been integrated into the state’s security communication architecture, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh, said it would aid in real-time prevention and detection of crimes, including traffic-related offences, acts of vandalism underneath or on top of the bridge.

    CP Jimoh said the deployment of advanced cameras with a range upto Victoria Island and parts of the mainland would further enhance safety and security in the state, warning those who might want to jump into the lagoon, and reckless drivers to desist from such acts as they would be caught.

    According to the police boss, the control centre, though the fifth in Lagos, has hi-tech equipment that enables integrated policing capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.

    According to him, a network of high-tech cameras has been installed at strategic locations across the state and is being monitored from a central control room by specially trained officers.

    “The system enables real-time monitoring of public spaces, major roads, transport corridors, and critical infrastructure. Once suspicious activity is detected, information is relayed in real-time to officers on the ground for swift response.

    “We now operate a dedicated control group where activities are monitored continuously. Once anything unusual is noticed, whether on the road, in public transport areas, or within sensitive facilities, our teams are alerted instantly to take action,” he said.

    To further enhance operational capacity, Jimoh said that the command had taken delivery and deployed two new patrol vehicles, donated by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

    “These vehicles are expected to improve response time and mobility during emergencies,” he said, demonstrating how the vehicles, patrol boats, and control room work in synergy for seamless operation.

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    CP Jimoh said marine security had received a major boost with the deployment of a fully equipped patrol boat from the Federal Government to secure Lagos waterways, terminals, and waterfront facilities.

    “The boats, supported by police personnel and surveillance technology including drones, will operate round the clock to deter criminal activities on water,” he said.

    In addition, the commissioner highlighted the effectiveness of the upgraded radio communication network, which allows officers to respond promptly to distress calls and coordinate operations more efficiently across the state.

    The police boss expressed gratitude to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for donating the control room facility to the command, and for his pledge to provide maintenance support to keep the place functioning.

    He also thanked the Lagos State Government, especially Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Executive Secretary (ES) LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, for their continued support in providing critical security infrastructure, which has placed the state at the forefront of internal security preparedness in Nigeria.

    “Our capacity to protect life and property has significantly improved.

    These cameras, vehicles, boats, and communication systems represent a major step forward in the security architecture of Lagos State and, by extension, Nigeria,” he said.

    The Commissioner assured residents that the command remained committed to professionalism, effective service delivery, and the continuous use of modern technology to make Lagos safer for all.