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Sir: The Afriland Tower fire of September 12, will be remembered not only for its immediate destruction but for the debate it has reignited about fire safety in Nigerian high-rises. In a city racing to build taller and faster, the question is no longer whether growth will continue, but whether that growth will be safe, sustainable, and resilient against preventable hazards.

As a Nigerian civil engineer practicing construction management in the United States, I have seen how fire hazards in tall buildings often stem from preventable lapses. The absence of sprinkler systems, reliance on combustible cladding, poor smoke compartmentalization, and neglected alarm or evacuation systems all magnify the danger. In too many cases, blocked or poorly marked exits leave occupants with little chance of survival when seconds can mean the difference between escape and tragedy.

The scale of the challenge is undeniable. Lagos, home to Africa’s fastest-growing skyline, is also one of its most vulnerable urban centers for fire risk. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service records hundreds of outbreaks annually, many in commercial or multi-story buildings. A 2024 safety audit revealed that over 30 percent of inspected structures lacked adequate detection or suppression systems. In one reporting year, at least 82 lives were lost and property worth more than N25.37 billion was destroyed; in another, losses exceeded N19.5 billion. These figures demonstrate that fire is not just a safety concern but also an economic burden that undermines livelihoods and public confidence.

Global best practices point to clear solutions. Data from the U.S. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) shows that buildings with automatic sprinklers experience 89 percent fewer civilian deaths from fire than those without. More than 90 percent of fires in such buildings are contained within the room of origin, significantly limiting casualties and property loss. These statistics highlight a reality Nigeria cannot ignore: prevention saves lives and protects economies.

Unfortunately, research within Nigeria underscores significant shortcomings. A 2023 study of Abuja shopping malls, published in F1000Research, found that many lacked active fire protection devices such as smoke detectors and sprinklers, or had systems in poor condition. Passive protections, including fire-rated doors and compartmentalization, were often inadequate. Another study from Covenant University, published in the International Journal of Safety and Security Engineering, showed that many students did not know the location of fire exits or safety signage, underscoring the need for education, drills, and preparedness alongside better infrastructure.

Strengthening Nigeria’s fire safety framework requires collaboration. The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), tasked with enforcing construction standards, plays a pivotal role, but its efforts must be reinforced by technical expertise and advocacy from professional bodies. Organizations such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Nigeria Chapter, and the World Safety Organization (WSO) Nigeria can work in tandem with LASBCA to push for stricter enforcement, standardized certifications, regular audits, and ongoing professional training. Together, regulators and practitioners can embed fire safety into the DNA of Nigeria’s built environment.

Some stakeholders argue that advanced fire systems and fire-tested materials increase construction costs. Yet the cost of inaction is far higher: billions lost in property damage, delayed investments, and most devastatingly, human lives cut short. Safe buildings are not optional add-ons; they are the foundation of sustainable, resilient growth.

The Afriland Tower fire must not be remembered only for its destruction. It should mark a turning point in how Nigeria approaches building safety. By embedding fire prevention measures into design, construction, and maintenance, the nation can protect lives, safeguard investments, and ensure its skylines stand as symbols of progress rather than peril.

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, yesterday went on a familiarisation tour of his official palace, ahead of moving into the edifice, located at Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

The inspection was the first official function the new monarch carried out since his coronation as the 44th Olubadan last Friday at an historic event at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

The monarch, before the inspection tour, had met with members of the Olubadan-in-Council, with whom he was conducted round the palace by aides.

It was gathered that the inspection was carried out to ascertain the state of infrastructure at the palace and get acquainted with the place.

One of the palace aides, who pleaded anonymity, said the inspection by the monarch was in order.

According to him, ‘Baba embarked on the familiarisation tour of departments in the palace shortly after the Council meeting this morning. Baba expressed satisfaction about the state of infrastructure at the palace.’

On the Council meeting, he said it was the normal routine meeting of the Olubadan-in-Council, although it was the first of its kind since Oba Ladoja ascended the throne of his forebears as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan land.

‘I am not sure of the time Kabiyesi will move to the palace, but I can assure you that everything is set,’ the source added.

It is believed that Oba Ladoja is awaiting the final conclusion of activities of his coronation before moving into the official palace as the Olubadan.

He will be the second Olubadan to use the palace, as his predecessor, the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, was the first to live in the palace, breaking away from the usual traditional practice of Olubadans ruling from their private palaces.

A special Jumat service, as part of the activities marking the coronation of Oba Ladoja, will hold at Oja’ba Central Mosque tomorrow, while the activities will be rounded off with Isese tradition on Saturday.

Here and Hereafter Foundation has given widows and orphans N10.8 million.

At the event in Alausa Secretariat Mosque, Ikeja, Lagos, Coordinator, Abdurrazaq Asaju, said the foundation has funded 30 scholars and empowered over 10 widows with more than N40 million since 2010.

He noted that the foundation also give mental and psychological aid that facilitate their integration into the society.

‘The foundation goes beyond financial aid to give care and support spiritually, materially, socially, psychologically and re-integrate them into society. This is done for ummah,’ he said.

He said we cater for families who usually go into disarray after death of breadwinners.

‘The foundation was set up out of our observation of, and concern for the plight of Muslim wives and children who lost breadwinners,’ he said.

He said families and acquaintances usually leave widows and orphans without help. ‘The fortune of families mostly turns due to loss of breadwinners and departure of closest friends and relations. Hence, widows may be virtual pariahs while children are desolate’

He urged parents to ensure children perform well to justify the support, adding donors must see value of their giving.

‘With support from H and H, you have no excuses for poor performance. Learners below average will not enjoy sponsorship. We are holding the funding in trust for donors and we owe them value delivery. Similarly, parents should ensure their wards do not disappoint the foundation and its donors.

Same goes to the empowered widows,’ he said.

Executive Chairman of Edo Inland Revenue Services (EIRS), Mr. Oladele Bankole-Balogun, yesterday lamented continued loss of revenue to neighbouring Delta State.

He said investigation showed many workers in Edo State paid their taxes to Delta State.

The EIRS boss spoke at a stakeholders meeting on revenue collection challenges.

He told ministries, departments and agencies that the agency had adopted a Treasury Single Account (TSA) to reduce leakages in tax collection in the state.

Bankole-Balogun said EIRS had made progressive revenue collection and stressed the need for stakeholders to worker together for increased revenue base.

He identified TSA as a fundamental tool for boosting revenue.

According to him, ‘it ensures government agency receipts, or all government receipts, flow through a transparent, centralised account for eliminating cash handling, reducing leakages, and, most importantly, improving accountability.

‘So going forward, we want to encourage that all revenue streams be remitted into the state IGR account with proper digital records and accountability.

‘Remember that revenue is not an end in itself. It’s just a means and means to better roads, stronger health systems, vibrant education, safer communities and dignity for the citizens of our state.’

Bankole-Balogun said the state would key into the new national tax law.

Managing Director of Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA), Stainless Ijeghede, wondered why the state was yet to take action on taxes paid to Delta State.

‘When I work in oil companies, at the end of the month, I still see in my pay slip, tax Delta. All my years there, I didn’t see tax Edo. What this means is that those people who work in Oben they pay tax to Delta State Government.’

Edo Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, said he expected the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to visit the areas and stop the revenue loss.

He said his ministry was proposing a Revenue Court Law that would create specific courts to try tax offenders.

Osagie said: ‘There is the need for revenue court and revenue courts law, the whole idea is to ensure the entire gamut of our tax system is put together in a way that enforcement and prosecution of tax offenders are easy.

‘As I speak, we are proposing a draft, using our neighbouring Delta State as a model to have revenue courts law of Edo State so that all tax offenders will be sent to those courts and make trials fast and easy.’

Just as well, some breakthrough: in the crunch between the gutsy suicidal and the ruthless executioner, as the Yoruba would call it.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), plucky union, just faced down Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, biggest single-tranche crude oil refinery in the world and employers that take no prisoners! It wasn’t pretty!

Who blinked first? At what cost to the delicate economy? Even with the truce, what impact on inflation, which trend-down, for months now, has signified a cool-off of the economy, pending a healthier re-take-off, following very painful reforms?

Will soaring energy costs return the economy to higher inflation, since petrol and diesel remain core to fuelling and powering the economy?

Has the shock been arrested before real harm was done? Kudos to the Federal Government for moving in fast, appealing to the good sense of both combatants!

Still, the fundamentals are awry. Local refining couldn’t have drawn a stormier re-entry. The old is giving way to the new. But the new not yet able to kick out stock, old practices! That’s the ugly lacuna playing out.

PENGASSAN and NUPENG, beyond their unionist do-gooding, stand accused of strong-arm tactics. That suggests many of their screeches are fired more by illicit cream-offs, than by members’ protection and welfare.

That intera-union cabal, PENGASSAN foes love to allege, is so powerful that even their members are unsure which is worse: the parasitic union or the overarching employer. It’s the classic choice between the red devil and the blue sea!

On Dangote. Lovers of its refinery, touting it a nationalistic downstream rescue, fend off the budding monopolist charge, which its foes hang on its neck. Fair enough.

Still, like Microsoft’s Bill Gates, not even the most fanatical of Dangote’s fans would deny it rather loves to compete – and win! Without robust anti-trust checks – the same tools the US government used to checkmate Microsoft – petroleum downstream monopoly might just blight the market. That’s hardly desirable.

In other words, aside tackling this immediate clash, the Federal Government must put in place doughty anti-trust regulations, for the strategic wellness of that oil sub-sector. But robust anti-trust checks begin with diversifying the local supply of refined products. So, as many refineries as possible should be aided to fight for market share against Dangote Refinery.

But back to the present huff. Both PENGASSAN and Dangote should learn to always tow the middle line. Inasmuch as PENGASSAN blockage of crude oil and gas supply to Dangote Refinery was extreme – indeed, near-anarchic – the refinery’s sack of 800 workers, under the guise of ‘reorganization’, is both suspect and the height of corporate sophistry.

While PENGASSAN should resist the urge to always go for broke, Dangote should be wary of throwing around its weight as the dominant – nay, near-sole – local crude refiner.

The Federal Government should commit all local crude oil refining players to healthy compromises. Otherwise, energy security, a critical gain of its painful reforms, would go up in smoke!

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced recoveries worth over N364.5 billion and $326.5 million, alongside more than 4,000 convictions within the past year.

According to the Commission, the figures covered 2023 and last year, during which it also monitored the disbursement of government’s intervention funds.

These include the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (PL-CNG) scheme, NG-CARES, NACA Global Fund, SESET, AMCON loans, and a range of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) facilities such as COVID-19 support packages and conversion loans with 15 per cent cover.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to embrace a renewed sense of responsibility and patriotism.

Its Director-General , Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in his message, asked Nigerians to look beyond the ceremonial celebrations and seek for value-driven citizenship that reflect the ideals upon which the country was founded.

Lanre-Onilu in a statement by Mr. Paul Odenyi, Deputy Director, Communication and Media also called on citizens to use the moment to reflect deeply on what it means to be a Nigerian – drawing strength from the nation’s diversity, resilience, and shared aspirations for unity, peace, and progress.

The statement reads in part: ‘Issa-Onilu stressed that Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary presents Nigerians with another opportunity to rededicate their lives to the core national values of discipline, integrity, self-reliance, and social justice.

‘The future of Nigeria depends not just on leaders in office, but on how every citizen chooses to uphold these values in everyday life,’ he said.

Highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to revive the economy, he urged Nigerians to embrace this year’s celebration as a call to deepen their commitment to nation-building through civic responsibility, volunteerism, and active community participation.

‘He noted that true patriotism is demonstrated not only through symbolic acts but also in the daily conduct of citizens, by upholding national values, showing respect for national symbols, and adhering to the rule of law.

‘Issa-Onilu also charged institutions of learning, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers, and civil society groups to use the occasion to lead community conversations around national identity, cultural preservation, and the importance of active citizenship in a democratic society.

‘He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to sustained advocacy for civic values, public awareness on government programmes, and national unity, urging Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, to proudly reaffirm their allegiance to the nation and work collectively towards building the Nigeria of our dreams.’

Nigerians seeking to safeguard and grow their wealth are being urged to look beyond local markets as Dubai rolls out attractive real estate opportunities with dollar-denominated returns, no taxes, and long-term residency through the Golden Visa scheme.

This came to the fore as LifeCard Group, a Nigerian real estate and investment company, opened a new branch office in Dubai in partnership with Azizi Developments, one of the emirate’s leading private developers, to give Nigerians seamless access to offshore property markets.

The expansion, is described as a milestone for wealth creation, sustainability, and transfer.

At the inaugural cocktail reception in Lagos, the Group Chief Executive Officer of LifeCard International, Mrs. Grace Ofure Ibhakhomu, said the initiative was aimed at giving wealthy Nigerians credible access to offshore real estate opportunities with high dollar returns and investor protection.

‘Dubai has shown consistent economic strength, with its currency remaining stable for over 38 years. It is an environment where investors can enjoy capital appreciation of over 10 percent, without the burden of tax, while securing long-term value for themselves and their families.’Mrs. Ibhakhomu said.

She noted that LifeCard’s decision to establish presence in Dubai was also informed by the emirate’s reputation as a safe haven for global investors.

‘Dubai is very safe. Over 516 nationalities coexist peacefully, and the government has created strong laws to protect investors. Even countries at war still have their citizens living together in Dubai. That stability is why global names like Donald Trump are building towers there,’ she explained.

Explaining the choice of Azizi Developments as a partner, Mrs. Ibhakhomu said the company’s track record of credibility and investor-centered approach made it the right fit for Nigerians.

‘Azizi is an investor-driven company. They don’t just build and hand over properties; they manage rentals, resales, and ensure investors get their returns. That kind of structure builds trust,’ she said.

She added that Azizi’s openness to diversity was also a factor. ‘Azizi employs many Nigerians, including women who now hold key leadership positions. For me as a patriotic Nigerian, that was significant. It shows they are homely and progressive,’ she said.

Mrs. Ibhakhomu further highlighted that Nigerians who invest up to $550,000 in Dubai properties are eligible for the 10-year Golden Visa, which allows them and their families to live, work, and study freely in the UAE.

‘Concerns about visa restrictions do not apply to investors,’ she stressed. ‘With the Golden Visa, investors can move freely in and out of Dubai with their families. This gives Nigerians peace of mind knowing their wealth and family’s future are secured.’

The LifeCard boss, who recently completed a global real estate investment programme at Harvard, said her goal was to encourage Nigerians to diversify their wealth beyond local opportunities.

‘It’s important to plan offshore while also investing at home. Wealth creation is about balance, sustainability, and transfer. LifeCard exists to bridge the gap by connecting Nigerians to safe and profitable global real estate markets,’ she said.

Also speaking, Regional Director of Azizi Developments, Mr. Saad Khaled, said the company had delivered over 40 top-notch projects since its establishment in 2008 and was excited to leverage its partnership with LifeCard to expand into the Nigerian market.

‘Investment in Dubai means securing your future in dollar terms. Unlike currencies that fluctuate in value, Dubai’s dirham has remained stable for decades. Nigerians who invest with us are guaranteed solid returns and security,’ Khaled said.

Similarly, Mrs. Ngozi Franca Onuneyere, Sales Director at Azizi Developments, urged Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity to diversify their wealth.

‘Investing in Dubai gives you hard currency earnings, long-term security, and benefits such as property and health insurance, and the ability to sponsor your children in Canadian, American, or British universities in Dubai,’ she said.

Onuneyere, a Nigerian who has worked in Dubai for over a decade, said her passion was to ensure her compatriots’ investments are safe. ‘I fight for Nigerians in my company because I know what it means to bring money from Nigeria to invest abroad. I want to ensure their properties are delivered on time and they get rental returns as promised,’ she added.

In her keynote, Co-Founder and Deputy Managing Director of Falcon Corporation,

Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, underscored the importance of real estate as a vehicle for generational wealth.

‘When we look at our society, we discover that many wealthy families have been embroiled in property disputes for years, sometimes sliding into poverty as a result. Investing wisely in real estate, especially in stable markets like Dubai, removes that risk,’ she said.

Joe-Ezigbo urged Nigerians to think beyond local investments and embrace global diversification. ‘We don’t need to go the risky route of putting all our eggs in one basket. In this age of globalization, investing in dollars is the safest valve for a prosperous future,’ she added.

The Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Topo, Badagry, has announced the selection of its Director-General, Mrs. Funke Adepoju, as the 2025/2026 Visiting Fellow of the AIG-Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.

Mrs. Adepoju, a seasoned administrator and reform advocate, brings to Oxford a wealth of leadership experience as a senior public servant and former Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission. She now joins an exclusive group of distinguished Nigerians who have received this prestigious fellowship since its inception, following in the footsteps of Professor Attahiru Jega (former INEC Chairman) and Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru (former FIRS Chairman).

In her current role as Director-General of ASCON, Mrs. Adepoju is driving an ambitious agenda to reposition Nigeria’s premier Management Development Institute from a traditional training provider into a national reform hub and reform accelerator.

Her focus is on linking capacity building with reform outcomes, embedding digital governance into public sector training, and fostering partnerships that align with Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2025 (FCSSIP-25) and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking on the fellowship, Mrs. Adepoju expressed her excitement:

‘This opportunity is not just personal, it is national. The AIG-Blavatnik Fellowship provides a global platform to rethink how Management Training Institutes can evolve into reform accelerators. I am determined to leverage this experience to strengthen ASCON as Nigeria’s reform hub, and to contribute to Africa’s broader governance transformation.’

The AIG-Blavatnik School of Government Visiting Fellowship is awarded annually to outstanding accomplished public servants from West Africa to undertake academic reflection, research, and global exchange at the University of Oxford.

Security operatives have taken over the People’s Democratic Secretariat in Akwa Ibom to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

The development followed claims and counted claims of the dissolution of the State Working Committee (SWC) by the National Working Committee of the Party (NWC).

The National Publicity Secretary of PDP Debo Ologunagba dissolved the state exco and appointing a 31-member caretaker committee.

But the National Secretary of the party Senator Samuel Anyanwu issued a counter statement, declaring there was no NWC meeting where such decision was taken.

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom state Àniekan Akpan described the purported sack of his executive by the National Working Committee of the party(NWC) as illegal.

He declared the state exco as intact till, stating they will serve out the four-year tenure which they were elected, adding that divisive elements within the party are working hard to kill the PDP in the state.

He told reporters on Thursday: ‘The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State wishes to address a recent wave of misinformation circulating on social media platforms, particularly on Facebook, claiming the dissolution of our duly elected State Executive Committee (Exco). We categorically state that these reports are not only false but also unconstitutional’.

Akpan, who was surrounded by all the purportedly sacked exco members, explained the PDP is governed by the rule of law and guided by the party constitution adding that the Exco members were elected in a well constituted state Congress for a fix term of 4 years .

Akpan further explained that some of the Exco members were falsely listed in the new Caretaker Committee without their consent.

He said the NWC that allegedly sacked them never had any formal meeting before they settled on the such decision adding that the PDP National Secretary has issued a press statement in that regard .

Akpan appealed to party members , supporters and general public to disregard the false report and remain committed to the lawful leadership of the party in Akwa Ibom state .

The party chairman said he would continue to be identified with Governor Umo Eno as the governor is not only the leader of APC but leading entire state across party lines

‘ The party can not separate us from Governor Umo Eno . He is the governor for all . Nobody can say we have engaged in anti party by hobnobbing with the Governor,’ he said