A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Secretary of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Lagos State, Alhaji Mutiu Are has described the late Ambassador Oluseyi Ebenezer Lufadeju as a visionary leader and patriot.
In a tribute, Are described Lufadeju’s death as a loss to the country.
He wrote: ”With a heavy heart, I pay tribute to a remarkable man, Prince Oluseyi Ebenezer Lufadeju — a visionary, a leader, and a true patriot. His passing is not only a loss to his beloved family but to the nation and beyond.
”Prince Lufadeju’s life was defined by service and purpose. Through his unwavering dedication to urban development and housing, he left an indelible mark on the landscape of Nigeria and Africa as a whole. His work at Shelter Afrique and his role as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for REDAN embodied his passion for building sustainable communities and creating opportunities for growth.
”Beyond his professional achievements, Prince Lufadeju was a man of grace and wisdom. He inspired those who had the privilege to know him, leading with humility and a genuine desire to make the world a better place. His kindness and integrity touched lives far and wide, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations.
”As we mourn his departure, we also celebrate a life well-lived. Prince Lufadeju’s legacy will continue to guide and inspire us. May the Almighty grant him eternal rest and comfort his family in this difficult time. Rest in peace, Prince. You will be dearly missed.”
In a remarkable show of political unity and strategic resolve, the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Edo North Senatorial District has thrown its full weight behind Senator Adams Oshiomhole for a second term in the Senate.
The unanimous endorsement came during a high-level caucus meeting held in Iyamho, Oshiomhole’s hometown, shortly after a critical security summit with Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The dual-purpose gathering underscored both the security priorities of the region and the party’s political direction ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to a statement issued yesterday by the Media Assistant to the Minister of Regional Development, Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah, the endorsement closed the door to internal contention over Edo North Senate ticket within the APC.
The meeting brought together prominent political heavyweights and stakeholders from across Edo North, including the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; former Minister of Budget and National Planning, Clement Agba; APC elder, Chief Francis Alimikhena; South-South political strategist, Dr. Blessing Agbomhere; federal lawmaker, Dekeri Anamero; grassroots mobiliser, Chief Abu Millionaire; political figure, Chief Ohimai and development technocrat, Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, among others.
With a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $259b, a 25 million population, four seaports and friendly government policies, Lagos is an investor’s delight, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said.
“Lagos is a place where people come in without anything and become somebody. We are a business and commercial powerhouse,” he said on Wednesday.
It was another sales drive for the “State of Aquatic Splendour” at Harvard Business School where Mr. Sanwo-Olu spoke on “Building the Future: Lagos State Infrastructure-led Transformation”.
He was a guest in Professor Hakeem Belo-Osagie’s course, “Understanding Africa: Business, Entrepreneurship, Political Economy and the Complexities of a Continent.”
Belo-Osagie is a foremost Nigerian investment banker and businessman.
For the governor, it was an opportunity to share “Lagos’ bold vision and the tangible strides we are making in transportation, housing, innovation and industrial growth”.
The students applauded as Sanwo-Olu spoke on the Blue Line, Africa’s first intra-city line, which has moved over two million passengers, an average of 42,000 commuters daily. The Red Line is also up and running, he said.
“We are building a new airport on the Lekki- Epe Expressway, and work is set to begin on the Green Line, which will connect that part of the state to Lagos Island,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu spoke on remarkable strides in education. “Two new universities have been set up, and a third, a University of Medical Science, is on the way to bridge the personnel gap in that sector,” he said.
Lagos, the governor said, is one of the foremost tech-driven states in Nigeria. The idea, he stressed, is to have a big pool of tech personnel so that if Microsoft or Amazon is looking for 10,000 to hire, Lagos will be the place to go. “This is part of our 30-year Development Plan to make Lagos a human-centric economy,” he said.
This is possible, according to him, because of Lagos’ 25 million population, about 60 percent is made of youths who are tech savvy.
He spoke of opportunities in tourism, arts, and culture. “There have been fashion shows, drama performances, and movies. In fact, a movie made in Lagos has just been nominated to be presented at the Cannes Film Festival,” he said.
”We are trying to calendarise tourism and entertainment,” Sanwo-Olu told the excited audience of students from various parts of the world.
Also cited were achievements in roads and housing as well as health. Over 1000 roads have been built and rehabilitated and more than 3000 housing units have been provided to reduce the challenge in that sector,” Sanwo-Olu said, adding that more CNG buses were on the way to boost transportation and clean energy.
In health, the government is building a General Hospital, a mental health hospital and rehabilitation centre, and a new Massey Street Children’s Hospital, which will be the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the payment of five-month salary arrears, alongside prompt payment of April salary for the workers of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, in line with the N70,000 minimum wage.
The disbursement, according to Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, yesterday in a statement, was seen as a significant step in addressing the longstanding salary issues that had demoralised workers and disrupted the smooth running of the academic calendar at the institution.
Itua noted that Okpebholo’s administration had taken structural steps to permanently address the salary challenges facing the polytechnic, with one of the key reforms including the centralisation of the institution’s salary payment, now handled directly through the state government’s payroll system.
He said the reform would ensure regular salary payments and enhance accountability in the management of the institution’s finances.
The Commissioner for Basic Primary and Secondary School Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, who dropped the hint, also announced the establishment of 17 schools within a year.
He spoke yesterday while presenting the scorecard of the ministry in the last one year at the 2025 ministerial briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
Of the new schools, the commissioner said two were primary, 10 junior secondary schools, while five were senior secondary schools.
The commissioner also said 17,575 students were successfully transferred from public and private schools into the state’s Junior Secondary School II (JSII) and Senior Secondary School I (SSI).
He said the payment of WAEC fees was part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to take off parents, the burden of payment of examination fees through the free education programme.
“It is on this note that I urge and encourage students, more importantly, students in our boarding schools, to take full advantage of this initiative, as education is a lifelong journey,” he said.
For 2025 payment, he said in order to prevent wastage and ensure accountability in sponsorship process, biometric capture and image registration exercise was conducted for 56, 134 Senior Secondary III students to accurately determine the number of students eligible for sponsorship by the Lagos State Government for the year 2025 WASSCE.
Sen. Otegbola, who represented Ogun West in the Third Republic Senate, was Chairman of the Federal Housing Authority and ex-Ogun PDP chairman.
He passed away on February 15, at the age of 92.
In a tribute signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the late senator as “one of Nigeria’s most distinguished statesmen.”
“He was a respected legislator and a patriarch whose influence spanned generations.
“Nigeria has lost a patriot, the Awori nation has lost a guiding light, and I have lost a noble elder whose life embodied sacrifice,” the President said.
Governor Abiodun described Senator Otegbola as a distinguished politician and a patriotic Nigerian, who dedicated his life to public service, the development of Ogun State and Nigeria.
He made the remarks at the funeral service of the late Senator Otegbola, held at the African Church St. Paul’s Cathedral, Lagos East Diocese, Ilupeju, Lagos State.
Prince Abiodun said the deceased made impactful contributions to the development of the country as a senator and as a former chairman of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
He said: “He was a man of impeccable character, a distinguished politician and a patriotic Nigerian, who dedicated his life to public service and the development of our dear state and nation at large. His contributions as a senator in the Third Republic and as a former chairman of Federal Housing Authority were marked by diligence and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people.”
The governor noted that as a trailblazer in the field of Estate Surveying and Valuation, the late Otegbola played a significant role in shaping the real estate sector of the nation’s economy by mentoring young professionals and leaving a lasting impact on the industry’s landscape.
Former President Obasanjo, represented by his wife, Bola, described the deceased as one of the eminent sons of Nigeria, who did his best towards the reconstruction of the nation’s political system, which led to the consolidation of democratic institutions in the country.
Otegbola, Obasanjo said, left a positive and remarkable mark in every facet of life he ventured into, which attracted honours in the nation, the church, the business community, traditional institutions, as well as professional and social organisations, adding that his record would remain a challenge for generations to emulate.
In his sermon, Primate Julius Abbe described the deceased as a lover of God and humanity through his services, noting that as a Senator of the Federal Republic, he contributed to the socio-economic and political development of the country.
According to the cleric, Pa Otegbola was a compassionate man who dedicated his life to serve his people and the church, hence the titles of Asiwaju of Aworiland and Baba Ijo of St Paul’s Cathedral, Ilupeju, bestowed on him by his community and the church.
He urged the people to live a life of service to God and humanity so as to be remembered, saying positions and influence amount to nothing if not used to uplift the people and build bridges of trust and friendship across different divides.
Justice Akintayo Aluko directed the commission, with its agents and representatives, to maintain the status quo ante bellum on its invitation of Fasina, as well as any threat of arrest, detention, or infringement on his liberty and rights, pending the hearing and final determination of his Motion on Notice for an Interlocutory Injunction.
The judge also restrained the ICPC from taking any or further steps, pending the hearing and final determination of Fasina’s Motion on Notice.
Justice Aluko made the orders against ICPC after taking submissions of Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), leading O. Adesioye, on a motion ex parte filed marked FHC/L/CS/768/2025, on behalf of Fasina.
The matter has been adjourned till April 25 for hearing of the Motion on Notice.
Earlier, in urging the court to grant the ex parte motion, Adegboruwa (SAN) told the court that the motion is supported with an affidavit sworn to by Dr. Adedayo Sobowale, staff member of FUOYE, and some documentary exhibits.
Justice Aluko after listening to the submission of Mr. Adegboruwa (SAN) ruled: “And the court having heard Ebun Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) with O. Adesioye (Esq) for the applicant who moved in terms praying it to grant the reliefs sought as endorsed on the motion paper.
“And the court, having considered it deserving, granted the prayers sought. “That an interim order directing the respondent herein, whether by itself, its agents, servants or otherwise howsoever to maintain the status quo ante bellum in respect of the respondent’s invitation of the applicant and the threat of his arrest, detention and curtailing his personal liberty and fundamental rights by the respondent, the subject matter of this suit, pending the hearing and final determination of the applicants Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction filed herein is hereby granted.“
Taiwo Olasunkanmi, a leading aspirant for the Agege Local Government Chairmanship position, has officially picked up his nomination form at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Lagos, reaffirming his commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to residents at the grassroots.
Speaking shortly after obtaining the form on Thursday, Olasunkanmi outlined his core development agenda for Agege, which will focus on three key pillars: infrastructure improvement, youth empowerment, and community engagement.
“My aim is to enhance the road networks, ensure reliable public services, and improve healthcare facilities,” he said. “Additionally, I will prioritise initiatives that empower our youth through skill acquisition programmes and job creation opportunities.”
He emphasised that community engagement would be central to his administration, promising to hold regular town hall meetings to ensure residents’ concerns and suggestions are reflected in local governance.
Olasunkanmi also reiterated that his primary focus would be infrastructure development and efficient public service delivery, noting that improvements in roads, drainage systems, and public transportation would significantly elevate the standard of living for Agege residents.
He further pledged to enhance education and healthcare systems to guarantee access to quality services for all.
The Agege Youth Vanguard has formally endorsed Abdul-Ganiy Vinod Obasa, son of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, as its preferred candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship ticket ahead of the forthcoming local government elections in Agege, Lagos State.
The group made the endorsement public during a press conference held in Agege on Thursday.
Addressing the media, the group’s coordinator, Ismaeel Garba, stated that the endorsement followed a thorough vetting of all aspirants for both chairmanship and councillorship positions across Agege.
“Our decision is driven by a desire to see real development at the grassroots level, and not by any personal or political interest,” Garba said. “We believe the change Nigeria needs must start from the local government level.”
According to Garba, Abdul-Ganiy Vinod Obasa stood out among all chairmanship aspirants based on academic qualifications, professional experience, and community service.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Hertfordshire and a Master’s degree in the same field from Aston University, Birmingham.
He is currently a PhD student at Babcock University and an affiliate member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Professionally, Abdul-Ganiy has worked with top firms including PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Providus Bank, and Parallex Bank, where he served as Head of Performance Management and Strategy.
He also runs a private real estate business and manages a local football academy, VINOD, which has helped launch the careers of several young talents in Europe.
Garba dismissed concerns about Abdul-Ganiy’s political lineage, emphasizing that his relationship with the Speaker should not overshadow his merit.
“We will mobilize all well-meaning Agege residents—including his father—to support him,” he added.
To demonstrate their commitment, members of the Agege Youth Vanguard have contributed N5 million to purchase the APC nomination form for Abdul-Ganiyu.
It also pledged to sponsor nomination forms for seven councillorship aspirants they deemed competent.
He dismissed rumours of a rift among aspirants over the endorsement of Abdul-Ganiyu as the preferred candidate.
He further emphasised that Abdul-Ganiyu possesses the political experience and capacity to elevate Agege local government, having actively participated in numerous political activities and rallies, as well as supported various aspirants in the past.
The group also commended the outgoing chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi, for his contributions to the development of Agege, stating that his tenure had seen notable improvements in infrastructure and human capital.
Former Vice President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and Managing Director of Protogy Global, Engr. Ademola Agoro, has called on Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in efforts to rescue the nation from extreme poverty.
Agoro emphasised the need for citizens to collaborate with the government to overcome the country’s current economic and social challenges.
He made the appeal during the launch of the Isaac Ademola Agoro Engineering Empowerment Foundation, held at the foundation’s office along Ilesha Road in Osun State.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at empowering individuals through vocational training that can lead to financial independence.
“The idea is to help people acquire practical skills they can use to earn a living,” Agoro explained, adding that the foundation’s facility would serve as a vocational study centre.
On the cost of the project, Agoro said it was difficult to estimate the exact amount spent.
He noted that the initiative is being funded through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts of Protogy Global.
“Out of what God has blessed us with, we are giving back to support and uplift others,” he said.
“It is difficult. That’s just the truth. It is difficult. The truth is that it is very difficult, when I say it is very difficult, it is very difficult, in fact I don’t keep track, I don’t keep track of the amount of money and everything I spend.”
He urged Nigerian youth that there is no shortcut in life, adding that whatever that is a shortcut would lead to destruction.
“So it’s just principle. There’s always a time for seed. There’s a time for plant and harvest, so anything that you jump to, you should be very careful.
“So I would advise them to look at what they can use their hand to do and see how they can do it well and consistently, God will bless them and they will get to wherever they want to get to.”
In his remark, a former member of the House of Reps, Hon. Nathaniel Agunbiade said government alone cannot cater for the citizens, hence the need for individuals and organisations to support government efforts.
He said Engr. Ademola Agoro, through his foundation, has been very supportive in assisting people of the local government, and Obokun Local Government, as well as those around the area in bringing skill acquisition to the entire populace.
“Earlier on, we have been at Ijebu-jesa to commission his foundation house, which meant essentially for training of artisans and what have you. People will come to that place, not only to train, they will train free of charge, they will be accommodated without paying a penny and this is born out of the fact that, we realized that government cannot do this thing alone.
“The first one he did in this town was the establishment of a primary school, where your kids come into that school without paying a penny, free books, free uniform, and free feeding.
“They also have what I will call a college of technical vocation, that one is also in this town. So what we did was just to make his presence felt at the local government headquarters of the local government at Ijebu-jesa.
“In essence, that is what we are doing today and by way of felicitating with our people at this period, which is the Easter period, he has brought some food items to be distributed to our people and by and large that is what we are doing and we are all proud of him.’
Meanwhile, the Elerinmo of Erinmo Ijesha, Oba Dr. Michael Odunayo Ajayi, stated that it is important for beneficiaries to make good use of all the facilities as well as opportunities granted them.
‘Essentially, there has been a lot of money spent on empowerment all over Nigeria, but we have found situations whereby people are empowered, given machineries to use, to improve their business, but rather than do that, they have turned this around and sold them, thinking that money, having cash was more important.
“It is important that people know that being taught how to fish is better than just being given fish. Our people should stop waiting for handouts all the time. They should rather look for opportunities to be trained in their area of interest and their area of vocation for them to do.’
‘When somebody wants to say he’s doing investment, you put a hundred thousand naira down somewhere and then you expect to get two hundred and fifty thousand in two weeks, that is criminal, that is not investment, that is like playing lottery and that’s why you’ll find out that there are many instances people get involved in ponzi schemes, like has happened recently and you know they lost their investment.
“I will advise, when people have money like this, why don’t you acquire some little machinery and start some little work, and God can then bless the handwork. So this is my advice to everybody.”
The monarch said God blesses people so as to impact on others just as Engr. Ademola Agoro has done.
“So I would like to thank Engineer Isaac Agoro of Erinmoland, for his efforts to boost the livelihood of the people, for his support for youths, to improve their welfare and for the opportunity for training, being an engineer believing that people must know something, if you are not trained, there is no way you can do much in the future.’
“We thank Agoro and I support this initiative and I also encourage other people like him all over the world, all over Nigeria, to please look back and at least pull up somebody, have people you can give scholarships to, have people you can train in all these ramifications.’
At the event, some widows and people living with disability were giving cash prizes, while empowerment tools, which include vulcanizing machines, generating sets, sewing machines, grinding machines as well as welding machines were also distributed.
