Category: PM News

The Lagos Lagoon glistened in shades of blue and gold as electric powerboats sliced through the water, cheered on by an ecstatic crowd that lined Victoria Island’s waterfront from Saturday, 3 October to Sunday, 5 October. For two unforgettable days, Lagos became Africa’s capital of clean energy, glamour, and innovation, all powered by First Bank of Nigeria, the sponsor of the continent’s first-ever E1 Lagos Grand Prix.

From the rhythmic sounds of Afrobeats echoing across the Marina to the sight of sleek, futuristic boats gliding silently on water, the E1 Lagos GP was more than a race, it was a celebration of Lagos’ vibrant spirit and Nigeria’s march towards sustainability.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a goodwill message, hailed the event as a bold statement of intent by Nigeria and Lagos, praising Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, First Bank, and other partners for delivering a world-class spectacle.

‘The E1 Powerboat series combines world-class entertainment with clean energy innovation. This championship is not just a thrilling spectacle on water but a commitment to a greener and more sustainable future,’ the president had said at the opening ceremony of the great event on Friday, 3 October.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu presenting the trophy to winner of the E1 Lagos GP championship – Team Brazil during the grand finale in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Sunday, 5 October 2025.

He described Lagos as ‘a gateway to innovation, technology, and global sporting excellence,’ affirming the nation’s readiness to lead Africa’s transition to clean energy.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who led the regatta that opened the event, described the championship as a proud moment for Lagos and a reflection of its global potential.

‘E1 Lagos GP is more than a race; it is a celebration of Lagos’ dynamism, the Spirit of Lagos,’ the governor said, adding that ‘It shows our capacity to host world-class events and underscores our commitment to sustainability.’

Crowds thronged the Lagos Lagoon and fan zones, having fun, snapping selfies, and soaking in the festive atmosphere. International sports icons, investors, and fans came from across the world, including former Chelsea and Ivory Coast football legend Didier Drogba, co-owner of Team Drogba Global Africa, who added a touch of celebrity magic to the weekend.

For First Bank of Nigeria, the event was not just about sports, it was about making history. Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Olayinka Ijabiyi, said sponsoring the E1 Lagos GP reflected the bank’s heritage of innovation and renewal. ‘Innovation, sustainability, excitement, speed, we are a heritage bank that has been around for 131 years, and for every one of those years, we have constantly renewed ourselves,’ Ijabiyi said, saying that ‘When this opportunity came, who else could bring the first E1 GP to Nigeria but First Bank? We are proud to have presented Lagos and Nigeria to the world.’

At the First Bank Pavilion, visitors enjoyed interactive experiences, lifestyle engagements, and product showcases, while music, fashion, and food added a distinctly Lagos flavour. Families and young professionals mingled with entrepreneurs, all celebrating a fusion of technology, culture, and sustainability, hallmarks of the bank’s brand identity.

‘This race is a net-zero emitter,’ Ijabiyi added. ‘We are strong on sustaining the environment and supporting a cleaner, greener future. It’s innovation meeting responsibility.’

The E1 partnership also connects with the bank’s #FirstBankDecemberIssaVybe series, an annual celebration of entertainment and lifestyle that lights up Nigeria’s festive season. ‘December is the Vybe,’ Ijabiyi teased. ‘This is just a taste of what’s to come-fun, fashion, food, and amazing experiences.’

The finale on Sunday was nothing short of electrifying as Team Brazil claimed victory, with pilots Timmy Hansen and Leva Millere-Hagin steering their electric boat to glory, beating Team Blue Rising and Team Drogba to the podium.

As the sun set over the Lagoon, the waterfront transformed into a sea of lights and cheers, a moment that captured the heart of Lagos: energetic, ambitious, and always ready to lead.

With its sponsorship of the E1 Lagos Grand Prix, First Bank once again proved that it is more than a financial institution, it is a lifestyle brand championing innovation, sustainability, and national pride.

In the words of Latoya Johnson, a Lagosian who attended the event: ‘I grew up knowing First Bank as the reliable one. Seeing them behind something this big makes me proud. They’re not just banking our money, they’re banking our future.’

From clean energy to cultural celebration, from racing boats to smiling faces, the E1 Lagos GP was a powerful reminder that when innovation meets tradition, the result is pure magic.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi, has expressed serious concern over the rising cases of thuggery in the state and called for an urgent action to tackle the menace.

The party disclosed this while addressing a press briefing shortly after its stakeholders’ meeting held in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

Speaking on behalf of the party, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed-Mera, Chiroman Kabi, said the essence of the meeting was to discuss the prevailing insecurity and the emerging culture of political thuggery in the state.

Mohammed-Mera recalled a recent scenario in Argungu where people gathered for a wedding Fatiha in a Mosque but some thugs allegedly attacked them, lamenting that it was unbecoming for a political leader to support, encourage or finance such ugly trends.

According to him, the ADC, therefore, condemned the act in its totality and called for peace to reign in the state.

The party chieftain alleged that ‘Kebbi was no longer safe’, adding,’ because recently a Nigerian soldier, who gave his life to protect the nation was killed in Sakaba.

‘ADC notes with serious concern the alarming rise in insecurity within Kebbi and its adjoining communities.

‘Cases of banditry, kidnapping, and other form of criminality have continued unabated, leaving the citizens traumatised, farmlands deserted, and economic activities in decline.

‘This regrettable situation, if left unchecked, threaten the very fabric of our society and the pence that Kebbi has long been known for.’

The ADC stalwart called on both the State and Federal Governments as well as the security agencies to take immediate, coordinated, and intelligence-driven actions to restore law and order.

‘The safety and welfare of the people must remain paramount.

‘The ADC stands firmly with the people of Kebbi in demanding a more visible and effective security response that goes beyond rhetoric and focuses on tangible results,’ he said.

While described ADC as a ‘growing and expanding party that operates within the ambit democratic rules and regulations.’

Mohammed-Mera observed that the resorts to intimidation, blackmail and physical aggression by some political actors was undermining the democratic norms and ethics which cast a dark shadow over the integrity of the nation’s political process.

He reaffirmed the commitment of ADC to constructive dialogue, preparatory democracy, and continues engagement with citizens to build a more secure and inclusive Kebbi.

The party chieftain appealed to other political parties to come and join hands with ADC to ‘dislodge the incumbent at both state and national levels’ towards not only rekindling hope for Nigerians but also building a brighter future for Nigerians.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved Monday, October 6, 2025, as a work-free day for teachers in the state to celebrate this year’s World Teachers’ Day.

The governor made the announcement on Sunday at the 2025 Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta. According to the state’s Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Odufowokan, the decision reflects Governor Abiodun’s appreciation of the vital role teachers play in nation-building.

Abiodun also announced plans to construct 12 blocks of 900 smart classrooms across four schools in each of the state’s education zones.

The benefiting schools include Abeokuta Grammar School, Idi-Aba; Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode; Remo Secondary School, Sagamu; and Yewa College, Ilaro.

The governor further disclosed that 1,000 OgunTeach interns have been absorbed into the State Teaching Service Commission, bringing the total number of absorbed interns to 5,000 since the inception of his administration.

To improve special education, Abiodun approved the renovation of all special schools and an increase in the feeding allowance for pupils in those institutions.

He also promised to pay transport allowances to all public school teachers, in place of the work-free days already granted to other state workers.

Highlighting other education initiatives, the governor mentioned the establishment of the Ogun State Education Intervention Fund, the successful conduct of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) using Optical Mark Reader (OMR) sheets, and the installation of ICT facilities ahead of the Nigeria Learning Passport e-content rollout.

Addressing concerns over the unaccessed 2020 UBEC funds, Abiodun explained that his administration had cleared the backlog from 2014 to 2017 and accessed those funds after paying the required counterpart contributions.

He said the state is currently implementing projects under the 2018 and 2019 UBEC allocations.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving teachers’ welfare and fostering collaboration among educators nationwide.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known during the grand finale of the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration and the President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Awards held in Abuja.

Themed ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,’ the event underscored the importance of teamwork and peer learning in enhancing teaching quality and learning outcomes.

Alausa emphasized that supporting teachers through peer mentoring, co-teaching, and digital collaboration improves classroom results and professional growth.

He noted that the government is implementing key reforms, including the National Teacher Policy, to strengthen the teaching profession.

He highlighted the roles of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), the National Teachers Institute (NTI), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in ensuring continuous professional development and adherence to standards.

According to Alausa, ‘Teaching is no longer an individual task but a shared responsibility.

The future of education depends on collaboration, trust, and collective accountability.’

Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, added that several initiatives, such as the National Teacher Development Policy (2022), the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework, and the establishment of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), are being implemented to promote innovation and cooperation among teachers.

She stressed that while many educators have worked in isolation, modern teaching requires collaboration to address challenges such as large class sizes, curriculum changes, and digital learning demands.

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Amba, also emphasized the importance of collaboration in improving education quality.

However, he expressed concern over the slow implementation of incentive packages earlier approved for teachers under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Amba urged both federal and state governments to ensure full implementation of these benefits, stressing that teachers’ welfare is central to attracting and retaining qualified educators.

He further called on the Federal Government to revisit the decision to delist the TRCN from public funding, noting that adequate financing is essential for effective regulation and professional development in the teaching sector.

World Teachers’ Day, celebrated annually on October 5, provides an opportunity to honour teachers’ contributions and reflect on the challenges facing the profession, with renewed calls for greater support and investment in education.

The Round of 16 fixtures for the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup have now been officially confirmed following the completion of the group stage matches played in the early hours of Monday morning.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles booked their place in the knockout stage after holding Colombia to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in their final group game.

The result ensured that the Nigerian side finished the group phase with four points from three matches, enough to secure a spot among the top 16 teams in the tournament.

Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s boys showed great determination throughout the group stage, combining solid defending with flashes of attacking brilliance.

Their resilience against Colombia, one of the tournament’s strongest teams so far, has further boosted the team’s confidence ahead of a tough test against Argentina in the next round.

In another group fixture, Norway also sealed qualification to the Round of 16 after a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia, a result that saw them progress on goal difference.

According to FIFA, the Round of 16 matches will be played from Tuesday to Friday, as the competition enters a crucial stage where every game is a potential decider.

Below is the full list of confirmed Round of 16 fixtures:

Ukraine vs Spain

Chile vs Mexico

Colombia vs South Africa

Argentina vs Nigeria

Paraguay vs Norway

Japan vs France

USA vs Italy

Morocco vs South Korea

Fans around the world are eagerly looking forward to these matchups, with several heavyweight clashes expected to produce thrilling moments as teams battle for a place in the quarterfinals.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles advanced to the Round of 16 at the ongoing 24th FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile after a spirited 1-1 draw against Colombia in the early hours of Monday.

The seven-time African champions put up a determined display at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca, with goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt pulling off crucial saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes to keep the game level.

Despite Colombia’s early pressure, the Nigerians were the more enterprising side, with Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi, and Suleman Sani constantly troubling the South American defence and striking the upright on several occasions.

Colombia broke the deadlock in the 51st minute through Kener Gonzalez, who converted from Neyser Villareal’s assist.

Undeterred, the Flying Eagles piled on relentless pressure, and defender Odinaka Okoro came close with a header in the 76th minute.

Nigeria’s persistence paid off in the 86th minute when captain Daniel Bameyi calmly slotted home from the penalty spot after a Colombian defender handled Maigana’s goal-bound effort.

The Nigerians nearly clinched a late winner, but Arierhi’s shot in the 89th minute was blocked inside the area.

The result means Nigeria will now face Argentina at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago on Wednesday a repeat of the quarter-final clash from the last U20 World Cup hosted by Argentina, where the Flying Eagles triumphed 2-0 in San Juan.

Elsewhere, Colombia will meet South Africa, while Norway takes on Paraguay in other Round of 16 fixtures.

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday, adjourned to Nov. 3, the trial of a Lagos businesswoman, Clara Anthony, charged with an alleged N643.8 million fraud.

Anthony is standing trial before Justice Ibrahim Kala, alongside a company, Flourish Claire Concept. They are charged with 17 counts bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by fraud, dishonest conversion and stealing.

She was arraigned by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) on Nov. 25, 2024, and had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The court had granted her bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum.

On March 12, the prosecution called a first prosecution witness, who began giving their testimony. But the matter was adjourned to July 2.

On July 2, the case could not proceed because of the absence of the defendant and the case was then adjourned to Oct. 6 for continuation of trial.

When the case was called on Monday, the prosecutor, Mr Samuel Ogala, informed the court that the defendant was again absent from the court, adding that her counsel was not also in court.

He urged the court to revoke the bail of the defendant, and issue a bench warrant for her arrest.

In a short ruling, Justice Kala revoked the bail of the defendant and issued a bench warrant for her arrest by the police, and adjourned the case to Nov. 3.

Meanwhile, as parties were about leaving the court, the defendant suddenly showed up , and informed the court that she was unable to reach her lawyer as he had not been taking her calls.

She apologised to the court while saying she may need to get another lawyer to represent her.

But while reacting, the prosecutor urged the court to take recognise the four prosecution witnesses who were present in court while pleading that the defendant should not be allowed to delay the trial.

But Justice Kala ordered the defendant to be present with her counsel on the next adjourned date unfailingly.

The court vacated the earlier bench warrant for the arrest of the defendant, but warned the defendant make herself available with her counsel on the next adjourned date, or risk a revocation of her bail.

The court, adjourned the case until Nov. 3 for trial.

According to the charge, the defendant was said to have committed the offences sometime in August 2023, at Oregun in Lagos.

She was alleged to have fraudulently obtained several sums of money from Lagos traders, under a false pretence of investing the money in rice business.

According to the prosecution, the defendant obtained several millions in tranches from various traders, using the name her company (second defendant).

She was alleged to have obtained the sums of N56 million, N36 million, N58.05 million, N20.5 million N3.2 million, N410 million, N6. 1 million and N54 million from different traders under the guise of investing the money in rice business.

The alle

ged offences contravene the provisions of section 1(1)(a-c), and section 8(a, b, and c) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offence Act, 2006.

They also contravene the provisions of section 390 of the Criminal Code Act 2004.

The Lagos State government has bestowed a lasting honor on Afrobeats artist Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko by naming a street after him.

The artist who hails from Lagos Island, expressed his excitement for the new honor while thanking God for the blessing.

This recognition and honor celebrates Adekunle Gold’s musical journey and success. The singer took to his Instagram page to share the news. He also shared a picture of his family standing by the landmark.

‘Adekunle Kosoko Street. The city that raised me now carries my name. Thank you Lord for my many blessings,’ he wrote.

The Senior Special Assistant on media to the Delta State Governor, Mr. Ossai Ovie Success, has threatened to take legal action against that organisers of Big Brother Naija show.

Shortly after the winner of the 10th season of the show was announced, Ossai took to his X handle to express his annoyance about the result.

He claimed that the first runner-up, Dede, was robbed of her position as the winner.

‘Dede was robbed by BBNaija organizers because Delta boy Kellyrae won last year’s season, so they didn’t want another Delta to win this year’s edition. She truly deserved the Big Brother Naija crown, not the second position. She ought to have been the winner, not because she’s from Delta, but because she made everyone who watched the show proud,’ he wrote.

Ossai also added that he plans to take legal action on the claims that the voting results was rigged. He also expressed his disappointment in the result.

‘I’ll be suing Big Brother Naija on behalf of Dede because the voting was rigged. I’m highly disappointed in this season,’ he added.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Office of the National Security Adviser and other top government officials for their roles in finding solution to the dispute between it and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

Dangote, in a statement on Sunday hailed the government officials for their role in resolving what it described as the ‘disruptive actions of PENGASSAN’ against the refinery.

‘Dangote Refinery is grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his intervention, through his ministers and senior officials, which resulted in the abatement of the disruptive actions of PENGASSAN against the Refinery.

‘We remain very grateful to these officials for their patriotism and national service,’ it said in a statement on Sunday.

The company also expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their supportive voices and words of encouragement during the battle with PENGASSAN

‘You gave us hope and reinforced our belief in the Nigerian nation and people as the backbone of our enterprise.

‘Be assured that we would continue to work for and in your interest and persist in always protecting that interest against rent seekers, economic saboteurs and economic squatters.

‘To our loyal workers, who ensured that our operations were not disrupted even for a second, we thank and appreciate you,’ the company stated.

Dangote also assured assured Nigerians that it would not relent in serving the nation faithfully and diligently through the uninterrupted production of petroleum products.

‘Our commitment to the Nigerian nation and our pact with its people remain undiluted, undiminished and unalterable notwithstanding the distractions from our detractors and the saboteurs in our midst,’ the statement added.

Recall that PENGASSAN last Wednesday called off its industrial dispute with Dangote Refinery after government’s intervention.

The strike was initially triggered by the reported mass sack of more than 800 Nigerian workers by Dangote Petrochemicals and Fertiliser Limited after they voluntarily subscribed to join PENGASSAN.

The President of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said the union decided to suspend the strike out of respect for institutions, in spite of serious concerns over loopholes in the government-brokered agreement reached with Dangote management.

‘Even with our doubts about Dangote’s sincerity, we have chosen the moral high ground. Nigerians must see PENGASSAN as patriotic, law-abiding and committed to sustaining national economic stability,’ he stated.

Osifo said the union’s main demand was full reinstatement of the affected workers, but government instead opted for redeployment within related companies owned by the Dangote Group.

‘Our position was simple: bring them back to their original jobs. Government proposed a middle ground instead, and that remains our greatest reservation with the settlement,’ Osifo explained.

He added that the union accepted the compromise reluctantly, noting that the most important thing now was to get the affected workers back to earning and feeding their families.

However, Osifo made it clear that PENGASSAN would not be misled by unfulfilled promises or prolonged delays.

‘We will not wait endlessly if nothing happens.

‘We suspended the action in good faith to respect government. But the moment we detect any foul play or gimmicks, we will return to the trenches immediately,’ he said. (NAN)

Lagos is a city of greatness – a restless, ambitious, unstoppable megacity that beats with the energy of over twenty million dreams. It is the heartbeat of Nigeria, the economic nerve centre of West Africa, and the symbol of what is possible when vision meets resilience. But as Lagos evolves, one undeniable truth emerges: it is time for Lagos to be led by a woman.

For decades, Lagos has been blessed with capable male governors who have steered the state through waves of urbanization, economic reform, and modernization. Yet, despite this progress, the city still battles deep inequalities – in housing, healthcare, education, and opportunity. The problems that persist are not merely administrative; they are deeply human. And addressing them requires not just infrastructure and policy, but empathy, balance, and a new perspective.

A woman governor would not only represent symbolic change – she would represent strategic transformation.

1. Women Govern Differently – and Effectively

Across the world, data consistently shows that women in leadership deliver results that are inclusive, transparent, and sustainable. From Jacinda Ardern in New Zealand to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in Liberia, women leaders have demonstrated a rare ability to blend compassion with competence, empathy with efficiency, and vision with accountability.

In Nigeria, where governance has too often been marked by aggression, ego, and exclusion, Lagos needs that unique brand of leadership that listens, collaborates, and uplifts. A woman’s approach to governance naturally prioritizes community well-being, education, healthcare, and economic inclusion – areas that directly shape the quality of life of ordinary Lagosians.

A female governor would be more likely to view development not merely as concrete and steel, but as people and potential.

2. Lagos Women Already Run the Engine of the City

From Balogun Market to Yaba Tech, from Lekki to Alimosho, women are the lifeblood of Lagos’ economy. They are traders, innovators, transporters, teachers, bankers, nurses, artisans, and entrepreneurs. They run households and small businesses; they hold the social fabric of communities together.

Yet, they are underrepresented where it matters most – at the top. Women constitute over 50% of the Lagos population, yet their voices remain largely absent from executive decision-making.

It is both unjust and unwise to ignore the demographic that drives the engine of the state. Electing a woman governor is not tokenism – it is smart governance. It is leveraging the leadership, grit, and intelligence that Lagos women have already proven in every sphere except the one that matters most: political power.

3. A New Kind of Progress: From Infrastructure to Humanity

Lagos has grown taller, wider, and richer. But it must now grow fairer, safer, and more inclusive. The next frontier of Lagos development must not only be about roads and rails – it must be about the people who walk and ride on them.

Who better than a woman to lead that transition? A woman understands the daily struggle of the market woman who wakes before dawn, the mother who navigates unsafe roads to get her child to school, the nurse who faces burnout in a public hospital, the young girl who dreams of tech but can’t afford data.

A woman governor would humanize governance. She would shift Lagos’ growth from being measured in kilometers of expressways to being measured in quality of life.

4. Leadership Integrity and Accountability

Let’s face it – the people are tired of politics-as-usual. They crave leaders who are authentic, empathetic, and ethical. Women have shown, time and again, higher levels of integrity in public office. Studies from institutions like the United Nations and World Bank have shown that female leaders are often less corrupt, more transparent, and more responsive to citizens’ needs.

Lagos, a state that has achieved so much economically, now needs moral capital – leadership that inspires trust. A woman at the helm can restore that trust and redefine what political leadership looks like in Nigeria’s most important state.

5. Lagos Can Set the National Standard – Again

Lagos has always been the state that leads Nigeria’s future. It led in urban innovation, in digital economy expansion, in creative industries. Now, Lagos can lead again – by making history and electing the first female governor of the state.

This is not just about gender; it is about progress. Lagos can once again set the pace for the rest of Nigeria, proving that leadership excellence is not defined by gender, but by vision and results.

The woman who leads Lagos will not only inspire girls across the state – she will signal to the entire country that the era of gender barriers in governance is over.

6. Continuity With Transformation

The current administration has laid foundations in infrastructure, technology, and innovation. The next phase requires not just continuity, but a transformation in governance culture.

A woman governor can sustain the developmental momentum while recalibrating priorities toward inclusivity, education, youth empowerment, and healthcare. She can build on existing policies while redefining their focus around the dignity and welfare of the people.

In essence, she can combine what works with what’s been missing.

Conclusion: The Time is Now

Lagos does not need a woman governor because of charity or sentiment. Lagos needs a woman governor because it makes strategic, moral, and developmental sense.

The state that prides itself on innovation and progress cannot continue to recycle the same kind of leadership and expect different results. The heartbeat of Nigeria deserves a new rhythm – one that beats with empathy, intelligence, inclusivity, and strength.

Lagos deserves a woman’s touch – not as a token, but as a turning point.

The next governor of Lagos must be a woman.

And she must not only succeed the current governor – she must succeed for all of us.