Category: PM News

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially launched the Electronic Physical Planning Process System (EPPPS), a digital platform designed to transform land administration, urban planning, and infrastructure management across the state.

Sanwo-Olu described the system as a key step towards improving transparency, efficiency, and accountability in governance.

Speaking at the Victoria Island launch on Friday, he said the platform is a necessary response to Lagos’ rapid population growth and urban expansion, noting that traditional paper-based systems can no longer meet the demands of a 21st-century megacity.

“The EPPPS is a bold move towards our Smart City vision–where systems are digital, processes are seamless, and citizens can access government services effortlessly,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“This system accelerates planning approvals, reduces human interference, curbs corruption, and provides accurate data for urban management, infrastructure planning, and environmental monitoring,” he added.

The Governor emphasised that EPPPS aligns with his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda, particularly in Technology and Innovation, as well as with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which promotes the use of technology to drive inclusive growth and efficient governance.

He also urged developers, professionals, and the public to embrace the platform to foster orderly, sustainable, and innovation-driven development in Lagos.

Dr Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, hailed the launch as the culmination of a visionary project.

He said the platform will eliminate long queues, reduce processing times, and prevent revenue loss caused by human interference.

“EPPPS provides real-time, accurate information that is incorruptible and enhances efficiency for both government officers and developers,” he said.

Singaporean partners Raymond Tan and Steven Chan, Board members of LagosNet, which collaborated with Lagos State on the project, shared their experience with similar systems. Tan noted that Singapore implemented a comparable digital planning system in 2001, saving billions through efficiency and streamlined processes.

He reassured planning officers that EPPPS enhances professionalism and decision-making rather than threatening jobs. Chan highlighted that the platform would enable faster approvals, strengthen accountability, and advance Lagos’ digital transformation agenda.

Mr Adebola Adeyinka, Chairman of Innovacore Technologies PTE and LagosNet member, described the initiative as a demonstration of courage, innovation, and resilience.

Despite initial scepticism, he said EPPPS has proven to be a credible platform capable of elevating Lagos to higher standards of economic growth and governance.

The new system is equipped with over a thousand upgraded computers and digital facilities, providing planning officers with modern tools to support efficient, transparent, and data-driven urban development.

24-year-old man has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 27 years for the murder of teenager Mohamed Abdi during a violent confrontation on a busy Westminster street.

Mohamed Abdi, 19, was found with fatal knife wounds on 4 June 2024 at the junction of Bell Street and Edgware Road, NW1, following a clash that detectives say lasted less than half a minute.

wad Abdel Samad, of Talbot Road, Westminster, was arrested four months later on 8 October 2024 and charged with murder and possession of a bladed weapon.

He was sentenced on Thursday, 13 November 2025. In addition to his life term for murder, he received 12 months for the weapons charge, to run concurrently.

When arrested, Samad was carrying a large lock knife, prompting a further charge of possession of a bladed article. He was handed an additional six-month sentence, also to run concurrently.

second man, 27-year-old Mohamad El-Hazzaa, the driver of the Seat Leon involved in the incident, was found guilty in September of perverting the course of justice. He received a three-year sentence on Thursday and was banned from driving for three years and six months.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Denby of Specialist Crime South described the killing as “a stark and brutal example of the horrors of gang violence,” noting the entire incident unfolded in just 25 seconds.

Samad and Abdi, who knew each other before the attack, had been driving along Edgware Road in separate vehicles when Abdi pulled his Porsche Cayenne behind Samad’s Seat Leon and flashed his lights. Both men and their passengers exited their cars, leading to a violent street fight in which each was armed with a knife.

ccording to police, Samad managed to disarm Abdi. As the teenager attempted to retreat into his vehicle, Samad stabbed him three times before he could close the door. Officers arrived within minutes and performed CPR before paramedics took over, but Abdi died from his injuries.

fter the stabbing, Samad fled the scene in the Seat Leon driven by El-Hazzaa. Investigators later discovered Samad had travelled to a hospital in Luton using a false name in an attempt to hide injuries sustained during the fight.

El-Hazzaa further attempted to evade detection by swapping his phone and booking a flight out of the country. When he returned to the UK in November, police arrested him at the airport.

DCI Denby said detectives used “advanced analysis of technical data” and clear CCTV footage to identify the men, trace their movements and build an unassailable case.

“We will continue to work tirelessly and use all our resources to bring violent criminals to justice and make London a safer city,” he said.

Police say the combination of CCTV evidence and phone data was critical in reconstructing the events of the night and establishing the roles of both Samad and El-Hazzaa in the deadly attack.

It is controversy time as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) forges ahead to hold its National Convention in Ibadan the Oyo State Capital, on Saturday and Sunday, amid conflicting court orders.

Babel of Court Orders

In October, a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, had restrained the PDP from holding the convention.

This was in a suit by aggrieved party members believed to be loyal to the fiery and embattled Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nysesom Wike. They contended that the PDP failed to comply with both its internal constitution and relevant national laws.

Justice Omotosho in his verdict, held that valid state congresses were not held in many states, and that PDP did not issue the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC, thus violating procedural requirements.

But in a move which can be deemed as a mockery of judiciary, the Umar Damagun-led executive members filed am ex parte motion before an Oyo State High Court asking for leave to conduct the congress. The Ibadan court has a coordinate jurisdiction with the Federal High Court.

In its ruling, the Oyo Court presided over by Justice A. L. Akintola, granted an interim injunction on November 3, 2025, allowing the convention to go on as scheduled.

The court barred any interference with the party’s published “guidelines, timetable, and schedule” Importantly, the court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to send observers to monitor the convention in Ibadan.

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PDP stalwart and former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, who had been breathing fire and brimstone, as he alleged that he was denied the purchase of the nomination form for the national chairmanship of the party, approached a Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Peter Lifu.

On November 11, Justice Lifu barred the PDP from conducting the convention, and preventing INEC from recognising or monitoring it.

Oyo Court Extends its Interim Irder

Unfazed, the PDP leadership approached the Oyo Court again. Justice Akintola extended his interim order on November 12 as he maintained protection for the convention’s planned schedule until at least the next substantive hearing.

Prolonged Legal Duel

The extension by the Oyo Court further complicates the matter. While the state court is backing the convention, the courts in Abuja are pushing to halt it.

resolution by the higher courts

It is not unlikely that an appeal against the convention will be lodged by the aggrieved ones at the Appeal Court. The matter could get to the Supreme Court which has the power to take a final decision.

President Bola Tinubu has reappointed Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) as the as the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

This implies that Marwa will serve as the the nation’s anti-drug chief for another five-year term.

Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed Marwa’s reappointment in a press release on Friday.

He said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed the appointment of Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) as the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for another five-year term.

“Marwa was first appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021, after serving as the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse from 2018 to December 2020.

“The reappointment means the Adamawa-born former military officer will remain at the helm of the NDLEA until 2031.

“Marwa, a former military governor of Lagos and Borno States, is a graduate of the Nigerian Military School and the Nigerian Defence Academy NDA.

“After his commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in 1973, Marwa served as Brigade Major of the 23 Armoured Brigade, Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Theophilus Danjuma, and Academic Registrar of the Nigerian Defence Academy. He also served as Deputy Defence Adviser in the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, DC, and later as Defence Adviser to the Nigerian Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

“He holds two postgraduate degrees: a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh (198385) and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University (198586).

“His tenure in the NDLEA has been remarkable for many drug busts, including the arrests of 73,000 drug mules and barons and seizures of over 15 million kilogrammes of various hard drugs.

“Under his leadership, the agency has also launched nationwide campaigns to address drug abuse.”

Onanuga quoted Tinubu as saying:”Your reappointment is a vote of confidence in your onerous efforts to rid our country of the menace of drug trafficking and drug abuse. I urge you not to relent in tracking the merchants of hard drugs, out to destroy our people, especially the young ones.”

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has apologised to passengers on the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) for delays experienced on Wednesday, stressing that no travellers were left stranded.

The delay, which affected the afternoon service, occurred after a procedural safety decision was made when the train’s backup engine began losing power shortly after departure.

The train returned to Rigasa, Kaduna, as a precaution, before resuming its journey at 4:00 pm and arriving at Idu Station at 6:52 pm, approximately 80 minutes behind schedule.

Speaking on the incident, NRC Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa described media reports suggesting passengers were stranded as misleading.

He explained that the decision to return the train was guided by safety considerations, comparing the procedure to an aircraft diverting to the nearest airport when one or both engines fail.

“Although the train could have continued, safety on the route was paramount. Since the train was less than 30 minutes into its journey, it was advisable to return to Rigasa,” Opeifa said.

He added that if the trip had been during the morning schedule, the train would have continued and shunted at the nearest stations, but the evening timing warranted a more cautious approach, adding that passengers were regularly updated via Public Address Systems both on the train and at Rigasa Station.

The Managing Director expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and urged media organisations to verify reports before publication to avoid spreading misinformation.

Opeifa reassured travellers and stakeholders that the NRC remains committed to upholding the highest safety and reliability standards across its rail network, both narrow and standard gauge, ensuring passengers reach their destinations safely.

The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, has resigned from his position ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

Oyebamiji confirmed his resignation in a WhatsApp message to PUNCH on Friday night, stating that his decision was in line with electoral guidelines.

“Yes, I have resigned in accordance with the electoral law to pursue my Osun 2026 governorship ambition,” he said.

“Yes, he has resigned. He is contesting, and he wants to face the election properly,” the source said.

Before his appointment as NIWA Managing Director, Oyebamiji served two terms as Osun State Commissioner for Finance, and later as Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Oyebamiji, a seasoned banker, economist, and public administrator, is expected to formally declare his governorship bid in the coming weeks.

Prominent entrepreneur and political figure, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has extended heartfelt birthday felicitations to Chief Olumuyiwa Makinde, a distinguished legal luminary and the Aare-Onibon Olubadan of Ibadanland, on the occasion of his birthday today, Friday, November 14, 2025.

Chief Makinde, who previously served as the Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland, was elevated to his current prestigious position by the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, the late Oba Akinloye Olalere Owolabi Olakulehin, in early 2025–an elevation widely regarded as a recognition of his unwavering service and contributions to the peace and development of Ibadanland.

In a goodwill message personally signed by Ambassador Ajadi, he described Chief Makinde as “a rare gem, a man of impeccable integrity, and a true son of Ibadan whose dedication to justice and community development continues to inspire generations.”

“Chief Olumuyiwa Makinde has distinguished himself as a Barrister-at-Law and as a traditional chief whose devotion to the progress of Ibadanland and Oyo State remains exemplary,” Ajadi said. “His legal brilliance, humility, and patriotism have positively impacted both the legal profession and traditional leadership in our state.”

jadi further commended Chief Makinde for using his legal expertise to promote peace, equity, and fairness in society.

“He is not just a lawyer; he is a symbol of wisdom and fairness. The people of Ibadanland are proud of him, and his achievements continue to be a source of pride for the entire Oyo State,” Ajadi added.

mbassador Ajadi, a philanthropist and advocate of good governance, prayed for Chief Makinde’s continued good health, long life, and more years of service to humanity.

“On behalf of my family, associates, and members of the Ajadi Movement across Nigeria, I wish Chief Makinde many more fruitful years filled with peace, joy, and divine blessings,” he said. “May his wisdom continue to guide younger generations toward progress and unity.”

Chief Makinde is widely admired in Ibadan for his unwavering commitment to the city’s cultural heritage and his efforts in promoting justice and human rights through his legal practice. His elevation to the Aare-Onibon title has further solidified his standing as a bridge between traditional leadership and modern governance in Oyo State.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said it will commence a new waste management regime from Nov. 17.

This was revealed during a media briefing shortly after the FCT Executive Committee Meeting, chaired by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike in Abuja on Thursday.

Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator, Abuja Municipal Management Council, told journalists that the move was to create order in the FCT sanitation system.

Obuah disclosed that the Executive Committee ratified and approved the memo for new contractors to provide waste collection and management services in various locations across the FCT.

He explained that the approval also covered the procurement of basic treatment plants as well as the maintenance and operation of supervisory utility vehicles.

The AMMC boss, who noted complaints about waste disposal in the FCT, expressed hope that, with the new waste regime, residents should expect a cleaner Abuja.

lso, Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department Department (STDD), said the Committee ratified the payment of a contract for the provision of emergency evacuation of waste from open dumps collection points, waterways, and streams in Dogon Gada community in Abuja Municipal Area Council.

Zulkiflu clarified that N111.9 million was released for the execution of the contract.

Earlier, Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Mr Chidi Amadi, had reiterated Wike’s concern for environmental cleanliness in the FCT and his efforts towards making Abuja a world-class city.

“The Minister is very concerned especially with regard to the contract concerning waste management and he is very serious about it because it is related directly to the cleanliness of the city,” he said.

Similarly, the FCT Transportation Secretary, Mr Chinedum Elechi, announced the approval of funds for printing services for the Directorate of Road Transport Services.

Elechi added that approval has also been given for the operation and maintenance of 34 old traffic lights, as well as the installation of three new traffic lights within the Federal Capital City. (NAN)

Reuben Abati has called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, saying no government official is above the law.

bati on Arise News today, criticised Wike’s actions, arguing that ministers do not have the authority to intimidate others or dictate to the media and military.

“The time has come for President Tinubu to call Wike to order. Nobody is above the law of the land, and no minister has the power to intimidate everybody. No minister has the power to dictate to everybody. You dictate to the media, you dictate to the military, on the basis of what?” Abati said.

His comments follow the recent altercation between Wike and a naval officer in Abuja, which sparked national discussions about respect for uniformed personnel and the limits of ministerial power.

bati urged adherence to the rule of law, insisting that all public officials, regardless of rank, must operate within legal boundaries and respect institutional authority.

The FCT minister has previously defended his actions, saying he was enforcing lawful land regulations and has no personal issue with the military.

Nigerian media personality and entrepreneur, Sophia Momodu, has spoken up about her decision to not post he daughter Imade Adeleke, online.

Sophia on her social media page explained that he decision was in a bid to protect her child’s privacy. She also revealed that she has gradually become more protective of her as she grows older.

The media personality responded to a fan who asked her why she stopped posting her daughter with Davido, online,

“Real battle. I find that I’ve become even more protective as she’s growing,” she wrote in response.