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Tag: lagos

  • From Jos to Lagos: C-UNIT’s music captures everyday Nigerian hustle 

    From Jos to Lagos: C-UNIT’s music captures everyday Nigerian hustle 

    In Nigeria’s ever-evolving music scene, where flashy lifestyles and dance-ready beats often dominate the airwaves, a growing number of artistes are choosing to tell stories that reflect the everyday realities of ordinary people. Among them is C-UNIT, a highlife and Afrobeats duo whose music speaks directly to the struggles and small victories of the average Nigerian.

    Made up of brothers Onyedika Pascal Ike and Onyebuchi Anthony Ike, C-UNIT’s journey into music didn’t begin in a fancy studio or under the spotlight. It started in their local church as teenagers and later found expression in Jos, Plateau State, where they formed a music group called De Blinkz in secondary school. After graduation, they moved to Lagos in 2006 to chase their dreams — a move many aspiring artistes can relate to.

    But the road was far from easy for the duo. “There were times we had to park music and drive keke just to survive,” recalls Onyebuchi, one-half of the duo. “We never saw it as shameful. It was what we had to do to stay afloat. But the dream never died.”

    That resilience is now at the core of their sound. In songs like “Reason Why” and “Winner for Me”, C-UNIT doesn’t just sing — they document. Their lyrics explore hope, struggle, sacrifice, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going when life gets hard.

    Their manager, Ifeanyi Nwosu, believes that this grounded approach is what sets them apart. “What C-UNIT is doing is different. These are guys who didn’t come into music with silver spoons. Their songs carry the voice of the average Nigerian — whether it’s a young person trying to hustle or a family man praying for a breakthrough,” he said.

    Their 2024 single “Odieshi” continued in that same direction. With its bouncy rhythm and spirited hook, it’s easy to assume it’s just another feel-good track, but a closer listen reveals lyrics rooted in faith, protection, and overcoming adversity.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa partners BEDC on metering one million households

    “We wanted Odieshi to sound joyful because even when life is tough, our people still smile, still dance,” says Onyedika. “That’s the spirit we wanted to capture — surviving with grace.”

    From market women in Lagos to students in Jos, their fanbase is growing, not just because of catchy beats, but because the songs reflect something real. It’s music that sees people, not just numbers. Music that honours the journey, not just the destination.

    Though still carving out their space in the industry, C-UNIT is proving that storytelling in music is far from dead. And in a time where many Nigerians are looking for something they can connect with, their brand of honest, hustle-inspired highlife may be just what the people need.

    “Not every song has to be about money or girls,” says Nwosu. “Sometimes, it just needs to remind you that you’re not alone.”

  • Lagos constructs 61 roads, five bridges in one year 

    Lagos constructs 61 roads, five bridges in one year 

    …rehabilitates 1074 inner roads, secure $22m foreign direct investment for fibre installations

    As part of efforts to enhance connectivity and ease of movement, the Lagos state government has delivered 61 roads of 56.52km, five bridges in the last one year while increasing the pace of work on 147 other road and bridge projects currently ongoing in different parts of the state.

    In addition, the Public Works Corporation (PWC) has continued with the year-round maintenance, using a wide range of intervention methods such as sectional repairs, overlay works, and pothole patching, carrying out various interventions on 1074 roads of 78.42 km and 218 drainage channels spanning 462km across the state.

    In the same vein, the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance Agency (LASIMRA) has also made significant boost in the state’s investment in Fibre Duct Expansion: with an additional 2,700km installations planned, building on 3,000km completed by WTES, to enhance connectivity while also securing a commitment of $22 million foreign direct investment for quality fibre installations in Lagos State.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, stated these yesterday at the Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate the 2nd year of the 2nd term of the administration of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Mr. Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja. 

    Daramola, who expressed delight at some of the transformative infrastructural projects delivered in Lagos, said that despite global and national economic challenges, particularly from May 2024 into 2025, the time of infrastructure delivery has remained steady noting that since December 2024, the State has commissioned 33 roads, while numerous others remain actively under construction or rehabilitation to reflect an unwavering commitment to infrastructure renewal and inclusive development.

    He said: “From the inception of the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat-led administration, the ‘THEMES and THEMES+ Agenda’ has served as a blueprint and a call to transformative action. Under the Pillar “T” – Traffic Management and Transportation, the Office of Infrastructure has taken bold and strategic steps to improve road connectivity, expand access, and elevate infrastructure delivery standards.”

    The Special Adviser listed the commissioned Road Projects to include Reconstruction of the Damaged Pedestrian Bridge at Estate Gate, Alapere, Ketu, construction of the Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with a Bridge in Ifako-Ijaiye LGA, construction of several roads in Ikoyi, including Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Macpherson Avenue, and Femi Okunnu Road, Ilabere, Ilu, and Inupa roads in Victoria Island , and the construction of the Babafemi Dada network of roads, including Yinka Folarin, Jamiu Lawal, and Shalom Academy Roads, with a bridge in Alimosho area of the State 

    Others according to Daramola includes rehabilitation of Oba Dosumu Street, Sobo Arobiodu Street , Oduduwa Way and Oduduwa Crescent and Sasegbọn Street all in Ikeja GRA, Ikeja LGA, Rehabilitation of St Finbarrs College Road, Iwaya Road and Sand Zero streets in Lagos Mainland of Somolu, and Kosofe LGAs. 

    Read Also: Lagos pioneers new model to reduce maternal mortality

    Rehabilitation/Upgrading of Mumuni Adio (Buba Marwa) Navy Town (Section 1) road, Irede Road, Old Ojo Road (Phase 1), in Amuwo Odofin, Rehabilitation of Chief Yesufu Abiodun Oniru Road and Akiogun Street, upgrading of Abudu Smith Street, Upgrading of Demurin/Agidi Road, and Church Street in Kosofe LGA among others the Special Adviser revealed.

    Meanwhile, some road projects that are completed and are awaiting Commissioning include the Construction of Aradagun-Mosafejo-Ilado-Imeke Road Hospital Road (Phase II), Samuel Ekundayo Road, Toga Road, in Badagry LGA, Badagry, Rehabilitation/Upgrading of Babajide Sanwo-Olu Road (Dopemu Road), Construction of Abaranje Road, Construction of Magbon-Alade Township Roads, Ibeju-Lekki, Construction of Arowojobe Link Bridge and Approach Road at Mende Maryland, Construction of Sand Zero Road, Oyingbo.

    He listed some of the iconic ongoing roads to include, Ojota – Opebi Link Bridge; Opebi Link Bridge and Approach Roads, an iconic project that traverses from Opebi end through the swamp/ valley area to link Ojota road/Odo Iya- Alaro Bridge, Maryland, and several other roads within the environs. 

    The construction of the Bridge is strategically located and provides connectivity as part of THEMES (+) Agenda and policy thrust of the Administration. 

    Another ongoing project listed by the Special Adviser is the Eti-Osa – Lekki – Epe Expressway, which traverses Abraham Adesanya Intersection to Epe T-Junction with a total length of 47.88 km, is being executed as Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP); the Construction of Omu Creek with a Bridge is a project that traverses over the Omu Creek in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area. It will serve as a strategic link from the Lekki-Epe Expressway at Sangotedo to the future Lagoon Highway, aid the development of new towns, and open up real estate opportunities. 

    He added that the 10-lane Lagos-Badagry expressway was upgraded from 4-lanes to 10-lanes, comprising of 2-toll lanes, 4 service lanes and 2 Bus Rapid Transits (BRT), the central light rail corridor and various support infrastructure, spanning from Eric Moore to Maza Maza, to Trade Fair and Okokomaiko is another project that the Adminstration plan to complete in the next few weeks.

    Daramola assured that Governor Sanwo-Olu has promised to continue the delivery of life-impacting road infrastructure projects until the last day in office, adding that all ongoing projects will be completed before the expiration of the tenure of the administration. 

    The Special Adviser said, “In complementing the strategic flagship projects, Lagos State is also investing in critical catalytic infrastructure projects that unlock new corridors, stimulate private sector investment, and accommodate the projected demands of a 21st-century African megacity. These projects are roads and bridges that form the foundations for smart urban expansion, economic competitiveness, and regional leadership.

     Key catalytic projects include the Orija Bridge and the Lagoon Highway; Alternative Routes to the Dangote–Eleko Fertiliser Industrial Corridor; 7th Axial Road; Lekki Regional Road Extension; Lekki International Airport; Ikotun Intersection Flyover; Ijegun–Ijeagemo Road Link to LASU–Iba Road; Ajara–Agelasho–Erekiti–Ikoga Road Network; Egan–Ayobo Road with Bridge; Egan–Ayobo Road and Bridge. 

    On routine maintenance, Daramola said the Lagos State Public Works Corporation, since May 2023 till date, has intervened on 1,177 roads covering approximately 78.42 km with an assumed carriage width of 7.3m. The intervention, according to him, varies from Palliative Works, Interventions on Damaged Road Furniture to Routine Maintenance [Potholes Patching/Sectional Overlay, Desilting and sectional hydraulics repairs]

    He added that in some instances, the Corporation had to carry out Major Intervention on Strategic Roads [Road Reconstruction: Hydraulics Structures and Pavement], noting that the Corporation has evolved from routine maintenance (patching) to full-scale construction. 

    Daramola listed some of the notable roads constructed, including Abudu Smith Street, Victoria Island, [Completed] Babajide Sanwo-Olu Road, Agege [Completed] Unity/Osebaby/Umunya Streets, Okota [Completed] Ladoke Akintola Street, GRA Ikeja [Completed], and Odofin – Igbogbo Baiyeku Road, Ikorodu [Ongoing]

    He listed some of the challenges facing Road Infrastructure delivery as the low-lying peculiarity of the terrain in Lagos State, flooding, Escalating Cost of Infrastructure, as well as Public Responsibility (Road Abuse and Infrastructure Vandalism)

    Reiterating the Administration’s resolution in its mission to build a smart, resilient, and inclusive megacity despite the realities of climate change, population growth as well as rising infrastructure costs.

    Daramola said the Government has stayed on course and made tangible progress, deepening investments in infrastructure that transform lives, connect communities and drive economic growth.

  • Lagos remains place of innovation, not smelling — Commissioner 

    Lagos remains place of innovation, not smelling — Commissioner 

    Lagos State Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab has asserted that the state remains a place of opportunity, innovation, resilience, and not smelling. 

    Wahab was reacting to the viral video of controversial influencer, Scott Iguma, wherein he claimed that the city smells and is filled with “big mosquitoes.”

    In a podcast interview, which went viral, Iguma had said, “Lagos is smelling…There are a lot of big mosquitoes in Lagos.”

    Reacting, Wahab said: “The deliberate efforts by a handful of individuals to tarnish the reputation of Lagos State are deeply concerning. 

    “It is regrettable that some who relocate from their home states in pursuit of better opportunities quickly, in less than a month or two, resort to disparaging the very state that has provided them the platform to thrive. 

    “Leveraging social media followings, these individuals propagate harmful narratives, often aligned with divisive agendas, undermining the progress and inclusivity that Lagos represents.

    “While constructive criticism is essential for growth, malicious attempts to vilify a state that empowers countless lives daily are counterproductive. 

    “Lagos remains a place of opportunity, innovation, and resilience, and it is imperative that we collectively uphold its integrity while fostering unity and progress.

    “Dear @IgumaScott I do hope that you will put this same energy in ‘looking out’ for other states. I wish you all the best!”

  • Primaries: LP candidates emerge for 26 Lagos LGs/LCDAs

    Primaries: LP candidates emerge for 26 Lagos LGs/LCDAs

    26 Labour Party chairmanship candidates have emerged for  the July 12 Local Government election in Lagos State.

    Pastor Dayo Ekong, chairperson of the party in  the state, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigerua(NAN) on Saturday  in Lagos.

    She said the candidates emerged at the party’s primaries ,conducted across  26 locations in the state  on Friday.

    Ekong explained that primaries were conducted for 26 out of the 57 councils ,saying the party would  not field chairmanship  candidates for 30 councils, for strategic reason.

    The chairperson listed Ikeja, Surulere,Agege,Igbogbo-Baiyeku, Lagos Island West, Lagos Island East,Ajeromi-Ifelodun as some of the areas where the party is not fielding chairmanship candidates.

    She said  the primary for Oshodi/Isolo LG would be  rescheduled to produce the 27 candidates planned for the election.

    Listing the candidates ,Ekong said Mr Seyi Ipinlaye, a former Secretary to Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, emerged the LP flagbearer for the council , while Mr Oluwafemi Fadairo was  declared winner in Ojokoro Local Council Development Areas (LCDA).

    She said that Abudu Akinlola, emerged winner in Ojo LG, Biola Samson emerged unopposed in Oriade LCDA, while Dr Hassan Ademola won the primary in Itire-Ikate LCDA.

    She listed winners in other LGs and LCDAs to include Mr Abiodun Adegun (Coker Aguda);  Abdulaziz Awesu (Ikorodu Central );Ms Silifat Agbalaye (Badagry Central);Adedayo Ashade (Ifako-Ijaiye): Temitope Adulola (Iba) and Chioma Nzefili (Oto-Awori).

    According to her, others are: Paul Ayanlola (Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye); Kabiru Koleosho (Mushin); Rasak Salako (Isolo), Dr Michael Olusegun (Ikoyi-Obalende); Lateef Liasu (Iru-Victorla Island) and John Akano (Eti-Osa).

    Ekong added  Adewale Elegbeleye emerged fo Eti-Osa East, Anthonia Oyeneye (Kosofe); Adedotun Shoyemi (Agboyi-Ketu); Olajide Akinola (Ikorodu North); Bolanle Ajose (Ikorodu West) and Adetolu Akinnubi (Ikotun-Igando).
    She said others winners are: Gideon Adeniran (Alimosho), Olayemi Olajide (Ijede) and  Bolaji Oluriwale (Mosan Okunola)

    She expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the primaries.

    “Tbe primaries were conducted successfully. I am particularly happy that the LGAs primaries went well in almost all local governments.

    “They were free, credible and transparent. For areas with some issues, we thank God the security operatives invited were able to douse tension,and  at the end of the day, the primary held.

    “It was a great day  for  Labour Party in Lagos,” Ekong said

    NAN correspondents ,who monitored the primaries at Amuwo-Odofin LGA ,Ifako-Ijaiye and Ojo LG ,and Ojokoro LCDA,  reports that the primaries were peaceful .

    Chairman of the LP Electoral Committee for the primary in Amuwo-Odofin,, Mr Chigozie Ezue, who declared Ipinlaye as winner, said that out of the 70 delegates drawn from seven wards in the  LG, only 68 were accredited for the primary

    He said that Ipinlaye polled 56 delegate votes to defeat his rival, Mr Taiwo Akinseyi, who scored six votes, while a vote was voided.

    Responding after the declaration, Ipinlaye, who expressed excitement, assured delegates that he would not fail the people.

    “I know the people want me to represent them. They know I will give them good representation.

    “During our tenure, Amuwo-Odofin will be known for greatness. We are saying  there will no  bad roads in Amuwo-Odofin. We are promising  Amuwo-Odofin a new lease of life.

    “We are hitting the ground running by the grace of God. Your votes will be counted and they will be defended.

    “Our people should not be afraid. We are confident that LASIEC will not cheat us,” Ipinlaye said.

    Also speaking, the Amuwo-Odofin LP Chairman, Mr Obinna Emefoh, who described the process free and peaceful, expressed confidence that the party would win the election.

    On the chances of LP, Emefoh said: “If we follow the results of the 2023 presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly elections, everyone will know that Amuwo-Odofin is for Labour Party.

    Read Also: How Dele Momodu helped me when I was stranded in London – Gbenga Adeyinka

    “We  are fully prepared. Amuwo-Odofin is for Labour Party, we are going to clear all the votes this time again and we will stand to defend our votes,”he said.

    On why the process was not monitored by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Emefoh said that the commission was invited, but failed to show up.

    In  Ojokoro LCDA, the Chairman of the LP Electoral Committee, Mrs Humulikheaii Jaiyeola, who declared Fadairo  winner, said that he  polled 58 delegate votes to defeat his rival, Mr Dayo Popoola, who scored three votes while a vote was voided.

    Commending the delegates for their patience and cooperation, Popoola said the exercise was credible and was conducted  to serve the party’s interest.

    Responding after declaration, Fadairo appreciated the party leaders and delegates for the overwhelming votes, promising not to let them down.

    NAN reports that LP held its councillorship primaries on Thursday across  the various ward in the state.

    (NAN)

  • Commissioner defends Lagos against ‘smell’ claim

    Commissioner defends Lagos against ‘smell’ claim

    Lagos Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has responded to criticism about Lagos’ condition.

    Iguma Scott, had compared Lagos unfavourably to New York, saying the city “smells.”

    Wahab, in a tweet, defended Lagos, expressing concern about people who quickly criticise the state after benefiting from its opportunities.

    He emphasised Lagos’ progress, inclusivity and resilience, urging constructive criticism over malicious narratives.

    Wahab encouraged unity and progress, while also challenging the critic to hold other states to similar standards.

    He wrote: “The deliberate efforts by a handful of individuals to tarnish the reputation of Lagos State are deeply concerning. It is regrettable that some who relocate from their home states in pursuit of better opportunities quickly, in less than a month or two, resort to disparaging the very state that has provided them the platform to thrive. Leveraging social media followings, these individuals propagate harmful narratives, often aligned with divisive agendas, undermining the progress and inclusivity that Lagos represents.

    Read Also: Lagos LP chair debunks suspension from office

    “While constructive criticism is essential for growth, malicious attempts to vilify a state that empowers countless lives daily are counterproductive. Lagos remains a place of opportunity, innovation, and resilience, and it is imperative that we collectively uphold its integrity while fostering unity and progress.

    “Dear @IgumaScott, I do hope that you will put this same energy in ‘looking out’ for other states. I wish you all the best!”.

  • 530 Lagos youths trained on tech skills to boost employability

    530 Lagos youths trained on tech skills to boost employability

    No fewer than 530 unemployed youths in Ikorodu, Lagos State, have been equipped with essential tech-driven skills aimed at enhancing their employability in today’s competitive job market.

    The initiative, held at the Eko Job Centre in Owutu, Ikorodu, was part of the Industry Insider Series programme.

    It was organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment in partnership with GIZ SKYE (Skills Development for Youth Employment)

    The programme, which began on May 15, will span eight months across 15 sessions.

    Participants will benefit from expert-led training sessions delivered by seasoned professionals across diverse industries.

    Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Olayinka Adebayo Wasiu, explained that the job counselling session was designed to equip participants with practical tools such as CV writing, job-readiness strategies, digital literacy, and exposure to the fast-evolving tech ecosystem.

    According to him, this training will boost the confidence of unemployed youth, enabling them to apply for jobs more effectively, speak professionally, and manage workplace challenges. Employers are more inclined to hire candidates who are well-prepared and exhibit workplace readiness.

    Read Also: Glo fetes Lagos cleaners, offers capacity building skills

    The Commissioner reiterated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and social inclusion, which remain key pillars of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda of the current administration.

    “Social inclusion and youth empowerment fall under the purview of the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment. We are gathered here because we believe in your potential, and with the right skills, guidance, and support, you can transform your lives and contribute meaningfully to the growth of our communities and the nation,” he added.

    Ajigbotafe also acknowledged the valuable support of GIZ SKYE towards the renovation of the Owutu Job Centre, describing the collaboration as a reflection of the Ministry’s strategic focus on leveraging partnerships to drive innovation and capacity development.

    He encouraged participants to remain disciplined and make the most of the opportunities provided through the programme, noting that the skills and knowledge acquired would serve as powerful tools in enhancing their career prospects.

    As part of efforts to reduce unemployment, the Ministry has established five Job Centres across the state’s Ibile divisions, namely Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe, providing unemployed graduates with access to career guidance, counseling, and training programmes geared towards improving their employability.

    Speaking on the sidelines, a facilitator, Sunkanmi Olanrewaju, said the training was designed to help participants understand the tech industry and the wide range of opportunities it offers.

    He emphasised that technology is not limited to people from specific academic backgrounds, adding that anyone can transition into tech with the right mindset and training.

    The goal, he noted, is to help participants acquire relevant skills and begin their journey in the tech space.

    One of the participants, Adebola Adetiloye, expressed excitement about the programme, describing it as a valuable opportunity.

    He said the training would boost his confidence, prepare him for the job market, and provide him with practical skills to compete effectively.

    Adetiloye hailed the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment for the initiative, adding that it empowers young people and gives them a sense of direction in their career paths.

  • Lagos debunks claims on workers training default

    Lagos debunks claims on workers training default

    Lagos State Government has clarified recent reports suggesting that 30 per cent of its employees failed to return after participating in government-sponsored overseas training programmes.

    It described the claims as misleading and inaccurate.

    Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, said the issue being referred to involved workers who proceeded on study leave without pay, not those officially sponsored by the government for training abroad.

    In a reaction issued from his office following media interpretations of his earlier remarks at a ministerial news briefing marking the second year of the second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, Ayantayo explained that while some public servants granted study leave without pay had failed to return to the state’s service upon completion of their studies, such cases represented a different category from those sponsored by the state government on official training or capacity-building purposes.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Six states where candidates affected by JAMB error will retake UTME exams

    “We need to make an important distinction,” the commissioner said. “The individuals being referred to are those who applied for and were granted study leave without pay, often to pursue personal academic programmes abroad, not civil servants sent on official training programmes.

    “Efforts are on to ensure accountability across all categories of personnel development, including bonding and post-leave return monitoring,” Ayantayo said

  • Guardian, four others arrested for selling two-week-old baby in Lagos 

    Guardian, four others arrested for selling two-week-old baby in Lagos 

    The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspects, including a guardian, in connection with the abduction and sale of a two-week-old baby boy for N3 million.

    According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the arrest followed a report lodged at the Ajah Police Division on May 5, 2025. 

    The complainant reported that his 16-year-old cousin, identified as Miss Happiness, who became pregnant under unclear circumstances, had been taken in by one Nonye Osi due to financial hardship.

    Rather than provide the promised shelter and care, Nonye Osi allegedly conspired with others to relocate the teenager to an undisclosed location. When Miss Happiness was later found, her baby was missing.

    Read Also: Lagos community urges APC on inclusion in appointments, representation 

    The police have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to bring all accomplices to justice.

    The case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. Following intensive efforts, police detectives apprehended the following suspects: Nonye Osi (female), Akintan Adedayo (female), Jimoh Bashiru (male), Elizabeth Bishop (female), and Bukola Oladapo (female).

    Investigations revealed that the suspects sold the newborn for Three Million Naira (₦3,000,000.00). The baby was eventually traced to Agemuwo in the Badagry area, where he was recovered alive and in good condition.

    The Gender/Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the SCID is currently handling the case and caring for the child, pending his reunification with his mother.

    “The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to the protection of all residents, particularly the vulnerable,” CSP Hundeyin stated.

  • Lagos unveils SWIFT Project to empower women through family planning, digital innovation

    Lagos unveils SWIFT Project to empower women through family planning, digital innovation

    The Lagos State Government has launched the SWIFT Project, a groundbreaking initiative that focuses on family planning, digital innovation, and women-led enterprise across underserved communities.

    The initiative is aimed at transforming reproductive health access and women’s economic empowerment.

    Unveiled on Tuesday, the SWIFT Project, which stands for Strengthening Women’s Initiatives for Family Planning and Technology or Supporting Women’s Improved Financial Transformation, depending on context, is backed by the Society for Family Health (SFH) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. 

    The initiative promises to redefine how women access healthcare and economic opportunity, particularly in low-income and hard-to-reach areas of the state.

    Speaking on behalf of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, the Director of Family Health and Nutrition, Dr. Folashade Oludara, described the project as a timely response to persistent barriers faced by women , including cost, distance, and stigma, in accessing modern contraceptives.

    “This initiative brings healthcare closer to women by engaging community pharmacies and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs). It reaffirms every woman’s right to make informed reproductive choices while also empowering them economically,” Oludara said.

    She emphasized that SWIFT aligns with Lagos State’s THEMES+ agenda and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals by strengthening the role of non-traditional but essential health providers, provided they are trained and regulated.

    The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, highlighted the dual impact of family planning as both a public health tool and a poverty alleviation strategy. 

    “With SWIFT, we are scaling up our outreach, particularly to women in marginalized communities. This project builds on the success of the IntegratE program, which trained over 1,200 pharmacists and PPMVs and reached more than 310,000 women with counseling services.”

    Ogboye called on stakeholders to take ownership of the project to ensure its long-term sustainability and effectiveness, noting that the ultimate beneficiaries are “the women and girls whose lives will be transformed.”

    Representing the Society for Family Health, Deputy Director for Program Delivery, Pharm. Kene Eruchalu, praised Lagos as the final and most complex rollout destination following successful launches in Kano and Kaduna. 

    “SWIFT not only strengthens access to family planning but also enables women to make autonomous and informed health decisions,” he said. “We are investing in female providers because trust drives outcomes.”

    SWIFT Project Manager, Ummi Rahama-Shehu, outlined the initiative’s strategic framework during her presentation titled “SWIFT Project: For a Sustainable Healthcare Industry.” 

    The three-year program, funded by the Gates Foundation, is designed around five key pillars: need-based support, investment readiness, market visibility, technology-driven market access, and ecosystem partnerships. 

    According to her, the project adopts a social enterprise model that promotes financial resilience, gender empowerment, and healthcare accessibility through women-led businesses.

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    The Gates Foundation’s State Consultant, Mr. Olukunle Daramola, underscored the project’s potential to bridge access gaps in reproductive health. “By equipping trained pharmacies and PPMVs, we are empowering communities with trusted, voluntary family planning services,” he said, adding that Lagos was chosen due to its proven commitment to expanding healthcare access.

    Also lending support was, Permanent Secretary of Health District VI, Dr. Cecelia Mabogunje, who applauded the initiative’s focus on female-led service delivery and its role in enhancing maternal and child health outcomes. “Family planning promotes child spacing, healthier families, and stronger communities,” she said.

     Zonal Director of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Dr. Taiwo Filusi lauded the project’s alignment with the Council’s mission to professionalize and regulate grassroots healthcare delivery.

    “By supporting registered and trained providers, SWIFT is not only expanding access but also reinforcing quality and accountability,” he noted.

  • Onitsha Day Lagos holds Saturday

    Onitsha Day Lagos holds Saturday

    The Onitsha Improvement Union (OIU), Lagos Chapter, has announced the holding of Onitsha Day.

    The group’s President, Mr. Emenike Achuta,  stated at the news conference that the Day would hold on Saturday, at the Union Bank Club (The Stable), Surulere, Lagos.

    Themed: “Ifeji Abu Onicha Erika” and “Igwebuike”, the event is aimed at celebrating Onitsha’s rich cultural heritage and centenary of the Onitsha Improvement Union, founded in 1924.

    Achuta said: “This Onitsha Day coincidentally falls in the period we are celebrating our centenary. I have been President for six years, and my tenure is ending this year. It gives me joy that it is in my final year that we are organising Onitsha Day. We are expecting to see a better event than what we had in previous years. We are calling out to our brothers and sisters in Lagos not to miss the day. I promise you it’s going to be great.”

    Chairman, Organising Committee, Mr. Akune Lloyd Ofili Udo, said: “Festival helps to promote peace and unity. We are happy to announce that expected at the event are top government officials, dignitaries, and indigenes of Onitsha, led by HRM, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, who is the Father of the Day.

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    Also expected are Ndiche, Agbalanze, Otu Odu, musical troupes from Onitsha, masquerade displays including Agbogho Umuo and Ijele, age grades, outstation villages, family unions with Lagos branches, and the OIU President General and entourage from Onitsha.”

    President, Onitsha Women Progressive Association, Lagos, Mrs. Felicia Udemba, said the group, through its female arm, Ikporo’Onitsha, had been helping women by encouraging entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

    “The role of women in cultural development and unity cannot be overstated. Besides the fact that our organisation has been here for about 80 years, it has contributed immensely to the development of womenfolk. Women are the “colour” of the events and that they are currently building a maternity centre. We have stood by our men, supporting them in planning this Onitsha Day. We are bringing in our women and contributing funds, which is not easy these days. We have titled women, and on that day, you will see them in their regalia. We pray everything goes according to plan,” he added.