Category: News

The Lagos State Government has taken decisive action against 12 properties, including hotels, shopping malls, and residential complexes, for flouting elevator safety regulations. The clampdown, spearheaded by the Lagos State Safety Commission, targeted facilities in prominent locations such as Admiralty Way in Lekki Phase 1 and Ikeja.

Among the sealed establishments are The Heritage/AXA on Awolowo Road in Ikeja, along with Mosesola House, Debour House, and Bosch House on Soji Adepegba Close. Others include Bridge View, Elizabeth Court, 10Bou Towers, Brion Court, Footprints Apartments, Lekki Luxury Flats, and Brasas Mall on Admiralty Way.

The enforcement operation, conducted last Thursday, was led by the Commission’s Chief Scientific Officer, Sovi Tijani, who represented Director-General Lanre Mojola. Tijani emphasized that the crackdown was necessary due to persistent non-compliance with lift registration and safety standards despite multiple warnings.

According to a statement from the commission on Sunday, the affected properties failed to register their lift systems with the state government for mandatory inspections and maintenance. The commission had issued repeated notices and reminders, but the owners either ignored them or obstructed enforcement personnel.

“We served them notices informing them of the need to comply, but they failed to act. Some refused to accept the letters, while others tried to block our team during enforcement,” Tijani said.

He stressed that poorly maintained elevators pose serious risks to occupants and visitors, and the commission is committed to safeguarding lives through strict enforcement. Building owners and facility managers are urged to register their lifts and adhere to regular maintenance schedules as required by law.

The Lagos State Safety Commission reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on safety violations, warning that defaulters will continue to face sanctions until full compliance is achieved.

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the widespread impunity for crimes against media professionals, revealing that roughly 85 percent of such incidents are neither investigated nor result in any form of punishment. This alarming statistic was highlighted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres during his message for World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3 to underscore the critical role of press freedom and the protection of journalists around the globe.

Guterres emphasized that press freedom is a vital component of democratic societies, serving as a watchdog that ensures accountability among those in power. He reflected on the 1991 Windhoek Declaration, a landmark document that championed independent and pluralistic media, which led to the establishment of this day to promote and defend journalists’ rights. However, he warned that press freedom is currently facing severe challenges from economic strains, new technologies, and the intentional spread of false information.

“When access to reliable information erodes, mistrust takes root. When public debate becomes distorted, social cohesion weakens,” Guterres stated. “And when journalism is undermined, it becomes far more difficult to prevent and resolve crises. All freedom depends on press freedom. Without it, there can be no human rights, no sustainable development, and no peace.”

The UN chief called for stronger safeguards to protect journalists and stressed the need to build an environment where truth and those who report it can operate safely. He noted that journalists are often among the first targets in conflicts, risking their lives to document events and inform the public. “People often say that in war, truth is the first casualty. But far too often, the first casualties are the journalists who risk everything to report that truth—not only in war, but wherever those in power fear scrutiny,” Guterres remarked.

He also highlighted a troubling rise in the number of journalists killed in recent years, with many deliberately targeted, especially in conflict zones. The UN is urging global action to address this crisis and ensure that attacks on media workers do not go unpunished.

Community leaders from various towns in Bende Local Government Area have appealed to traditional institutions to step in and resolve the escalating political conflict between two prominent sons of the region: Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

During a visit to Eze Anthony Okorochukwu, the monarch of Bende ancient kingdom, the elders—led by former LGA chairman Emmanuel Onwuchekwa—asked the royal fathers to counsel the former Abia governor against continuing his rift with the Deputy Speaker. They urged him to embrace peace for the sake of unity.

The elders emphasized that Benjamin Kalu is not obstructing Senator Kalu’s ambition to run for the Senate in the 2027 elections. “Ben is not standing in the way of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s senatorial bid,” they said. “They are vying for separate positions. So why such hostility? We want no conflict between Igbere and Bende. There has been enough of this.”

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has taken decisive action by closing down more than 40 facilities throughout the state as part of a crackdown on noise pollution. This move aims to enforce existing environmental standards and reduce excessive noise levels across Lagos.

General Manager Babatunde Ajayi announced the closures during an inter-district essay competition held over the weekend for selected secondary school students. He emphasized that the enforcement is a continuous regulatory effort targeting various sources of noise, including places of worship, entertainment venues, and event centers.

“Addressing the noise pollution challenge in Lagos has been a priority for us over the last few years, and we have maintained strict enforcement across all sectors,” Ajayi stated. The agency reported that more than forty facilities were sealed within just one week, highlighting the ongoing nature of these monitoring activities.

Despite penalties, some operators continue to violate environmental rules. Ajayi warned that persistent offenders could face permanent shutdowns. He also explained the permissible noise limits for different areas: educational zones allow about 35 decibels, residential areas permit up to 65 decibels during the day and 55 at night, mixed-use zones have slightly higher limits, commercial districts can go up to 70 decibels during business hours, and industrial areas have the highest limit at 90 decibels during the day.

Residents are encouraged to learn and adhere to these standards to help minimize noise pollution. At the event, the Head of LASEPA’s Noise Control Unit, Abosede Natufe, urged students to become advocates for noise awareness in their communities. The essay competition, organized for International Noise Awareness Day 2026, aimed to educate young people on noise regulations and foster responsible environmental behavior.

The winner, Ayodele Oluwanifemi from Alimosho Senior Grammar School, called for stronger enforcement of noise laws nationwide. LASEPA has reiterated its commitment to sustained compliance monitoring, underscoring that these efforts are crucial for creating a healthier and more livable environment in Lagos State.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has voiced deep concern over a surge in assaults targeting trains operating along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor. This follows a recent episode where unidentified individuals, allegedly from nearby villages, hurled stones at a moving train, causing damage to the lead locomotive’s windscreen near kilometer 177 on the highway.

In a statement released by NRC spokesperson Callistus Unyimadu, the corporation highlighted that this incident is part of a worrying trend. Over the past two weeks, at least six similar attacks have been reported in locations such as Gidan Busa and Sarki Gora Village in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. These acts not only endanger passengers and railway staff but also threaten critical infrastructure and represent a form of economic sabotage.

Despite these challenges, the NRC emphasized that train services continue to operate under heightened security measures. Railway personnel remain vigilant to ensure safe travel for passengers, while the corporation collaborates with security agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders to enhance surveillance, identify perpetrators, and bring them to justice.

The NRC urged communities living along railway lines to assist in protecting rail assets by reporting suspicious activities and discouraging criminal behavior. It warned that without urgent and collective action, the frequency of attacks could disrupt service delivery and undermine government investments in the railway sector.

In a tragic escalation of violence in northern Nigeria, suspected bandits launched a retaliatory assault on a community in Katsina State, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 residents. The attack occurred in the Kankia Local Government Area, following a failed initial ambush by the armed group.

According to Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, intelligence reports indicated that a notorious bandit leader named Mohammadu Fulani had mobilized fighters and was moving toward key bridges in the area. A joint security team, led by the Divisional Police Officer in Kankia, intercepted the group and engaged them in a fierce gunfight.

During the operation, security forces neutralized several bandits and recovered eight motorcycles and stolen cattle. The commissioner credited the swift response to credible intelligence provided by local residents. However, the attackers regrouped later and launched a fresh assault around midday on Gwalgoro Village in Gyaza/Kunduru Ward, where they killed 11 civilians in what authorities described as a reprisal attack.

Condemning the incident as a “cowardly act of terror,” Mu’azu expressed condolences to the families of the victims and praised security operatives for their bravery in thwarting the initial attack. He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue sharing timely information with security agencies to prevent further tragedies.

The Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg has issued a warning to its citizens residing in South Africa, urging them to exercise caution as nationwide demonstrations against foreigners are set to take place on Monday, May 4, 2026. The advisory, released on Sunday, was signed by Consul General Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, who emphasized the need for vigilance following intelligence reports of coordinated protests across all nine provinces of the country.

According to the diplomatic mission, anti-foreigner groups have been rallying residents through circulated messages, calling for a complete shutdown to demand that authorities take action against foreign nationals. Organizers claim that foreigners are unfairly benefiting from South Africa’s resources and are advocating for the departure of both documented and undocumented migrants. Street marches are planned to push for this goal.

While specific gathering points remain unconfirmed in most cities, demonstrators in Johannesburg are expected to assemble at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown. The march is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with a memorandum to be presented to officials around noon. Security concerns are high, with potential disruptions anticipated in major business districts such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban.

The consulate strongly advised Nigerians to avoid any engagement or confrontation with protesters. ‘All Nigerian nationals are urged to steer clear of demonstrators and to refrain from any form of conflict,’ the statement read. Citizens were also encouraged to stay updated through local media and to take necessary safety measures. Additionally, Nigerian business owners were advised to consider temporarily closing their shops during the protest period, as foreign-owned establishments may be at risk.

The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Danladi Isa, convened an emergency meeting with strategic commanders in Umuahia to address critical operational issues. During the session, he underscored the importance of close supervision over junior personnel to minimize errors, misconduct, and legal repercussions tied to vicarious liability.

According to CP Isa, the directive originates from the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who insists on heightened accountability across all formations. Senior officers, including Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Heads of Department, were specifically tasked with ensuring their teams adhere strictly to professional standards.

To further enforce discipline, the CP announced that the command’s medical team will conduct routine checks on officers’ physical and mental fitness across divisions. This initiative aims to identify and address any health-related issues that could impair duty performance.

CP Isa also emphasized zero tolerance for corrupt practices such as arrest by proxy, impunity, or any behavior that erodes public trust. Officers were urged to enhance visibility policing and maintain civility and professionalism in all interactions with the public.

In addition, the commissioner encouraged officers to regularly study relevant legal texts, professional manuals, and the Nigerian Constitution to boost their competence and efficiency on the job.

The inaugural group of Muslim pilgrims from Ogun State has successfully arrived in Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj, marking a significant achievement for both the state’s aviation sector and pilgrimage logistics. The travelers landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport around 4:15 a.m. Nigerian time, having departed from Gateway International Airport at 11:00 p.m. the previous day.

The delegation consisted of 345 pilgrims – 151 men and 194 women – along with officials from the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. Upon arrival, Saudi Hajj authorities and airport staff welcomed them, after which they smoothly completed immigration and security checks. They were then transported by bus to their hotel accommodations in Medina to rest before the Hajj rituals begin.

This departure was historic as it represented both the start of the 2026 Hajj operations and the first international flight from Gateway International Airport. The facility, which was inaugurated on April 4, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his official visit to Ogun State, now serves as a key departure point for pilgrims.

Governor Dapo Abiodun hailed the inaugural flight as the first nonstop 4,600-kilometer journey from Iperu, emphasizing that it underscores his administration’s dedication to infrastructure development and economic growth. He stated that the event is more than just an aircraft arriving and departing; it symbolizes focus, determination, resilience, commitment, sacrifice, and teamwork. The governor added that this development creates new opportunities for connectivity and positions Ogun as a hub for commerce and global engagement.

Abiodun thanked President Tinubu for his support in completing the airport on time and praised the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for selecting the facility as one of the Hajj operation centers. He urged the pilgrims to be exemplary representatives of Nigeria by adhering to Saudi laws and conducting themselves with discipline and integrity throughout their stay.

Speaking on behalf of NAHCON Chairman Ismail Yusuf, Commissioner for Hajj Operations Alhaji Olanrewaju Elegushi noted that the new departure point will greatly ease logistics by shortening travel time for pilgrims. He highlighted that Gateway International Airport is the first state-owned facility in South-West Nigeria authorized for Hajj operations without restrictions, attributing this to its modern infrastructure.

The Amir Hajj 2026, Alhaji Shamsideen Apelogun, described the pilgrimage as a spiritual honor and encouraged pilgrims to uphold the reputation of the state and Nigeria. The Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, and the Chief Imam of Gbagura, Prof. Emeritus Kamaldeen Balogun, also praised the project, noting that it eliminates the need to travel to Lagos for international departures. On behalf of the pilgrims, Dr. Muritala Ejalonibu called the experience historic, and many travelers expressed excitement about being among the first to depart from the new airport.

In a troubling development that has stirred both environmental and political circles, unknown individuals have uprooted recently planted trees along the road leading to the Kano State Government House in Nassarawa. The destruction occurred early Monday morning, targeting saplings that were part of a broader urban greening project launched by the state government several months ago.

The affected corridor, situated in the core of Kano city, had been selected for a beautification drive aimed at enhancing ecological sustainability. Commissioner for Environment, Dahir Hashim, who brought the incident to public attention via his Facebook page, expressed dismay over the act. He emphasized the labor-intensive nature of tree cultivation, noting that the saplings had been nurtured for over a year before being destroyed.

“Raising trees is among the most challenging endeavors, and despite the dedication we put into cultivating these trees for more than a year, some vandals have wiped them out,” Hashim lamented.

Although no group has stepped forward to claim responsibility, the timing of the vandalism coincides with a period of intensified political activity in the state. Analysts speculate that the destruction may be a reflection of the growing friction among political parties in Kano, though no concrete evidence directly linking the incident to politics has emerged.

As of the latest update, law enforcement has not issued a formal statement regarding suspects or any ongoing investigation. Environmental campaigners have condemned the act, warning that it jeopardizes progress in urban infrastructure improvement and climate resilience efforts that depend on tree planting.

The incident is also perceived as a significant blow to the state’s comprehensive plan to upgrade public amenities and foster environmental equilibrium. In response, authorities are anticipated to boost surveillance and community involvement to deter future acts of vandalism and safeguard public property.