Category: PM News

The Ogun State Government has disclosed that 111 travellers from countries considered high-risk for Ebola have completed medical surveillance, assuring residents that no case of the deadly disease has been recorded in the state.

The disclosure follows the Federal Government’s confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, prompting heightened surveillance across the country.

Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, announced the development in a statement on Wednesday, October 21, explaining that the 111 persons of interest had been identified, monitored and discharged from follow-up after completing the required surveillance period.

Coker said the state had strengthened its preparedness measures to prevent the spread of the disease, following outbreaks reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African countries.

According to her, the state’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre is coordinating surveillance, early detection and response activities to ensure suspected cases are promptly identified and managed.

She disclosed that disease surveillance officers, port health officials, clinicians and other healthcare personnel had undergone training to strengthen the state’s response capacity.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant without panicking, stressing that no Ebola infection had been confirmed in Ogun as of Wednesday.

The alert comes after the Federal Government confirmed an imported Ebola case involving a woman who recently arrived in Abuja from Uganda.

Health authorities have identified 44 contacts linked to the confirmed patient and commenced monitoring to prevent further transmission.

Coker identified common symptoms of Ebola as fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, noting that unexplained bleeding may occur in some cases.

She explained that symptoms could develop between two and 21 days after exposure, warning that anyone with possible exposure should contact health authorities promptly.

Residents were advised to maintain good personal hygiene, avoid contact with the bodily fluids of suspected patients and refrain from spreading unverified information.

The commissioner also directed public and private healthcare facilities to promptly isolate and report suspected cases.

She assured residents that the state government would continue working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other relevant agencies to strengthen surveillance.

Residents can report suspected cases through the NCDC toll-free line, 6232, or contact the Ogun State Epidemiologist on 08084250881.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has concluded rescue operations at a domestic well in Abule-Egba, where a two-year-old toddler and a man who attempted to rescue the child died.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at No. 4, Paul Street, inward Agbe Road, Abule-Egba, according to the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has concluded rescue operations at a domestic well in Abule-Egba, where a two-year-old toddler and a man who attempted to rescue the child died.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at No. 4, Paul Street, inward Agbe Road, Abule-Egba, according to the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu.

Oke-Osanyintolu, in a statement, said LASEMA received a distress call at 9:48 a.m. and immediately activated its emergency response plan, deploying a response team from its Igando base.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the toddler, whose mother worked as a cleaner in the compound, had accidentally fallen into the well.

A man from the Hausa community residing in the area reportedly descended into the well in an attempt to save the child but became trapped and was unable to climb out.

On arrival, LASEMA responders found residents making efforts to rescue both victims. The agency subsequently coordinated operations with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force.

Despite sustained efforts under difficult conditions, the man was recovered dead. His remains were placed in a body bag and handed over to his relatives and members of the Hausa community for burial in accordance with their customs.

Oke-Osanyintolu commiserated with the deceased’s family and community, describing his attempt to save the toddler as an act of exceptional bravery.

Efforts to recover the child were complicated by the well’s high water level and thick mud at the bottom. The rescue teams attempted to drain the well, but operational challenges hampered the process.

A specialist local diver was eventually deployed to conduct a final search. According to the agency, the diver reported that the toddler’s body had sunk deep into the mud and could not be recovered. Only one shoe was retrieved.

Following the specialist’s assessment and consultations with the family and community leaders, the agency said the operation was brought to an end, with all responders returning to their respective bases.

Oke-Osanyintolu urged residents to ensure that wells and other openings within residential compounds are properly covered, raised and secured, particularly in homes where young children live.

He also advised residents against attempting dangerous rescue operations without appropriate equipment and trained personnel, urging them to contact emergency services through the toll-free numbers 767 or 112.

In a separate incident, the agency’s Eagle Response Team from its Cappa base recovered a broken-down articulated truck carrying bags of clothes at Challenge Bus Stop, inward Cappa.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the truck had become immobile due to a damaged propeller, obstructing traffic along the route.

The agency deployed its heavy-duty equipment, Super Metro, to remove the vehicle from the road, restoring normal traffic flow.

He assured Lagos residents that LASEMA remained prepared to respond to emergencies across the state.

A 15 member delegation of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja on November 21 and the CAF Awards in Lagos on December 7.

The delegation, led by CAF Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, is in Nigeria to assess facilities and other arrangements ahead of the two major football events.

The CAF team, accompanied by a six member Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) delegation led by its Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, inspected key facilities in Abuja.

The facilities visited included the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

During a meeting with the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, the CAF officials discussed accommodation, transportation, immigration procedures, hospitality and other arrangements for the events.

Dikko assured the delegation that the Federal Government was committed to ensuring the successful hosting of both events. He said Nigeria was ready to demonstrate its ability to organise major international sporting gatherings.

The visit was the delegation’s second and final inspection in Nigeria, following an earlier visit to Lagos. The team is expected to submit its findings to CAF management after completing the assessment.

The inspection covered visa and entry procedures for delegates, landing permits, travel documents and coordination among government agencies and event organisers.

The NSC said arrangements for accommodation and transportation in Abuja had been addressed with the support of relevant authorities. Plans for a welcome dinner and other hospitality activities are also being coordinated with event partners and government representatives.

Preparations include setting up a Local Organising Committee (LOC), with its membership expected to be communicated to CAF to improve coordination between both organisations.

The first preparatory delegation is expected to arrive in Nigeria on November 8 ahead of the General Assembly. The current inspection team is expected to complete its assignment and leave Nigeria on November 23.

The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly will take place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, while the CAF Awards ceremony will be held in Lagos on December 7.

The two events are expected to bring together key figures in African football administration and give Nigeria an opportunity to showcase its ability to host major international sporting events.

The Federal Government, through the NSC and in collaboration with the NFF and other stakeholders, is working to ensure that both events meet CAF’s organisational requirements.

Aston Villa continued their impressive Champions League run with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Viking at Villa Park on Wednesday.

The win means Unai Emery’s side have won all three of their matches in the competition so far. Villa had beaten Fenerbahce 6-0 in their previous game.

Villa took the lead in the 23rd minute when Ross Barkley headed in Ibrahim Mbaye’s corner kick.

The hosts continued to dominate and doubled their lead eight minutes before half-time. Emiliano Buendia scored from the penalty spot after Alysson was fouled by Zlatko Tripic. The referee awarded the penalty after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the tanker crash and inferno beneath Otedola Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, gave the directive following the incident, which occurred at about 4:10 p.m. on Monday.

The incident involved a diesel-laden tanker that plunged into the underpass beneath the bridge on the outward section of the expressway.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr Osondu Ohaeri, on Monday in Abuja.

Mohammed said the crash triggered a raging inferno, raising concerns about the dangers associated with reckless driving, particularly by operators of heavy-duty vehicles transporting petroleum products.

He, however, said no fatalities were recorded in the initial report, while two adult male occupants of the tanker sustained injuries and were taken to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre for medical attention.

According to him, preliminary findings forwarded by the Lagos Sector Command identified excessive speed as the cause of the crash.

‘The FRSC rescue team arrived at the scene at about 4:20 p.m., following a report received at 4:15 p.m., and joined other emergency responders in efforts to contain the fire, manage traffic and prevent further casualties.

‘The agencies involved in the response included the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Police and other emergency responders.’

The corps marshal described the crash as a grave reminder that irresponsible driving could have consequences extending far beyond the driver and the vehicle, especially when hazardous cargo and heavily trafficked public infrastructure were involved.

He stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, adding that appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the findings.

He also emphasised that transporting petroleum products required exceptional discipline, professional competence and strict adherence to safety standards.

He noted that tanker drivers must understand that the size of their vehicles, the weight of their cargo and the potential consequences of losing control left little room for error.

‘Speeding, dangerous manoeuvres, poor vehicle maintenance and failure to comply with prescribed safety requirements can turn an ordinary journey into a disaster with devastating consequences,’ Mohammed said.

Mohammed also warned fleet operators and tanker owners against placing commercial considerations above human safety.

He said unrealistic delivery schedules, inadequate driver supervision and poor maintenance practices must not be used as excuses for exposing Nigerians to preventable danger.

He called for stronger driver training, effective monitoring of driving behaviour, regular vehicle inspections and strict compliance with applicable speed limits and other road safety regulations.

He commended the emergency responders for their coordinated intervention, noting the importance of prompt and collaborative action in containing emergencies and preventing additional casualties.

The corps marshal urged motorists to exercise extreme caution around emergency scenes and obey traffic control instructions to allow emergency personnel to carry out their duties effectively.

He particularly cautioned members of the public against approaching burning tankers to collect spilled petroleum products or take photographs and videos of such incidents.

He warned that such actions could expose members of the public to potentially fatal consequences, urging motorists and other road users to avoid obstructing emergency responders.

The FRSC boss said the corps would continue to intensify public education, operational surveillance and enforcement to promote responsible driving and protect all road users.

He added that the corps remained committed to preventing avoidable crashes, investigating incidents and ensuring that negligence was held accountable wherever established.

Mohammed reiterated that road safety was not merely a regulatory obligation but a collective national responsibility, stressing that every driver, fleet operator and road user had a duty to ensure that individual decisions did not become a source of tragedy for innocent Nigerians.

He urged tanker operators and other motorists to prioritise safety, exercise caution and comply with traffic regulations to prevent similar incidents.

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has claimed that traditional rulers in the state have pledged their loyalty and support to President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing the President as a son of the soil.

Radda made the disclosure on Monday while receiving a delegation led by former Zamfara State Governor and Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari.

The delegation had visited the emirs of Katsina and Daura as part of consultations with traditional institutions ahead of Tinubu’s re-election bid.

According to Radda, the traditional rulers expressed support for the President because of his longstanding political relationship with Katsina and its prominent leaders.

‘They have shown their support, and they have pledged their loyalty to Mr President. They consider Mr President as the son of the soil,’ the governor declared.

He explained that Tinubu’s political ties with the state dated back several years, citing his support for former President Muhammadu Buhari and his relationship with the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

‘He has been a political friend to our late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. So Katsina State is his home, and he has come to reassure us,’ Radda said.

The governor maintained that Yari’s delegation had embarked on the visits to mobilise support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

‘He was here to canvas for votes. He has gone around to visit the traditional institutions to explain to them the mission and vision of Mr President and his intention for this country,’ he stated.

Radda expressed confidence that the engagements would strengthen the APC’s chances in Katsina, assuring the delegation of his administration’s commitment to Tinubu’s re-election.

‘We assured them of our efforts to ensure the victory of Mr President come 2027 election, Insha Allah,’ he said.

However, Yari, in a separate account of the consultations, maintained that the delegation’s visits to traditional rulers across northern Nigeria were intended to seek prayers, blessings and wise counsel rather than political endorsements.

Radda nevertheless insisted that the reception accorded to the delegation demonstrated growing support for Tinubu in the state.

‘It was very interesting, and they have seen it themselves. Katsina has responded positively to supporting Mr President,’ he said.

The consultations followed Saturday’s inauguration of the APC campaign council in Katsina, during which Radda called for party unity and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

President Bola Tinubu has become the first Nigerian president to receive the United Nations’ proposed budget, according to Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, who described the presentation as a historic first in 66 years.

Ibrahim presented the seven-volume document, containing the proposed $14 billion budget for 2027, to Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

The Nigerian envoy, who chairs the UN General Assembly’s Fifth Committee responsible for budgetary and administrative matters, said the development marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s participation in the global organisation.

‘This is the first time in 66 years that Nigeria will share budget in the committee. The first time. So I don’t know when we’re going to do that again in history,’ Ibrahim told journalists.

He explained that the document had been presented to his committee by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and that he considered it appropriate to formally deliver a copy to the Nigerian president.

‘President Bola Tinubu is making history to have been able to receive that budget, being the first President in 66 years that will receive such budget from the United Nations, and it’s not a small issue for a country to receive the whole UN budget,’ he stated.

Giving details of the proposal, Ibrahim said approximately $3.4 billion was earmarked for the UN’s regular activities, while $8.5 billion was allocated to peacekeeping operations.

He put the overall proposed budget at about $14 billion, although the two figures he disclosed amounted to $11.9 billion.

The ambassador stressed that the budget had not been approved and would undergo further examination, negotiations and possible adjustments by member states.

‘The budget still has to be approved. This is a proposed budget. It’s at the proposed stage,’ he explained.

Asked what Nigeria stood to gain from the UN’s spending plans, Ibrahim declined to give specific figures, saying discussions were still ongoing.

He cited the construction of a $267 million UN conference centre in Kenya as an example of how the organisation invests in facilities across member states.

The proposed budget will be subjected to further scrutiny by the UN General Assembly before final approval and implementation.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday swore in six newly appointed Permanent Secretaries. The appointments brought the number of Permanent Secretaries appointed under Sanwo-Olu’s administration to 135.

The new Permanent Secretaries are Dr Olawale Adegbite, Mrs Folashade Thomas-Orogan, Mr Adebayo Haroun, Mrs Olayinka Oye-Bamgbose, Mr Olatunbuson Ogunbanwo and Mrs Toyin Adekoya.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also swore in chairmen and members of the Local Government Service Commission and the Audit Service Commission in Lagos State.

The members of the Audit Service Commission are Mrs Arinola Dawodu (Chairman), Hon. Bukola Ogunnowo, Ms Omotayo Gbajabiamila-Olamona, Hon. Bowale Shosimi and Hon. Sunday Kappo, while members of the Local Government Service Commission are Hon. Akeem Bamgbola (Chairman), Hon. Adeyinka Durosinmi, Mr Ahmed Seriki, Mr Shamsideen Olaleye and Hon. Folashade Olabanji-Oba.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the new appointees to hit the ground running and ensure effective service delivery to the residents of Lagos State.

The Governor urged them to uphold the highest professional standards and ensure the effective implementation of government policies and programmes.

He said: ‘These appointments recognise your experience and service, but they also place greater expectations on you. At this level of public service, the task is not simply to occupy an office or oversee an institution. It is to make that institution work effectively and ensure that its contribution to the development of Lagos State is clear and measurable.

‘Our vision of a Greater Lagos requires a public service that can translate policies into results. The people of Lagos must be able to see the difference that effective governance makes in their daily lives.

‘I expect you to discharge your duties with integrity, fairness and a strong sense of accountability. Be accessible and responsive in the performance of your functions. Encourage initiative, support collaboration and address administrative challenges with professionalism.’

Speaking earlier, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro, noted that the appointments represented another significant milestone in the pursuit of excellent service delivery and governance.

Agoro assured Governor Sanwo-Olu that all the appointees were fully ready for the tasks ahead, noting that ‘they are full of zeal and enthusiasm to make their contributions towards the development of public service and the State as a whole.

‘These appointments underscore the commitment of the present administration to meritocracy, professionalism, accountability and transparency. I am confident that the wealth of knowledge and expertise you will bring on board will continue to strengthen our institutional capacity.’

The appointees, in their Votes of Assurance, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for entrusting them with the responsibility of taking Lagos State to greater heights and pledged to perform their duties efficiently.

A diesel-laden tanker carrying approximately 45,000 litres of fuel fell off Otedola Bridge in Lagos and burst into flames on Monday, prompting a coordinated emergency response by state and federal agencies.

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying preliminary reports indicated that the tanker plunged off the bridge before bursting into flames.

Oke-Osanyintolu said two adult males were rescued from the scene and given pre-hospital medical care by paramedics from LASEMA’s Lagos Response Unit and an ambulance team from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

He added that the rescued men were subsequently transported to the Trauma Centre by the Lagos State Ambulance Service for further medical attention.

The permanent secretary said personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the NNPC Fire Service were already at the scene battling the fire when LASEMA activated its emergency response.

According to him, the agency cordoned off the affected area, conducted a rapid risk assessment and provided operational support to the ongoing firefighting and rescue efforts.

Oke-Osanyintolu added that the fire had been brought under control, while dampening operations continued to prevent a possible resurgence.

‘The cause of the incident had yet to be established as investigations were ongoing,’ he said.

LASEMA advised motorists to avoid the affected corridor and use alternative routes while emergency operations continued.

The agency urged members of the public to exercise caution around the scene as responders worked to secure the area and manage the remaining risks.

Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has revealed a longstanding personal bond with Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, recalling how they shared a bunk bed at boarding school nearly five decades ago.

Otedola made the revelation on Monday after hosting a dinner in honour of Hamzat, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.

In a post on his X account, the businessman described Hamzat as a man of integrity and expressed confidence in his leadership qualities.

‘Yesterday, I hosted dinner in honour of @DrObafemiHamzat, the incoming Governor of Lagos State. A man of the highest integrity, with whom I shared a bunk bed at boarding school 49 years ago,’ Otedola wrote.

He also highlighted the qualities that, according to him, have characterised their relationship over the years.

‘My experience of his character over the years has been defined by his honesty, sincerity, fairness and strong moral principles,’ he added.

The dinner attracted some of Nigeria’s most prominent business figures, including Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu.

Hamzat secured the APC governorship ticket in May after winning the party’s primary election in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 polls.

According to the announced results, he received 657,917 votes, while his challenger, Olanrewaju Jim-Kamal, polled one vote.

The deputy governor has held the position since 2019 under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He is now seeking to succeed Sanwo-Olu, whose second term in office is due to end in 2027.