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  • Church executes projects in Lagos

    Church executes projects in Lagos

    Tent Maker Pastoral Ministry (TMPM) of Region 1, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Lekki, Lagos has provided various projects to the Itedo Community and its environs.

    The humanitarian services, which are part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the church, included the construction of an access road spanning from Freedom Way to Salvation Road in Itedo, grading of internal roads in Itedo and provision of a borehole.

    The church has also trained over 50 people free in various skills, as well as given them starter packs.

    The skills include fashion designing, bakery, pastries, and barbing to make beneficiaries self-reliant.

    Part of the CSR of the church includes free feeding of the people every Sunday, especially the less-privileged, and homeless as well as ‘area boys’ .

    Also, TMPM Region 1 gives scholarships to indigent but brilliant students.

    It engages in free medical outreaches as well as pay medical bills, including surgeries bills for members of the host communities, especially the downtrodden that are not members of the church.

    Regional Overseer and Pastor, MFM TMPM 1, Lekki, Pastor Sola Oladipo, said the services are to fulfil God’s instructions to give to take care of the less-privileged.

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    Oladipo said apart from the Biblical teachings and deliverance programmes, the church embarked on social interventions, and welfare programmes to give hope to hopeless.

    The Regional Overseer added that the initiative was part of the church’s broader Explosive Evangelism Initiative (EEI) aimed at winning more souls for Christ through acts of kindness.

    He stressed that welfare and community development are central to the mission of MFM.

    He commended the General Overseer of MFM, Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, and his wife, whom he described as philanthropists and have mandated the branches globally to invest in CSR alongside their spiritual activities.

    Beneficiaries, residents and community leaders of Itedo thanked God and MFM for the gesture.

  • Lagos transport commissioner emphasises commuter safety

    Lagos transport commissioner emphasises commuter safety

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi has reiterated the government’s commitment to commuter safety during a working visit to the Lagos State Waterways Authority as efforts intensify to improve safety standards on the state’s waterways.

    During interactions with LASWA management and staff, the commissioner stressed that the protection of passengers remains the Authority’s primary responsibility, noting that safety must underpin all operational decisions and service delivery processes.

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    He urged the agency to continue upholding prescribed safety standards across all water routes, describing commuter safety as a core operational priority.

    The commissioner also highlighted the importance of the timely completion of the Omi Eko Project, noting that expanded and modernised infrastructure would enhance operational efficiency and significantly reduce risks on the waterways.

    He commended LASWA personnel for their dedication and reaffirmed the Ministry of Transportation’s support for a performance-driven environment that prioritises safety, reliability, and efficient service delivery.

  • Fire guts recycling site, damages homes, church in Abule Egba

    Fire guts recycling site, damages homes, church in Abule Egba

    A fire outbreak on Monday afternoon razed an open-space recycling site and spread to nearby structures along Pipeline Road, off Ekoro Road, Abule Egba, Lagos State.

    The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said it received a distress call at 1:08 p.m., prompting the immediate deployment of firefighters from the Agege and Abesan fire stations to the scene.

    Preliminary reports indicated that the fire started in an open area used for local recycling activities. The blaze later extended to a nearby residential bungalow and a mini church within the vicinity.

    One adult female reportedly suffered shock during the incident and was promptly attended to by emergency responders. She has since been stabilized. No fatalities were recorded.

    Confirming the incident, the Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, said firefighters successfully contained the fire and prevented further damage.

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    “The fire has been successfully brought under control, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the incident,” she said in a statement.

    Mrs. Adeseye reiterated the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, urging residents to strictly adhere to fire safety regulations to prevent similar occurrences.

  • Lagos showcases public-private partnership as a model for security funding

    Lagos showcases public-private partnership as a model for security funding

    The Lagos state government has projected the Lagos State Security Trust Fund as a viable model of public-private partnership in security funding, saying sustained collaboration with corporate donors has strengthened security governance and operational effectiveness across the state.

    The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Fund, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, made this known in a New Year statement in which he commended donors and corporate partners for their support throughout 2025.

    Ogunsan said the contributions received over the period went beyond financial assistance, reflecting trust, shared responsibility, and collective commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and the economic stability of Lagos.

    According to him, the partnership between the government and the private sector has enabled the Fund to strengthen the capacity of security agencies, improve logistics, and respond more effectively to evolving security needs across the state.

    The statement, issued on behalf of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Board of Trustees, management, and staff of the Fund, described the public-private collaboration as a sustainable approach to security funding in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.

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    The statement noted that the Governor has acknowledged the role of corporate organisations and donors in supporting security architecture in Lagos, noting that the partnership has delivered measurable impact and positioned the state as a reference point for collaborative security funding.

    Ogunsan said the Fund would, in 2026, focus on consolidating gains recorded in the past year, deepening existing partnerships, and attracting new donors who share the vision of a secure, resilient, and investor-friendly Lagos.

    He added that emerging security realities require innovation, sustained support, and continued cooperation between the public and private sectors.

    “We are confident that through continued collaboration, we can sustain the gains recorded and respond effectively to emerging security challenges in the year ahead,” he said.

  • Lagos government reinforces welfare agenda for public servants

    Lagos government reinforces welfare agenda for public servants

    Lagos State Government at the weekend began activities for the 2026 work year with an inter-religious prayer session for public servants.

    It reaffirmed its commitment to workers’ welfare, productivity and improved service delivery.

    The First Work-Day Inter-Religious Prayer, held at Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, brought together Christians, Muslims, traditional worshippers, senior government officials and public servants from across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    Head of Service Mr. Bode Agoro described the new year as one “full of great expectations and endless possibilities,” urging public servants to remain united, disciplined and purposeful in the discharge of their duties.

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    He said the decision to begin the year with prayers and thanksgiving was symbolic, adding that committing government activities into God’s hands would further strengthen the resolve of public officers to serve the state with diligence and integrity.

    Reflecting on the outgoing year, Agoro noted that while 2025 came with challenges, it was also marked by achievements across MDAs.

    He hailed public servants for their dedication and resilience in implementing government policies and programmes.

    The HoS also lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for what he described as an unprecedented commitment to the welfare and well-being of public servants, citing staff-friendly policies implemented last year.

  • Foundation empowers youths, supports elderly in Lagos, Osun, Oyo

    Foundation empowers youths, supports elderly in Lagos, Osun, Oyo

    The Okanlomo Foundation has concluded its multi-state empowerment and humanitarian intervention across Lagos, Osun and Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The foundation reaffirmed commitment towards sustainable community development, social inclusion and promotion of human dignity.

    Its founder, Oluwatosin Akinyemi, said the initiative combined youth skills empowerment with elderly welfare support, addressing economic vulnerability and social care needs in underserved communities. 

    According to her, the programme was designed to create long-term impact through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship support and targeted humanitarian assistance.

    Akinyemi said: “Okanlomo Foundation is a non-governmental organisation focused on empowering individuals and communities through skills development, entrepreneurship promotion and social welfare initiatives. 

    “The Foundation programmes are aimed at providing sustainable solutions that improve livelihoods, support vulnerable populations and contribute to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.

    “As part of the empowerment programme, the Foundation implemented a four-month intensive training in fashion design and makeup artistry, during which eight beneficiaries were trained and certified. 

    “The training was delivered in collaboration with Phitos Glam and Anike Clothings, providing participants with hands-on, industry-relevant skills targeted at self-employment and economic independence.

    “To further strengthen sustainability outcomes, beneficiaries also participated in a comprehensive entrepreneurship and business development session facilitated by Temitayo Adewole, National Business Development Service Provider  (NBDSP). 

    “The session covered enterprise structuring, customer acquisition, pricing strategies and business growth, equipping participants with practical tools to successfully launch and manage their businesses.”

    Akinyemi thanked partners, facilitators, volunteers and supporters for their contributions to the success of the programme. 

    She emphasised importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable development, noting that the Foundation remained open to partnerships with government institutions, corporate organisations, individuals and other non-profit bodies to scale its impact.

    “Beyond youth empowerment, the Foundation also extended its humanitarian outreach to elderly citizens. In partnership with Omojolagbe Geriatric Care Foundation, Ibadan, food items and essential gift packages were distributed to 90 elderly persons across Lagos and Ibadan. 

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    “The intervention was aimed at providing immediate relief while promoting dignity, care and social inclusion for senior citizens.”

    Founder of Omojolagbe Geriatric Care Foundation, Dr. Ojo Florence, expressed gratitude for the support received and commended Okanlomo Foundation for its commitment to elderly welfare.

    She prayed for the organisation and expressed hope for continued collaboration in serving the aged population.

    The Foundation noted that the initiative aligned with several SDGs, including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

    One of the beneficiaries, Ogunowo Valentina described the programme as life-changing, stating that it enabled her to acquire her desired skill despite financial limitations. 

    She however said the training has positioned her for self-reliance and economic empowerment.

  • Foundation spreads Christmas cheer to girls at Lagos juvenile home

    Foundation spreads Christmas cheer to girls at Lagos juvenile home

    The Tabitha-Abimbola Foundation (TAF) on Saturday brought Christmas cheer to girls at a juvenile correctional facility in Idi-Araba, Lagos, as part of its annual outreach programme.

    The outreach, tagged “Christmas with Less Privileged Children 3.0,” marked the Foundation’s 2025 Christmas celebration and extended its impact to a new beneficiary group.

    The Founder of the Lagos-based non-profit organisation, Mrs Abimbola Agbebiyi, said the initiative was aimed at restoring hope, dignity and self-worth in young girls facing difficult life circumstances.

    “Christmas is a time for joy, reflection and giving. Our annual celebrations are not just about gifts, but about creating moments of hope and connection.

    “This year, bringing our Christmas celebration to these young girls is our way of reminding them that they are seen, valued and capable of rising above their circumstances,” Agbebiyi said.

    According to her, since its establishment in 2023, the Foundation has reached more than 200 less-privileged children, providing clothing and essential food items to both the children and their mothers.

    She recalled that in 2024, the foundation hosted over 100 children with special needs drawn from various orphanages, offering mobility aids, assistive learning devices, mattresses and festive gifts.

    “For our 2025 outreach, we intentionally chose to celebrate Christmas with girls in a juvenile correctional facility, to let them experience joy, care and encouragement during the season,” Agbebiyi said.

    It was reported that the Christmas event featured dance and drama presentations, prayers, words of affirmation and reflective sessions aimed at helping the girls reconnect with their dreams and aspirations.

    The celebration also included a visit by Santa Claus, a Christmas meal and the distribution of personalised gift packs, Bibles, journals, hygiene items and motivational storybooks.

    In addition, the Foundation presented raw food items to members of staff at the facility, in appreciation of their commitment to caring for the girls.

    TAF partnered with the Prisons Ministry of Global Harvest Church, Maryland, Ikeja, which provided spiritual support and prayers during the outreach.

    Agbebiyi described the collaboration as impactful, noting that it reinforced the Foundation’s commitment to holistic support.

    “Our work goes beyond material support. We believe in nurturing the mind, spirit and confidence of every child we reach,” she said.

    In his response, Mrs Ojukotola Sumbo, the Head, Special Correctional Centre for Girls, expressed gratitude to the foundation for the gifts.

    Sumbo said that the impact of the gifts and the dance drama on the theme Your future is bright”, would go a long way to transform the girls in the home.

    The Tabitha-Abimbola Foundation is a Lagos-based non-profit organisation focused on improving the lives of vulnerable women, children and communities through initiatives in education, health, empowerment and social inclusion.

  • Lagos health district rewards dedicated workers

    Lagos health district rewards dedicated workers

    Nine workers from different professional cadres, with two cleaners, were given awards by Lagos State Health District V for their performance and dedication.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, lauded them for their resilience, commitment, and support, particularly in delivering healthcare services to hard-to-reach communities.

    Dr. Ogunyemi encouraged health workers to promote health insurance, noting that the state recognises primary healthcare as the closest point of care to communities.

    She reminded healthcare professionals that patients do not visit health facilities out of convenience, but out of necessity. As such, she urged workers to strive for excellence, professionalism, and compassion in the discharge of their duties.

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    According to her, “hard work never goes unnoticed” while she encouraged  individuals to be valuable in whatever role they occupy.

    The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Oladapo Asiyanbi, appreciated the special adviser for her support and commitment to growth of the district. He advised workers to be innovative, urging them never to let their ideas die with them but to bring them forward as solutions that can improve healthcare delivery.

    Asiyanbi congratulated the recipients and reminded them and others of the district’s slogan, “Changing the Narrative,” encouraging them to live up to its ideals through dedication and service excellence. He highlighted gaps and disparities in healthcare access  in the district, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, reaffirming the district’s commitment to addressing these challenges.

    The event underscored the state’s resolve to motivate healthcare workers, strengthen primary healthcare services, and improve access to quality healthcare for residents.

  • Nine killed in Lagos, Imo road crashes

    Nine killed in Lagos, Imo road crashes

    Tragedy struck in the early hours of yesterday when a diesel-laden tanker exploded on the Badagry Expressway, killing two persons and causing temporary disruption of traffic at the Oto-Ijanikin axis of Lagos.

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident, which occurred near the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), inward Agbara, involving a Mack truck conveying diesel.

    According to the agency, preliminary security investigations showed that the crash was caused by excessive speeding.

    The tanker driver lost control of the vehicle while attempting to overtake another road user, leading to a crash that resulted in a fire. The inferno claimed the lives of the driver and an adult female occupant.

    The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims, described the development as particularly painful during the festive season.

    Also, two persons were confirmed dead after a bicycle carrying two youths rammed into a Formatic Jeep on Okigwe Road, Owerri in Imo State on the eve of Christmas and accident at Akabo market in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, claimed at least five people on Christmas Eve.

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    Eyewitness said the victims were driving a small bike after a football training in Orji Owerri North Local Government Area when they had a head-on collision with the jeep and died instantly.

    The accident triggered a traffic jam. Desperate travellers were left in tears.

    Angry youths swarmed the accident site, sparking a stampede that added to the pandemonium.

    An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said the two victims are from Amatta in Ikeduru Local Government Area and were returning from a football training at Orji when the accident occurred.

    The bodies of the deceased, according to him, had been evacuated by an ambulance to the mortuary.

    On the third accident, it was learnt that a truck lost control and rammed into the Akabo market, crushing several people. An eyewitness described the scene as “gory”.

    The police spokesperson in the state, Henry Okoye, said he had not been briefed on the Akabo accident.

  • Lagos to manage informal spaces

    Lagos to manage informal spaces

    The Lagos State government said it is set to take decisive steps to regulate and administer informal spaces across the state in line with its physical planning mandate.

    The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide disclosed this yesterday while outlining the Ministry’s strategic direction for the coming year.

    He explained that the Ministry would invoke the powers conferred on it by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019 (as amended) to ensure orderly use of land and sustainable urban growth.

    “The Law vests the Ministry with the statutory responsibility for physical planning, land-use management, development coordination, and the regulation of spatial activities across the State, mandates that clearly encompass the administration of informal spaces,” he said.

    He said informal spaces are public open areas not designated for permanent use but increasingly occupied without planning approval, adding that the uncontrolled use of road setbacks, walkways, under-bridge areas, drainage corridors, and undeveloped government land posed risks to safety, mobility, and the environment.

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    According to him, the planned assumption of full administrative control over informal spaces was aimed at strengthening land-use planning, achieving integrated urban development, and curbing unregulated activities in key corridors, gateways, and transitional zones across the State.

    The Commissioner disclosed that plans had been concluded to embark on extensive sensitisation and engagement of internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, market associations, transport unions, community leaders, and other interest groups, as such engagement would be critical to ensuring cooperation, compliance, and shared ownership of the initiative.

    He emphasised that the intervention was not merely regulatory but strategic, as it sought to promote orderliness at the frontiers of the State, enhance urban aesthetics, improve functionality of public spaces, and protect the integrity of the physical environment.

    He further stated that effective control of informal spaces would contribute to improved mobility, safety, environmental quality, and the overall liveability of Lagos, while aligning with the State’s vision for a resilient, inclusive, and well-planned megacity.

    The Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry to deploy professional planning tools, inter-agency collaboration, and community participation to ensure that the exercise was carried out in a transparent, lawful, and sustainable manner.