The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • New polio variant in Makoko

    New polio variant in Makoko

    The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), will tomorrow kick-off a statewide Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) campaign following the detection of an orphan circulating Variant Poliovirus Type 2 (cVPV2) in Makoko, Lagos Mainland Local Government Area.

    According to the Permanent Secretary, LSPHCB, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, routine surveillance had earlier detected the orphan cVPV2 isolation, an indication of potential transmission in samples collected from the densely populated riverine community of Makoko.

    He noted that this discovery underscored the urgency of implementing a rapid and comprehensive response to boost population immunity and prevent further spread of the virus, adding that to safegaurd children. the state government would conduct two intensive rounds of house-to-house vaccination campaigns across the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Council Development Areas.

    Read Also: Falana faults Oyo Govt’s alleged disobedience to Court judgement on NURTW proscription

    Mustafa explained that the campaign would target children under five, irrespective of their previous vaccination status, to ensure that they are protected. Each child will receive two drops of the novel Oral Polio Vaccine (nOPV2), which is safe, effective, and approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the WHO

     Mustafa stated: “Our goal is to ensure that every eligible child in Lagos receives the polio vaccine and remains protected from paralysis. The detection of this virus is a reminder that polio remains a threat until it is completely eradicated. We therefore urge all parents, caregivers, and community leaders to open their doors to health workers and cooperate fully with the vaccination teams.”

    He further added that the state has strengthened its surveillance, vaccine logistics, and risk communication systems to ensure a smooth and successful implementation of the campaign.

  • Police arrest four over Imam’s murder

    Police arrest four over Imam’s murder

    Four persons are in the custody of the Kwara State Police Command over the alleged murder of the Chief Imam of Sokunkpan Village in Tsaragi, Edu Local Government Area.

    The deceased has been identified as Alhaji Abdullahi Audu.

    The command said the incident followed the death on November 4, of 25-year-old Ibrahim Gana, who had been ill and on admission at a hospital. Two relations of the deceased, Mohammed Shaaba and Mahmud Gana, allegedly accused the Chief Imam of being responsible for their brother’s death.

    Read Also: FG will rebuild police colleges ahead Tinubu’s 30,000 personnel recruitment

    According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, “On November 4, at about 9:30 p.m., following the death of Ibrahim Gana, Mohammed Shaaba and Mahmud Gana allegedly mobilised several other individuals and attacked the Chief Imam with offensive weapons, leading to his death.”

    She said police operatives swiftly commenced an investigation and that four suspects have been arrested, adding that efforts are ongoing to detain others connected with the crime.

    Mrs Ejire-Adeyemi cautioned the public against jungle justice, stressing that taking the law into one’s hands is criminal and punishable under the law.

  • Navy rescues 11 passengers from sinking boat

    Navy rescues 11 passengers from sinking boat

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) said its operatives rescued 11 passengers from a sinking speedboat in Bonny River, Rivers State.

    It revealed this in a statement by Director of Naval Information (DINFO) Commodore Aiwiyor Adams-Aliu, adding that the boat departed Nembe Waterside Jetty, Port Harcourt en route Coal Beach Jetty, Bonny Island, when it developed engine failure midstream and began taking in water near the Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne.

    According to the statement, the victims, comprising six males and five females, were rescued on November 4, by personnel attached to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny.

    Read Also: Gov Buni presents N515.6bn budget for 2026 to Yobe assembly

    “The swift response of the FOB Bonny patrol team under heavy rainfall prevented a major tragedy, and all rescued passengers were safely taken to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Jetty for medical checks and subsequently handed over to the Marine Police for reunification with their families,” the Navy said.

    The statement also said the Navy intensified its anti-crude oil theft operations across the Niger Delta region with the deactivation of many Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) in four locations on Wednesday, 5 November.

    “First, personnel of FOB Escravos deactivated two illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State while the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER patrol team uncovered and deactivated an illegal refining site containing three cooking ovens, six reservoirs, sacks, jerrycans, and dugout pits filled with stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) around the Bakana and Isaka general areas of Rivers State. “Similarly, FOB Bonny personnel dismantled an active illegal refining site at Eyamba Community in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, and the Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA patrol team deactivated another site at Opumani Creek in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State.
    “These operations underscore the Nigerian Navy’s renewed efforts under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to ensure maritime safety, protect critical national assets, and promote lawful economic activities while sustaining the efforts to eradicate crude oil theft and all forms of illegality within Nigeria’s maritime domain,” it added.

  • Air Peace launches direct flights from Abuja to London

    Air Peace launches direct flights from Abuja to London

    Air Peace, West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, has officially launched direct flights from Abuja to London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports. This historic move positions Air Peace as the first Nigerian airline to offer direct connections from Nigeria’s capital to both of London’s major airports, enhancing travel convenience and strengthening trade relations between Nigeria and the UK.

    The new flights are set to provide greater flexibility and ease for passengers, with round-trip fares starting at ₦1 million. This service includes generous baggage allowances and seamless connections from major Nigerian cities through Abuja. Additionally, passengers traveling from London can now reach key Nigerian destinations such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Kano, using a single ticket.

    Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, remarked on the milestone: “From our first flight, we made a promise to tell a different story about Africa; one of pride, excellence, and connection. Our new Abuja-London services represent opportunities for trade, tourism, and every Nigerian who dreams of easier, more affordable travel. Air Peace remains committed to democratising the skies, making international routes accessible without compromising safety or service.”

    As part of the celebrations for this major development, Air Peace partnered with Mainland BlockParty (MBP) for its London edition of the Last Daze of Summer festival held at LDN East. This collaboration reflects Air Peace’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange through music and community. Festival-goers had the chance to win a return ticket from London to Abuja this December by participating in a social media promotion from both Air Peace and MBP.

    Tobi Mohammed, Founder and Convener of Mainland BlockParty, said, “The Mainland BlockParty has always been about connection across music, culture, and people. Partnering with Air Peace for our London edition celebrates that same spirit on a global scale. We’re taking the energy of the Nigerian youth scene to London, where many in our community live, study, and create. This collaboration shows that home is never too far away and that African creativity can now travel as freely as the people who shape it.”

    The festival featured an exciting lineup, including DJames, the Red Bull 3Style UK Champion, and Nigerian rap sensation Zlatan, bringing the unmistakable energy of Lagos to the heart of London. Mainland BlockParty’s unique blend of Afrobeats, Dancehall, and Soca delivered an unforgettable experience for the African diaspora in the UK. With events spanning London, Atlanta, New York, and Toronto, Mainland BlockParty continues to create spaces where culture and creativity connect across borders.

    This partnership between Air Peace and Mainland BlockParty not only highlights the growing cultural influence of Africa globally but also reinforces the potential for increased collaboration between the UK and Nigeria, driving both business and cultural exchange.

  • Anambra election: CP urges intelligence sharing among security agencies 

    Anambra election: CP urges intelligence sharing among security agencies 

    The Commissioner of Police in charge of Saturday governorship election in Anambra, Abayomi Shogunle, has called for coordination and synergy among security agencies before, during and after the poll.

    Shogunle made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday in Awka, by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

    Shogunle quoted the CP as having made the call during a meeting with the security service commanders in the state to harmonise operational plans ahead of the election.

    “There is the need for coordination and synergy, real-time intelligence sharing, joint patrols, and professional conduct of personnel before, during, and after the election,” he said.

    He said that the measure aimed at ensuring peaceful, credible, and violence-free governorship election.

    The CP said the meeting would also harmonise and strengthen the already established security operational structures for the election.

    He reiterated the collective commitment of the security agencies toward ensuring a peaceful, credible, and violence-free election in the state.

    Shogunle said that the security architecture put in place in the state remained resolute and united in ensuring that the will of the people through the ballot prevailed.

    He encouraged residents to report suspicious persons and unusual movement to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency telephone numbers; 112 or 07039194332 for prompt response.

    The CP assured residents and political actors that the security agencies have jointly reviewed flashpoints, mapped out deployment strategies, and designed response mechanisms to swiftly address any breach of peace.

    The service commanders, in their separate remarks, pledged full cooperation and reaffirmed their readiness to maintain law and order, safeguard voters, election officials, material and critical national infrastructure.

    Read Also: Anambra Election: Eight local governments to decide Saturday’s governorship contest

    They called on the electorate to remain law-abiding, shun violence, and participate in the election without fear of intimidation.

    The service commanders also urged political parties and candidates to play by the rules and discourage their supporters from acts capable of disrupting the peace.

    The  meeting, held at the State Police Command Headquarters, Awka, brought together service commanders from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services.

    Others in attendance were Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs, Federal Road Safety Corps, and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

    (NAN)

  • FCCPC seals five warehouses in Kano

    FCCPC seals five warehouses in Kano

    • Agency accuses facility owners of keeping undermeasured fabrics

    Officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) yesterday sealed five warehouses in Kano for alleged measurement violations.

    The agency said the warehouses were used for keeping undermeasured fabrics before they were sold to unsuspecting consumers.

    The agency’s Director of Surveillance and Investigations, Boladale Adeyinka, explained that the operation was part of the commission’s broader effort to enforce compliance with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, safeguard consumer rights, and ensure fair competition in Nigeria’s marketplace.

    The affected warehouses are located at Gandu Albasa Layout (numbers 238, 249, 313, 315, 413, and 428); 38 and 40 Ibrahim Taiwo Road; 87 Boar Rice Mill Street, Ajasa Inwua Wada Road; and 287 Gandu Albasa New Layout, all in Kano.

    LGR products, UME products, NANATEX products, VLEVENTIS products, MAMA AFRICA products, ITEX products, UE products, SUVELT products, and JISIKI products are among the warehouses and brands under investigation.

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    At the Sharada Industrial Layout, a commodious warehouse occupying the size of a stadium was filled to the brim with millions of fabric bundles, including fashion Kampala.

    The officials said the business scale was enormous, with billions of naira reportedly circulating monthly through deceptive transactions.

    The FCCPC has summoned the man in charge of the facility, Alhaji Habibu Ismail, to appear tomorrow at its headquarters in Abuja.

    The warehouses and retail outlets were shut down following verified intelligence reports of deceptive trade practices involving the sale of undermeasured fabric materials to consumers, the commission said.

    Adeyinka described the practice as “obnoxious and exploitative,” noting that millions of Nigerian consumers have unknowingly been shortchanged.

    “Many of the complaints received by the commission stemmed from tailors and consumers arguing over fabric shortages after purchase — disputes often wrongly attributed to the tailors themselves.

    “But it is not the tailors’ fault. When a consumer buys what is labeled as six yards and discovers it’s actually five, that’s outright deception. This must stop,” the director said.

    She reiterated that violators would face prosecution under the FCCPA.

    Under Section 155, individuals found guilty of contravening consumer rights risk imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of ₦10 million, or both.

    Corporate bodies face penalties of not less than ₦100 million or 10 per cent of their annual turnover, whichever is higher.

    Directors of such companies may also be personally liable, the commission said.

    “This operation reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to consumer protection and market fairness,” Adeyinka stated.

    “We will not relent in ensuring that Nigerian consumers get value for their money and are protected from deceptive and fraudulent business practices.”

  • Firm announces second training programme in Lagos, expands nationwide rollout

    Firm announces second training programme in Lagos, expands nationwide rollout

    Global automation giant, FEDLOCKS Automation, has strengthened its presence in Nigeria with the announcement of its second official training programme for the year, scheduled to hold from November 3 to 5, 2025, in Lagos.

    Founded in the United States and now operating across North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa, the company continues to deepen its commitment to Nigeria through innovation, skill development and technological empowerment.

    The upcoming programme follows the success of the firm’s first training earlier in the year, which recorded strong participation from engineers, technicians and industry partners nationwide. 

    With Lagos serving as a major technology and enterprise hub in West Africa, demand for FEDLOCKS’ technical training has grown significantly, positioning the city as a key centre for the company’s capacity-building efforts in Nigeria.

    Managing Director, Mr. John Aondoakaa Akerenyi, said plans are underway to expand the training to more cities across the country.

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    “Our brand is not just about automation; we are about people, progress and partnerships,” Akerenyi said. “We are committed to supporting Nigeria’s growing interest in smart home and security technology through quality products and impactful training programmes.”

    He added that a third phase of the training is already being planned for next year, with target expansion to Abuja, Warri, Port Harcourt and Imo, as part of the company’s drive to build a skilled workforce in automation and security systems nationwide.

    The firm also reiterated its openness to partnerships and distributorships with individuals, businesses and organisations committed to advancing smart automation solutions in Africa.

    Through sustained investment in local talent and industry development, the company continues to position itself as a major player in Nigeria’s rapidly growing automation and smart technology sector.

  • Mother, daughter abducted in Ondo

    Mother, daughter abducted in Ondo

    A mother Mrs.Salami Blessing and daughter, Miss Precious Salami, have been abducted in Ondo State. 

    The family said they were kidnapped from their home at No. 7 Idoani, Akoko, Ondo State, on September 18th, 2025.

    Mrs. Salami Blessing, 65, is dark-skinned and about 5 feet 3 inches tall while the 22-year-old daughter is also dark-skinned and stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall. 

    Both women are fluent in English and Yoruba.

    The family called on security forces to help secure their release. 

    “Anyone with credible information regarding their whereabouts is urged to contact the nearest police station immediately or reach out through any available security channels.

    “We plead for their safe return and call on the public to support efforts to locate them,” the family appealed. 

  • Lagos reaffirms commitment to ease Lekki–Epe traffic

    Lagos reaffirms commitment to ease Lekki–Epe traffic

    The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to easing traffic congestion and improving mobility along the Eti-Osa/Lekki–Epe Expressway.

    The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, said this on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ engagement.

    He said the meeting was convened to foster collaboration, deepen public understanding and ensure inclusive participation in the project’s implementation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government engaged key stakeholders ahead of rehabilitation works between Admiralty Junction and Jubilee Bridge, Ajah.

    The project is scheduled to begin on 6 Nov 6.

    Daramola said the proactive step would help build unity towards ensuring smoother traffic flow and reducing the daily hardship faced by commuters and residents.

    He acknowledged the difficulties endured on the corridor, noting that the government was committed to addressing them.

    “This meeting is about carrying everyone along. We are not just rehabilitating a road; we are enhancing lives and connecting communities,” he said.

    He explained that the 20-kilometre stretch had served the city for decades and required urgent repairs to restore efficiency and safety.

    According to him, the works form part of a broader plan to integrate the Green Line Rail and other transport projects to reduce pressure on the corridor.

    “Lagos is a city in motion. This project ensures the Lekki–Epe corridor supports growth and development. It is a short-term inconvenience for long-term progress,” he added.

    The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said traffic management and enforcement would be strengthened during construction.

    He assured that officers would be deployed round-the-clock to ease movement and limit disruptions, alongside ongoing public sensitisation.

    Similarly, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, commended residents for participating in the deliberations.

    He urged continued support for traffic management officials and encouraged collective efforts to manage the situation.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Infrastructure, Mr Olutokunbo Oyenuga, said the rehabilitation would be completed early next year.

    He said the upgrade would tackle chronic congestion and pavement deterioration, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel time.

    Oyenuga described the corridor as critical to residential, commercial and industrial activities in Lagos’ eastern axis.

    He added that the works align with government plans to deliver durable roads and improve living standards.

    Read Also: Six killed, nine injured in fatal crash on Lekki–Epe expressway

    “This intervention complements the Green Line Rail and the Coastal Road projects. We appeal for patience and cooperation during construction,” he said.

    Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Segun Giwa, said the administration was determined to solve traffic challenges on the axis.

    He urged residents to obey traffic laws and avoid practices such as driving against traffic.

    Giwa said government agencies were working jointly to ensure smooth execution, with constant updates to the public.

    Stakeholders, including Mrs Mojirola Afolayan-Soote, Mr Lanre Badmus and Mr Gbenga Bello, called for improved alternative routes and signage.

    They urged the government to ensure durability and consider opening the coastal road and other inner routes to ease traffic pressure.

    The stakeholders commended the administration for engaging residents before the commencement of works, describing the move as responsible governance.

    (NAN)

  • FG to demolish, rebuild 3 spans of Iddo Bridge in Lagos

    FG to demolish, rebuild 3 spans of Iddo Bridge in Lagos

    The Federal Government will demolish and rebuild three major spans of the Iddo Bridge in Lagos, which has suffered structural damage from a fire caused by illegal occupants and repeated collisions with trucks.

    The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, stated this on Wednesday while briefing newsmen at the bridge site in Lagos.

    She said the repair which was part of the Federal Government’s plan to address structural defects and restore the bridge to a safe and durable state, would last about three months.

    According to her, heavy and articulated vehicles will be restricted from using the bridge beginning from next weekend, to allow for the installation of height barriers and the commencement of the repair work.

    She said after that, on Nov. 22, demolition of the bridge deck proper would start.

    She said the diversions would start from Apapa bound to Carta Bridge bound and would be counterflow.

    “We are here to inform Lagosians that the Iddo Bridge will soon be closed to articulated vehicles.

    “This restriction is necessary because the bridge has not received proper attention for many years and now requires urgent repairs,” she said.

    Kesha noted that while the demolition and reconstruction would take place in phases, the Apapa-bound section would be the first to be worked on.

    She said traffic would be diverted to the Carter Bridge side, with a counterflow arrangement for light vehicles only.

    The controller assured that the ministry had held meetings with relevant traffic and security agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and the Police, to ensure smooth movement during the construction period.

    Read Also: Fed Govt begins demolition of structures under Iddo Bridge

    She urged drivers, especially trailer and truck operators, to comply with diversion signs and use alternative routes through Eko Bridge, Costain, Third Mainland Bridge, and Herbert Macaulay Way.

    “We don’t want accidents. That’s why we are creating awareness early, especially for truck drivers who may not get information through the media,” Kesha said.

    She added that advocacy campaigns would also be taken to garages, parks, and transport unions to ensure widespread awareness of the planned restriction.

    Kesha said the project, expected to be completed by early March 2026, was designed to enhance safety and improve traffic flow once fully reopened.

    (NAN)