Category: PM News

The Lagos State Government has disbursed the sum of N1.08 billion in accrued pension rights to 648 retirees across the state’s public service, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and financial security of former civil servants.

Speaking at the 115th Retirement Benefit Bond Certificate Presentation Ceremony on Friday held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, said said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the release of ?1,081,535,589.42 to retirees drawn from the Mainstream Civil Service, Local Government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), and other state government parastatals.

He described the approval as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to rewarding public servants who had devoted years of meritorious service to the development of Lagos State.

The Head of Service commended the Governor for consistently prioritising the welfare of retirees, noting that the regular funding of pension obligations underscored the state’s determination to honour its commitments.

He also praised the Director-General of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mr. Babalola Obilana, and the commission’s staff for their dedication to ensuring the timely processing of retirement benefits.

According to Agoro, LASPEC’s regular sensitisation programmes and retirement documentation seminars have continued to improve pension administration and better prepare officers for life after retirement.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Obilana described the presentation of retirement bond certificates as more than a routine exercise, saying it was a celebration of the dedication, sacrifice and invaluable contributions of retirees to the growth and transformation of Lagos State.

He said the Contributory Pension Scheme had continued to guarantee the financial security of retired public servants, adding that Lagos remained a leading example of efficient, transparent and well-managed pension administration in Nigeria despite prevailing economic challenges.

Obilana disclosed that the 648 retirees receiving bond certificates were entitled to ?1,081,535,589.42, representing their accrued pension rights for services rendered before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2007.

He attributed the success of the state’s pension administration to the collaborative efforts of LASPEC, Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), Annuity Service Providers (ASPs), Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as other strategic partners working to ensure seamless processing and payment of retirement benefits.

The LASPEC boss said the commission would continue to strengthen stakeholder engagement, promote financial literacy among public servants and embrace innovation to improve service delivery and ensure the pension system remained responsive to emerging realities and global best practices.

Tunde Ayeni, a prominent businessman and former Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, (now Polaris Bank Limited) was re-arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court, Apo on charges of fraud by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday,

Ayeni was first arraigned on May 4, 2026, re-arraigned on June 22, 2026, and Thursday’s re-arraignment makes it the third time he is taking his plea in court, Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the Commission said in a statement on Thursday.

The EFCC re-arraigned him on amended 18-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, and diversion of funds to the tune of N15.6 billion on Thursday.

In one of the charges, EFCC alleged that Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc (now Polaris Bank Limited) on 20th November 2014 at Abuja committed criminal breach of trust by dishonestly transferring over N3 billion depositors’ funds to Misa Limited’s account No:1011295717, domiciled with Zenith Bank.

The anti-graft agency said the businessman’s action was in violation of his contract with the defunct Skye Bank Plc and an offence contrary to section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under section 312 of same Act.

In the count nine of the charges, EFCC also alleged that Tunde Ayeni as the Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc (now Polaris Bank Limited) on 2nd of December 2014 committed criminal breach of trust by dishonestly misappropriating over N5 billion.

According to EFCC, Ayeni directed the transfer of the funds to Greenwich Registrar’s account No:0003490559 domiciled with Union Bank.

The anti-graft agency said his action was in in violation of his contract with the defunct Skye Bank Plc and an offence contrary to section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under section 312 of same Act.’

The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ when the charges were read to him, following which prosecution counsel, Abba Muhammed, SAN, told the court that his team was ready to proceed with the trial and that the First Prosecution Witness was in court.

The plea for the immediate commencement of trial, was however, opposed by the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, who argued that the prosecution had not filed the summary of the witness’s statements.

The prosecution counsel, in response, disclosed that the summary of the witness’s statements was filed alongside the second amended charge.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie in resolving the matter, held that the prosecution had complied with the necessary requirements.

He subsequently adjourned the matter till, July 20, 22, and 23, 2026, for continuation of trial.

Her Regal Majesty Queen Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, the wife of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan-Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has been appointed the first Official Royal Patron of SELHAYA®, a British luxury silk Maison founded in London by Aisha Hossain and Sajjad Choudhury.

The appointment marks a significant milestone for the London-based fashion house, reinforcing its commitment to celebrating craftsmanship, cultural heritage, philanthropy and timeless elegance through the art of silk.

Expressing her delight at the appointment, Queen Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi described the partnership as one rooted in legacy, culture and purpose.

‘True luxury is not measured by what we wear, but by the legacy we weave. As Official Royal Patron of SELHAYA®, I proudly champion a House where silk becomes heritage, craftsmanship becomes culture, and elegance becomes a timeless legacy,’ she said.

To commemorate the announcement, the Queen was photographed wearing The Coronation, a gold crystal and pearl silk creation from SELHAYA’s Royal Collection. Designed as a tribute to modern royalty, the ceremonial piece embodies the Maison’s signature blend of cultural storytelling, refined artistry and exceptional craftsmanship.

The appointment follows Her Regal Majesty’s participation as Guest of Honour at the inaugural SELHAYA Royal Cultural Salon held at Mansion House in the City of London on June 27, 2026.

The exclusive gathering brought together distinguished guests from the worlds of fashion, luxury, culture, philanthropy, entrepreneurship and the arts to celebrate silk craftsmanship, heritage and enduring legacy.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of SELHAYA’s ceremonial silk creations, the unveiling of the Maison’s first collection of framed silk artworks, and a keynote address by Queen Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, who spoke on the relationship between fashion, identity and cultural preservation.

In recognition of her support, SELHAYA presented the Queen with The Sovereign Jewel, an original framed silk artwork handcrafted on gold taffeta silk and embellished with more than 800 hand-embroidered crystals. The bespoke artwork symbolises gratitude, mutual respect and a shared commitment to promoting cultural excellence, while marking the Maison’s evolution from creating wearable silk pieces to producing collectable silk artworks.

As Official Royal Patron, Queen Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, who is the Deputy Convener of Hopesalive Initiative of Africa, a philanthropic and humanitarian Non-Governmental OrganisationThis appointment marks a key milestone in SELHAYA’s growth as a British luxury Maison with an expanding international presence and a commitment to creating beauty that carries meaning, celebrates heritage, of the Ooni of Ife, will support SELHAYA’s vision of advancing craftsmanship, empowering women, preserving cultural heritage and promoting philanthropy through the enduring language of silk.

The appointment represents a defining chapter in SELHAYA’s growth as a British luxury Maison with an expanding international cultural presence and a steadfast commitment to creating beauty that carries meaning, celebrates heritage and leaves a lasting legacy.

Lagos residents have been asked to exercise patience as persistent rainfall continues to damage roads and other public infrastructure across the state, making repairs more difficult.

The appeal was made by the Lagos State Public Works Corporation in a statement issued on Thursday by its Director of Public Affairs, Samuel Ayetutu, on behalf of the General Manager, Tokunbo Ajanaku.

The agency acknowledged the hardship being experienced by motorists, commuters and other road users due to the worsening condition of several roads. It, however, assured residents that maintenance teams remained on the ground to improve safety and keep roads accessible.

Ajanaku said the volume of rainfall recorded this year had been unusually high, stressing that the problem was not limited to Lagos, as many cities across the world had also suffered severe flooding and damage to infrastructure.

‘It is important to note that the unusually high volume of rainfall recorded this year is not peculiar to Lagos alone. Across many cities around the world, extreme weather conditions have led to flooding and significant damage to public infrastructure.

‘In Lagos, however, the challenge is even more pronounced because of the state’s unique terrain, with large portions lying below sea level. This makes roads particularly vulnerable to persistent groundwater pressure and torrential rainfall.’

He explained that the corporation had taken advantage of the previous dry season to rehabilitate and maintain roads across the state before the rains began.

According to him, sustained rainfall has made it difficult to carry out permanent repairs because asphalt can only be laid effectively under dry conditions that guarantee durability.

‘Continuous and heavy rainfall has limited the effectiveness of permanent road repairs, as engineering standards require dry weather conditions for durable asphalt works to achieve the desired quality and longevity.

‘While LSPWC has continued to deploy its maintenance teams across the state to provide palliative interventions and repair potholes where conditions permit, many of the current repairs are necessarily temporary measures aimed at providing immediate relief and ensuring safer passage for road users.’

He added that engineers were closely monitoring roads across the state and responding to emergencies wherever possible. Comprehensive reconstruction of damaged roads, he said, would begin once weather conditions become favourable.

Ajanaku reiterated that the corporation remained committed to delivering durable road infrastructure rather than short-term fixes.

He also appealed to residents to help preserve public assets by avoiding the dumping of refuse into drainage channels. According to him, blocked drains contribute to flooding, speed up road damage and increase maintenance costs.

The appeal comes as many Lagos residents continue to express concern over deteriorating road conditions after weeks of heavy rainfall, with reports of expanding potholes, damaged road sections and worsening traffic.

Meanwhile, the state government says it has stepped up the clearing of drainage systems and intensified flood monitoring as part of measures to reduce the impact of the prolonged rainy season.

The family of late Mary Habila has on Friday petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, seeking an order directing the immediate release of her remains for burial.

The family’s lawyer, Kaile Yusuf, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on the family’s efforts to retrieve Habila’s body.

Yusuf said Habila, a staff member attached to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, died on June 27 in Ebonyi and her remains remain in official custody.

He said the family had fulfilled police requirements for the body’s release but had yet to receive approval to proceed with burial.

The lawyer said the briefing also aimed to correct alleged misinformation and false claims about Habila’s profession and personal character.

According to him, Habila was a qualified nurse, not a physiotherapist, and served at David Umahi University of Health Sciences before her deployment to the minister’s office.

He said she worked with the minister for about three years and remained a civil servant, supported by her appointment letter and salary records.

Yusuf described the continued withholding of the body as unjustified and alleged attempts by unnamed persons to politicise the matter.

He said the family petitioned the IGP against the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, seeking immediate release of the remains for burial.

The lawyer said the family rejected repeated requests for an autopsy, citing personal, cultural and traditional reasons.

He also dismissed allegations questioning Habila’s character, insisting such claims were false and should not distract from the family’s request.

Yusuf said the petition sought transfer of the matter to the Force Headquarters and disciplinary action against officers found to have acted unlawfully.

Also speaking at the briefing, Habila’s father, Tanko, appealed for the immediate release of his daughter’s body, saying the family only wanted to give her a befitting burial.

He said the family was not accusing anyone over the death and maintained it had cordial relations with Habila’s workplace before the incident.

A colleague, Anita Baki, described Habila’s death as sudden, clarified she was the physiotherapist, and reaffirmed that the deceased served as a nurse.

Mary Habila died on June 27 in Ebonyi while serving as a staff member in the Office of the Minister of Works and her remains have since remained in police custody.

The family said it has complied with police requirements for the body’s release but opposes an autopsy on personal, cultural and traditional grounds, insisting only on a dignified burial.

The Supreme Court has restored the final forfeiture of seven luxury properties linked to former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, overturning an earlier Court of Appeal judgment that ordered a fresh hearing of the case.

In a unanimous judgment delivered on Friday, a five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, upheld the appeal filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), setting aside the decision of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division.

The judgment, read by Justice Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the November 1, 2024 ruling of the Federal High Court in Lagos, which ordered the final forfeiture of the assets to the Federal Government after finding they were reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

The ruling brings to an end Emefiele’s legal challenge against the forfeiture order secured by the anti-graft agency.

The forfeited assets include two fully detached duplexes on Hakeem Odumosu Street, Lekki Phase 1; an undeveloped parcel of land on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi; a bungalow and a four-bedroom duplex in Ikoyi; an industrial complex under construction on 22 plots of land in Agbor, Delta State; eight apartment units on Adekunle Lawal Road, Ikoyi; and another duplex on Bank Road, Ikoyi.

The Federal High Court had also ordered the forfeiture of $2.045 million in cash and share certificates belonging to Queensdorf Global Fund Limited Trust, which were not contested by the defendant.

Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court had granted the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture in November 2024 after holding that the Commission had sufficiently established that the assets were proceeds of unlawful activities.

However, in June 2025, the Court of Appeal overturned the decision, ruling that some parties claiming ownership of the assets were denied fair hearing and directing that the matter be returned to the trial court for fresh proceedings.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, the EFCC approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the trial court’s decision was properly reached and should be restored.

The apex court agreed with the Commission, nullified the Court of Appeal’s judgment and reinstated the final forfeiture order, effectively vesting ownership of the listed properties and cash in the Federal Government.

The appeal was argued for the EFCC by a legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), alongside the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), while Emefiele was represented by Senior Advocates of Nigeria Olalekan Ojo and Labi Lawal.

The African Action Congress, AAC, has unveiled a dedicated mobile application to serve as the official digital platform for supporters of its 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

Sowore announced the launch in a video shared on Thursday via his verified Instagram account, @yelesho, describing the application as a key tool for citizens who want to participate in his campaign.

Addressing Nigerians, he said: ‘Felllow Nigerians, real change begins with action and action begins with you.

‘That is why we launched the SoworeNow app, with this app you can get verified campaign updates, you can join rallies and connect with other supporters to promote the movement.’

Released in July 2026, the SoworeNow app is intended to strengthen nationwide mobilisation by bringing campaign activities, volunteers and supporters together on a single platform as preparations gather pace for the 2027 general election.

The application provides verified campaign information, official statements and regular updates on the movement’s activities. It also features Movement AI, an artificial intelligence assistant that responds to users’ questions in multiple languages.

Supporters can use the platform to locate campaign events, receive notifications about rallies and engage with other verified members through a moderated online community.

The app also includes a peer-to-peer feature that allows users to request mobile data support from fellow supporters.

In addition, it contains election-focused tools, enabling users to report suspected electoral irregularities, register as polling unit agents and monitor live election collation.

AAC members who link their official membership identification can access digital membership cards through the platform, while active users are rewarded with points under a gamified engagement system.

The campaign said the application is available at no cost and emphasised its privacy features.

‘The application is entirely free, contains no third-party tracking, and can be downloaded through the official mobile marketplaces.’

Nigerian government on Friday denied report that is planning to ban export of raw cocoa.

Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

However, the Minister said the government is promoting value addition to maximise earnings from cocoa as a commodity.

Kyari said reports suggesting that the Federal Government planned to ban the export of raw cocoa beans did not reflect its policy.

‘Our objective is value addition, not an export ban,’ he said.

He said that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the government was committed to building a globally competitive cocoa industry by encouraging increased local processing while maintaining Nigeria’s position as a reliable cocoa exporter.

The minister said raw cocoa exports would continue to play an important role as the government expanded domestic processing capacity.

According to him, the goal is to create an enabling environment that attracts investment in cocoa processing, boosts farmers’ incomes, creates jobs and increases export earnings from every tonne of cocoa produced.

Kyari said the policy also aligns with efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural exports through improved traceability and compliance with international standards, ensuring continued access to premium global markets.

‘The message is clear: the Federal Government is not banning raw cocoa exports.

‘We are promoting value addition so that Nigeria captures more value from its cocoa while remaining competitive in the global market,’ he said.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that a total of 1,516 Nigerians fleeing from xenophobia attacks in South Africa were evacuated back home in seven batches during the recently concluded voluntary repatriation exercise undertaken by the Federal Government.

NEMA said this in a statement by Manzo Ezekiel of its press unit on Friday.

According to the statement, the 1,516 Nigerians voluntarily returned home from the South Africa between 11th June and 15th July 2026 through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, aboard Air Peace and South African Airways flights.

NEMA, which coordinated the exercice on behalf of the Federal Government listed other agencies involved in the voluntary repatriation exercise to include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Port Health Services and security agencies

The agency listed other relevant stakeholders that participated to ensure the safe, orderly and dignified return of the affected Nigerians to include MTN.

Giving further detail of the exercise, NEMA said: ‘The first batch of 258 returnees arrived on 11th June, 2026, aboard Air Peace. This was followed by the second batch of 66 returnees on 24th June via South African Airways. The third batch of 298 returnees arrived on 30th June, while the fourth batch of 266 returnees arrived on 3rd July aboard Air Peace.

‘The fifth batch of 284 returnees arrived on 9th July, followed by the sixth batch of 39 returnees on 10th July via South African Airways. The seventh and final batch, comprising 305 returnees, arrived on 15th July 2026, bringing the total number of returnees to 1,516.

‘Throughout the exercise, NEMA played a leading operational role in coordinating the reception of the returnees and arrangements for their onward transportation to various destinations, alongside partner agencies.

‘The Agency commends all stakeholders whose collaboration contributed to the successful completion of the exercise.’

It added that NEMA’s Lagos Operations Office, led by the Head of Operations on behalf of the Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, diligently carried out the Agency’s responsibilities throughout the exercise, ensuring the successful reception, processing, and onward movement of the returnees.

‘The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to continue providing coordinated humanitarian support during emergency evacuations, voluntary repatriation, and other humanitarian operations, in line with its statutory mandate of coordinating disaster management and humanitarian assistance in Nigeria’

The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) has deepened its investment in local communities with the graduation of over 110 young Nigerians from its Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP).

The graduands were equipped with practical renewable energy skills and start-up support to build sustainable livelihoods, serve their communities and contribute to Nigeria’s clean energy future.

Held under the theme: ‘Lighting Up the Nation: Empowering Youths in Renewable Energy Solutions’, the YEP graduation ceremony featured exhibitions of practical solutions developed by participants during the programme, including solar home systems, mini-grid prototypes, solar dryers, biogas digesters and energy audit tools.

The programme is designed to help young people convert technical training into income-generating enterprises, while also addressing real needs in homes, schools, health centres and small businesses that require reliable, affordable and cleaner energy solutions.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Operating Officer, Seplat Energy Plc, Samson Ezugworie, described YEP as a strategic investment in people, communities and the nation’s future.

‘The Youth Entrepreneurship Programme is here to stay. We have sustained it over the years with our Joint Venture partner because we believe that investing in young people is fundamental to nation-building,’ he said.

Ezugworie said the programme goes beyond skills acquisition by providing graduates with take-off grants to support the launch of their businesses and enable them to begin creating value within their communities.

‘Today, we celebrate your achievement, but tomorrow, we want to celebrate your impact. Your contribution should extend beyond personal success to creating opportunities, solving problems and transforming communities,’ he added.

Also speaking, the Director, External Affairs and Social Performance of Seplat Energy Plc, Chioma Afe, noted that the YEP reflects the JV’s commitment to building community resilience by connecting young people with skills that are relevant to the future of work and the evolving energy landscape.

‘Across Nigeria, families, schools, healthcare facilities and small businesses are seeking reliable, affordable and cleaner energy. By equipping young people with renewable energy skills, we are helping them create new sources of livelihood while empowering them to become problem-solvers in their communities,’ she said.

According to Afe, the initiative was conceived to bridge the gap between learning and enterprise, ensuring that training translates into practical outcomes for individuals, families and local economies.

She added that YEP forms part of the JV’s broader education and community development ecosystem, which includes the PEARLS Quiz Competition, undergraduate scholarships, the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP), solar-powered STEAM laboratories and energy access initiatives across host communities.

In his remark, the Managing Director of NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, Nicolas Foucart, who was represented by Olubukonla Oyegbami, reaffirmed NEPL’s commitment to sustaining partnerships that expand opportunities for young people and strengthen community development.

Meanwhile, the NEPL/Seplat JV has commissioned an upgraded classroom block and modern learning facilities for the visually-impaired unit at Ihogbe College, Benin City, under the JV’s Diversity and Inclusion programme.

The gesture is a further demonstration of its commitment to inclusive community development, and has expanded access to quality education for underserved learners and reinforcing its commitment to inclusive community development.

The project included the renovation of three classrooms, an administrative office and an inverter room, as well as the provision of specialized learning equipment to improve teaching and learning outcomes for visually impaired students.

The intervention is expected to provide a more supportive learning environment for students with visual impairment, strengthen the capacity of teachers, and improve access to quality education for learners who require specialized support.

Together, the initiatives demonstrate the NEPL/Seplat JV’s strategic approach to creating long-term value in its host communities through education, enterprise development, youth empowerment, energy access and social inclusion.