The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Digital inclusion: DBI president makes case for 27 million Nigerians with disabilities

    Digital inclusion: DBI president makes case for 27 million Nigerians with disabilities

    The President/CEO, Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Mr. David Daser, has advocated Digital inclusion for over 27 million Nigerians living with disabilities. 

    He said it had become imperative for policy makers to develop policy frameworks that would tackle all impediments against them so that they would have access to digital education and gain quality employment. 

    Daser made the remarks at a sensitization workshop on: “Digital Citizenship for Persons with Disability,” organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in Abuja.

    He said the over 27 million Nigerians living with disabilities (PWD) should not be left behind as digital technologies become central to education, employment, governance, and health.

    According to him, it is very imperative that no one is left behind, “especially the over 27 million Nigerians with disabilities, as we shape Nigeria’s digital future.”

    Daser who spoke on the topic: “Empowering All: Advancing Digital Citizenship and Inclusion for persons with disabilities,” called for immediate removal of all structural and systemic barriers to full participation of persons with disabilities through disability-aware policy framework and other initiatives.

    Daser commended the NCC for convening the critical sensitization workshop on digital citizenship and inclusion for persons with disabilities.

    He added that as the founding institution behind the Digital Bridge Institute, the commission has continued to demonstrate not just regulatory foresight, but a human-centered commitment to national development.

    He said, “Empowering PWDs in the digital space means not only providing access to technology but also ensuring that they have the skills, support systems, and confidence to thrive as equal digital citizens. 

    “Whether it’s through accessible user interfaces, screen readers, inclusive content design, or disability-aware policy frameworks, we must remove the structural and systemic barriers to full participation.

    “This is not charity. It is not a favour. It is justice. Inclusion is a shared responsibility. The regulators, the educators, the private sector, and civil society must all lean in.”

    He pointed out that at the DBI, the mission has always aligned with this vision, adding, “We are not merely a training institution, we are a bridge to inclusion. 

    Read Also: NITDA to drive digital inclusion with 1,600 ICT centres

    “Through our partnership with organisations such as Sightsavers, we have actively integrated disability inclusion into our digital skills programmes. We have seen firsthand how adaptive technologies, inclusive learning designs, and policy-level engagement can transform lives.”

    However, he advised all the stakeholders in this initiative to go further, even as he reminded them that inclusion is not an option, but an obligation.

    In her speech, the NCC Director of Economy, Mrs Olatokunbo Oyeleye said the worshop provided the opportunity to learn and plan, and not to just gather together but to really engage.

    She added that digital skill is required in all facet of lives and human endeavours. She advised the participants to take something home to improve and impact on the people living around them and their environment.

  • Sanwo-Olu vows prosecution of LASTMA attackers as Lagos celebrates 25 years of traffic reform

    Sanwo-Olu vows prosecution of LASTMA attackers as Lagos celebrates 25 years of traffic reform

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the protection of officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), declaring that anyone who assaults traffic officials will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

    The governor issued the warning during the agency’s 25th anniversary and second Lagos Traffic Summit, held on July 15 at an event that doubled as a high-level policy forum on the future of mobility in the state. The message was delivered on his behalf by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

    “Let’s put it on record that anyone who attacks our officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Sanwo-Olu said, addressing a hall filled with stakeholders from across the transportation and public safety sectors. “Without LASTMA, all of us can’t function. That is the truth. And as such, we must respect them while they do their job.”

    The solemnity of the governor’s message was reinforced with a minute’s silence in honour of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Their names were read out as a mark of remembrance, while the governor pledged continued support for their families and assured current officers of the government’s backing.

    Highlighting the summit’s theme, “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovations,” Sanwo-Olu praised LASTMA’s technological transformation. From real-time surveillance to automated number-plate recognition and plans for drone-based traffic monitoring, he described the agency as “a model institution, not just in Nigeria but across West Africa.”

    The governor also unveiled a forward-looking 20-year strategic traffic management blueprint, which includes smarter urban mobility systems, expanded intermodal transport infrastructure, and embedded artificial intelligence for predictive traffic analysis, and making Lagos the human capital center of the world in the transport sector by enhancing the innovative competitiveness of the Lagos State University School of Transportation.

    Opening the session, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, set the tone for the summit, describing the occasion as ‘a solemn recognition of a quarter-of-a-century-long journey that began with a powerful idea: that Lagos should take control of its traffic density.’”

    Giwa detailed how LASTMA, established in July 2001, evolved from a modest team of less than 500 with rudimentary tools to a 4,000-strong workforce managing over 2 million daily vehicle movements across the state’s 9,100-kilometre road network. “Our officers have braved the sun, storms, and strenuous streets, not only to clear bottlenecks but also to save lives during accidents, coordinate disaster response, and facilitate seamless movement of goods and services,” he said.

    Giwa further noted the enormous economic implications of traffic mismanagement. With Lagos holding 30% of Nigeria’s vehicular population, and commuters losing four to six hours daily to congestion, the state suffers an estimated N1 trillion in annual productivity losses. “These are no longer just figures. They are about lives, mental health, and economic competitiveness,” he said.

    Read Also: ‘Resounding victory’ belongs to Lagosians, says Sanwo-Olu

    Giwa called for deeper institutional accountability. “Enforcement agencies must act with fairness. We must earn public trust, not just demand compliance,” he said, adding that with over 4,000 LASTMA officers, the agency helps Lagos recover an estimated N400 billion in productivity value annually.

    International transport systems expert and founder of Infotran, Mr. Shridhar Uttara, also addressed the summit, providing a global perspective on traffic technology. Drawing on over 15 years of collaboration with Lagos transport agencies, Mr. Uttara presented a roadmap for integrating AI, adaptive signal systems, and unified transport platforms to enhance mobility and reduce congestion.

    Uttara proposed body cameras for LASTMA officials to deter violence and ensure transparency, while also urging Lagos to adopt Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platforms that unify ferry, road, and rail transport under a single digital infrastructure. “You cannot build a 21st-century city on 20th-century transportation systems,” he warned.

  • Ajanaku vows to reposition Ondo information ministry, promote Aiyedatiwa’s govt

    Ajanaku vows to reposition Ondo information ministry, promote Aiyedatiwa’s govt

    Newly inaugurated Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, has pledged to strategically promote the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa through effective public communication.

    Ajanaku, one of the 16 commissioners sworn in on Monday at a ceremony held at the International Centre for Culture and Events in Akure, officially resumed office on Thursday to a warm reception by ministry staff.

    Speaking during his assumption of duty, Ajanaku expressed his determination to reposition the ministry as a dynamic hub for government communication. He also called for unity among media stakeholders in the state, stressing his readiness to use his experience to enhance the government’s image.

    He described the ministry as both “the image manager of the state” and “the voice of the people,” highlighting its crucial role in governance and public engagement.

    “My mission is to project the achievements of Mr. Governor, rebrand government communication, and foster genuine citizen engagement

    “I thank His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for the trust and opportunity to serve. I also thank God Almighty for life and this privilege,” Ajanaku said.

    Outlining his vision for the ministry, Ajanaku emphasized the importance of effectively telling the story of the Aiyedatiwa administration under the OUR EASE agenda, a policy framework focusing on inclusive growth, infrastructure, empowerment, and good governance.

    “Ondo State has a compelling story to tell, and it must be told effectively, creatively, and truthfully. This ministry will be lifted to a high pedestal, and all hands must be on deck as we take on this collective task.

    “I’m ready to deploy every experience I have gathered to promote the administration of Governor Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the enormous potential of Ondo State to the global community,” Ajanaku stated.

    Speaking earlier on a radio programme aired on Adaba 88.9 FM, Akure, which was monitored by the NATION, the commissioner called for harmony and collaboration among professionals to achieve the common goal of effective information dissemination.

    He said he is prepared to reposition the Ministry of Information as a strategic channel for government communication and public engagement, describing his appointment as a call to service and a responsibility he does not take lightly.

    Ajanaku, a seasoned media strategist with years of experience in journalism and political communication, assured the public of a transparent and proactive information dissemination approach.

    He added that his tenure will prioritize credibility, innovation, and professionalism.

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo Council, has congratulated Mr Ajanaku on his inauguration by Governor Aiyedatiwa.

    In a congratulatory message jointly signed by the State Chairman, Leke Adegbite, and the State Secretary, Olaoluwa Meshack, NUJ expressed confidence in the ability of Ajanaku as a core senior journalist to harness the media potentials in the state and beyond for the benefit of the people and growth of the state.

    The union expressed the readiness of the NUJ leadership and members of the media profession in the state to support and work seamlessly with the new commissioner for a smooth running of the government’s activities in an informed society.

    It urged, “The new commissioner to form a formidable relationship with members of the pen profession in the state for a better service delivery.”

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa assigns portfolios to Ajanaku, Ajibefun, Awolowo, 13 other exco members

    Also, the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals (ACSPN), in the state, has congratulated Mr Ajanaku over his appointment and also expressed confidence in his capacity to reposition the ministry to drive effective public enlightenment and engagement with media stakeholders.

    In a statement jointly signed on Thursday by its Chairman of the Association, Sunday Kolawole, and the Secretary, Richard Ilesanmi, the association promised to collaborate with his ministry to enhance media literacy, strategic communication, and institutional research to promote civic engagement in the state.

    “The body of scholars, researchers and media professionals believes the new commissioner’s wealth of experience, especially in journalism and public affairs, will strengthen government-media relations and enhance citizens’ access to timely and credible information,” the statement. 

  • Lekki e-call up: N10,000 access fee approved as enforcement begins august 1

    Lekki e-call up: N10,000 access fee approved as enforcement begins august 1

    Stakeholders in the Lekki Port corridor have agreed to a fixed access fee of N10,000 for the newly introduced electronic call-up system, a move aimed at streamlining traffic flow and improving cargo evacuation efficiency within the area.

    The resolution was reached during a high-level meeting involving the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Lagos State Government officials, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) workers, and the National Association of Truck Owners (NARTO).

    According to the communique issued after the meeting, the N10,000 e-call up charge will apply to all trucks seeking access to the Lekki Deep Seaport, and full enforcement of the policy will commence on August 1, 2025.

    The e-call up system, modeled after the Lagos Ports “Eto” system, is expected to reduce gridlock along the Ibeju-Lekki axis and ensure that only trucks with genuine appointments are granted terminal access.

    Read Also: E-call up enforcement begins on Lekki-Epe corridor Monday

    A senior official of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the consensus on the fee was reached after careful consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

    “We have ensured that the pricing is fair, transparent, and tied directly to service delivery. Enforcement will be strict but backed with the necessary infrastructure and personnel,” the official said.

    Truckers and haulage operators welcomed the decision but appealed for seamless implementation and real-time technology support to avoid system breakdowns and arbitrary enforcement.

  • Four suspects held over alleged N500m visa scam

    Four suspects held over alleged N500m visa scam

    •One nabbed over N1.5m bribe

    Four individuals have been arrested in Lagos for their involvement in a visa scam amounting to N500 million.

    The suspects — Blessing Wefsutu, 27, Chineye Christian, 36, Archibong Udeme Ifereke, 23, and Maurine Peter, 25, —  who are staff members of an educational consultancy firm in Ago Okota, Lagos targeted over 100 unsuspecting Nigerians with false promises of overseas employment.

    According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), following a transfer of the case from the Ago Okota Division, where the initial complaints were lodged.

    “Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects fraudulently obtained N500 million from more than 100 victims under the false pretext of securing Canadian and Australian work visas,”  Hundeyin said in a statement.

    The victims allegedly paid various sums in exchange for promised job placements abroad — opportunities which never materialised.

    Read Also: How Nigerian Idol throws up talents

    Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, urged the public to remain cautious and verify any travel or recruitment agency before making financial commitments.

    Also, operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have arrested one Yahaya Saleh, a 40, for attempting to bribe police investigators with N1.5million.

     In a statement yesterday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Josephine Adeh said the officers declined the offer and initiated legal procedures, leading to Saleh’s arrest.

     She said the Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale commended the officers for their conduct and assured the public that the command “remains resolute in its stance against corruption and interference with justice”.

  • N151 senior Police officers face disciplinary committee

    N151 senior Police officers face disciplinary committee

    About 151 senior officers are facing disciplinary committee over allegations of misconduct and ethical breaches.

    Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, made this known in a statement yesterday.

    He said the review started on Monday and would be concluded on July 25, at the IGP Smart Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    The Force spokesman stated that the committee investigates cases involving senior officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) upwards.

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    “The Force Disciplinary Committee is an essential internal structure responsible for reviewing and adjudicating cases of alleged breaches of professional conduct, misconduct, and ethical violations involving senior officers of the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police and above,” the statement read.

    Adejobi reiterated the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to discipline and ethical conduct and emphasised that the Force would not condone any form of indiscipline or misconduct under his watch.

  • NAF sets Q4 to make all aircraft airworthy, says CAS

    NAF sets Q4 to make all aircraft airworthy, says CAS

    Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has promised to make all its aircraft airworthy by the fourth quarter of the year.

    He gave the pledge yesterday at the Aircraft Engineering Conference at NAF Headquarters, themed “Enhancing aircraft serviceability in the NAF through strong maintenance culture and strategic partnerships”.

     Air Marshal Abubakar stated that the NAF has been allocating significant resources to boost serviceability rates, dedicating funds to purchase consumables for the maintenance of its aircraft fleet.

    He said: “Similarly, we have been relentless in ensuring the timely provision of critical spares as well as the provision of up-to-date technical publications, ground support equipment, tools, and specialised equipment.

    “Through these efforts, we have achieved an average serviceability rate of about 72 per cent. However, the target is 90 per cent serviceability rate across all our platforms.

    “In this regard, significant investments have been made to ensure that every operable aircraft in the NAF inventory becomes serviceable by the Fourth Quarter of 2025.”

    The CAS emphasised that a robust maintenance culture is essential for high serviceability rates, enabling NAF to maintain operational effectiveness and deliver sustained air power in pursuit of national security goals.

     According to him, the NAF adopted a predictive maintenance culture in April, last year, enabling the Service to anticipate and schedule maintenance ahead of time, thereby preventing unexpected equipment failures.

    He said: “As you are aware, in the last two years, the NAF has reached new heights in operational capability. Fifteen brand-new aircraft were received by the NAF, including six T-129 ATAK helicopters, two AW-109 Trekker Type A helicopters, three Beechcraft King Air aircraft, and four Diamond 62 aircraft.

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    “Additional 49 platforms are expected before the end of 2026. They include three CASA 295 aircraft, 10 AW 109 Trekker Type B helicopters, 12 AH 1Z helicopters, and 24 M 346 fighter aircraft.

    “These aircraft are high-tech platforms that require very sophisticated maintenance activities to operate effectively. Therefore, while taking proactive logistics actions and providing the needed maintenance resources, we must implement advanced, innovative, and data-driven aircraft and armament maintenance practices that ensure the optimal serviceability of all our aircraft.”

    Air Marshal Abubakar described the theme of the conference as “apt and timely”, as it aligns with key elements of his Command Philosophy.

    Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal AI Amodu, noted that aircraft engineering is the backbone that supported NAF’s mission and objectives.

    According to him, in an era marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving threats, it is imperative that we embrace a proactive approach to engineering support.

    He said: “This conference provides us with an invaluable opportunity to share insights, explore innovative strategies, and enhance our understanding of how effective aircraft maintenance culture can directly impact our operational readiness and efficiency.

    “By fostering a culture that prioritises maintenance, we are not only extending the lifespan of our equipment but also enhancing our operational effectiveness.”

  • ‘Army kills five terrorists, rescue 11 victims’

    ‘Army kills five terrorists, rescue 11 victims’

    •Operation Fansan Yamma praised

    The Nigerian Army has killed five terrorists, rescued 11 kidnapped victims and arrested  21 suspects.

    A source, who made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday, said the soldiers also recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, among other items.

    The source said the feat was achieved between July 12 and 14.

    According to him, troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters, killed a terrorist during an ambush at Ngoshe-Agapalwa in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “Similarly, troops of I Brigade on patrol in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State also neutralised one terrorist and recovered a motorcycle.

    “In a separate operation, troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised two extremists and recovered arms, ammunition, and a motorcycle in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau  State,” the source said.

    The source also said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued 10 kidnapped victims in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba.

    He added that another victim was rescued by troops of Defence Headquarters Special Operations Battalion and Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    Also, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Assessment Team has commended Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) for sustaining pressure against terrorists and criminals in the Northwest and  Northcentral.

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     The assessment team leader from Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. W.B. Idris, stated this during a visit to the OPFY headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State.

    A statement by the Media Information Officer, Captain David Adewusi said the leader of the team, Maj. Gen. Idris, praised the professionalism and coordination displayed by troops, including personnel of various security agencies involved in the ongoing OPFY operations.

    He lauded the resilience and dedication of the troops, especially looking at the challenges of the terrain and the complex security threats they encountered daily.

    Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen Oluyinka Soyele, expressed his appreciation for the DHQ Team’s visit, describing it as a vital step towards strengthening field operations.

    He reaffirmed his commitment to sustain operational effectiveness and emphasised the importance of motivating the troops and fostering seamless collaboration among all security stakeholders.

    Maj. Gen. Idris later visited some frontline troops in Kwotorkoshi and Tsafe, in Bungudu and Tsafe Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

  • Agency takes anti-drug abuse campaign to Lagos school

    Agency takes anti-drug abuse campaign to Lagos school

    To curb the menace of cultism and drug abuse among youths, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, has held a sensitisation programme at Olu Abiodun Private School, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos State.

    No fewer than 45 pupils attended the event aimed at enlightening them on the dangers of drug abuse, cultism, promoting morality and discouraging negative peer influence.

    The sensitiation strategy featured an enlightenment followed by a question-and-answer segment.

    NOA Assistant Director, Ifako-Ijaiye, Mrs. Kaitell Kehinde, emphasised the urgent need for youths to say “No to Cultism” and avoid taking harmful substances. She warned the pupils against  indulging in vices such as smoking, drug abuse, and cybercrime, adding that they are not only dangerous to their health but also their future.

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    NOA believes that continuous awareness efforts of this nature will gradually make student involvement in cultism a thing of the past.

    The Proprietress of the school, Mrs. Adeniran Abiodun, and Head of Science, Mr. Orisan Toyin, and the following teachers: Mr. Ganiu Taiwo, Mr. Adeniran Seyo, and Mr. Onitolo Olajide, attended the event.

    Those from NOA were Mrs. Odeleye Folajaye (Ojokoro Local Council Development Area), Mrs. Anya Scholastica (Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government), and Mrs. Aregbesola ‘Wunmi (Ojokoro Local Council Development Area).

  • Oyo police dismantle one-chance gang

    Oyo police dismantle one-chance gang

    •Two arrested

    Oyo State Police Command yesterday said it had dismantled a ‘’one-chance’’ robbery gang, and arrested two suspects.

    The command said the breakthrough followed a viral video that exposed the gang’s illicit activities in Ibadan.

    The command’s spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), said: “The teams promptly activated their informant networks and launched an intensive search for the gang members.Their efforts paid off on July 12, 2025, when intelligence available to the Command Monitoring Unit revealed the whereabouts of suspected one-chance robbers. At around 3:30 pm that day, officers from the Unit tracked and located the suspects on the Old Ibadan/Oyo Road.’’

    Read Also: Mary Njoku raises alarm over suspected fake drugs in Nigeria, seeks NAFDAC’s probe

    He said the arrested members of the gang  were Kolawole Moshood, male, 42, from Olomoyeye Muslim, and Opeyemi Kuburat, female, 45, from Beyerunka.

    A Nissan Almera vehicle (Registration Number: Lagos FST 779 DL), which was allegedly used by the suspects was recovered.

    Upon interrogation, Osifeso said, the duo confessed to being key members of a gang in Ibadan and its environs. They further admitted to robbing and deceiving multiple victims using the seized vehicle.

    “The suspects are in police custody, assisting with the investigation. To date, three victims have come forward and positively identified them as the perpetrators who robbed them of their