The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • itel Energy opens computer village centre

    itel Energy opens computer village centre

    itel Energy has  launched its newest Sales and Service Experience Centre in Computer Village, Ikeja, the nation’s largest tech and gadget hub, reinforcing its commitment to excellent customer service, seamless distributor support, and reliable after-sales solutions.

    This comes on the heels of growing demand for reliable solar energy alternatives in urban centres.

    This new location is a fully integrated experience centre designed for end-users, EPC partners, and distributors to explore, engage, and receive comprehensive support on solar energy solutions.

    With offerings ranging from plug-and-play systems to larger installations, the centre provides access to the complete itel Energy portfolio, including solar panels, batteries, inverters, all-in-one (AIO) systems, and accessories. Customers and distributors alike will also benefit from on-site consultation, product testing, and real-time technical support, all backed by itel’s industry-leading after-sales service framework.

    “For us at itel Energy, customer experience doesn’t end at the point of purchase. It begins there,” said Olaotan Fawehinmi, PR Manager of itel Energy. “This Ikeja Store is purpose-built for distributors and EPC partners to easily access support and logistics, while also allowing end users to experience, understand, and trust the technology they’re buying. With a 3-year replacement warranty on inverters and a 5-year warranty on batteries, plus our Carlcare centres across all 36 states, we are redefining what after-sales care means in this industry.”

    The event gathered key industry players, EPC engineers, business owners, and local distributors who praised itel Energy’s customer-centric model and business-friendly structure.

    Read Also: How we raised TB, flood risks awareness, by Oyo NOA

    “I’ve worked with several solar brands, but itel Energy stands out,” said John Nwoye, General Manager, Flotel Electronics Limited.

    “This is a game changer, beyond the products, itel understands the Nigerian customer and the Nigerian Market, from flexible warranty options to nationwide service coverage and instant tech support,” James Agbo, Operations Manager, Flotel Electronics Limited stated.

    The Computer Village experience centre is the latest in a series of physical touchpoints being rolled out by itel Energy nationwide, serving walk-in consumers and solar installers to regional distributors.

    Itel Solar Energy also seized the occasion to introduced its latest 3.6kWh All-in-One (AIO) solar system.

    Encouraged by the strong market response, the brand announced plans to roll out even more portable energy storage products across its stores in the coming weeks.

  • Nigerian relives historic moment as first nation’s astronaut

    Nigerian relives historic moment as first nation’s astronaut

    A United States-based lawyer and politician, Chief Owolabi Salis, has become the first Nigerian to travel to space above the Karman line, boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space, located at an altitude of 100 kilometres above sea level.

    The Blue Origin, which took the astronauts on the flight, touched back from the epic space adventure at the tarmac of the exotic space village in Western Texas.

    Salis is the only black among the crew of astronauts.

    He said he dedicates this feat to victims of discrimination and civil rights violations

    Salis was wearing an African made cap over his astronaut jacket to generate campaigns for greater participation of Africans in exploration of space science and technology

    The Blue Origin identity for the group is NS-33 and the group name is Solstice-33.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria oil rigs increase to 44, says NUPRC

    “Space is a humbling place. Leaders causing troubles in this planet should be sent to space; they will be humbled and sober” – said Salis.

    The high-flier and visioner, who had criss-crossed virtually all continents, was on board with six NS-33 crew, comprising Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Jim Sitkin, Freddie Rescigno, Jr., Leland Larson.

    He described the experience as “humbling, stupefying and overwhelming, beholding the universe in its awe-inspiring splendour, and delightful cosmic spectacle.

    “It was for me a eye-opener, widening my vista, drawing me closer, more than ever towards my maker, whose creative mind fashioned the mystery of the universe’’, Salis, spiritual leader of Soul Maker’s Ministry Worldwide, said.

  • Founder boosts tourism, wins awards

    Founder boosts tourism, wins awards

    Founder of Taste of African Vibes and pioneer organiser of African Content Creators Conference, Jibola Abati, has won two categories at Golden Stars Awards 2025 for promoting African tourism and content creation.

    Abati’s contributions to tourism through content creation have earned him Tourism Personality of the Year award. In addition, his Taste of African Vibes is Tourism Company of the Year award for showcasing the continent’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

    READ ALSO; ROLL CALL: Atiku, El-Rufai, Malami, Tambuwal, others attend ADC coalition unveiling

    Golden Stars Awards is a platform that recognises excellence in TV, film, entrepreneurship, sports, and others. The ceremony, which will hold on July 6, at Lekki Coliseum, Lekki Phase 1 in Lagos State, will honour Abati’s achievements and celebrate his commitment to promoting African tourism and content creation.

    Both wins are a testament to Abati’s dedication to his craft, and it solidifies his position in African tourism and content creation. It also highlights importance of promoting African culture and heritage through novel and engaging content.

    This cements his reputation in African tourism and content creation, and celebrates his excellence and innovation, while recognising his contributions to the industry.

  • They shot me twice, killed others on the spot, says victim

    They shot me twice, killed others on the spot, says victim

    A survivor of the massacre in Ogboji, Anambra State, Onuoha Godwin, said the gunmen stormed the venue of their monthly meeting with intent to kill.

    Godwin, a member of the Ebonyi State Welfare Association in Ogboji, who said he is from Inyimagu in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, said: “We used to have our meeting two times in the month. That day was our general meeting of Ebonyi State Welfare Association in Ogboji.

    “Towards evening time when we were about closing the meeting, some people carrying guns came in. We thought they were policemen that came for mass arrests. We didn’t know they were on a mission to kill us. The first thing they asked was, ‘Who is Augustine Odogwu?’ Then they ordered everybody to lie down. They dragged me up and asked me what meeting we were doing. I told them it was the general meeting of Ebonyi indigenes. They said we were kicking against them and then they shot me,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria oil rigs increase to 44, says NUPRC

    The attackers, he said, fired several shots into the air and threatened to kill everyone if Augustine wasn’t identified.

    “They came to me again and asked me to show them Augustine or they would kill me. I pointed at him. They brought him out and shot him right there. Then they shot me again.”

    He said what  followed was mass carnage as the gunmen began firing indiscriminately at other members of the association, killing about eleven people on the spot and leaving several others injured.

  • Ogboji killing: Anambra, Ebonyi govts want perpetrators brought to justice

    Ogboji killing: Anambra, Ebonyi govts want perpetrators brought to justice

    • One arrested as police launch manhunt for killers

    The Anambra and Ebonyi state governments yesterday condemned Monday’s attack that claimed lives of over 10 persons at Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.

    They called on security operatives to bring perpetrators to book.

    Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, described the killings as “senseless, barbaric and an affront to peace, unity and the sanctity of human life.”

    Also yesterday, Ebonyi House of Representatives’ Caucus called for the arrest of the assailants.

    “It defies reason and logic that a group of Ebonyi people holding a peaceful meeting would be shot at close range. It is unacceptable, and I frown strongly at such heinous acts in their entirety,” Governor Nwifuru said.

    The governor said that he has contacted his Anambra State counterpart, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and called for a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation into the incident.

    READ ALSO; ROLL CALL: Atiku, El-Rufai, Malami, Tambuwal, others attend ADC coalition unveiling

    He emphasized that the perpetrators must be brought to justice without delay, warning that any compromise in the matter could jeopardize the cordial relationship between both states.

    While urging Ebonyi people, especially the bereaved families and affected communities, to remain calm and avoid reprisals, Governor Nwifuru assured that the Ebonyi State Government would deploy all necessary resources to ensure the killers are unmasked and prosecuted.

    “Such barbarism has no place in modernity, and state arsenals will be deployed to unmask the perpetrators of the bloody killings,” the Governor said.

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all Ebonyi citizens, both within and outside the state.

    Governor Nwifuru vowed to follow up the matter until justice is served and promised that there would be no sacred cows.

    Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, in a statement extended condolences to deceased families, explaining that the incident was not targeted at any particular state or ethnic group.

    He said preliminary investigations revealed that the unfortunate incident might have stemmed from internal squabble.

    While calling on police to conduct thorough investigation to identify the suspects and bring them to justice, Mefor urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies to ensure the perpetrators were apprehended.

    He said: “We want to assure the good people of Anambra and beyond that this incident was not targeted at any particular state or ethnic group. Preliminary investigations suggest that the unfortunate incident may have stemmed from an internal squabble.

    “The government expects the police command to conduct a thorough investigation, identify the perpetrators of this heinous crime, and bring them to justice. The government assures the people of Ogboji and the entire state that we will do everything humanly possible to ensure justice is served. We urge all residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended.”

    The Police Command in Anambra has launched manhunt for the killers.

    Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, confirmed the arrest of a male suspect, Sunday Mbanu, in connection with the murder.

    He said this yesterday when he led Joint Security Team comprising Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other sister agencies to the scene of the incident.

    He said the suspect is currently assisting the police in their investigation.

    The CP, however, reiterates that the incident is not a targeted attack on any indigene of any state, but a cowardly action of the common enemies of the state.

    Its Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, assured that the command shall hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

    Ikenga said that the armed criminals came in two Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) and attacked the gathering of a group unprovoked, shooting sporadically.

  • Burger King opens first outlet in Abeokuta

    Burger King opens first outlet in Abeokuta

    Global fast food giant Burger King has opened first outlet in Abeokuta, marking a significant expansion into Ogun State.

    The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who applauded Burger King’s decision to invest in the state.

    She described the move as a welcome development that aligns with the government’s agenda to boost tourism, support local enterprise, and enhance economic development.

    “This administration is focused on attracting investments that create jobs and improve the quality of life for our people. Burger King’s arrival is a clear indication that Ogun State is open for business,” she stated.

    Managing Director and CEO of Burger King Nigeria, Mr. Rushdi Ibrahim, said the company’s entry into Abeokuta was in response to high customer demand and market potential.

    “We’ve had many loyal customers from Abeokuta who visited our outlets in Lagos and other cities, consistently asking us to bring Burger King to their city,” he said, adding that “After conducting market research, it was clear Abeokuta was ready for a world-class burger experience.”

    READ ALSO; ROLL CALL: Atiku, El-Rufai, Malami, Tambuwal, others attend ADC coalition unveiling

    He said the Abeokuta outlet is Burger King Nigeria’s first green restaurant, emphasising sustainability by using recycled shipping containers, a gas-powered generator, and AC systems, and zero diesel usage, all part of the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

    The restaurant also features localized menu offerings, tailored for the Nigerian palate. “In addition to our signature flame-grilled burgers, we’ve introduced items like potato cubes, sweet potato fries, plantain cubes, and suya, giving our customers a fusion of international quality and familiar flavours,” Ibrahim explained.

    According to him, “Our goal is simple: to serve great-tasting food, the way you like it, with innovation, quality, and a local touch. Abeokuta, your burger experience just got a major upgrade.”

    With this launch, Burger King continues to deepen its footprint in Nigeria, bringing its globally loved brand to more communities, one flame-grilled burger at a time.

  • APC youths empower widows

    APC youths empower widows

    To support and uplift vulnerable women in Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, the Next Initiative for Gender Action Foundation, in collaboration with the Progressives Youth Ambassadors (PYA), Lagos State chapter, an arm of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has empowered over 100 widows at a conference.

    The event, organised to commemorate the International Widows Day, had the theme: “Empowering Widows, Building Resilience and Restoring Dignity.”

    Executive Director, Next Initiative for Gender Action Foundation, Mrs. Bukola Soaga Bada, emphasised the need to address the challenges that widows face.

    She said: “Widows often suffer immense hardships, from economic insecurity and social isolation to cultural stigma and systemic marginalisation. Many lose access to property and shelter after the death of their husbands, leaving them vulnerable and displaced,” said Mrs. Bada, who is also a widow.

    “Empowering widows is not just a moral obligation; it is an economic and social necessity. We must ensure they have access to education, economic opportunities, and the social support they need to thrive.”

    READ ALSO; ROLL CALL: Atiku, El-Rufai, Malami, Tambuwal, others attend ADC coalition unveiling

    Mrs. Bada’s passion for empowering widows was inspired by her experience volunteering with a friend’s empowerment foundation, where she witnessed firsthand the many challenges widows face daily.

    She used the platform to call on the government at all levels to enact and implement legislation that protects widows’ rights, particularly in areas of housing, inheritance, and economic inclusion.

    The financial literacy session was led by Mrs. Bosede Nwachi, an entrepreneur and founder of Akinkanju NGO, based in Osun State. Mrs. Nwachi took participants through essential topics such as investment options, budgeting, and the importance of keeping accurate financial records.

    “Being a widow does not mean you have to live in dependency,” said Mrs. Nwachi. “Financial discipline, planning, and record-keeping are crucial to building sustainable businesses. We must learn to live within our means while planning for growth.”

    In his goodwill message, Mr. Salu Adetola, Lagos West Senatorial District Chairman, Progressives Youth Ambassadors (PYA), commended the initiative and reaffirmed PYA’s commitment to community development and grassroots empowerment.

    “This programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to make a meaningful impact at the grassroots level, particularly for youths and vulnerable groups like widows. We are proud to partner an organisation that demonstrates genuine care and action,” he said.

    The widows expressed appreciation for the initiative, many describing it as life-changing and timely. The POS devices and training received are expected to enable them to operate mobile money businesses, generate income, and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.

    The Next Initiative for Gender Action Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to bridging the gap in support for widows and other vulnerable women through advocacy, education, and economic empowerment.

  • Lagos police sustain crackdown on criminals

    Lagos police sustain crackdown on criminals

    Lagos State Police Command has arrested several suspects and recovered a cache of weapons, as well as assorted vehicles from suspected criminals.

    The police also dismantled high-level criminal syndicates responsible for stealing exotic vehicles within and outside the country with some of the cars recovered.

    Top among the vehicles recovered was a vintage sports car valued at about $225,000 which was said to have been stolen abroad and shipped to Nigeria.

    The Commissioner of Police (CP), Olohundare Jimoh, while displaying some of these vehicles to reporters yesterday, said investigation was ongoing and urged persons whose cars were snatched or stolen to come to the command to check.

    For the sports car, CP Jimoh said there was another of the vehicle being driven in Lagos by a celebrity that was also subject of investigation.

    READ ALSO; ROLL CALL: Atiku, El-Rufai, Malami, Tambuwal, others attend ADC coalition unveiling

    “This vehicle was stolen abroad and we recovered it here. In fact, there is a red one of the same vehicle which a celebrity has been driving. We encourage that celebrity to come forward to the police because these vehicles are under investigation.

    “Among these 37 vehicles here were those snatched from other states and were to be moved to another country through Lagos before they were flagged by our operatives. We also have about 70 others not here due to space. Some of the vehicles were also recovered from fraudsters and other suspects. Some of them are subject of investigation by different police units and departments but we encourage people whose vehicles were stolen to come to the command to check and with their evidence,” he said.

    The police chief said the command under his watch has been able to reduce criminality to the nearest minimum, adding that cultism and other violent crimes were no longer as rampant as they used to be.

    He said 23 suspected cultists were arrested some days ago, adding that dangerous weapons were recovered from them.

    Displaying various recovered arms and ammunition, toy pistols, CP Jimoh emphasized that the use of such items to instill fear or rob citizens constituted a serious criminal offense punishable by law.

    CP Jimoh used the opportunity to appeal for a review of the ban on parade of suspects, noting that such parades were necessary as they afford other victims of crime to be able to identify the perpetrator and come forward to build a case against such suspects.

    “The police are a law abiding institution and we will continue to respect and uphold the law until such a time it is reconsidered and set aside. For now, all we can do is appeal and you, members of the press can also add your voices to the call for review instead of directing the question to the police,” he added.

    CP Jimoh commended his officers and men for the feat recorded, noting that the formation of the Eko Strike Force has also helped in containing cultism and other crimes in the state.

    “As I speak to you, Lagos remains safe and secure. We have drastically reduced violent crimes, and no incident of armed robbery has been recorded under my watch. We are fully prepared to respond to threats and ensure that criminals either flee the state or face the full weight of the law,” CP Jimoh said.

  • Residents, drivers, commuters excited as Sanwo-Olu opens roads

    Residents, drivers, commuters excited as Sanwo-Olu opens roads

    The Lagos State Government yesterday, inaugurated the rebuilt  Abaranje Road in  Ikotun-Igando Local Council Development Area and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Old Dopemu) Road in Agege Local Government Area.

    The 3.86km Abaranje Road in Alimosho Local Government is a major arterial that provides access from the densely populated Abaranje community to Igando on LASU-Iba Road in Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area.

     Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the reconstruction of the Abaranje Road  demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the administration to continually energise the local economy by providing essential infrastructure that promotes development across the nooks and crannies of the State.

    He said the Lagos State Government is determined to bring relief to residents and make commuting pleasurable for the people.

     Sanwo-Olu noted that aside from the roads commissioned today, Alimosho has a fair share of road projects completed by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Administration. The roads include Akesan Obadore Road, Ishefun Camp-Davies Road with a Jetty, Lagos-Ogun State Boundary Road (Phase 2), Agric Access Road (Bamidele Kasali/Disu Ekunrin Road) and Isuti Road.

    Disclosing that the administration has also embarked on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of about 28 others, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the projects include Akesan Igando Road; Ijegun-Ijagemo Road; Ile-Eja, Ola-Iya/Ajibola Hassan, Alhaji Mustapha-Olu Adeyanju with Bridge, Rabiatu Ogedengbe Road Network; Oke-Anu /Ezenwaobi Streets; Famakin Road; Rilwan Onifade/Osidele Streets in Ikotun; Rabiatu Ogedengbe; Alhaji Waidi Ewenla, and many others.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria oil rigs increase to 44, says NUPRC

     “Many other roads are also undergoing routine maintenance and palliative works simultaneously within Alimosho,” he added.

     Sanwo-Olu hailed the Lagos State Public Works Corporation for the strategic intervention and reconstruction of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Road in Dopemu, saying it shows that the administration’s heavy investment and efforts to reposition the Corporation as a world-class construction outfit are indeed yielding results.

    He said: “The delivery of these road projects and 35 others earlier, even as we enter into the penultimate lap of the administration’s tenure, is an indication that ours is not just about promises and hopes but of plans, delivery, and a commitment to serve the citizenry better.”

    In his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engineer Olufemi Daramola, recalled that before the award, Abaranje Road was in a deplorable state. It was narrow, flood-prone, and riddled with failed sections that caused daily hardship for road users and residents. The absence of proper drainage, combined with the growing population and increased vehicular movement, was a challenge for commuters.

    Praising the Lagos State Government, a resident, Funmilayo Daniel, said: “This road is a good one. The government did not just give us a road; they gave us a solid road. Unlike before when people were afraid to visit us, the new improvement on our road makes it easier and safer for our people”.

    Also speaking on the condition of the road, Idowu Olaiya, a landlord in the area, said it was difficult to go out before the construction.

    “The journey from here to Ikotun is just about three minutes if the road is okay. Before now, it took us almost 30 minutes, which was very unfortunate. I didn’t go out with my car. What type of life is that? After struggling to get money for my life, everything looked miserable”, he lamented.

    In the same vein, Joseph Njoku, a businessman in the area, said, “The road was so bad that even before you get to your house, you don’t spend less than N2,000 from this Ikotun to your own house in Ikotun here. At times, the road is so bad that you cannot cross to the other side.

    Maruwa will not cross. The motor will not cross. The bike will not cross. Everybody has to stop over. If we reach, we’ll stop. We’ll use the leg and cross, and enter another bus going to the street”. He gave accolades to the Lagos State Government for easing the burden caused by the bad roads before the rehabilitation.

    Many residents acknowledged that the journey along the route has become faster with easier movement along the 3.86-kilometre route.

    An excited resident said: “The road is now in good motorable condition, it has become the darling of commercial drivers and riders”, just as he expressed gratitude to the Governor for coming to the aid of the people.

  • Over 80% of Lagos fire incidents caused by carelessness – Fire Service boss

    Over 80% of Lagos fire incidents caused by carelessness – Fire Service boss

    The Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, has revealed that more than 80 percent of fire and related emergency incidents in Lagos are caused by human carelessness.

    Adeseye disclosed this while announcing the second edition of the Lagos International Fire Safety Conference (LIFSC 2.0), scheduled to be hosted by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service under the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations.

    According to a press release issued by the agency’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, Fadairo Maria, the three-day conference will take place from August 12 to 14, 2025, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Themed “Leveraging Technology and Community Engagement to Prevent Fires”*, the event is expected to bring together over 2,000 delegates, including industry experts, policymakers, emergency responders, market dwellers, and community leaders, to address pressing fire safety challenges.

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu, is billed to deliver the keynote address and formally declare the conference open.

    LIFSC 2.0 aims to promote disaster risk reduction across Lagos and beyond by fostering a culture of prevention, preparedness, and resilience. The event will feature interactive workshops, expert panel discussions, and exhibitions on fire risk management, hazardous materials handling, and live fire suppression demonstrations.

    Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Gbenga Oyerinde, said the conference reflects the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to public order and safety, in line with the THEMES+ Agenda.

    Read Also: Fire service chief warns on safety measures during Sallah cookings

    He said, “The Lagos International Fire Safety Conference 2.0 is a cornerstone of our proactive approach to safeguarding lives, property and environment. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and empowering communities with knowledge, we are building a safer, more resilient Lagos for all.”

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Sesan Ogundeko, also said there is a need for the continuity of the conference to bring the change that we all desire in Lagos State.

     Adeseye stressed that this year’s conference will build on the resounding success of LIFSC 1.0, which drew over 1,800 delegates in 2024.

    Highlighting the conference’s focus on mitigation, Adeseye said LIFSC 2.0 “is our platform to drive home the message that ‘the best Fire fought is the one prevented’, equipping residents and businesses with the tools to mitigate fire risk effectively.”

    Organisations, individuals, and stakeholders are enjoined to participate by registering for the conference via the website at www.lifsc.org.