Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced the state’s readiness to become Africa’s top destination for digital gaming, fintech solutions, and Artificial Intelligence powered creative enterprises.
Speaking at the 2nd Africa Gaming Expo (AGE) 2025, the Governor emphasised Lagos’ strategic focus on building a thriving digital economy that attracts global investments and nurtures local innovation.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building an ecosystem that promotes innovation, responsible gaming, and digital entrepreneurship.
He revealed that the government was implementing progressive regulations, strategic investments, and digital infrastructure aimed at fostering global collaboration among game developers, fintech start-ups, content creators, and AI pioneers.
“Lagos is not just a commercial hub, but a thriving epicentre of Africa’s creative economy, where gaming, fintech, entertainment, and AI converge to create unprecedented economic opportunities,” he said.
Highlighting the transformative role of artificial intelligence, the governor noted that AI has the potential to drive efficiency, security, and inclusivity across the gaming, fintech, and entertainment sectors.
He added that the gaming industry has evolved beyond traditional entertainment, now serving as a catalyst for employment, digital innovation, and new revenue streams.
The expo, according to Sanwo-Olu, serves as a vital platform for stakeholders, regulators, investors, and technology leaders to explore how AI can reshape the continent’s digital future.
Chief Executive Officer, Africa Gaming Expo Limited, Dr. Charles Ekundayo echoed the governor’s sentiments, emphasising the expo’s goal of fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth in Africa’s gaming and fintech industries.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the Gaming Influencer Award to former Arsenal striker and Togolese footballer, Emmanuel Adebayor, in recognition of his influence in both local and international football.
Also present was former Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha.
A medical doctor and international consultant, Dr. Ojo Ademola Oluwatosin, has appealed for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s urgent intervention, following alleged planned forceful takeover of his land in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
The foreign medical practitioner also sent a similar appeal to the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro (SAN), and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun .
Ojo, who said he was already working towards building a world-class specialist hospital for the benefit of Lagosians and Nigerians in Lagos, said his investment and life were under serious threat due to the actions of suspected land grabbers and land speculators.
He said the alleged forceful takeover of his landed property was been done despite restraining order obtained against some persons believed to be behind the land grabbers in court.
He expressed fear of a calculated attempt to take over his land and stifle his investment in the healthcare sector.
Mr Ayodele Osanyinlusi, counsel to Ojo, warned that if swift action wasn’t taken, his client’s vision of providing top-notched medical services would not only be destroyed, but that such would also embolden criminal networks threatening the safety of genuine investors in Lagos State.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to housing and urban development. He stressed its role in fostering economic growth and improving residents’ quality of life.
Speaking at the 31st Annual John Wood Ekpenyong Memorial Lecture and 2025 Fellows Induction of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), the governor highlighted the significant strides made in delivering housing projects across the state.
He said his administration would intensify efforts to provide more housing solutions before the end of its tenure.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Sanwo-Olu hailed NIESV President and Chairman in Council, Victor Alonge, for fostering collaboration between the institution and the state government to drive sustainable urban development.
He emphasised the crucial role of estate surveyors and valuers in shaping the real estate landscape and ensuring efficient tenement rate administration—the theme of this year’s lecture.
The governor expressed gratitude about the prestigious Award of Excellence presented to him by NIESV.
He congratulated Senate President Godswill Akpabio on his conferment as an Honorary Fellow of NIESV, alongside the 52 distinguished professionals inducted as Fellows. He lauded their dedication to excellence and urged them to continue making impactful contributions to the sector and national development.
Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hazmat and the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, have warned teenagers against using illicit drugs.
They described the act as ‘inimical to human survival’.
The trio spoke when Mrs. Sanwo-Olu led 200 boys to visit the deputy governor and chief judge in their offices. It was the first day of three three-day ‘2025 Lagos Boy-Child Initiative Residential Workshop’, organised by the Office of the governor’s wife.
The boys were selected from secondary schools across the state.
Hamzat urged the boys to see their visit to his office as an opportunity to reflect on their future.
He also admonished them to take control of their future by concentrating on their studies and staying away from drug abuse.
The deputy governor advised the boys to shun the notion that ‘education is a scam’, saying many rich men today like Elon Musk, are educated and successful in their fields.
He said: “It is an opportunity you are here and you should grab it. There are lots of credible things on social media and other vile things. As a nation, we must plan to fulfil our destiny. You must pray and listen to your parents. Tomorrow is certain but you must grab the future.”
Alogba urged the boys to take the ‘golden opportunity ‘ of the workshop to ‘rebrand’ themselves and ‘not make a mess of it.’
“Whatever you become in life is what you do with your hands and brain. Where you came from does not matter. It’s a golden opportunity for you to disabuse your mind that only children of the rich can become somebody in life. Make good use of your opportunity.”
The chief justice praised Sanwo-Olu for the initiative and expressed excitement at mentoring the boys.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu said the initiative was designed to groom boys for purposeful living while building a network of future leaders and advocates.
According to her, the initiative, over the years, has addressed many of the silent challenges boys face while the government has also taken deliberate steps to provide lasting solutions through various workshops designed for the boys, their parents, and other stakeholders.
She said some objectives of the Lagos Boy-Child Initiative include ‘raising awareness of the rights and welfare of the boy-child, promoting educational opportunities for male children, especially those from indigent backgrounds, facilitating the rehabilitation of vulnerable boys through structured referral systems, and to nurture a new generation of well-rounded young men who will contribute positively to society’.
The governor’s wife added that the theme of this year’s workshop, ‘Empowering the Boy-Child to be a Well-Rounded Individual for the Future’, reflects the government’s commitment to raising visionary leaders, responsible future fathers, and husbands.
Over 400 boys participated in the 2022 and 2024 camping workshop.
Prominent members of Abibu Shoderu Royal Family have prayed for peace in Oriba town of Epe, Lagos State.
They sought the assistance of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in developing the town.
The session, held at the town’s social and spiritual site, brought together sons, daughters, grandchildren, families, friends and associates of the royal family after many years.
Heads of the family, Mr. Billy Noibi, Alhaji Sefiu Tukuru, Mrs A.T. Ajani and Taoheed Sanni said the royal family organised the prayer for the town’s peace.
“As one of the three lineages in Oriba town, we feel a deep sense of responsibility to honour our forefathers and ensure their legacies live,” they said.
They said the prayer served as a reminder to family members, particularly those who had not been part of the tradition, to join and strengthen their bonds with one another and with the community.
They said: “There is no road network and there is need for development in the community to make the place liveable for the indigenes and others.
“We also need government intervention to boost economic development and growth in the town.
“We wish to put it on record that Abibu Shoderu was the first settler in Oriba town. We were known for fishing and farming in those days.
‘’There is no other work in the community except fishing and farming.
“We, therefore, call on Governor Sanwo-Olu to come to our aid.’’
He also inaugurated Abule-Egba Bus Terminal, a key infrastructure project designed to enhance public transportation.
With the new fares, a trip between Agbado and Oyingbo will now be N1,000, as against N1,500 before the announcement.
“We have looked at the numbers and have therefore decided to have 30 per cent reduction in the fares paid on the Red Line. This means a trip from Agbado to Oyingbo will now cost N1,000.
“Today because it is about transportation, we’ve done our numbers, we feel good and so I want to announce that today, we’re reducing fares on our Red Line immediately. We will be doing 30 per cent reduction to bring down the fare from N1,500 to N1,000,” the governor said.
The rebate, he said, was aimed at encouraging wider adoption of the Red Line and providing some relief to commuters amid current economic realities.
The Red Line began passenger operations on September 15, 2024 with six trips daily, but increased to nine trips per day on February 10.
At the inauguration of the terminal, located on Oshodi-Abule Egba Expressway, and strategically positioned to complement Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) operations along Oshodi-Abule Egba corridor, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of the new terminal in improving connectivity and easing commuting challenges for residents of the area and Lagos at large.
“This Abule Egba Bus Terminal is a testament to our administration’s commitment to providing efficient and accessible public transportation for Lagosians,” the governor said.
“It will serve as a vital hub, seamlessly integrating with the BRT network and offering a comfortable and organised transit experience.”
South-West Governors will accord the late Afenifere cheiftain, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a befitting funeral, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said.
Sanwo-Olu, who is also the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, made this known during a condolence visit to Adebanjo’s residence in Lekki, Lagos.
He said: “On behalf of all the South-West Governors, the people and government of Lagos State, we’re here to commiserate with the family, to appreciate them, and to say that Baba (Chief Ayo Adebanjo) lived a life full and worthy of emulation,”
He described the late nationalist as “a true Omoluabi” who built relationships across ethnic and cultural divides and consistently spoke truth to power.
“We cannot but celebrate him. We have also commiserated with the Afenifere Group and expressed that it is a big shoe that we don’t know how or who will fit in; but because it is a celebration of life, we will also be participating in one form or the other to ensure that we give him a befitting home calling,”
The late elder statesman, who is an advocate for democracy and good governance, passed away last Friday at his Lekki home at 96.
He is survived by his wife, Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, 94, as well as children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin and other top officials, were received by Adebanjo’s daughters, including Adeola Azeez.
The Governor urged leaders to emulate his values and contributions.
“These great men (Adebanjo and Clark) shaped this country to what it is today. For us in leadership, this is an opportunity to learn from their lives and continue to push this country forward,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu prayed for the repose of Adebanjo’s soul and strength for his family, the South-West, and the nation to bear the loss.
Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat have paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayodele Adebanjo.
Sanwo-Olu, who also visited as the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, was received by Adebanjo’s daughters.
The elder statesman died Friday at his residence in Lekki, Lagos, at age 96.
Adebanjo was survived by Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, his 94-year-old wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor, Jubril Gawat, shared the development on his X account, posting a video of the visit.
He wrote: “Governor of Lagos State, Mr #jidesanwoolu alongside his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Kadir Hamzat and other top Lagos State Government officials today paid a condolence visit to the home and family of Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo (1928-2025).”
• Tell them to produce case number and court where case is ongoing, monarch fires back
• Insists Igbokuta is under his jurisdiction and he has power to anoint their king
It’s not the best of time at Igbokuta, a suburb community in Ikorodu Local Government area of Lagos. They have a grouse with the traditional ruler of Imota, Oba Ajibade Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota, whom they accuse of selecting and trying to impose a murder accused as Oba over their community.
The murder accused whom they say Oba Agoro has elected, they claim, is Nosiru Jimoh Olayiwola popularly known as Lai, whom they allege shot and killed one Azeez Shonaya in the full glare of many in the community on the second of July 2008, following some incidents. They are also claiming that Oba Agoro is monarch of Imota, a neighbouring community, and his jurisdiction does not extend to Igbokuta, hence he does not have the power to select a king over them.
To make matters worse, they claim that Lai’s case is still ongoing, and wonder why the Oba should nominate such a person for a throne.
According to Akinwunmi Aliu Babangida, who said he is brother to the murdered Azeez, his late brother had followed one Hamat to the station, following the arrest of Lai over some land-grabbing activity. “There at the station, he accused Azeez of daring to be part of a plot to arrest him and threatened to deal with him once he came out. Later that evening, Lai was released and no-one gave a thought to his threat. The following day, my dad was outside our house having a discussion with Azeez, Ganiu and Muse. Suddenly, Lai approached with a gun and shot at them. That shot killed Azeez. It also blinded Ganiu, while others sustained injuries.
“After Lai shot Azeez, Ahmat, our secretary called the police. The police arrested Lai and took him away, but of course Azeez died. The whole town scattered, because such event had never happened in our community before.”
One of the elders in the community, Benson Ayodele Ige popularly known as Iroko, who is family head for the family of Abraham Oni/Osunloye, corroborated the incident but added that what amazed him was that despite all evidences such as the murder weapon, witnesses, doctors report, and thorough police investigation, the accused has not been convicted in court almost 18 years after.
“The judge then was Justice Onigbanjo. For like twelve years that we were going back and forth in court, Onigbanjo was not able to deliver justice on the case. Sometimes we went to court just twice in a whole year. Sometimes, thrice. Most times, he adjourned for up to four, five or six months. On some hearing days, we would just discover that there is power outage in the court, and everywhere would be so dark that the judge would not even be able to write. He would then adjourn. That was how they did for about twelve years before Onigbanjo retired. After about a year, they assigned the case to Justice Oshodi. That’s where we have been up till this moment. The same lawyer that was using all sorts of antics to delay the case is the same lawyer in charge and still employing different antics.
“Even the fact that someone with a murder case on his head with such heavy evidences was released on bail and allowed to gallivant around the community was a slap in our faces. He got so confident that he even started telling us in court that when we get tired we would stop coming to court. But we refused to give up, and that is why the case is still in court up till this moment. And from what we have heard, some traditional rulers were behind his securing bail back then. So all we want is for the case to be given proper attention. This is a case of about 18 years. How long does it take to deliver judgement on a case with such glaring evidences? This is a country with a constituted government, not a jungle. Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice should see to it that judgement is given on this case.”
Ige would go on to state that what is more painful and a slap on their faces was Lai’s election by Oba of Ranodu of Imota for the stool of Oba of Igbokuta.
He said it all began sometime in 2020 when they got wind that he was about to be installed baale by Oba Ranodu; quickly they moved against it by getting a court order through their lawyer.
“’We got an order in court that he must not be installed. But at the end of the day, he came with some document that he had been appointed as baale. That case is also ongoing. But much to our chagrin, we started hearing again in late 2024 that the same oba is on the verge of crowning him king. This has caused a lot of turmoil in the community. How can you be contemplating making a murder accused king? What manner of king would he be? This is a man who killed somebody in the presence of many, so it’s not as if there was any doubt. It’s just that we needed to go through the process of the law.”
Corroborating Ige, Akinrele Abiola Michael popularly known as O-Yes, who is Igbokuta community secretary, said the whole incident took roots on the second of July 2008, after he went to report Lai at Zone 2 Police headquarters, Onikan, Lagos.
“I went to Zone 2 with Azeez who was eventually shot and killed and Muse. We had written a petition to the police about Lai’s activities in the community, who then came to arrest him. To my surprise, some children came running to me in the evening, shouting, ‘Secretary, the person you arrested this morning has started shooting.’ I was taken aback, because he was supposed to be in custody. Later a police officer, Ola, who lived in Gberigbe, told me that releasing him was normal, as we had only alleged.
“On returning to the community that same day, I learnt he went to meet Azeez’s father, retired sergeant Aliyu Ayeni, to threaten that he would deal with Azeez the day after for following Ahmat to arrest him. So on that fateful day, the third of July, I was in Igbokuta; Lai passed by me and told me: ‘You, I’m coming to meet you’. And just a few meters away, we suddenly saw him shoot the boy, Azeez – in the very presence of his father. That gun is the sort that the bullets spread, so it hit multiple targets. It was that shot that killed Azeez, blinded Ganiu and also hit Muse. It may interest you that that Muse has also died. Immediately, we called the RRS. Meanwhile, the father was enquiring from the boy what happened the day before. They were within hearing distance, so I saw and heard what transpired. Azeez was killed as he was about to respond to his father’s question.
“Immediately, we called the RRS ad the police came and took him to Imota Police station. He was arrested while trying to take the corpse of the deceased away in a vehicle. They even searched his house and found a coffin. He gave his statement at Imota; then he was taken to Panti, where they carried out other investigations, got the corona’s report and every other necessary reports; and then charged him for murder. The case was presented before Justice Onigbanjo. It was there that things started going awry. Suddenly there would be no light when it’s time to hear his case and the judge would adjourn. He was just putting up all sorts of antics so that he would not be sentenced. This went on for almost six to seven years.
“After Onigbanjo retired, the case was reassigned to Justice HO Oshodi. We have been on that since 2022.
A report by the Daily Sun newspaper of August 7, 2008, titled: ‘Families petition Okiro over death of artisan’, members of Shonaya, Akinrele and Ajala families and several Imota families in Ikorodu Local Government were appealing to the then IGP, Mike Okiro to bring the killers of their son, 30-year-old Azeez Shonaya to justice.
In that publication, Shonaya was said to have been killed by a group of land speculators led by a primary school teacher, Nosiru Jimoh Olayiwola, who was then being detained at the state CID Panti, Lagos.
The incident was said to have shattered the peace of Igbokuta and Imota communities.
That news item reflected how the accused and his group were so powerful as to be threatening those pushing for their prosecution while in custody.
In that petition, the families who were represented by their lawyer, Chief Gabriel Giwa-Amu, wrote: “Leaders of these families are now afraid of their lives. Olayiwola and other accused arrested in connection with Azeez’s death have been sending messages from their cells, saying it is a matter of time before they will regain their freedom.”
The lawyer in that report also lamented that Azeez would still have been alive if Olayiwola had not used his connection to secure his release when he was first arrested.”
Why such a man as king?
It is for these reasons that the families and residents of Igbokuta have objected to his selection by the Ranodu of Imota, Oba Ajibade Agoro.
According to Igbokuta Community secretary, Akinrele, this is what is causing the current problem and uproar. “How can Oba Ranodu select somebody known to have murdered somebody in full glare of people in the town as king? We learnt it was the Oba who stood as guarantor for him when he murdered the young that has elected him as king again. Meanwhile Igbokuta is not under the jurisdiction of Imota traditionally. We are from Agbowa, and we are from Dagunrewe family. We are not from Imota; and we’re not related to them in Imota. He went to the Oba of Imota because of his antics and relationship with that Oba. He was initially installed as Baale. We took that matter to the House of Assembly, and the House said there should be a stay on that, but that he could be representing the Oba of Imota.”
Tell them to produce suit number –Oba Agoro
However, the Ranodu of Imota, Oba Ajibade Agoro, responding to this reporter’s enquiries over the telephone, asked angrily, “How many times have they gone to court and lost? Tell them to produce the case suit number and the court where it is being heard. They have gone to court and he has defeated them four times and they are not relenting.”
On the claim that Igbokuta does not fall under his jurisdiction, Oba Ranodu said, Igbokuta falls under Imota LCDA. Even before becoming Oba, I was councilor for the ward. Igbokuta falls under ward D.
When informed of the people’s claim that they have affinity with Agbowa and not Imota, Oba Ranodu said, “These people are even non-indigenes, whose parents came into town in the 1950s and 60s. They are strangers, whose parents were customary tenants and paid customary rent. It is the real owners of the tow that are related to Agbowa, not these strangers.”
The monarch promised to send a letter from the Oba of Agbowa to this reporter’s whatsapp, but he never did until this report went to press.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for its equity investment of up to $50 million in the Lagos Free Zone Company, describing it as a strategic move to enhance industrial development and global trade integration.
In a tweet on his X handle, Sanwo-Olu said the investment would fund the first phase of the 860-hectare Lagos Free Zone, focusing on land development, industrial facilities, and logistics infrastructure.
He explained that the zone, strategically linked to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, aims to position itself as a major industrial hub, boosting Nigeria’s participation in global value chains.
“The IFC’s initiatives to address infrastructure challenges will create new business opportunities and reinforce Nigeria’s status as a regional economic powerhouse,”
The governor highlighted the significance of the Lagos Free Zone as Nigeria’s first deep-sea port-based private special economic zone, stressing that it would attract further foreign direct investment and streamline import and export operations.
“I applaud the IFC for its forward-thinking investment and steadfast dedication to sustainable development in Nigeria,”
With this funding, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos would strengthen its role as an economic gateway, enhancing trade flows and industrial productivity in the region.
