The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Lagos has delivered 11,000 homes in six years, says Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos has delivered 11,000 homes in six years, says Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu said the State has delivered about 11,000 housing units for low, medium and high-income earners within six years.

    He spoke while inaugurating 233 housing units at the newly constructed Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate, Ajah.

    The project, executed in collaboration with Urban Shelter, comprises one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, terraces and semi detached homes within Parcels A and B of the estate. 

    The Governor said the project reflects the success of the state’s deliberate promotion of Lagos as a viable investment destination for real estate developers.

    He described the project as another milestone in the government’s drive to expand affordable home ownership across the state.

    Sanwo-Olu noted that with Lagos continuing to witness rapid population growth, private-sector-led solutions remain critical to meeting rising housing demand.

    He explained that under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, the state provides land as equity while development partners provide financing and technical expertise, with government teams monitoring compliance with quality standards.

    Read Also: Atiku Abubakar foundation awards full scholarships to TeenEagle champions

    Highlighting recent achievements, he recalled that the State delivered 420 units in Ajara, Badagry last month, adding that several other housing schemes—including Epe Housing Scheme (Ita Marun), Sangotedo Phase 2, Egan-Igando Clusters II & III and Ibeshe Phase 2—will be completed soon.

    The Governor cautioned joint-venture partners who have failed to meet agreed timelines, stressing that uncompleted or substandard projects are currently being reviewed for possible revocation.

    Commissioner for Housing Moruf Akinderu-Fatai said the project “represents a major stride in our efforts to build on the legacies of progressive milestone achievements recorded in the twilight of our democratic experience. The common goal is to provide affordable, secure, and sustainable housing for the people of Lagos State.”

    According to him, the ministry’s partnership with Urban Shelter stands out as a model of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together with a shared vision. 

    The 233 homes, he said, are the result of careful planning, investment, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. 

  • Sanwo-Olu set to inaugurate 233 housing units

    Sanwo-Olu set to inaugurate 233 housing units

    Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is set to inaugurate 233 new housing units on  Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate, Ajah on the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

    The state Commissioner for Housing, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, gave the assurance in a statement on Thursday.

    The statement was signed by the Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mr Ganiu Lawal.

    The commissioner said that the housing units, to be inaugurated on Friday, would be expected to boost  housing stock for the growing number of Lagos residents seeking decent accommodation.

    According to the official, the project consists of 34 blocks containing a total of 233 housing units.

    He noted that the estate was a joint venture between Lagos State Government and Urban Shelter Ltd., a private real estate company.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, Abiru,others  salute Oshodi’s re-election as ITTF Vice President

    Akinderu-Fatai said that the ministry remained committed to providing affordable and quality homes in line with  Sanwo-Olu’s promise to complete all ongoing housing projects across the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project sits on 3.7 hectares of land within the fully-developed Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate on the Lekki–Epe Expressway.

    The Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate was inaugurated on Jan. 15, 2001, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

    Sanwo-Olu had, in October 2025, inaugurated 420 housing units on the Akinsanya Sunny Ajose Housing Estate at Ajara.

    (NAN)

  • Sanwo-Olu, Abiru,others  salute Oshodi’s re-election as ITTF Vice President

    Sanwo-Olu, Abiru,others  salute Oshodi’s re-election as ITTF Vice President

    The re-election of Wahid Enitan Oshodi as Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has drawn widespread commendation from prominent leaders, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senator Tokunbo Abiru and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports, Anthony Adeboye.

    Oshodi was re-elected during the continuation of the ITTF Annual General Meeting (AGM) held online on Saturday, November 15.

    His return to the Executive Board was celebrated as a recognition of his exceptional leadership, deep knowledge of global sports administration, and unwavering commitment to advancing table tennis in Nigeria, Africa, and worldwide.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu in a congratulatory statement issued by  his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile,  described Oshodi’s re-election as a testament to his leadership qualities and hard work during his first term.

    Read Also: NFF, Nigeria Police commit to greater safety and security measures in Abuja

    Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Lagos State, I rejoice with a worthy citizen of our dear State, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, on his re-election as Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Oshodi has distinguished himself at the state, national, continental, and international levels. His contributions to sports development, particularly table tennis, have been immense, and we are proud of his achievements. We believe he will continue to lift the fortunes of table tennis in Nigeria and Africa, raising the bar to compete globally.”

    =Senator Tokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, also praised Oshodi’s achievement: “On behalf of the people of Lagos East Senatorial District, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to my dear brother and friend, Barrister Wahid Enitan Oshodi, on his well-deserved re-election. This remarkable victory exemplifies his distinguished leadership, competence, and unwavering commitment to the growth of table tennis worldwide.”

    Anthony Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports, highlighted Oshodi’s consistency and integrity: “Your influence continues to uplift the standard of table tennis in Nigeria and inspire the next generation of African sports leaders.”

    “ You have always been a shining example of excellence, and this new mandate further positions you to elevate our continent to even greater heights in the world of sports.”

    Oshodi, who also serves as President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), will continue his role on the ITTF Executive Board for another four-year term (2025–2029), is working alongside ITTF President Petra Sörling to advance the sport globally.

  • Sanwo-Olu: battle to build peaceful Lagos must begin from family

    Sanwo-Olu: battle to build peaceful Lagos must begin from family

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the battle to build a peaceful and tolerant Lagos must begin from the family.

    He noted that the society would not raise a harmonious generation if homes failed to model empathy and respect.

    Speaking at the 2025 International Day for Tolerance at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, the governor said Lagos’ diversity, home to over 25 million people of different ethnicities, cultures and religions, made tolerance a civic duty and the bedrock of the state’s resilience.

     ‘’This year’s theme: ‘Raising a Generation of Tolerant Citizens-The Centrality of the Family’, should force a national reflection on how children were being shaped.

    “The first lessons of empathy, respect, patience, love and acceptance are not learnt in government institutions. They are learnt at home, in the family, from parents, guardians and community elders,” Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, Ovia, Balogun, others grace tenth ARTX Lagos

    He said his administration had strengthened interfaith harmony through participation in Christian and Muslim observances, including Lent and Ramadan, and by institutionalising Isese Day holiday in 2024, an action, he noted, reaffirmed every resident’s right to worship freely.

    Home Affairs Commissioner Olanrewaju Layode said the responsibility of nurturing a peaceful and inclusive society rested on the family, describing it as the “first classroom” where values that shaped future citizens were formed.

    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, praised local government leaders, traders, artisans, guests and the press for their commitment to the cause, urging them to continue supporting initiatives that promoted peaceful coexistence across the state.

  • Sanwo-Olu inaugurates mega projects in Lagos Island East

    Sanwo-Olu inaugurates mega projects in Lagos Island East

    By Faith Ajiboye, Kaothar Abdulateef, and Aishat Ahmed

    The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended the developmental strides of the Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), while inaugurating multiple projects delivered by the council Chairman, Muibi Folawiyo.

    Sanwo-Olu, who stated that the projects reflect “purposeful and transformative leadership at the grassroots”, added that the Clcouncil chief had raised governance at the grassroots to a new height.

    “This young man has indeed raised the standard of governance at the local level. He understands the rudiments of community interaction. I have visited this LCDA three times, and each time, I see progress. Today, he is commissioning not one, not two, but about nine different projects,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu added that the new administrative building and other facilities will promote efficient public service delivery, boost local entrepreneurship, and improve residents’ access to government services.

    “The local government will raise sufficient revenue, they will interact with the public professionally, and we’ll see growth and development in this building going forward. All of these events will support the local entrepreneurship,” he said.

    Read Also: Reps to address longstanding revenue leakages in Nigeria’s oil, non-oil export

    The governor, who used the opportunity to launch the “E-Birth Registration” for children between 0-12 months, urged parent to ensure full compliance by registering their child with the National population Commission (NPC) e-birth program, revealing that Lagos has already attained over 95 per cent registration coverage.

    “This initiative will ensure every child aged 0-12 months receive a national identification number from birth and government can use this data to plan, to support development and to know where each of us resides. We must ensure 100 per cent compliance,” he said. Folawiyo, while appreciating Governor Sanwo-Olu, promised to do more for the council.

    “The governor said he is happy that we are delivering development to our people. He challenged me to do more, and I will never disappoint him. He knows my capacity and capability,” he said. He highlighted the council’s service-management model, which oversees sweeping, security, gardening, and facility maintenance and assured residents that the newly commissioned structures will be properly maintained. “By the time you return here at the end of my tenure, this edifice will remain as new as it is today. This is not my property or my family’s property it belongs to the people of Lagos Island.”

  • Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Ooni, to grace Ewi’s 35-years coronation anniversary

    Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Ooni, to grace Ewi’s 35-years coronation anniversary

    President Bola Tinubu, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwolu are among dignitaries expected to attend the 35th coronation and 80th birthday celebration of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe. 

    Speaking with journalists during a press conference held at the Ewi’s Palace, the Global President of Ado Progressive Union, Prince Segun Famuagun, said Governor Sanwolu will serve as the chief launcher while Senator Ibikunle Amosun is the co-launcher, with Oba Ogunwusi presiding as Royal Father of the Day.

    Prince Famuagun noted that the week-long celebration, will also feature the disbursement of N100,000 bursaries each to 50 indigents students of Ekiti origin. 

    The chairman of anniversary planning committee, explained that the five-day programme is designed to highlight the monarch’s contributions to the growth of Ado-Ekiti and the development of Ekiti State. 

    Activities will include homage by various groups and chiefs, a football match on Wednesday, a colloquium on Thursday themed “The Impact of Royal Fathers in Ado Community,” and the presentation of scholarships.

    READ ALSO; Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

    Famuagun noted that the colloquium will feature academics from Ekiti State University, who will discuss the history of Ado-Ekiti and the influence of Oba Adejugbe’s reign over the last 35 years.

     He added that the scholarship awardees were selected through a rigorous process conducted in partnership with the Ekiti State Scholarship Board.

    He further disclosed that outstanding WAEC and GCE candidates, as well as winners of the essay competitions, will also receive recognition during Thursday’s events.

    According to him, Friday’s activities will begin with a Jumat service at the central mosque and proceed to a photo exhibition and drama presentation at the palace in the evening. The drama, he said, will chronicle the monarch’s life from his ascension to the throne to his development over the years.

    Saturday will feature the launch of the monarch’s royal book and the conferment of chieftaincy titles on distinguished sons, daughters, and friends of Ado-Ekiti. 

    The celebration will climax on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at the St. Emmanuel’s Cathedral, Okesha, followed by a grand reception at the palace.

  • ‘Lagos driving food systems with innovation’

    ‘Lagos driving food systems with innovation’

    Lagos State is cementing its status as Nigeria’s agricultural innovation capital by spearheading a major transformation of its food systems and local economy. Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu said the initiatives, anchored on technology, youth empowerment, and large-scale market infrastructure, are reshaping how the state grows, processes, and distributes food. He reaffirmed this commitment during the second annual Lagos Agrinnovation Summit.

    The drive, he noted, is encapsulated within the Lagos State Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap (2021–2025), a suite of programmes designed to transition agriculture from subsistence to a sustainable and profitable economic engine. Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Sam Egube, the Governor emphasised the alignment of these efforts with the THEMES+ Agenda and its vision of “Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.”

    According to him, the mission is clear: transforming agriculture “from subsistence to sustainability, from potential to prosperity.”

    At the heart of the state’s food systems transformation is a robust three-tiered agro-marketing structure. This includes the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub (LCFSSLH), mid-level agro-produce hubs, and last-mile distribution outlets. Construction is at an advanced stage for Phase 1 of the LCFSSLH in Ketu-Ereyun, Epe, while mid-level hubs in Abijo (Ibeju-Lekki) and Dairy Farm (Agege) are nearing completion. Additional hubs are being built at Opebi (Ikeja) and Bombata (Lagos Island), with more planned for Ikorodu, Lekki, and Festac. The long-term goal is for each Local Government Area to host at least one functional hub, strengthening market access and reducing post-harvest losses.

    The Governor said the state is also making significant industrial investments to boost local production and processing. Among them is the Lagos Rice Mill in Imota, designed to produce 2.5 million 50kg bags of rice annually; the Cattle Feedlot Project targeting over 100,000 cattle yearly; and the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (LACE), expected to produce 50 million fingerlings, 2,000 tonnes of fish, and 24,000 tonnes of aquafeed annually once completed.

    On the farming side, the Eko Agro Mechanisation Programme, which deploys the Tractor-On-The-Go (TOG) mobile app, has cultivated more than 3,000 hectares of farmland and supported 500 farmers, reducing dependence on manual labour. To guarantee price stability and secure market access for producers, the state launched the Produce for Lagos Programme and a ₦500 billion Guarantee Offtake Fund. The initiative provides farmers with guaranteed markets at pre-agreed prices, offering what Sanwo-Olu described as “a financial backbone within a closed-loop system that connects production to market access, de-risks investment, and stabilises food prices.”

    This systemic stabilisation strategy is already being felt in the market, as Lagos intensifies efforts to reduce the price of eggs and other staple foods ahead of the Christmas season. With egg prices peaking between ₦5,400 and ₦6,000 in parts of the state, the government has moved to push prices back below ₦5,000 under the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme (Phase II). Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, said the intervention is designed both to cushion consumers and to reduce production costs, particularly animal feed, which accounts for over 70 percent of poultry and fish farming expenses.

    According to her, the first phase of the programme delivered strong results: more than 5,000 farmers benefited, producing over 7 million eggs from 258,000 layer birds. The state supplied 993.3 metric tonnes of poultry feed and 265.65 metric tonnes of fish feed, helping stabilise supply and reducing market volatility. “This surge in production helped bring down the price of a crate of eggs from its peak of ₦6,000 to between ₦5,000 and ₦5,400. The intervention has proven that strategic government support can create direct price relief for consumers while keeping farmers in business,” she said.

    Phase II of the subsidy programme will commence before the end of the month, providing a 25 percent subsidy on Layer Mash, Broiler Starter and Finisher feeds, and various grades of fish feed. It will also extend free grain distribution to pig farmers and free fertiliser support to crop farmers to boost productivity. The intervention will operate across 10 designated locations statewide, including major poultry and fish estates and agricultural service centres.

    Read Also: DR Congo beat Nigeria on penalties to secure World Cup playoff victory

    Ms. Olusanya emphasised that the programme’s sustainability rests on partnerships with financial institutions and feed millers, ensuring transparency and scalability. She reaffirmed the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to a food-secure Lagos through proactive policies and inclusive farmer support. As part of additional consumer relief efforts, she announced a festive market initiative that will offer a 25 percent discount on 11 essential food items at the Lagos Fresh Food Hub in Mushin throughout the holiday season, targeting staples such as rice, beans, garri, frozen chicken, and fresh produce. The state will also maintain a 25 percent subsidy on Eko Agro Mechanisation Services and distribute new equipment — including power tillers, mini tractors, and corn threshers — across crop farming clusters.

    Beyond immediate market interventions, the Governor said Lagos is building the future of agriculture through youth-focused skill development. Since 2020, the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme (LAP) has trained over 5,000 youths and women in various value chains, with more than 2,000 receiving input and asset support to establish agribusinesses. The 2025 cohort, currently ongoing, will train and empower more than 1,100 additional agripreneurs.

    The government is equally fostering a culture of innovation through the Lagos Agrinnovation Club, which connects young innovators to global partners for mentorship and funding. The club birthed the Lagos Agrithon, which last year awarded ₦100 million in grants to 26 finalists; this year, an additional ₦150 million fund was unveiled to sustain investment in youth-driven agritech solutions.

    In her welcome address at the Summit, Commissioner Olusanya said the rising adoption of advanced technologies reflects Lagos’ commitment to building “a youth-led, resilient, and efficient ecosystem.” She said the vision is one where young agribusiness owners, creators, and thinkers come together to transform how Lagos grows, processes, distributes, and consumes food. “Feeding a city of over 24 million people is not the work of one person or one institution — it is the work of a system, a living, breathing network where collaboration replaces competition, where innovation meets opportunity, and where small beginnings grow into lasting impact,” she said.

    She added that the Agrinnovation Club is pivotal to the Produce for Lagos programme, which seeks to strengthen rural-urban linkages and ensure that Lagos consumes what it produces. She highlighted success stories emerging from the ecosystem: young innovators turning rooftops into farms, converting waste into feed, and developing tech platforms that link farmers and buyers within seconds. “These stories remind us that transformation does not begin with grand gestures; it begins with one idea, one connection, one act of courage,” she said. “Through partnerships, mentorship, access to resources, supportive policies, and the unwavering belief that your ideas matter — we are building the foundation for something extraordinary.”

    Together, the sweeping structural reforms, targeted subsidies, industrial investments, and youth-driven innovation platforms are positioning Lagos as a model for urban food systems transformation in Africa. As Olusanya concluded, “We are building a Lagos where agriculture thrives, farmers prosper, and every household can afford nutritious food.”.

  • Sanwo-Olu, Ovia, Balogun, others grace tenth ARTX Lagos

    Sanwo-Olu, Ovia, Balogun, others grace tenth ARTX Lagos

    The tenth edition of Art X Lagos recently came to an end in Lagos but the echoes still reverberates. Gboyega Alaka reports.

    The luxurious Federal palace hotel, Lagos was a beehive of activities for four straight days, as it hosted the tenth edition of Art X Lagos.

    The four-day event, which climaxed on Sunday November 9th, 2025 showcased Africa’s ingenuity, creativity through the arts and crafts of talents, drawing hundreds of art lovers, collectors, media personalities.

    The event underlined the vision, tenacity and staying power of Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, Founder of the art fair which has seemingly assumed a life of its own.

    Described as a visionary whose passion a decade ago birthed an idea fast becoming a phenomenon in Africa and by extension, the globe, Peterside-Schwebig, said this year’s milestone edition is aptly themed: Imagining Otherwise, No Matter the Tide.

    Tagged “10X,” it marks a bold expansion of the fair’s mission to showcase the artistic ingenuity of Nigeria and the African continent. The 2025 fair explores resilience, hope, and creative possibility in contemporary African art.

    Although the exhibition was declared open on November 6th, the 10 X edition marking the tenth anniversary of ART X Lagos made its debut on Friday, November 7, 2025 with a glittering and star-studded VIP preview at the ART X Lagos Amphitheatre inside Federal Palace, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The VIP Preview also marked the exclusive opening of what has become West Africa’s leading international art fair, and the invitation-only evening offered collectors, patrons, and select media an intimate first look at this year’s presentations before the public opening.

    Among the dignitaries were Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, Founder and Chairman, ART X Lagos; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Executive Director, Zenith Bank, Dr. Adobi Nwapa; Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Arts, Culture & the Creative Economy; Director, Afreximbank, Mr. Stephen Kauma; Chairman, Anap Jets FZE, Mr. Atedo Peterside, CON;  Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Mr. Marc Fonbaustier; Mr. Bolaji Balogun, CEO Chapel Hill Denham; Dr. Jim Ovia CFR, Founder, Zenith Bank Plc and CEO, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Mr. Olumide Oyetan.

    Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Mr. Marc Fonbaustier; Chairman, Anap Jets FZE, Mr. Atedo Peterside CON;  Chairman & Founder, Zenith Bank PLC, Dr. Jim Ovia CFR; Director, Afreximbank, Mr. Stephen Kauma; Executive Director, Zenith Bank PLC, Dr. Adobi Nwapa;  CEO, Chapel Hill Denham, Mr. Bolaji Balogun; CEO, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Mr. Olumide Oyetan; amongst others.

    Also present were stakeholders from the art, culture, and creative industries, with featured curators for the edition listed – Missla Libsekal, Curator-at-Large; Jumoke Sanwo, Curator of the Talent Advancement Platforms; Teju Okiti, Curator ART X Cinema; Fikayo Adebanjo, Curator of Audience Engagement and Lanre Masha, Curator, ART X Live! to guide the event.

    Founded by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, ART X Lagos has over the past decade grown into a vibrant platform celebrating African creativity, innovation, and cultural expression. Speaking at the launch which heralded the opening in October, Peterside-Schwebig reflected on the journey so far.

    “This is my 10th time standing in front of an audience to introduce the year’s edition of ART X Lagos, and honestly, it fills me with such pride and gratitude to see you all here to commemorate this moment,” she stated.

    In a session with journalists, the visionary Peterside-Schwebig said: “It’s an honour to be standing here at the epicentre of the 10th anniversary edition of ART X Lagos. When I conceived ART X Lagos in 2016, I was imagining otherwise. Our theme for this year is Imagining Otherwise, No Matter the Tide, which is self-explanatory and simply means whatever life is throwing at you, look around you and take yourself to a higher place in your mind. Think about your abilities, your resources, everything around you, whether you’re an individual or an organisation and whoever you may be, either an artist or not.”

    She added: “There’s so much around us that can support us to go beyond present difficulties and struggles, and that is what Imagining Otherwise, No Matter the Tide is about, using Lagos as the site of discussion around that idea. We are using the mangrove plants that once filled Eko as a discussion about the resilience that can come even in places where you don’t think that kind of innovation can come from.

    “So, yes, in 2016 I did imagine otherwise, because I saw my city, which to me, is one of the most powerful cities in the world, and I wanted my city to take its rightful place as a convener for the entire African continent. A convener that would then, on behalf of Africa, having gathered Africa, as was once done in FESTAC 77, bring the rest of the world here to encounter us at where we are at our most powerful. I set out to create this art fair and cultural festival. From day one, we were different from anything the world had ever seen. The world has seen large art fairs in London, Miami, Paris, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi.

    “They had been going for years to Cologne, Germany, but the world had never seen an art fair done the way Lagos would do it. And in trying to serve our city, in trying to serve our country, in trying to serve our continent, we became a truly unique experience platform and entity globally, because we started with home first, we then set out to galvanise the rest of the art sector, creating a satellite programme of events through which we could connect our international visitors as they came from all over the world, and thus spawn the birth of Art Week,” Peterside-Schwebig stated.

    In a powerful demonstration of the groundbreaking ideals of the phenomenal art fair, Peterside-Schwebig said the ongoing transformation in the creative terrain, from music, art, film, fashion and others in Nigeria means the efforts are worthy.

    Read Also: Directors’ Guild of Nigeria launches academy, studios, TV station

    Oozing with an indescribable blend of creativity through the exploration of different art forms, ART X Lagos saw the transformation of the Federal Palace Hotel into a sprawling gallery. With the Marque, Ballroom, Waterfront Garden, ART X Cinema and ART X Live! centres all bearing signatures of the unprecedented display of creative splendour, visible at the Main Section, Spotlight Galleries, Public Outdoor Spaces, Kids’ Corner, Speakers’ Corner, Development Forum and ART X Cinema.

    The occasion also celebrated the creative genius and titan, J.D Okhai Ojeikere. According to Peterside-Schwebig, celebrating J.D Okhai Ojeikere’s creative mastery meant digging far into the past to capture the elements of nationhood not just for the sake of nostalgia but to inspire the next generation of young people, including the students who were involved for the 2025 schools programme.

    Taking the journalists through the exhibition, she states; “This is the National Theatre, which we just gathered at the reopening of the National Theatre, but this photograph was taken in 1977. This is the Benin Mask that Erhabor Emokpae, the best friend of J.D Okhai Ojeikere, designed for FESTAC 77 while he took the pictures.”

    “For the exhibition, you will see images of students in Ibadan in the 1950s, looking powerful in the 1960s and 1970s. J.D Okhai Ojeikere is known for his hairstyle series exhibited all over the world but the world has not seen these other images by him. It took us going to meet his family, the custodians of thousands of physical negatives, not digital images. Our curators went through 6,000 physical negatives to produce this exhibition of 200 artworks to try and contextualise six decades of work by this iconic Nigerian who decided to dedicate his life to documenting the reality as he saw it and the power of his country and his people,” she enthused.

    In the ten years since inception, the fair has welcomed more than 700,000 visitors from over 170 countries, playing a vital role in cementing Lagos among the world’s most vibrant cultural capitals.

    As the curtain falls on this year’s edition, Peterside-Schwebig no doubt has continued to leave her footprints on the sands of time not only as an arts promoter who is passionate about showcasing talents but one woman whose passion has put Africa on the global map.

  • Sanwo-Olu backs programmes upholding moral values

    Sanwo-Olu backs programmes upholding moral values

    •As Nathaniel Bassey, Olaoba, others thrill worshippers

    The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has restated his administration’s commitment to supporting programmes that uphold moral values, strengthen communities, and draw citizens closer to God.

    He made this declaration on Friday at the 16th Night of Mercy Gospel Concert, held at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos Island, and organised by the Holy Ghost Christian Centre (HGCC).

    The annual worship gathering drew thousands of believers and featured performances by some of Nigeria’s leading gospel artistes, including Nathaniel Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Bidemi Olaoba, Efe Nathan, Simisola Agbebi, and Lady Prudence, whose ministrations electrified the atmosphere with heartfelt worship and praise.

    Delivering his goodwill message, Sanwo-Olu described the event as “a divine appointment where heaven leans toward the earth.”

    He expressed gratitude for the unwavering faith of the Christian community and the resilience of Lagos residents, despite global and national challenges.

     He said, “It is with profound humility and a deeply grateful heart that I welcome every one of you to this sacred Night of Mercy.

     “In a world weighed down by uncertainty and unrest, gatherings like this remind us that God’s compassion never fails and His grace never diminishes,” he said.

     Sanwo-Olu commended the Convener and Senior Pastor of Holyghost Christian Centre, Pastor Amos Fenwa, for his dedication to advancing the gospel and creating a platform where lives are renewed.

    “Pastor Amos Fenwa, I honour your obedience to God’s call and your unrelenting commitment to the work of the Kingdom,” he said.

    “Through your leadership, the Night of Mercy has become a sanctuary of hope, transforming lives and realigning destinies.”

    Read Also: SWDC MD: how Nigeria can transform through business, policy collaboration

    The governor encouraged worshippers to remain steadfast in their faith, adding that the government would continue to support programmes that promote peace, moral upliftment, and community development.

    “Our journey of transformation — spiritual, social, and economic — is a shared one,” he said.

    “With God’s help and your partnership, Lagos will continue to flourish as a centre of peace, unity, and divine possibility.”

    He prayed that God’s mercy and blessing would rest upon all attendees and their families.

    Earlier, Pastor Amos Fenwa explained that the Night of Mercy was birthed 16 years ago with a divine mandate to take the gospel beyond church walls, bringing hope to unbelievers and those seeking comfort.

    He recalled that the maiden edition was held at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, while subsequent editions were scaled down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “Now we are back to a stadium setting. In the face of global and national challenges — economic hardship, insecurity, and unemployment — the Night of Mercy provides spiritual succour and an opportunity for salvation and life transformation,” he said.

    Pastor Fenwa expressed faith that this year’s edition would produce a remarkable spiritual impact.

    “We trust God to win at least a thousand souls tonight. When lives are transformed, the nation enjoys more peace and less trouble,” he added.

    The 16th Night of Mercy concluded with intense worship, prayers, and prophetic declarations, leaving many attendees testifying of renewed hope and divine visitation.

  • Sanwo-Olu launches electronic physical planning process system

    Sanwo-Olu launches electronic physical planning process system

    The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has launched the Electronic Physical Planning Process System (EPPPS) for the digital transformation of land administration, physical planning, and urban development across the State.

     This was disclosed in a statement signed by Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on  Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.

    According to the statement, Governor Sanwo-Olu remains committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, adding that it will keep investing in technology-driven solutions that make governance more inclusive, efficient, and responsive to the needs of our people.

     He said the EPPS platform was a necessary response to Lagos’ rapid population and urban growth, noting that the old paper-based systems can no longer support the scale and speed of development in a 21st-century megacity.

     Speaking at the official launch of the EPPPS held at Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday, Sanwo-Olu said EPPPS will digitalise planning applications, minimise human interference, reduce corruption, support environmental monitoring, and provide accurate data for infrastructure planning and safety regulation.

     The Governor disclosed that with the new digital platform, planning officers would now have access to better tools, including over a thousand newly deployed computers and upgraded digital facilities.

     He said the EPPPS fits perfectly with his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda, especially in Technology and Innovation, building a 21st-century economy, and improving governance and service delivery.

     “The EPPPS is another bold step toward our Smart City vision—a Lagos where systems are digital, processes are seamless, and citizens can access government services easily. It shows that technology is not just the future; it is already shaping the present — and Lagos is leading the way for Nigeria and Africa.

     “This system is designed to make planning processes faster, more transparent, and more accountable. It will help reduce delays, minimise human interference, and support efforts to curb corruption. It also provides accurate data for urban management, infrastructure planning, and environmental monitoring – ensuring every development meets our master plan and safety standards.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu to deliver Arewa Think  Tank lecture today

     “The EPPPS is also in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in using technology to accelerate development. By digitising planning applications and approvals, it promotes transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centred service delivery.

     “It simplifies processes for developers and entrepreneurs, speeds up project delivery, ensures sustainable and orderly urban development, and provides accurate data for informed decision-making. Lagos is showing how state-level innovation can support national goals of inclusive growth, efficient governance, and improved quality of life,” he said.

     The governor also urged all stakeholders—developers, professionals, and the public—to embrace the innovation and make full use of it to build a Lagos where order, innovation, and sustainability guide every development.

     Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, described the launch as the fulfilment of a visionary journey.

     He said with EPPPS, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development will no longer be confronted with the issues of backlogs or people waiting for long hours to see an officer within

     Babatunde said the Electronic Physical Planning Process System initiative would add value to land administration and management in Lagos State.

     He said: “This is the future of Lagos. This is where we want to be. Apart from the fact that it blocks loopholes, the government revenues that have been missing on a daily basis simply because of human intervention, we are trying to block it. It also reduces your processing time.

     “It will also curb corruption from the side of those that are working inside of the government and those working from outside. The systems are incorruptible because they give you real-time, real-life information that cannot easily be manipulated.”

     Raymond Tan and Steven Chan, the Singaporean partners and Board members of LagosNet, who worked with Lagos throughout the development process, delivered testimonials on the long-standing collaboration.

     Tan noted that Singapore implemented a similar planning and digital design system in 2001, saving the government billions through efficiency and streamlined processes.

     He reassured planning officers that EPPPS will not threaten their jobs; instead, it will enhance professionalism, improve decision-making, and support technology-driven workflows. He therefore encouraged industry professionals to embrace the system’s ease of submission, speed of feedback, and digital design compatibility.

     Chan expressed confidence that EPPPS will deliver faster approvals, strengthen accountability, and support Lagos’ digital transformation goals.

     Also speaking, the Chairman of Innovacore Technologies PTE and member of LagosNet, Mr Adebola Adeyinka, described the project as one that required courage, innovation, and long-term resilience.

    He noted that although the project faced scepticism at the early stages, it has proved not to be a “white elephant” but a credible platform built to elevate Lagos to higher economic and governance standards.