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Senator Idiat Adebule (Lagos West) has urged the Lagos House of Assembly to fast track the passage of the Lagos Innovation Bill.

This, she said, would provide a legal framework to anchor research that will facilitate collaboration between the industry and academics.

She said this on Wednesday while delivering keynote address at the Lagos State University (LASU) 7th Research Trade fair, with the theme: ‘Promoting the Quadruple Helix Collaboration: Government, University, Industry and Community’ at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, Ojo.

She added that the bill when signed into law ‘will create a research and innovation fund to cater for innovation hubs, technology parks and provides incentives for doctoral and post-doctoral research activities.’

She also said the determination of Lagos and Nigeria’s future will be by innovation and collaboration, not natural resources.

She said: ‘The future of Lagos and Nigeria will not be determined by our exhaustible natural resources, but by how well we can innovate, collaborate and scale solutions using our resources’.

Adebule urged the government, industry captains, academics and community stakeholders to seize the opportunity of the event to build an innovation ecosystem that will not only make Lagos and Nigeria not just Africa’s economic hub, but it’s knowledge and innovation capital.

She said research findings must be used to solve societal challenges; else, they will only remain trapped within the institutions.

She gave an example of how the Bell Lab’s Research Institute churned out laser, solar cell, mobile communications and internet.

This, she said, shows that those who embraced research, innovation and creativity rise to prominence while those who ignored them fade into obscurity.

LASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, in her welcome address, said the annual fair is more than just an academic exercise.

She said: ‘It is the manifestation of our deepest institutional commitment: to move beyond theoretical knowledge and translate our research into tangible solutions that drive development. We will showcase groundbreaking work across engineering, medicine, the humanities, and the sciences projects, designed to solve real-world problems facing Lagos, Nigeria, in pursuit of our vision.

‘This year’s theme is particularly poignant. It is recognition that no single entity can tackle the complexities of sustainable development alone.’

She said that in LASU, it is understood that research only achieved its maximum impact when it is grounded in the needs of the community.

‘The community is the ultimate beneficiary, the source of vital data, and the final adopter of innovation. The university generates knowledge and talent. Industry commercialises the innovation and creates jobs. Government provides the enabling policy, regulation, and funding environment, and the community provides the context, demands the solution, and validates its utility,’ she said.

Two lawmakers from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo – Hon. Oladiji Oguntudo and Hon. Raymond Oluwatoyin Daodu – have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oguntudo, who represents Akure South Constituency I, and Daodu, the Deputy Minority Leader representing Akoko South West Constituency I, announced their defection during Thursday’s plenary session of the Ondo State House of Assembly in Akure.

The Nation report that the defection of the two lawmakers from the PDP to the APC makes it a total of 26 legislators dominating the House of Assembly with no opposition.

Speaker Olamide Oladiji presided over the plenary.

Their defection came a month after the duo resigned from the PDP, citing leadership tussles and deepening internal crises within the opposition party.

In their separate resignation letters, the lawmakers explained that their decision to join the ruling APC followed extensive consultations with family members, constituents, and political leaders, who advised them to align with the state’s governing party.

Before their defection, Oguntudo and Daodu were the last remaining PDP members.

Welcoming the new members, Speaker Oladiji commended their decision, expressing optimism that their defection would further strengthen the APC’s numerical advantage in the House.

He lauded President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and described the development as a welcome boost for the ruling party in the state.

The Speaker also praised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his progressive governance, urging the defectors to contribute meaningfully to the party’s growth and collective success.

In line with its commitment to interconnect the state and drive development to rural communities, the Lagos State Government has commenced the 360-metre Ladejobi Ita-Alaje Street road project in Ikorodu.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu flagged off the project on Thursday, pledging his administration’s resolve to leave no road behind.

The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, said, ‘This is more than a groundbreaking ceremony; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to improving lives and opening up rural communities to economic opportunities.’

According to Sanwo-Olu, Ikorodu remains a crucial hub in the state’s cultural and economic landscape, stressing that the pace of urban expansion must be matched with modern infrastructure.

‘Roads like Ladejobi Ita-Alaje Street are not just stretches of asphalt; they are lifelines connecting people to markets, schools, hospitals, and livelihoods,’ he said.

He said the project was part of his administration’s Rural Infrastructure Development Initiative under THEMES+ Agenda, which focuses on accessibility, mobility, and social inclusion.

‘We are addressing the real challenges faced by residents, such as flooding, poor connectivity, and wasted productive hours. By constructing this road, we are improving access, promoting economic growth, and enhancing social equity,’ he said.

Commending Ikorodu residents for their patience and cooperation, he urged them to support the contractor to ensure timely delivery and to protect public infrastructure from vandalism.

The lawmaker representing Ikorodu Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Gbolahan Ogunleye, praised the governor for his continued investment in grassroots development, urging residents to take ownership of the project.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, described the project as a catalyst for local growth and improved quality of life.

Chairman of Ikorodu local government, Prince Abdulateef Adedayo Abayomi Ladega, noted that sustained rural development initiatives of the state government have eased infrastructural pressure on local councils.

Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued on Thursday, Adeyanju described the appointment as a reflection of the President’s recognition of competence and inclusiveness, noting that Professor Amupitan is the first indigene from Kogi State’s minority Ijumu community to be appointed to the position, representing the north-central region.

He said the nominee’s distinguished record as a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria makes him a fitting choice to lead the electoral body at a crucial moment in the country’s democratic journey.

‘I must admit that I had expected the President to appoint someone from his immediate circle or from Osun State, but this decision comes as a pleasant surprise,’ Adeyanju said.

He lauded President Tinubu for making a merit-based appointment and expressed optimism that Professor Amupitan would bring integrity, professionalism, and reform-driven leadership to INEC.

Music video director Praise Onyeagwalam, popularly known as Director Pink has opened up on why she abandoned her dream of becoming an actress.

The award-winning cinematographer said she gave up on acting because of the humiliation and sexual exploitation faced by many aspiring actors in Nollywood.

In a recent interview with Hip TV, Director Pink recounted her experience at auditions, noting that long queues and inappropriate calls from filmmakers discouraged her from continuing.

‘I wanted to be an actress but the humiliation was too much. Long queues, shady ‘come to this location’ calls. I said, ‘No.’ That’s when I chose to be my own boss,’ she said.

She explained that her decision to switch careers led her into music video directing, a path that also comes with challenges but one she is willing to make sacrifices for.

Director Pink further urged aspiring music video directors to embrace patience and delayed gratification, stressing that it took years for those currently at the top of the industry to achieve their status.

The Renewed Hope Student Housing Project, a flagship initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, is set to deliver over 38,400 world-class student hostel bed spaces across 24 tertiary institutions before the end of next year.

The project – a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) spearheaded by the Federal Government in collaboration with Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited – aims to improve students’ living standards and revitalize infrastructure across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide.

According to the project promoters, each Renewed Hope Student Hostel will feature 1,600 bed spaces, comprising 400 ensuite rooms equipped with study tables and chairs, four reading rooms, a common room, cafeteria and restaurants, laundromat, grocery shops, salons, and public toilets.

Construction has commenced in six institutions across the country. In the North, the project is ongoing at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi; and FCT College of Education, Zuba. In the South, work is progressing at Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology, Ogun; Akwa Ibom State University; and College of Education, Warri.

The hostels at Akwa Ibom State University and College of Education, Warri are nearing completion and are expected to be commissioned soon. Each 1,600-bed facility, built to international standards, will provide safe, affordable, and modern living spaces designed to support academic excellence.

FHFL Managing Director, Mr. Abdul Mutallab Mukhtar, described the upcoming commissioning as a ‘landmark achievement’ for Nigeria’s higher education system.

‘By providing modern, safe, and affordable hostels, we are ensuring that students have the right environment to live and learn while reducing the stress and risks associated with inadequate accommodation,’ he said.

Beyond the six active sites, construction is set to begin in eight more institutions across all six geopolitical zones, moving the programme closer to its goal of ensuring decent accommodation for every student in public tertiary institutions.

With Nigeria’s public tertiary student population exceeding 2.1 million – and fewer than 15 percent currently having access to on-campus housing – the Renewed Hope Student Housing Programme stands out as a transformative, job-creating, and investment-attracting intervention designed to boost academic performance and economic growth nationwide.

‘As commissioning in Warri and Akwa Ibom approaches and progress continues nationwide, the Renewed Hope Student Housing Programme is steadily reshaping the face of campus life in Nigeria. Family Homes Funds remains committed to delivering safe and affordable hostels across the six geopolitical zones, ensuring that more students can look forward to studying and living in an environment that supports their growth and success.’

He further said, ‘Those nearing commissioning by December 2025 include : College of Education , Warri , Akwa Ibom State University. Under construction, with commissioning set for September 2026 are: Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Sikiru Adetona College of Education Science and Technology, Fct College of Education , Zuba and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

‘The next phase, which starts October 2025 with October 2026 as set date for commissioning include: Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Ebonyi State University, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Federal University , Lafia, Benue State University , Makurdi, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and Gombe State University.’

Supporters of Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, have congratulated Professor Joash Amupitan on his appointment as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The group, under the aegis of the Obidient Movement, expressed optimism that Amupitan’s leadership would usher in a new era of credibility and transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process.

In a statement jointly signed by Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator, and Nana Kazaure, Director of Strategic Communications and Media, the movement commended President Bola Tinubu for the appointment and extended its warm felicitations to the new INEC chairman.

‘As we reflect on the experiences of past INEC chairmen, we are hopeful that your tenure will mark a significant milestone in the electoral history of Nigeria,’ the statement read.

‘We look forward to reforms that will enhance the credibility, freedom, and fairness of our elections, particularly as we approach the 2027 General Elections.

‘We wish you a successful tenure and pray for God’s guidance and protection as you navigate the challenges of this critical office. Congratulations once again, and we look forward to a new era of electoral excellence under your leadership.’

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Wale Edun, on Thursday, assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is working to sustain growth in the 46 sectors of the economy towards lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

Edun spoke when he led some members of the economic team of the present administration to an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance.

The Senate also gave Edun two weeks to make available to it, performance reports on the 2024 and 2025 capital budgets.

In his opening remarks before the session resolved into a closed door session, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sanni Musa (APC – Niger East), noted that the

fiscal pressures confronting the country presently called for ‘frank discussion, coordinated responses, and above all, renewed discipline in public financial management.’

Over the years, according to him, the country made commendable progress in strengthening its budget frameworks.

‘But recent realities – declining revenues, rising debt service costs, and unpredictable oil receipts – demand a fundamental rethink of how we plan, allocate, manage, and communicate transparently, so that we can all understand where we are.

‘Our focus must now shift from an envelope-based budget to a performance and priority-based system, where every Naira is linked to a measurable outcome.

‘Fiscal sustainability can no longer be a slogan. It must be the guiding principle of our budget processes and decisions.

‘We must also address revenue leakages, improve expenditure efficiency, and strengthen coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office. Greater transparency and accountability will restore public confidence and ensure that monetary allocations translate into tangible developmental impacts.’

He reiterated the commitment of the Committee, to support the ongoing fiscal reforms; to working collaboratively with the Ministry and the Budget Office; and to ensuring that what happened in 2024 and 2025 will not happen in 2026.

‘Our budgets must truly reflect national priorities and deliver measurable results for the Nigerian people,’ he said.

He said the meeting became necessary for the Minister of Finance to brief the Committee on the 2024 national budget – ‘which is an Appropriation Act and therefore, the law of the land.’

‘Where are we in its implementation? We are in October, the last quarter of the year. We should already be preparing for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which by law ought to have been presented by now.

‘The reason for convening this meeting, therefore, is to know the status of the 2024 and 2025 budgets and to understand progress toward the 2026 MTEF and national budget. We will soon begin planning for the 2026 budget.’

In his response, Edun said that major distortions in the economy are being corrected and with declining inflation.

He said the economy witnessed a 4.23% growth in the second quarter, noting that the focus of the present administration is to sustain present economic growth with the aim of lifting millions of Nigeria out of poverty.

Edun said: ‘At this point in time, we all agree that we have an economy where major distortions are being corrected – an economy that is stabilising, with inflation beginning to decline and growth accelerating across sectors.

‘In the second quarter of 2025, the economy grew at 4.23%. However, when you disaggregate that growth, you’ll see that the job-creating industrial sector grew by over 7%, specifically 7.45%. That is significant because it doubles the population growth rate and helps generate income to lift people out of poverty.

‘Against that backdrop, our focus remains on sustaining broad-based growth across all 46 sectors of the economy to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

‘With regard to the 2024 and 2025 budgets, we have maintained relatively high levels of performance, particularly under the capital component, which runs until the end of this year. We are committed to ensuring full implementation of the 2025 capital budget as well.

‘As the Chairman rightly noted, we must put an end to the culture of budget overruns and repeated extensions of capital implementation. That is a collective commitment.’

No fewer than 500 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sakwaya Ward, Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The mass defection, which added to the growing wave of opposition members joining the APC across the state’s 27 local government areas, was celebrated by party supporters.

Receiving the new members, Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Abdullahi Tsoho Garba, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to citizens’ welfare and the consolidation of Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s development agenda.

Garba highlighted the governor’s inclusive approach to governance, emphasizing progress in infrastructure, human capital development, and service delivery – all aimed at building a prosperous Jigawa State.

He assured the defectors of continued access to the dividends of democracy under the Namadi administration.

Also speaking, the member representing Dutse Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Tasiu Soja, welcomed the new entrants and pledged equal opportunities and fair treatment within the party.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, former PDP chairman of Sakwaya Ward, Malam Danazumi Yakubu, said their decision was driven by Governor Namadi’s purposeful and people-centered leadership.

‘We joined the APC to contribute our quota to building a prosperous Jigawa under Governor Namadi’s realistic 12-point agenda. The mission is on the right track, and we don’t want to be left behind,’ Yakubu stated.

Prominent among the new APC members are PDP stakeholder Alhaji Garba Dankwashan (Sarkin Fawa), Ward Secretary Abdulrahim Zobiya, Women Leader Hajiya Mariya, Youth Leader Kabiru Jidawa, and the polling unit chairmen of Gadarawa and Sabon Gari.

Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has described his creative partnership with his wife and colleague, Simi as seamless and collaborative.

In a recent interview, he explained how Simi effortlessly contributes to some songs by adding to the chorus while mixing it in the studio.

According to him, their process involves mutual input, with Simi often enhancing his tracks with backups or adjustments during mixing, even without him present.

Similarly, he said he provides feedback on her songs, making their collaboration smooth and intuitive.

Adekunle Gold said, ‘My partnership with Simi is very seamless. When I write. So, Don Corleone, when I made the song, I think she was listening to the chorus when I made it, and she just said, well, she has an idea, that she wanted to add something to it. I’m like, okay, go for it.

‘And then she just went, go Kunle, and that was it. I’m like, oh, this is smart. And that’s it.

‘And we’re just in the studio right there, because she was mixing the song. She mixed the song at first, right? She was mixing the song and then she just added to it. Sometimes one of the benefits I enjoy is when I send my song to Simi to mix, you know, she does like some. I don’t have to be there.

‘She just does some backups, things that the song needs, and then that’s it. It’s just very easy. When she writes the songs, when she sends to me, I tell her what I think she should add to it, and that’s easy’.

Addressing claims about Simi prioritising his career over hers, Adekunle dismissed the speculation, emphasising that both he and Simi are unaffected and content with their dynamic.

‘All of these things don’t faze me, nor my wife or anything. We’re good’, he said.