Hundreds of students, industry professionals, and government officials gathered at Yaba College of Technology for Youth in Creativity 1.0, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative designed to equip young Lagosians with the skills, mentorship, and inspiration to thrive in Nigeria’s fast-growing creative economy.
The programme, organised by visionary entrepreneur Eziada Folashade Balogun under the Black History & Lifestyle Awards (BHLA) platform, offered a mix of workshops, mentorship sessions, panel discussions, and empowerment giveaways.
With creativity now one of the most valuable global skills, spanning digital content, media, fashion, design, tech, and storytelling, the initiative aimed to provide students with a platform to explore, develop, and express their creative abilities in meaningful ways.
In her keynote, Folashade Balogun emphasized that creativity is no longer a side hustle, but a driving force of the modern economy. She encouraged participants to dream boldly, learn fearlessly, and create relentlessly.
“When young people are given access, guidance, and support,” she said, “they can build careers, start businesses, tell their stories, and shape the future of their communities, one idea, one skill, and one young mind at a time.”
Ten persons have lost their lives and 21 injured in multiple accidents in Lagos, Kogi and Enugu states.
In Lagos, a federal fire service officer stationed at the Trade Fair Complex died yesterday in an incident on the trade fair inward Abule-Ado service lane in Lagos. A police officer and a scavenger were killed in an accident at Ilubirin, inward Simpson on Lagos Island.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) spokesman, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the accidents, describing them as another painful reminder of the dangers of reckless driving on the roads. LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olaleken Bakare-Oki expressed condolences to the bereaved family.
In Enugu, an accident involving no fewer than 10 vehicles at New Gariki on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.
The crash, which involved four trailers loaded with cattle and other goods, two commercial buses, two Sienna vehicles, and several smaller cars trapped the fallen articulated vehicles. “People were driving one-way with speed. Before we knew it, trailers and vehicles collided and everything scattered,” he recounted.
In Kogi State yesterday, six indigenes died in a road accident on the Lokoja /Okene highway. Thirteen others sustained various injuries.
The state Information and Communications Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, who confirmed the accident , said the victims were returning from an official function when it (the accident) happened.
Fanwo gave details of the accident in a statement to mourn the victims and commiserate with their families.
The statement read: “The Kogi State Government regrets to announce a tragic accident involving a bus conveying some of our citizens who were returning from the commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities held earlier today (yesterday) at the Government House, Lokoja.
“The unfortunate accident, which occurred along the Lokoja–Okene Road, claimed six precious lives. Thirteen others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at different health facilities across the state.
“ This tragedy has brought profound sorrow to the Government and people of Kogi State. We mourn deeply with the families of the deceased and extend our heartfelt condolences to them during this painful and devastating moment.
“The loss of any Kogite is a loss to us all, and we stand in solidarity with the affected families and communities. This is indeed a dark day in our history.
“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, has directed that the State Government take full responsibility for the medical care of all injured persons until they fully recover.
“Government officials have been deployed to the various hospitals to ensure that the victims receive the best possible treatment and to provide support to their families.
“Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones, as we consider this a state tragedy of devastating magnitude.
“ As we collectively grieve, we ask for prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the quick recovery of the injured. May God grant the bereaved families the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
The event, scheduled for 16 and 17 December 2025, the Minister said, embodies the government’s commitment to harness the power of art, Culture, and tourism.
The festival, she said, is jointly organised in collaboration with the Irabor Creative Minds and her ministry.
This, she said, is part of the government’s efforts to drive economic growth, job creation, and national unity.
Briefing journalists ahead of the Lagos Detty December event, Musawa said, “This flagship event, scheduled to take place on December 16th and 17th, 2025, at the cricket pitch, Tarawa Balewa Square, Lagos, promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and culinary diversity.
“This festival embodies our commitment to harnessing the power of art, Culture, and tourism to drive economic growth, job creation, and national unity.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for the arts and culture sector, the minister stressed, “The Nigerian foods and culture festival is a testament to the boundless creativity and talent that Nigeria possesses.”
The minister noted that Lagos, being the hub of creativity and excellence, was an obvious choice for such a flagship event.
“So, when you talk about Detty December, you’re talking about Lagos. But we know Lagos is not Nigeria, but something has to start from somewhere. And since Detty December started from Lagos, bringing our culture and tradition and culturally promoting the creative economy, I think it should start from Lagos,” she added.
Lagos is positioning itself to tap into the surging global fortified rice market, which analysts project will reach $36.6 billion by 2033, up from $20.8 billion in 2023. The rapid expansion is driven by escalating global concerns over malnutrition and a rising demand for low-cost nutritional interventions, particularly across developing nations.
Experts have argued that large-scale fortification of rice in Nigeria is essential to delivering key micronutrients that can reverse deficiencies such as anemia. In response, the Lagos State Government has commissioned a fortified rice kernel blending machine and launched a new fortified Eko Rice brand enriched with iron, zinc, cobalamin (Vitamin B12), folic acid, pyridoxine, niacin and thiamine.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, said the initiative marks a major milestone for the state’s food security agenda.
He said: “In our continuous effort to improve, I’m pleased to announce that our mill has been optimized to produce high-quality fortified rice. This achievement positions us among the very few rice mills in Nigeria with the capacity to fortify rice with essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, folic acid, and Vitamins B1, B3, B6, and B12. This is no small feat. By fortifying our rice, we are not only meeting the demands of the growing demand for rice in the country, but we are also addressing the pressing issue of malnutrition, which remains a challenge for many Nigerians. We are proud to be part of a solution that can make a tangible difference in improving the nutritional quality of food available to our people.”
Fashola added that Lagos and its international partners are committed to strengthening food security and raising nutritional standards. He disclosed that the fortified rice will be incorporated into the state’s school feeding programme to support vulnerable groups including pregnant women, infants and the elderly.
The rice fortification project is supported by global development partners such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and TechnoServe. LSFF Portfolio Lead at TechnoServe, Ayodele Tella, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to enhancing technical capacity within Nigeria’s rice processing sector. She stated that TechnoServe would “continue supporting the expansion and acceleration of the rice-fortification programme in Nigeria.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems,Mr Emmanuel Audu also reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding fortified rice production. He emphasised that sustained cooperation from local stakeholders is vital to ensuring consistent quality, noting that the state is investing in advanced processing facilities to meet rising demand for the staple. According to him, the fortified rice brand is enriched with critical vitamins and minerals that can help reduce widespread nutrient deficiencies.
Technical Specialist, Food Quality Supply at the United Nations World Food Programme, Melas Adoko, said the WFP is fully backing the Lagos Rice Mill’s fortification efforts as part of its mandate to improve nutritional outcomes for vulnerable populations. He explained that the fortified rice “will be used to improve the quality of school meals across Nigeria,” adding that WFP will continue strengthening millers’ capacity to invest in fortification technology. He reaffirmed the organisation’s “commitment to supporting global efforts to achieve sustainable food security and improve nutrition worldwide.”
The broader global rice market also continues on a growth trajectory. Forecasts,according to https://ssricenews.com/rice-news/ showed global rice volume is expected to reach 889 million tonnes and a value of $634.8 billion by 2035. In 2024, consumption slipped slightly to 793 million tonnes after four years of expansion, even as market revenue rose to $516.2 billion. China and India remain the dominant actors in both production and consumption, accounting for more than half of global totals. International trade has grown significantly, with imports reaching 57 million tonnes and exports hitting 59 million tonnes. India remains the world’s leading exporter, while the Philippines recorded the fastest import growth.
With a strong push against gender-based violence and a call for victims and relatives to speak up, female officers of the Lagos Police Command at the weekend staged a walk around Ikeja.
The walk against gender-based violence, which was attended by the state Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh, and Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Titilola Adeniyi Rhodes-Vivour, was organised as part of activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of women policing in Nigeria.
With over 400 female officers of the command, including the most senior woman officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Administration, Mary Ayim in attendance, the about 6km walk started from the command headquarters in Ikeja and proceeded to Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way before detouring before Joel Ogunaike Street.
Addressing the gathering, CP Jimoh noted that gender-based violence was pervasive, reaffirming the command’s commitment to thorough investigation and prosecution of cases.
He emphasised that such crimes cannot be treated as family matters or with kid gloves, urging victims and witnesses to speak out so that justice could be served.
Jimoh praised female officers for their contributions to crime prevention and leadership, noting the rising number of women heading strategic units in the command.
According to him, the female officers have shown capacity and competence, adding that most times, they gave him results even before their male counterparts.
…officers take mental health, career advocacy to classrooms
…CP hails resilience, diligence of female personnel
With a strong push against gender-based violence and a call for victims and relatives to speak up, female officers of the Lagos Police Command at the weekend staged a walk around Ikeja.
The walk against gender-based violence which was attended by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh, and the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Titilola Adeniyi Rhodes-Vivour, was organised as part of activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of women policing in Nigeria.
With over 400 female officers of the command including the most senior woman officer, ACP Mary Ayim in attendance, the about 6km walk commenced from the command headquarters in Ikeja and proceeded to Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way before detouring before Joel Ogunaike Street.
Addressing the gathering, CP Jimoh noted that gender-based violence was pervasive, reaffirming the command’s commitment to thorough investigation and prosecution of cases.
He emphasised that such crimes cannot be treated as family matters or with kid gloves, urging victims and witnesses to speak out so that justice could be served.
CP Jimoh praised female officers for their contributions to crime prevention and leadership, noting the rising number of women heading strategic units in the command.
According to him, the female officers have shown capacity and competence, adding that most times, they gave him results even before their male counterparts.
He also honoured policewomen who died in active service, including the late CSP Matilda Ngbaronye of FESTAC Division, under whose watch violent crimes reduced to the barest minimum in the area.
He said, “I want to let you know that the Legal State Police Command, under my leadership, is with you, and we are with what you stand for. This walk today is against gender-based violence, which we know is a key thing for all of us in the police and the other critical stakeholders. We have to keep collaborating to prevent this menace in society. We’ll do this to the best of capacity to ensure that gender-based violence is extinct from the country.
“But how we can do this is to continue to encourage victims to speak out, to know that there is justice, and that matters of gender-based violence are not husband and wife matters.
“It’s a criminal issue and it should be investigated and charged to the court. I want to assure you of our support once again to appreciate the job you are doing as police women of the command
“In fact, some of them that are here with me who are Area Commanders do better than some of their male counterparts. Even at the level of DPOs, those women who are DPOs in charge of their jurisdiction are doing far better than some of the men.
So, most of the time when they ask me how many women area commanders I have, out of the 14, I tell them it’s five. But I want it increased so that more areas can be covered by women…”
Felicitating with the female officers, Rhodes-Vivour said the command and the DSVA have a great working relationship, alluding to the dedication of officers particularly those of the gender section.
She reminded officers that abuse can affect anyone, including women in uniform, assuring continued partnership to strengthen accountability and support for survivors.
Rhodes-Vivour specifically praised CP Jimoh for showing leadership, noting that each time gender-based violence issues or complaints arose and there is need for his intervention, he doesn’t hesitate to do so.
On her advice to Nigerians on the police, she said: “I believe the police is doing a lot in terms of correcting the negative impression they’ve had over the years. And we have to continue to support them. Call them out if there are issues, but also appreciate that they have various challenges that they experience as an institution.
“Lagos State Government continues to remain committed to the police and ensuring that they are able to discharge their constitutional duties lawfully.”
Assistant Commissioner Administration, ACP Ayim, who earlier led senior police officers on a-day mental health, safety and career talk at the Onike Junior Girls Secondary School, Yaba, urged the young girls to stay away from crimes and other vices that could obstruct their growth.
She said she was proud to be a police officer, encouraging them to join the service and commit to honourable living.
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“I feel so proud to be a policewoman. The journey started 70 years ago, when the first policewoman was recruited and today we are reaping the sacrifices they made. So we are very happy, we are proud.
“We’ve been doing our bit, and we are asking for more opportunities to serve our country. I would advise younger female officers and aspiring officers that nothing will be given to them on a platter of gold.
“They have to work hard, and it takes sacrifice and dedication. For us that have traversed this path for 25 years, it’s not been easy.
But if you show to the system that you can do it, they’ll give you a space. I believe that women should not complain, especially the ones who feel like we have family and other responsibilities to take care of and so always shy away from duty.
“I would tell them that we have done that several times. I’ve been a DPO in Lagos, while having children. The only thing is just to outsource. Get people to help you, and then be dedicated to your job,” she said.
Anyim urged Nigerians to be patient with the police as the service continues to transition.
“This rot did not happen in one day. They should be patient with us. We are rebranding, and the women are taking the lead. If you go to any place, even in Lagos, where you see women at the helm of affairs, it’s a different ballgame. So we are giving policing a human face, but they should be patient with us,” she said.
The Officer in Charge of Medical, ACP Abosede Salami, taught the pupils how to care for their mental health, advising them on how to deal with peer pressure, bullying and other stressors that could affect them.
Area G Commander, ACP Veronica Ameh, tutored the pupils on the various career paths in the police encouraging them to consider policing as a noble and impactful profession, while ACP Toyin Kazeem, head of the command’s gender section, lectured the young girls on self-boundaries with their private parts.
Female officers also visited pioneering police leaders like DIGs Florence Adebanjo (rtd) and Cecilia Ugowe (rtd), whose careers paved the way for future generations.
In its quest to set the tone for the yuletide season, Maltina has set machinery in motion to help Nigerians savour the joy of the moment and truly “Live the Season.”
This year, the leading malt brand brings the magic of Christmas to life with breathtaking light installations and festive experiences across three major cities: Lagos, Abuja, and Ibadan.
From Sunday November 30th to Thursday, December 4th, streets in these cities will shine like a thousand stars as Maltina illuminates Christmas, spreading joy, colour, and holiday cheer.
The lights will first dazzle the nation’s capital, Abuja, and Lagos, before bringing warmth and sparkle to the historic city of Ibadan.
Expectedly, top rising stars that will headline the show includes Tomike Adeoye, Priscilla Mkambala, Wumi Toriola, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori (Kiekie) and Woli Agba will usher in the festivities with elegance and laughter.
Justifying the need for the initiative, Elohor Olumide-Awe, Portfolio Manager, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Nigerian Breweries Plc, said, “The festive season is a time to slow down, reconnect, and celebrate the moments that truly matter. The ‘Live the Season’ celebration is more than lights; it’s an invitation to choose happiness deliberately, spend time with loved ones, and create memories that last a lifetime. In a year of challenges, this initiative brings warmth, hope, and the spark of festivity back into the heart of our communities.”
Designed in collaboration with state governments, “Live the Season” encourages families, friends, and communities to come together, celebrate, and reconnect in beautifully illuminated public spaces.
Maltina also invites everyone to take selfies or group photos at the installations, share their favourite moments online, and tag @Maltina with the hashtag #LivetheseasonwithMaltina for a chance to win tickets to the Flytime Fest Concerts in Lagos, Legendary Christmas Concert in Ibadan and PH, Davido 5ive Tour Concert in Abuja, and the Tropical Wonderland in Eko Hotel and Suites.
As the lights shine across Lagos, Abuja, and Ibadan, Maltina continues to inspire joy, happiness, and togetherness—reminding Nigerians to slow down, celebrate, and truly Live the Season.
Lagos is preparing to host what organisers describe as Africa’s biggest and longest beach festival, as 100 DJs converge for a 96-hour non-stop DJ Marathon Festival scheduled to run from December 29, 2025 to January 2, 2026.
The event, designed as a four-day, round-the-clock music rally, aims to set a new global record for the longest continuous DJ performance, surpassing the current 55-hour benchmark.
Speaking ahead of the festival, CEO of Afroxela and convener of the marathon, Buchi Henry Mbagwu, said the idea was inspired by the global curiosity surrounding Lagos’ famed “Detty December” nightlife.
According to him, the concept was born during an international festival in Portugal, where attendees from Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, France and Portugal expressed eagerness to experience Lagos’ party culture firsthand.
“They had heard about Detty December and wanted to know why Lagos is regarded as the city that never stops partying. That was the lightbulb moment,” Mbagwu said.
He explained that the team resolved to create an event that captured the essence of Lagos nightlife while showcasing the people who power parties across the world, the Djs.
“DJs are always the party starters. Whether at weddings, corporate events or concerts, they set the tone. We wanted a festival dedicated entirely to Djs,” he noted.
Mbagwu revealed that the marathon will feature 100 DJs taking turns every hour in a seamless relay.
“This is about endurance, celebration and the Lagos spirit. For 96 straight hours, there will be no stop, no pause, just sound,” he said.
The marathon will run across the New Year crossover, intentionally timed to set the record just as Nigeria enters 2026.
Mbagwu said the timing was deliberate: “By December 27, people are winding down from Christmas and waiting for the New Year. Globally, New Year’s Eve is huge, Dubai, New York, everywhere. So we chose a period when people are naturally looking for the biggest party.”
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, has announced the commencement of the 21st Edition of the Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition.
The Commissioner stated that this year’s edition promises to be exceptional, aligning with the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
He explained that the Ministry had made concerted efforts to ensure that the 2025 Spelling Bee stands out, demonstrating Lagos State’s commitment to excellence in education.
“We are proud to promote literacy and language development among our young people, and this competition reflects our dedication to nurturing these essential skills,” he said.
He disclosed that the competition is being organized by the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) in collaboration with the New Era Foundation.
This year’s event, according to the commissioner, will be held at the Eko FM Multi-Purpose Hall, Agidingbi, Ikeja, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 for the Junior Category (Primary School Students), and on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 for the Senior Category (Secondary School Students).
Alli-Balogun restated that the competition ”remains one of the most anticipated academic competitions in the State, an inspiring platform that enables students to display their spelling skills, confidence and intellectual depth.”
Lagos is preparing to host what organisers described as Africa’s biggest and longest beach festival, as 100 DJs converge for a 96-hour non-stop DJ Marathon Festival scheduled to run from December 29, 2025, to January 2, 2026.
The event, designed as a four-day, round-the-clock music rally, aims to set a new global record for the longest continuous DJ performance, surpassing the current 55-hour benchmark.
Speaking ahead of the festival, CEO of Afroxela and convener of the marathon, Buchi Henry Mbagwu, said the idea was inspired by the global curiosity surrounding Lagos’ famed “Detty December” nightlife.
According to him, the concept was born during an international festival in Portugal, where attendees from Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, France, and Portugal expressed eagerness to experience Lagos’ party culture firsthand.
“They had heard about Detty December and wanted to know why Lagos is regarded as the city that never stops partying. That was the lightbulb moment,” Mbagwu said.
He explained that the team resolved to create an event that captured the essence of Lagos nightlife while showcasing the people who power parties across the world, the DJs.
“DJs are always the party starters. Whether at weddings, corporate events, or concerts, they set the tone. We wanted a festival dedicated entirely to DJs,” he noted.
Mbagwu revealed that the marathon will feature 100 DJs taking turns every hour in a seamless relay.
“This is about endurance, celebration, and the Lagos spirit. For 96 straight hours, there will be no stop, no pause, just sound,” he said.
The marathon will run across the New Year crossover, intentionally timed to set the record just as Nigeria enters 2026.
Mbagwu said the timing was deliberate:
“By December 27, people are winding down from Christmas and waiting for the New Year. Globally, New Year’s Eve is huge, in Dubai, New York, everywhere. So we chose a period when people are naturally looking for the biggest party.”
Describing the event as a multisensory beach experience, Mbagwu said it will hold across three connected beach houses, Kima, Wave, and Athena, combined into a single festival arena.
Festival programming will extend beyond music to include food, fashion exhibitions, fitness sessions, yoga, Zumba, gospel mornings, Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afro House, R&B, hip-hop, and more.
While the physical event will host an estimated 1,000 attendees, the marathon will be livestreamed to over 100 countries via platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch.
“Your afternoon set in Lagos is someone’s midnight in Atlanta or Shanghai. The time zones work in our favour,” Mbagwu said, adding that the streaming component is central to showcasing the Lagos and African creative story.
The organisers said they deliberately created space for both renowned and upcoming DJs.
Confirmed DJs include industry names such as DJ Bombastic, Jimmy Jatt, DJ Neptune, and DJ Humility, alongside fresh talents selected through a DJ Marathon Challenge.
Gender inclusion is also a priority.
“The industry is male-dominated, so we ensured many female DJs are featured,” Mbagwu said, citing DJ Bella, who once attempted a 250-hour performance, as one of the inspirations.
Describing the project as logistically intense but culturally significant, Mbagwu said the marathon aims to cement Lagos’ position as a global entertainment capital.
“This will be the biggest party festival in Africa, the longest, the most diverse, and the most global. The spirit of the people, the energy of the DJs, and the power of African sound are what make this special,” he said.
The organisers say preparations are in top gear to deliver a safe, well-coordinated, and unforgettable New Year experience for local and international audiences.
