Category: PM News

The Cross River State Police Command has stepped up enforcement against motorists flouting vehicle registration regulations, impounding 25 vehicles during a crackdown in Calabar.

The operation, conducted on 3 July 2026, followed a nationwide directive issued by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, aimed at tackling the use of vehicles without proper registration or with concealed and unauthorised number plates.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Calabar, the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Eitokpah, said those found in breach of the regulations had been processed in line with the law and were already facing prosecution.

He said, ‘The Cross River State Police Command has successfully intensified the enforcement of the ongoing nationwide directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on vehicles operating without registration plates or with covered, altered, defaced, unauthorised dealer number plates, or obscured registration plates.’

Giving details of the exercise, Eitokpah added, ‘As part of the enforcement operation carried out within Calabar Metropolis on 3rd July, 2026, the Command intercepted 25 vehicles found in violation of the directive. The offenders have been subjected to the appropriate administrative and legal procedures and are being prosecuted in accordance with the relevant provisions of the law.’

According to the police spokesman, the initiative is intended to strengthen security by making it easier to identify vehicles and preventing criminals from exploiting unregistered or disguised number plates to conceal their activities.

He said, ‘The Cross River State Police Command reiterates its commitment to intelligence-led, proactive, and community-focused policing. Members of the public are urged to comply with all traffic and vehicle registration regulations, as the enforcement exercise will continue across the state.’

The command also appealed to residents to support the ongoing exercise by observing traffic regulations and promptly reporting suspicious individuals or activities through the police emergency contact lines.

Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the August 15th Osun governorship election, Mr.Olajide Esan, is billed to appear on Osun NUJ Guest Platform on Tuesday.

The platform, usually held at NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo, is an engaging programme of Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists where the guest is required to field questions from a panel of interviewers.

Esan, who is expected to be seated by 5 pm on Tuesday, will be speaking on varying degrees of issues including his plan of action when elected.

He will also be providing insight into various economic potentials available to the state which will be tapped from.

Similarly, Director General, Imole Campaign Council, Akogun Lere Oyewumi will be on the seat on Guest Platform on Wednesday morning.

Oyewumi will be answering questions on the election of Governor Ademola Adeleke for another term in office.

According to the state’s NUJ Chairman, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, members of the public are also welcome to the programme.

Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has officially installed BOVAS’ founder, Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson, as the new Chancellor of the institution in a grand investiture ceremony on Monday 6 July at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium, the Osogbo main campus of the school.

Mrs Adunola Samson popularly called Mama BOVAS had earlier this year been chosen by the state governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, who is the Visitor to the university, to succeed Chief Mrs Folorunso Alakija whose eventful ten-year term as Chancellor expired in March 2026.

Adunola submitted her acceptance letter to the government and the institution in May 2026, thanking the governor for finding her worthy of the appointment and promising to live up to expectation.

The governor during his address at the investiture on Monday said: ‘A moment ago, in accordance with the provisions of the Osun State University Establishment Law 2006, I had the singular honour, as the Governor of Osun State and Visitor to this great institution, of formally investing Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson as the Third Chancellor of Osun State University. It is, indeed, a moment of great pride of our university, our state and the entire academic community.

‘On behalf of the Government and the good people of Osun State, I warmly congratulate our newly installed Chancellor, MAMA BOVAS. We are delighted to welcome you into the distinguished family of Osun State University, and we are confident that your tenure will usher in another era of excellence, innovation and institutional advancement.

‘Today’s ceremony is far more than the installation of a chancellor. It is a celebration of continuity, visionary leadership and our collective resolve to strengthen one of the fastest-growing universities in Nigeria. It is also a reaffirmation of our unwavering belief that education remains the most enduring investment any government can make in the future of its people.’

Governor Adeleke seized the moment to also honour Mrs Samson’s predecessor and richest woman in Africa, Chief Mrs Folorunso Alakija, whose tenure as Osun State University Chancellor was marked by a meteoric growth in stature and status of the institution.

The governor said it was fitting to pause to ‘honour an exceptional woman whose tenure as chancellor has left an enduring imprint on the university. Our immediate past Chancellor, Apostle Folorunso Alakija, served this institution with uncommon grace, generosity and commitment. Through her exemplary leadership and philanthropy, she elevated the profile of Osun State University and made contributions that will remain visible for generations to come. The establishment of the Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital fully funded by the Alakija Family is a monumental legacy that has transformed the university’s medical education, research capacity and healthcare delivery. Beyond infrastructure, she inspired hope, promoted excellence and demonstrated that true leadership is measured by the lives one touches and the legacy one leaves behind.

‘On behalf of the Government and the people of Osun State, I express our profound appreciation to Mama Alakija for her selfless service, steadfast support and unwavering commitment to the advancement of education and humanity. Though her tenure has come to a successful conclusion, her remarkable legacy shall remain an integral part of the history of this university,’ Adeleke praised Alakija.

The governor further said leadership is a relay whereby the baton is passed to the next generation.

‘Every generation is called upon to build on the achievements of those who came before it. Today, the baton has been passed to another accomplished and highly respected Nigerian. Following the successful completion of the tenure of our immediate past Chancellor, I was faced with the important responsibility of appointing a worthy successor, someone of impeccable character, proven competence, outstanding leadership ability and an unwavering commitment to national development. After careful consideration, one name stood out: Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson,’ the governor said.

The governor also announced the commissioning of landmark projects same day, adding that since his assumption of office, he has always been coming to commission one project or the other at the university. This, according to him, shows the determination of his administration to reposition education as the cornerstone of sustainable development in the state.

‘Today again, we have not come here for this investiture ceremony alone, we have come to commission another set of landmark and iconic projects: Sports Complex, Laboratory Complex, 750-capacity Lecture Theater and 500-capacity Lecture Hall. We are constructing the internal roads in this campus and Ikire Campus presently and we are building other academic infrastructure in other campuses of this University. We are serious with the business of developing this university to global standad,’ he declared.

The Osun State University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, who opened the event with his address, welcomed the new Chancellor, her predecessor, Visitor to the institution and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Deputy Governor, Pro-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and other dignitaries.

Adebooye expressed profound appreciation to Governor Adeleke for his commitment to the progressive advancement of the university. He commended the governor for appointing a worthy successor to the former Chancellor Folorunso Alakija in person of Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson.

He congratulated Mrs. Samson on the honour conferred on her and said it was an honour well-deserved.

Adebooye defined and emphasised the importance of the position of Chancellor of a university, saying:

‘The position of Chancellor of a university is the highest-ranking official and formal head of a university. He/she serves as the chief ceremonial head and ambassador of the university to the wider community. This position is vital because the Chancellor embodies the University’s prestige, champions the university’s mission, and leverages their high profile to secure philanthropic funding and strategic partnerships for the university. There is no doubt that this great role and status is not for mean men and women. Worldwide, it is for great men and women with track record of leadership and service, great people who have achieved immense prestige in such fields as academia, business, politics or governance. And, because the role relies heavily on ambassadorship, the individuals must possess an impeccable public reputation and strong ethical standard to safeguard the institution’s integrity and brand. A University Chancellor must have the strategic influence and networks that are necessary to champion the university’s mission, drive philanthropic giving, and foster vital connections with government and industry leaders.’

He posited that Mrs. Adunola Samson fits the definition perfectly, adding that her ‘extraordinary, pioneering track record as the founder and Managing Director of BOVAS Oil and Gas. Mama’s impeccable public reputation for honesty and consumer-centric patriotism, which represents a national symbol of decency, will safeguard our university’s moral brand and integrity. As an illustrious indigene of Iree in Osun State, Mama brings an authentic regional commitment to the institution alongside world-class professional training from elite institutions like Harvard Business School. Furthermore, her vast economic influence and leadership footprint within powerful industry boards like DAPPMA and IPMAN present UNIOSUN invaluable benefits for strategic networks and institutional advancement.

‘With this new role and status, Mama has joined the club of such great Nigerians as the Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II, who impactfully served as UNIOSUN’s pioneer Chancellor between 2007 and 2014, and our beautiful and elegant Mama Apostle Folorunso Alakija who meritoriously served as the university’s second Chancellor for a two-term spanning 2016 to 2026.

‘UNIOSUN has grown in leaps and bounds from a total student population of 649 in 2007 now to 42,000; and from a paltry 19 academic programmes at inception to 108 today, with a full-fledged Medical School and a one-in-Africa Modupe and Foloruno Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital (MOFAMRTH) donated to us by the great family of Mr. Modupe and Folorunso Alakija. We are happy that Mama Folorunso Alkija is with us online watching this ceremony life.’

The woman at the centre of the ceremony, Mrs. Victorial Adunola Samson who graced the occasion with her husband thanked the Almighty God for His mercies and blessings, and for making the day a reality. She also thanked everyone at the event for coming to honour her and the institution, declaring that ‘I am the happiest today.’

She described her feeling when she got information about her nomination for the post as shocking.

‘When I got the call from His Excellency on my nomination for the prestigious appointment, I was shocked because it came to me as a surprise. The position of University Chancellor is not an ordinary position. It is a great one with onerous responsibilities attached to it. But it is also a position to deploy one’s God-given goodwill and resources to make impact. I felt reluctant to accept the nomination initially. But on a second thought, I realised that it is a clarion call to serve God through the people, and especially the good people of my home state. I also realised it was a great honour and privilege, and a good opportunity to join the great work being done by Osun State to continuously grow the next level of leadership in all sectors of Nigeria in particular, and for the entire world in general. It was on the basis of this that I gladly accepted the appointment and the associated responsibilities,’ the new Chancellor said.

She paid tributes to her predecessors in office, the pioneer Chancellor, late Oba Okunade Sijuade and the second Chancellor Mrs. Alakija. She pledged to demonstrate commitment to her responsibilities and live up to the billing.

‘I have had a lot of discussions and consultations with our Vice-Chancellor to know how best to key into aspirations of the founding fathers of this University. I have also carefully listened to the addresses of both the Chairman of Council and that of the Vice-Chancellor. I must confirm to you all that I have no regrets joining UNIOSUN at this level, and now,’ Mrs. Samson said.

She urged all stakeholders to cooperate and collaborate with her on the mission to build on the solid foundation laid by her predecessors and take the university to greater heights.

Then, she dropped her tall vision for the institution, saying: ‘We must also collaborate to effectively improve the webometric ranking of this University. We must ensure all hands are on deck to bring UNIOSUN to the class of top 10 in Nigeria in the next five years. I strongly believe this is achievable, God blessing us.’

The new Osun State University (UNIOSUN) Chancellor, Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson is the founder and Group Managing Director of BOVAS Oil and Gas. Mrs Samson, a native of Iree in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, was born on December 5, 1949. She has built BOVAS Oil and Gas Company into one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous petroleum marketing firms.

Under her leadership and that of her husband, the company expanded from a single filling station to more than 200 petroleum service stations across the country, providing employment for over 2,000 Nigerians as of December 31, 2025.

Mrs Samson also holds the Texaco Petroleum franchise and made history as the first Nigerian to win the highly competitive Texaco Latin America and West Africa Award for Best Overall Dealer in 1990, having recorded the highest sales volume across both regions.

She is one of the most respected business leaders in Nigeria. She is an accomplished industrialist and foremost female entrepreneur in the downstream Oil and Gas Sector. Widely regarded as Mama BOVAS, Mrs. Samson is bringing over four decades of transformative leadership experience to her new assignment.

Mrs Samson holds a Professional Diploma in Marketing and attended the Harvard University Business School Leadership Programme for Family Businesses in 2013. She also participated in the Chief Executive Programme at IESE Business School, Barcelona, Spain.

She has consistently demonstrated exceptional capacity and corporate strategy, business expansion, infrastructure development and people-centred leadership. She has positioned her company as a major player in the energy sector. Adunola’s reputation remains tall and unblemished.

Dignitaries at the august event included the state governor, his wife Titilola Adeleke and his deputy; Speaker of the State House of Assembly and his deputy; Senators from Osun; the institution’s Pro-Chancellor; founder of UNIOSUN and former governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; royal fathers including First Class obas in Osun, Oyo and Ekiti; representative of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; accomplished academics, and captains of industries.

Former Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, has dismissed the 2027 presidential chances of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, insisting that the North will not support either of them.

Sheriff, an All Progressives Congress chieftain, spoke on Monday night while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he argued that President Bola Tinubu should be allowed to complete eight years in office.

According to him, Atiku, a former vice president, is qualified and respected, but the 2027 presidency should not return to the North.

He said the North had already completed eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari and should therefore wait until 2031 before seeking power again.

‘For Atiku, this is not the North’s turn. He is a well-respected leader and very qualified, but he has to wait until 2031,’ Sheriff said.

‘President Buhari has finished eight years of being in charge, so now it’s the South’s turn.’

Sheriff also took a harder swipe at Obi, saying he was not worried about the former Anambra governor’s presidential ambition because Northerners would not support him.

‘I don’t worry about Peter Obi because I know Northerners will never support him,’ he said.

The former governor claimed that Obi’s past record in Anambra State remained an issue for some Northerners, especially those advising former Kano governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, against aligning with him.

‘The situation is different now. During Peter Obi’s time as governor, he worked to get Northerners to leave Anambra State. This is what people in Kano are telling Kwankwaso now,’ Sheriff said.

He added that Kwankwaso’s supporters may remain loyal to him if he runs for president, but would not back him if he teams up with Obi.

‘They claim they have always stood by him and will keep doing so if he runs for president, but they won’t support him if he sides with Peter Obi,’ he said.

Sheriff’s comments come as opposition figures continue to weigh alliances and possible coalitions ahead of the 2027 general election.

His remarks are also likely to deepen debate over zoning, Northern support, Tinubu’s second-term ambition and the opposition’s struggle to build a united front before the next presidential race.

The Director of Finance and Accounts at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Kunemofa Asu, has been appointed as the Vice Chairperson of the prestigious 100 Most Notable Africans Peace Icons Award.

Her appointment as the organisation’s Vice Chairperson (Africa) was formally announced during the 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit held in Marrakech, Morocco, where she was also honoured with the distinguished 100 Most Notable Africans Peace Icons Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to public financial management, transparent governance, and community development.

The woman whose simplicity and humility portrays what the golden image of the world should be was also decorated with Asia- Africa Award for Peace and Diplomacy role in driving economic growth in Africa, her distinguished impact across Africa, Asia and beyond.

Dr. Asu’s recognition is seen as a reflection of a remarkable career spanning more than two decades of dedicated service in public finance, administrative excellence, and impactful leadership.

As the Director of Finance and Accounts at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), she has earned widespread commendation for strengthening financial governance, promoting transparency, and enhancing accountability systems within the Commission. Her commitment to prudent financial management has contributed significantly to institutional reforms and improved fiscal discipline.

An accomplished finance professional, Dr. Asu holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from Rivers State University and a Master of Business Administration from the National Open University of Nigeria. She is a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) and a Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Management, Nigeria (ISMN). She is also a fellow of the Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Risk Management Institute (FECRMI)

Speaking after receiving the honour and her appointment, Dr. Asu expressed gratitude to the organisers for the confidence reposed in her.

‘I receive this recognition and appointment with profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility. This honour is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the dedicated team I work with at the NDDC. It inspires me to continue promoting transparency, accountability, peacebuilding, and sustainable development across Africa.

Project Director Africa of the summit, Kingsley Amafibe, said Dr. Asu’s appointment was a reflection of her outstanding record of integrity and transformational leadership in public service.

Pastor Abimbola Olawuyi, the widow of late investigative broadcaster and journalist Kola Olawuyi and a pastor at RCCG Grace City, has died, bringing another wave of grief to a family that has lived with the loss of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated media figures for nearly two decades.

PM News learnt that Pastor Abimbola died on Monday morning after a brief illness.

A member of the Olawuyi family, who confirmed the development to PM News on condition of anonymity, said she passed away peacefully after falling ill.

Her death comes 19 years after the passing of her husband, Kola Olawuyi, the pioneering investigative journalist whose fearless reporting transformed crime and investigative broadcasting in Southwest Nigeria.

Widely regarded as one of the region’s most influential broadcasters, Kola Olawuyi became a household name through his popular radio and television programmes, Iriri Aye (translated as Experiences of Life) and Nnkan Nbe, which exposed criminal activities, ritual killings, fraud, and other social vices. His bold style of journalism earned him widespread respect and established him as a trusted voice for justice and accountability.

Following his death, Abimbola largely stayed away from the public spotlight, dedicating herself to raising their four children and preserving the family through years of personal sacrifice.

According to the family source, she remained the backbone of the household, carrying the responsibilities left behind after the death of her husband.

‘Abimbola has been a pillar of strength for the family. Her death is really painful. She has been taking care of the family and the four children left by her husband, Kola Olawuyi, and now the children are orphans. Only God knows what lies ahead for them. I am deeply pained,’ the family member told PM News.

The source described her as a devoted mother whose resilience, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment kept the family together despite the enormous challenges that followed the death of the veteran journalist.

Family members said her passing has left relatives, friends and well-wishers devastated, as many regarded her as the steady force that sustained the Olawuyi family over the past 19 years.

The family said burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

Kola Olawuyi remains one of the pioneers of investigative broadcasting in Southwest Nigeria. Through Iriri Aye and Nnkan Nbe, he used storytelling and investigative journalism to highlight crime, social injustice, and other issues affecting society, earning a lasting place in the history of Nigerian broadcasting.

With Abimbola’s death, the Olawuyi family has suffered yet another profound loss, closing another chapter in the legacy of one of Nigeria’s most respected broadcasting families.

The police in Abia have arrested one Mrs Gift Nwoko residing at IBB Housing Estate in Umuahia over alleged attempted murder of her ward, Miss Chimamanda Ebo.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Monday in Umuahia.

Chinaka said preliminary investigation revealed that Nwoko, female, 35, from Ehime- Mbano in Imo was an aunt to 12 year-old Ebo.

According to the PPRO, Nwoko, who had been living with Ebo, attempted to kill her on Sunday for failing to spread clothes she directed her earlier before going to the market.

Chinaka said investigations further showed that the suspect (Nwoko) had repeatedly beaten and threatened to kill young Ebo.

‘Operatives from the World Bank Divisional Police Headquarters, Umuahia, raced to the scene leveraging on actionable intelligence.

‘They rescued the victim, apprehended the suspect, and recovered the exhibit knife,’ she said.

The spokesperson said that investigation was ongoing while the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

The PPRO said the suspect would be charged for attempted murder upon conclusion of investigation.

‘The Command condemns such actions for whatever reasons and advises members of the public to desist from such acts, and to report any such incidents to the nearest police station.

‘Together we can keep Abia safe;

See something, say something.’ Chinaka said.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, have dismissed claims that the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is responsible for flooding in parts of Lagos, describing the narrative as misinformation spread on social media.

The governor and the minister spoke during a courtesy visit from the minister alongside members of the National Assembly.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who welcomed the Minister of Works and lawmakers from both chambers of the National Assembly, commended the Federal Government for embarking on what he described as a transformative infrastructure project that would improve the economy and the quality of life of Nigerians.

He said the Coastal Highway, which many initially dismissed as a political promise, has become a reality.

He said: ‘Two years ago, it felt like it was just a political conversation, but today people are already using the road. We thank Mr. President for this landmark project. Lagos has been the first major beneficiary, and we are indeed grateful because it will enhance the quality of life of our people and improve the economy of the country.’

Addressing concerns over flooding, Governor Sanwo-Olu explained that Lagos’ geographical location makes seasonal flooding inevitable.

According to him, Lagos occupies less than 0.4 per cent of Nigeria’s landmass, with about one-third of the state covered by water, while its rapidly growing population continues to exert pressure on available land and infrastructure.

‘Lagos is a coastal city. When people say Lagos has flooded, without mincing words, we will always experience some level of flooding. We only pray that it will not be severe. These are natural occurrences associated with coastal environments across the world,’ he stated.

The governor noted that intense rainfall could temporarily overwhelm drainage systems regardless of their size but insisted that floodwaters usually recede after some time.

He accused social media users of creating misleading impressions by circulating photographs taken during peak flooding without showing conditions after the water had subsided.

‘We cannot allow social media to define who we are. That does not mean we ignore our challenges. Whenever there are problems, we must confront them and solve them, but we must also understand the realities of our environment,’ he added.

Sanwo-Olu also blamed indiscriminate refuse disposal for worsening flooding across the state, saying blocked drainage channels remain one of the major causes of urban flooding.

He recalled that the Lagos State Government banned the use of styrofoam because of its harmful environmental impact and disclosed that additional environmental regulations would soon be introduced.

The governor further revealed that the state had commenced a major clean-up of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway to protect public infrastructure, stressing that the government would enforce zero tolerance against activities capable of damaging roads and drainage systems.

On maintaining the Coastal Highway, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the state had signed an agreement with a mechanised street-cleaning company that would deploy specialised six-lane sweeping machines to clean the highway daily.

He assured residents that the government would continue protecting public investments and ensuring proper maintenance of critical infrastructure.

Speaking on the need for service roads along the Coastal Highway, the governor said such facilities would improve access for residents and businesses while protecting the integrity of the main carriageway.

He acknowledged that some structures might have to be removed to accommodate the infrastructure but stressed that such sacrifices were necessary for long-term development.

Earlier, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the inspection was directed by President Bola Tinubu following widespread reports on social media alleging that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was responsible for flooding in Lagos.

Umahi described the reports as false and misleading, noting that flooding had been recorded across several states of the federation and had been predicted in at least 22 states.

‘We were concerned about the negative narrative on social media claiming that the Coastal Highway caused flooding in Lagos. The President directed us to come with members of the National Assembly to assess the situation ourselves,’ he said.

The minister explained that the highway was deliberately elevated to withstand ocean surges and protect the corridor from flooding for the next 20 to 30 years.

He noted that the affected areas were naturally swampy long before construction commenced and warned that buildings constructed below approved flood levels would continue to experience flooding irrespective of the highway.

Umahi commended the Lagos State Government’s drainage master plan, particularly its policy of directing stormwater into lagoons rather than directly into the ocean.

According to him, more than 80 per cent of the drainage evacuation channels leading to the lagoons have already been completed.

He disclosed that both the Federal and Lagos State governments would collaborate to provide additional drainage channels and service lanes along both sides of the Coastal Highway.

The minister, however, noted that some structures would have to be removed to accommodate the drainage infrastructure and service roads, adding that stakeholder engagements had been scheduled to ensure cooperation from affected residents.

Umahi also revealed plans to provide modern infrastructure along the corridor, including surveillance cameras, wind stations, parking facilities, tourism infrastructure and other amenities.

He stressed that strict development control would be enforced along the Coastal Highway corridor to ensure it meets international standards and becomes a source of national pride.

The minister thanked residents and stakeholders for their cooperation, saying their support had been instrumental to the progress recorded on the landmark project.

The Lagos State Government says it has detained 396 people engaged in street begging during a coordinated enforcement exercise designed to improve environmental cleanliness, public safety and order across the state.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, announced the development in a statement shared on his official X account on Tuesday.

According to the commissioner, operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps carried out the operation as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen sanitation standards and tackle unlawful activities in different parts of the state.

Wahab said those apprehended would first undergo profiling before any necessary support is provided.

He added that after the process, they would be transferred to the relevant authorities for a safe return to their respective states.

The commissioner said the exercise reflected the government’s determination to uphold public order, safeguard the environment and make communities safer.

He also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to continuing similar enforcement operations to keep Lagos clean and improve the quality of life for residents.

The Speaker of Ogun House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide has assured that the bill on safe termination of pregnancy currently before lawmakers in the state would undergo rigorous process to ensure that its provisions do not conflict with existing laws of Nigeria and other extant legislations.

Speaker Elemide gave the assurance as Ogun State House of Assembly commenced the second reading of the bill titled: ‘H.B. No. 036/OG/ 2026-Ogun State Safe Termination of pregnancy law, 2026’, on Tuesday.

Speaking shortly after the members conducted a debate during the second reading of the bill on the floor of the Assembly, the Speaker Elemide noted that the bill which was introduced to ‘Reduce Maternal Morbidity and Mortality, Promote Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights and to Establish the Conditions for the Safe Termination of Pregnancy in accordance with Legal Indications, and for Connected Purposes’, was necessary to reduce avoid maternal mortality.

The Ogun Speaker reiterated that the House Committee on Health and other relevant stakeholders would subject the proposed legislation to a thorough scrutiny to ensure that it aligns with the Constitution and other applicable laws of Nigeria, while addressing the policy objectives of the bill without creating redundancy or legal conflicts.

Earlier, while opening the debate on the bill, the sponsor and Chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon. Wahab Haruna, described the proposed legislation as a critical intervention aimed at addressing the persistent challenge of maternal mortality and morbidity in the State.

He explained that the bill sought to establish a clear legal and medical position under which termination of pregnancy might be carried out by qualified medical practitioners in approved health facilities, including where the life of any pregnant woman is at risk.

Aligning with the sponsor’s position, Hon. Babatunde Tella noted that the bill was aimed at promoting safe medical intervention in high-risk pregnancies where termination is medically recommended.

Contributing to the debate, Hon. Lukman Adeleye, stressed the need to adopt globally accepted best practices in reproductive healthcare; saying that the proposed legislation would provide legal and institutional frameworks for a safe pregnancy termination in legally recognised circumstances.

He added that it would protect victims of rape from trauma and contribute to reducing maternal mortality.

On his part, Hon. Oluseun Adesanya and Hon. Yusuf Sheriff alongside other lawmakers supported the fact that the bill would boost access to the required information and medical intervention necessary to protect the women

The bill was subsequently committed to the House Committee on Health for further legislative action.