Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has officially launched ISO 37003:2025, a Fraud Control Management System designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and governance across the country.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Abuja, SON Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, described the standard as a globally recognised framework that helps organisations prevent fraud before it occurs, detect it efficiently, and respond decisively to minimise damage.

He added that ISO 37003:2025 also fosters a culture of integrity by embedding fraud prevention into the core of organisational operations.

Dr. Okeke explained that adoption of the standard will benefit both the public and private sectors – reducing leakages and rebuilding trust in government while positioning Nigerian companies as credible and trustworthy partners to investors.

He further stressed that widespread implementation would improve Nigeria’s global rankings and attract foreign direct investment.

SON, he noted, will embark on awareness campaigns, training, and certification programmes to ensure effective adoption, calling for active participation from government leaders, industry captains, professional bodies, and civil society.

Also speaking, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Convener of ISO/TC309/WG8, highlighted that ISO 37003:2025 serves as a guardian for organisations managing fraud risks, noting that the process of developing the standard began during the ISO TC 309 plenary in Sydney, Australia, in November 2018.

‘There was awareness of fraud risks in organisations and existing fraud controls within the organisations, including internal fraud, whistleblowing, code of conduct, anti-fraud policies, fraud training, and management reviews to mitigate the impact of fraud.

‘With the existence of these internal mechanisms and statutory regulations, there was a clear need for an ISO standard dealing with fraud control. Research findings from the literature published by reputable sources show that fraud costs the global economy about $4 trillion per year. The chief executive of the Strategic Institute of Forensic Examiners put it at $4.7 trillion a year, so it is increasing.

He added that this Amounts to a total loss of 7% in the annual turnover of the organisations. Based on the findings, the leadership of TC309 in 2022 approved the proposal and established Working Group 8 to develop a fraud control management system standard. After going through all the different stages of development, from working draft to committee draft, draft international standard to final draft international standard, the document was published as an international standard on 29th May 2025.

Land remains one of the most valuable assets in the world today, contributing to economic growth at an unprecedented rate across global landscapes.

Cities around the world like Monaco, where land costs an average of $100,000 – $120,000 for a square metre, Hong Kong, London, New York, Tokyo, and Paris, to mention a few, have witnessed a dramatic growth as a result of land investments.

The Lagos State’s experience of land’s capability to improve local economy is not different from the experiences of the wealthy cities (by land value) mentioned above.

As Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos State is grappling with unchecked population growth, rapid urbanisation, which among other things birthed the need for increasing security of land ownership.

The state has witnessed, in time past, violent land grabbing cases, fraudulent misrepresentation in title perfection, cloning of titles, and documents theft, which has cast doubts in the minds of the general public about the state’s capability in running a smooth, efficient, and reliable land administration.

Title perfection, which is the process of converting an imperfect landholding into a legally recognised, registrable, and defensible title, is crucial for individuals, families, developers, and corporate organisations.

It fosters land-based investments, and ensures, among other things, security of tenure, reduces disputes, and enhances the value of real estate assets by making them acceptable for mortgage, investment, and development.

In Lagos State, however, the path to title perfection has become a long, costly, and sometimes frustrating journey. Although very rare, title perfection trip, which should last a maximum of one calendar year could take forever.

At the heart of title perfection process in Lagos State and across Nigeria lies a controversial group: the middlemen. These middlemen include lawyers, estate agents (both educated and semi-literate), and estate surveyors and valuers.

Their involvement has become both indispensable and problematic, shaping how land title perfection is perceived and practised.

While some middlemen provide legitimate guidance, others thrive on exploiting loopholes, inefficiencies, and applicants’ ignorance.

This paper interrogates the problems posed by middlemen in Lagos’ title perfection process, the impact on applicants and the government, and the possible reforms that can sanitise the system for the benefit of all stakeholders.

At first glance, the role of middlemen appears justifiable. Land title perfection involves multitude of stages, and cumbersome process, and would be requiring different application documents, payments of statutory fees (such as consent assessment, stamp duties, and registration fee), surveys, charting, and issuance of Certificate of Occupancy or Governor’s Consent. These procedures are highly technical, bureaucratic, and time-consuming.

Given the complexity, many applicants, whether individuals, families, or corporate bodies-turn to middlemen for assistance. Lawyers are often engaged for drafting, legal interpretations, and processing. Estate surveyors and valuers guide on property-related documentation and valuation requirements. Agents and informal facilitators offer ‘connections’ within the Lands Bureau. In practice, the middleman has become the bridge between the landowner and the Lands Bureau.

Yet, instead of easing the process, this arrangement has bred distortions, bottlenecks, and corruption.

What nature of problems do the middlemen cause in title perfection process in Lagos State? A few ones are:

One of the major criticisms of middlemen is the sharp escalation in the cost of title perfection. Statutory fees in Lagos are already high compared to other states in Nigeria. When applicants engage middlemen, additional charges are imposed-sometimes arbitrary, sometimes exploitative. What should ordinarily cost millions of naira in statutory charges ends up being inflated to double or triple the official amount. For ordinary landowners, this makes perfection nearly impossible.

Middlemen thrive on applicants’ ignorance of procedures. Many title seekers are not informed about the official steps, documentation, and fees involved. This knowledge gap is exploited by middlemen who withhold information, manipulate timelines, and justify arbitrary costs. There are cases when middlemen will put their personal details at places on application forms where applicant’s details are needed. This sharp practice and more, leave applicants at the mercy of middlemen, without direct knowledge of what transpires within the Lands Bureau.

The activities of middlemen have entrenched corruption in the system. Instead of following due process, some middlemen resort to informal payments, bribery, and ‘man-know-man’ tactics to fast-track applications. This undermines institutional integrity, frustrates honest applicants, and encourages a vicious cycle where only those who can afford ‘extra’ payments get results.

Ironically, middlemen do not always speed up the process. In many cases, files are delayed or even lost because middlemen operate through informal channels rather than official routes. Applicants who refuse to pay additional charges often suffer endless delays. The inefficiency feeds a perception that title perfection in Lagos is designed to frustrate ordinary citizens.

While lawyers and estate surveyors are trained professionals, the system is also flooded with unqualified agents and touts who pose as facilitators. Many of these semi-literate middlemen mislead applicants, file incomplete documentation, and collect fees without delivering results. Their activities deepen the crisis of trust in the land administration system.

The middlemen crisis has dual consequences. For the government, it translates into loss of revenue, since informal payments often bypass official channels. It also undermines Lagos State’s vision of becoming a global smart city with efficient land administration.

For applicants, the consequences are financial and emotional. Exorbitant costs discourage many landowners from perfecting their titles, leading to a large number of unregistered properties in Lagos.

This perpetuates land disputes, weakens collateral value for mortgage financing, and reduces confidence in real estate investments. The emotional toll of repeated delays, endless demands for money, and uncertain outcomes cannot be ignored.

The challenges posed by middlemen are not insurmountable. With deliberate reforms, Lagos State can reduce reliance on middlemen, improve efficiency, and restore confidence in the land title perfection process.

The government must deepen the ongoing digital reforms in the Lands Bureau. A fully automated, transparent, and user-friendly platform where applicants can submit documents, track progress, and make payments directly will drastically reduce human interference. Online dashboards showing real-time application status can eliminate reliance on middlemen.

Applicants need to be educated about the steps, costs, and timelines involved in title perfection. Regular sensitisation through newspapers, radio, and community forums can close the knowledge gap that middlemen exploit. A citizen who understands the process is less vulnerable to exploitation.

Lagos can establish one-stop centres where all land perfection processes-survey charting, valuation, consent, stamping, and registration-are coordinated. This reduces the run-around across multiple offices and curtails opportunities for middlemen to hijack the process.

While lawyers and Estate Surveyors are legitimate players, their activities in title perfection need to be better regulated by their professional bodies to ensure transparency and fairness. Unqualified agents and touts should be weeded out through enforcement and public warnings.

The high cost of perfection in Lagos fuels the demand for shortcuts. A review of statutory fees to make them more affordable will encourage compliance. When official fees are fair and predictable, the incentive to patronise middlemen diminishes.

The Lands Bureau must strengthen internal monitoring systems. Staff found colluding with middlemen should face disciplinary actions. Anonymous whistleblowing channels and audits can also help check corruption.

In conclusion, land title perfection is not merely a bureaucratic exercise-it is the foundation of property rights, investment confidence, and urban development in Lagos State. Yet, the overwhelming role of middlemen has turned the process into a burden for many applicants. While middlemen emerged to fill gaps created by bureaucracy, they have become part of the problem, inflating costs, encouraging corruption, and undermining trust.

For Lagos State to achieve its ambition of transparent land administration, bold reforms must be undertaken. Digitalisation, public education, regulatory enforcement, and fee rationalisation will go a long way in reducing reliance on middlemen. By making the process efficient, affordable, and transparent, Lagos can ensure that landowners perfect their titles with confidence and without exploitation.

The crisis of middlemen should no longer define title perfection in Lagos. It is time for the government, professionals, and the public to embrace a new order where land title perfection is transparent, affordable, and truly accessible to all.

The Attorney General of the Federation(AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi has hinted of plans to probe the September 11 United Kingdom judgment involving Senior Advocate Mike Ozekhome and the late Gen. Jerry Useni over a disputed London property.

The Tribunal judgment was given by Judge Ewan Paton.

The late Gen Useni was the true owner of the disputed property located at 79, Randall Avenue, LondonNW2, purchased in 1993, according to the Tribunal. He got the property under false identity-Tali Shani.

Ozekhome’a application to register the property was ordered to be cancelled by the Tribunal. It ruled that Tali Shani couldn’t pass ownership because the name was used as a conduit for the late General’s fraudulent acquisition.

Fagbemi spoke yesterday at a special court session to mark the beginning of the Supreme Court’s 2025/2026 Legal Year and the inauguration of 57 senior advocates of Nigeria(SANs).

Fagbemi expressed concern about the rising number of complaints of professional misconduct against senior lawyers.

He noted that his office receives such complaints frequently.

Fagbemi said: ‘My office has, in recent times, taken note of the increasing number of complaints against senior members of the bar.

‘Thankfully, these are few and far between, but they still constitute such numbers as to be troubling.

‘The complaints border on professional misconduct and, if not addressed urgently, are capable of bringing this prestigious rank into disrepute locally and, as we have seen recently, internationally.

‘We need to reverse the perception that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria confers immunity from disciplinary measures for professional misconduct.

‘We simply cannot have a Bar where one law applies to juniors and another to seniors.

My Lords, of note is the topical and trending matter that recently struck at the standing of our profession in Nigeria in the eyes of the world and in a way that stands out in recent memory.

‘It bears sadly on the high esteem and integrity that our noble profession commands as a sine qua non for our collective commitment and investment in the legal brand.

‘I am referring to the recent decision (11th September 2025) of an English property tribunal, by Judge Ewan Paton.

‘It will be remiss of me not to bring such an egregious development to the attention of my lords, in the hope that it is addressed frontally against the backdrop of the hallowed rules that guard and define the finest traditions by which our nobility should be measured.

‘It is for this reason that my office has now taken the unusual step of verifying the authenticity of this and often complaints with a view to referring them to the appropriate disciplinary bodies.

‘I look forward to receiving the cooperation of the Nigerian Bar Association and the Body of Senior Advocates in this regard,’ Fagbemi said.

The AGF, who challenged the Judiciary to be transparent in its operations, said ‘it is quite concerning to see the adverse ratings and negative perception indexes of our Judiciary.’

He went on: ‘Public confidence in the judiciary has been shaken by perceptions of undue influence, inconsistent rulings, and delays that frustrate justice.

‘Allegations of corruption, though often unproven, cast long shadows.

‘While I agree that the judiciary should be accountable less to public opinion and more to public interest, may I respectfully insist that in this climate, the judiciary should discharge that accountability by being principled, independent and impartial.

‘It must not only deliver justice, it must do so transparently, consistently, and with intellectual rigour.

‘It is therefore the responsibility of everyone present here and beyond to ensure that, like Caesar’s wife, the judiciary is above reproach and suspicion,’ Fagbemi said.

Also yesterday, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun expressed concern over the inadequate funding of states’ Judiciaries by the governors.

Justice Kekere-Ekun said the unfortunate development hampers the capacity of courts in states to effectively function.

She said: ‘The judiciary, especially at the sub-national level, is often underfunded, which impacts its ability to function effectively.

‘Inadequate funding leads to poor infrastructure, insufficient resources, and inadequate training for judicial staff members and support staff.

‘This, in turn, affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial process. I need to state unequivocally that the challenges facing the Judiciary are not the responsibilities of the judiciary alone.

‘They require a collaborative effort involving all the three arms of government – the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary – as well as the active participation of the citizens.

‘I therefore, call upon the executive arm of government, especially in the states to provide adequate funding for the judiciary, improve judicial

infrastructure, and support the implementation of technological advancements.

‘I urge the legislature to enact laws that support the independence of the Judiciary, strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms, and streamline court processes,’ she said

Bandits have abducted several motorists, including former SUBEB chairman, Mohammed Bawa Niworu, Niger State Independent Electoral Commissioner Ahmed Mohammed, his driver, and other passengers along the Mokwa-New Bussa road in Mashegu LGA.

The attack, which occurred Monday evening near the Ibbi National Park, saw armed men block the road and seize victims from multiple vehicles, including three commercial Sharon buses carrying traders from New Bussa market.

A Sharon driver who plies the route daily told our reporter that three Sharon vehicles with their passengers, who were traders returning from New Bussa weekly market, were taken to an unknown destination during the incident.

When contacted, the Niger State Command Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident, saying that a Police patrol vehicle was damaged with gunshots in the process, adding that they abducted some passengers along the road from about three vehicles.

According to him, the police command has mobilised more tactical teams with other security agencies, and vigilante members trailing the suspected kidnappers with a view to rescuing the abducted victims and possible arrest of the hoodlums.

Nigeria’s justice sector took a bold step last week, toward reform as stakeholders gathered in Maiduguri, Borno State, for a two-day retreat on strengthening justice delivery through technology, innovation, and coordinated reform.

Convened by the Federal Ministry of Justice under Attorney-General Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the forum brought together key justice institutions, policymakers, and legal experts.

Discussions centred on deploying digital tools to reduce case backlogs, improve transparency, and make the system more accessible, especially for vulnerable groups.

With Borno’s post-insurgency rebuilding efforts as backdrop, participants emphasised collaboration, accountability, and innovation as critical drivers for a faster, fairer, and people-centred justice system

Held under the theme: ‘Strengthening Justice Sector Service Delivery through Technology, Innovation, and Coordinated Reform,’ the event brought together the heads of Nigeria’s most critical justice institutions.

For many participants, the retreat was more than a meeting – it was a turning point, a crucible where old silos gave way to a collective vision of a digital, transparent, and citizen-friendly justice system.

Fagbemi: Future of justice lies in technology

Fagbemi left no doubt about the scale of ambition.

‘The future of justice in Nigeria is intrinsically linked to its embrace of technology,’ he declared. ‘The methods of achieving justice must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

‘Our citizens expect services that are not only fair but also efficient, transparent, and accessible.’

Fagbemi argued that technology is no longer optional but central to justice delivery.

From digital case management and artificial intelligence in legal research to online access to legal services, he said, innovations offer a unique chance to tackle the judiciary’s biggest challenges – case backlogs, delays, and limited access to justice.

But he issued a caution: technology alone is not sufficient.

‘It must be embedded within a coordinated reform agenda that fosters collaboration, accountability, and innovation across the sector,’ he said.

Breaking the silo mentality

The AGF stressed that a fragmented approach to justice was no longer tenable.

‘The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Legal Aid Council, the Human Rights Commission, the Law Reform Commission, the Nigerian Copyright Commission – all these institutions carry noble responsibilities, but too often they work in isolation,’ he said.

He urged participants to dismantle silos and build a justice ecosystem where institutions complement rather than duplicate each other.

‘Together, they form a constellation of institutions whose combined light must guide our nation toward fairness, efficiency, and trust in the rule of law,’ he said.

Institutions at the heart of reform

The retreat highlighted the roles of different institutions in the reform drive.

NDLEA: for its battle against drug abuse and trafficking.

NAPTIP: for defending the most vulnerable, particularly victims of human trafficking.

Legal Aid Council: for ensuring access to justice for the poor.

NHRC: for standing as the conscience of Nigeria’s democracy.

Nigerian Law School and NIALS: for shaping the next generation of lawyers.

Law Reform Commission: for keeping laws relevant to changing realities.

Copyright Commission: for safeguarding intellectual property.

Regional Centre for Arbitration: for aligning Nigeria with global best practices.

By placing all these institutions on the same platform, the AGF made clear that reform must be collaborative, comprehensive, and citizen-focused.

Jedy-Agba: Coordinated reform is non-negotiable

Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, echoed the AGF’s message, insisting that ‘true transformation requires coordinated reform across the entire justice sector.’

She described the retreat’s agenda – including cluster sessions informed by a pre-retreat survey – as deliberately designed to move beyond rhetoric to practical solutions.

‘The collective desire for an efficient, accessible, and equitable justice system is a powerful force that now has a clear-eyed strategy to guide it,’ she said.

The symbolism of holding the retreat in Borno State was not lost on her.

A region scarred by insurgency, Borno provided a powerful backdrop for conversations about justice as an instrument of healing and rebuilding.

Zulum: Technology is a necessity

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State delivered a sobering keynote, tying justice reform to the realities of insurgency, terrorism, and community rebuilding.

‘In the aftermath of tragic events such as the recent terrorist attack in Darul Jamal, citizens now demand a faster, more transparent, and more accountable justice system,’ Zulum said.

‘These expectations cannot be achieved using outdated tools or fragmented systems. Technology must be embraced not as a luxury, but as a necessity.’

Zulum highlighted how digital tools had already transformed Borno’s justice system: enabling virtual court sittings, improving prison decongestion, and expanding access to legal aid in hard-to-reach communities.

But like the AGF, he warned that technology alone is not enough.

‘We need innovations not only in ICT gadgets but in mindsets, procedures, and leadership approach,’ he said.

‘Justice must serve as a foundation for healing, rebuilding trust, and restoring the social contract.’

Shittu: Bridging the rural-urban justice divide

In one of the retreat’s most thought-provoking papers, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) addressed the theme: ‘Strengthening Justice in Nigeria: Bridging the Rural-Urban Divide.’

He argued that despite constitutional guarantees, many rural Nigerians remain effectively cut off from justice. The barriers, he said, are both structural and systemic:

Geographical limitations: Courts and legal institutions are concentrated in urban centres. Farmers and traders often face prohibitively costly and time-consuming journeys to access justice.

Poverty and economic exclusion: High litigation costs, including lawyers’ and filing fees, keep justice out of reach for the poor.

Illiteracy and lack of awareness: Many Nigerians cannot read or write, making it impossible to understand legal documents or enforce rights.

Weak institutions and corruption: Delays, inefficiencies, and corruption erode public trust and deny justice in practice.

‘Justice delayed is not only justice denied; in rural Nigeria, it is justice abandoned,’ Dr. Shittu warned.

Using technology to close the gap

Despite these challenges, Dr. Shittu pointed to Nigeria’s high mobile penetration as a unique opportunity. He recommended:

E-filing and digital case management to reduce delays.

Mobile and USSD platforms to allow citizens to lodge complaints, seek legal aid, and receive updates without internet access.

Community radio, SMS alerts, and local-language broadcasts to spread legal awareness.

Beyond technology, he urged a community-based approach, including mobile courts, grassroots legal clinics, and ADR mechanisms led by trained traditional leaders.

‘By formalising local dispute-resolution systems while embedding human rights standards, Nigeria can create a hybrid justice model that is both accessible and legitimate,’ he said.

Ngige: Legal education must catch up

Another critical intervention came from Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, who spoke on ‘Innovations in Legal Education: Preparing Lawyers for the Digital Age.’

He noted the law school’s chronic underfunding, energy insecurity, and shortage of ICT-trained personnel as obstacles to modernising legal training. ‘Funds meant for technology are wasted on diesel to power campuses,’ he lamented.

Ngige called for:

Improved funding to modernise infrastructure.

Strengthened ICT training for students and faculty.

Ethical guidelines for using AI, robotics, and blockchain in legal practice.

Stronger collaboration between Nigerian and foreign law schools.

Continuous professional training for lawyers and judges through the NBA.

‘Though digital tools have transformed legal practice, caution must remain the watchword,’ he said. ‘A right infusion of governance and ethics is essential.’

Innovation, ethics as pillars of reform

Two papers emphasised innovation and ethics as pillars of reform.

Shamsudeen Hammed, representing NITDA’s DG/CEO, presented ‘Design Thinking for Collaborative Problem-Solving in Justice Sector Reforms: Lessons from the UAE.’

He argued that traditional, rigid approaches often fail in complex justice challenges.

Instead, Design Thinking-human-centred, empathetic, and iterative-should place citizens at the core of reforms.

Drawing from the UAE, he stressed treating citizens as customers, using pilots that ‘fail fast and learn faster,’ and adopting KPIs like backlog reduction and user satisfaction. Leaders were urged to prototype, empathise with users, and collaborate across silos.

Prof. Olanrewaju Onadeko (SAN), in his paper ‘Guardians of Justice: Prosecutors at the Intersection of Ethics, Professionalism and Human Rights,’ underscored prosecutors’ vital role in justice delivery.

He highlighted their duty to balance accountability with fairness and human rights while upholding ethics and professionalism.

He recommended adopting a prosecutorial code of conduct, strengthening adherence to professional guidelines, and ensuring prosecutors receive adequate security given the dangers of their work.

Together, the papers called for a justice system that is innovative, ethical, and people-centred-anchored on technology, empathy, and professionalism.

Toward a citizen-centred justice system

Across the sessions, a consensus emerged: justice reform is not just a technical matter but a moral imperative.

For Fagbemi, technology must be wedded to accountability and collaboration.

For Jedy-Agba, reform must be coordinated. For Zulum, justice is central to peace and healing.

For Shittu, inclusivity is non-negotiable. For Ngige, legal education must keep pace with innovation.

Each voice added to the same conclusion: Nigeria must embrace a whole-of-society approach where institutions, communities, and citizens together redefine justice for the 21st century.

The Maiduguri retreat may go down as a watershed moment for Nigeria’s justice sector.

For the first time, the heads of institutions came together not only to identify problems but to agree on a shared roadmap.

The message was clear: technology and innovation, guided by reform and accountability, are the levers by which justice in Nigeria can be transformed.

If the commitments made in Maiduguri are sustained, Nigerians may yet witness a justice system that is faster, fairer, more transparent, and, above all, accessible to every citizen, whether in the bustling streets of Lagos or the remote villages of Borno.

LeBron James said Monday he had not decided when to retire from basketball as he prepares to become the first player in NBA history to play a 23rd season in the league.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar told reporters at a media day that he is ‘excited’ by the prospect of another season in the league alongside Luka Doncic and a bolstered roster.

James will turn 41 in December and plans to savour every minute of the tail-end of a glittering career that has straddled three different decades.

But the four-time NBA champion and all-time points scorer says he has no idea of when he will retire.

‘I’m excited about today, I’m excited about the opportunity to be able to play the game that I love for another season,’ James told reporters. ‘Whatever the journey lays out this year, I’m super-invested because I don’t know when the end is. It’s a lot sooner than later.

‘I’m just super-appreciative of the fact that I come up here to do another media day and talk to you guys.’

James, who averaged 24.4 points per game last season, said his love for basketball – and hunger to keep improving – remained undimmed.

‘The thing still pushing me is the fact that my love for the game is still high, and the love of the process is even higher,’ he said.

‘It’s that simple – me training and working my body and trying to get my body as close to 100% as possible every year, it’s a beautiful thing for me.The NBA season is a roller coaster. But no matter the good, the bad, ugly, I still love that process.

‘For me personally, I love to play the game, I love to play at a high level. Age is kind of just a number. Not many guys at my age, especially going to year 23, is able to play a level like that. I try not to take it for granted.’

Last season, the Lakers sent shockwaves around the NBA after signing Luka Doncic in a stunning trade with the Dallas Mavericks.

James said the prospect of playing with the Slovenian star after a full training camp – instead of learning on the fly last year – was another motivating force for his 23rd season.

‘The motivation to play alongside him every night, that’s super motivating,’ James said. ‘That’s gonna train my body for every night I go out there and try to be the best player I can for him. We gonna bounce that off one another.’

In addition to a full training camp alongside Doncic, James is also relishing the prospect of starting the new season with a squad that has been bolstered by the arrival of veteran guard Marcus Smart and centre Deandre Ayton.

‘I’m excited about getting to work, and I’m excited to see what we can do,’ James said.

In crisis situations, there are Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). These are hapless victims of whatever crisis befell their communities and forced them to leave; they are usually the responsibility of government to care for till peace returns to their troubled homesteads and they get resettled back. Not so with Failed Doomsday Displaced Persons (FDDPs). These are people who chose to believe a lie and self-dislocated their own lives – not because of external aggression but from inner delusion. Anyone in this category cannot hope for government to rehabilitate them. They are on their own.

It is one week now since the failed prediction of a date for the biblical ‘rapture,’ and those taken in are ruing their self-dispossession in gullible anticipation of an escape from the earth. Rapture is an end-time event by which believers in the Christian faith expect to be supernaturally translocated from the terrestrial plane ahead of a coming period of intense suffering, known as the Tribulation, by those left behind. This event in biblical narrative will mark the second coming of Jesus Christ.

South African preacher, Pastor Joshua Mhlakela, recently gained worldwide attention after he claimed Jesus appeared to him in a vision and said he would return during the Jewish Feast of Trumpets, also known as Rosh Hashanah, which held between 22nd and 24th September. ‘The rapture is upon us, whether you are ready or not, the rapture will happen in 14 days from now,’ Mhlakela had told a YouTube channel, adding: ‘I’m a billion percent sure that we are going to see the Lord, the rapture is going to happen. I don’t know how to assure you, but I give you a billion percent that it is going to happen. The date of the 23rd, which is going to be the rapture of the church, is irrefutable and final.’

On the day predicted by Mhlakela, videos showed hundreds of people gathered in woods, waiting to be taken up. The preacher himself went live online, joined by some followers, declaring with confidence that the rapture was imminent. After several hours passed without anything happening, Mhlakela said, ‘I wonder how God works this out. What I know is that it will happen within these two days, but I cannot tell how He arranges the minutes and the seconds, because at any moment something could happen.’ He urged his followers to be patient and hopeful.

Those who believed Mhlakela had taken steps to sign out from planet earth. Social media platforms were flooded with videos from devastated persons who were so convinced doomsday was coming they resigned their jobs and gave away prized possessions. Tilahun Desalegn, an Australian, shared a clip of his car being towed away, saying: ‘I won’t need her beyond September, because I’m going home.’ Kingsalem Igwe, a self-identified Nigerian prophet, said in a video shared on TikTok: ‘I’m here with all humility to apologise to everyone. I only believed a man who claimed Jesus told him.’ Others were seen sobbing over the failed prediction, lamenting that they now had to go back to work. Well, they’re in good time to wake up to the smell of coffee!

The NetClan Initiative has achieved another significant milestone in its quest to promote gender inclusion in technology with the graduation of its second cohort of the Ladies in Network Engineering (LINE) programme, where the majority of participants became Cisco Certified Network Associates (CCNA).

Founded by Abigail Jeffiah and Theodore Chukwudi, the initiative aims to provide opportunities for aspiring network engineers, particularly women, to establish careers in a field often overshadowed by software development and cybersecurity.

‘There was no platform where network engineers could motivate each other to upskill,’ Jeffiah explained.

‘We observed more individuals leaving network engineering for other fields, creating a gap, because at the end of the day, every organization requires a network engineer. That is why we started NetClan-to build that missing community.’

According to Jeffiah, the initiative has steadily grown, with over 30 women sponsored for certification exams since its inception. In the recently concluded cohort, more than 20 participants received full sponsorship, while others were provided vouchers covering up to 50 percent of their exam fees.

‘Seeing another set of students graduate means a lot to me personally,’ she said.

‘This initiative is dear to my heart because, as a female network engineer, I was often the only woman in technical workshops. Now, more women are embracing the field, and we are changing the narrative.’

For Emmanuel Samuel, one of the instructors, the achievement of the cohort reflects the power of mentorship and inclusivity.

‘This milestone is highly significant because it signifies the growing inclusion of women in a field traditionally dominated by men,’ he noted.

‘Seeing a majority of women succeed as CCNA holders demonstrates that, with the right support and opportunities, women can thrive in technology.’

Graduates of the program also attested to its impact. Network Security Engineer Odoh Ifunanya JaneFrances described her experience as transformative.

‘I joined because I wanted to understand the underlying operations of networking, especially after failing a job interview,’ she said.

‘Through this program, I gained more than I expected, and it played a key role in helping me land my first job. My advice to aspiring students is that joining NetClan might be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make in your career.’

Other facilitators highlighted the distinct contributions of women in the cohort. Ketcha Karen, a network and network security engineer, praised the collaboration and openness that defined the class.

‘The women demonstrated remarkable teamwork, consistency, and confidence,’ she observed.

‘When women publicly share their achievements, it inspires others to join and assures them they won’t be isolated. That sense of belonging can break barriers in tech.’

Mayaki Ujeh Emmanuel, a network operations engineer, explained that his teaching approach for the second cohort went beyond theory, emphasizing real-world application. ‘Networking is more than configuration and labs. I pushed the ladies to also understand sales, which exposes beginners to different technologies,’ he said.

‘We also gave group projects to build teamwork because, in reality, they will always have to work with others.’

On the value of CCNA, he added: ‘Though it is entry-level, CCNA amplifies knowledge in networking and is highly recognized across the IT industry.’

Mentorship was another key pillar of the program. Olumayowa Akinkuehinmi, one of the mentors, described it as a fulfilling experience.

‘Watching mentees grow from curiosity to earning certifications like the CCNA and building confidence in tech has been rewarding,’ he said.

‘My advice to the next generation is to stay curious, keep learning, and focus on real-world problem-solving-that’s where the opportunities lie.’

Looking ahead, NetClan plans to expand its offerings beyond the LINE program. Theodore Chukwudi revealed that Cohort 3 will maintain its intensive training format but the organization is also working toward establishing a NetClan Institute to provide more intensive training on cybersecurity, cloud technologies, and artificial intelligence.

‘We are also introducing the NetClan Community, where engineers can specialize in subfields like wireless networking, programmability, and DevOps,’ as shared by Theodore

‘Through partnerships with Cisco Networking Academy, we hope to run bootcamps, competitions, and workshops that showcase the importance of network engineering.’

Despite the numerous challenges posed by limited resources, Chukwudi emphasized that the primary focus continues to be on making a significant impact rather than merely counting numbers.

‘We are not driven by social media posts but by actionable and measurable results,’ He stressed.

A popular preacher, Prophet Sam Olu-Alo, has congratulated Nigerians and President Bola Tinubu on the 65th independence anniversary.

He called on Nigerians to always make necessary sacrifices that would help the country to attain greatness.

Olu-Alo, who is the planter of of CAC Adamimogo, Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain World-wide, also congratulated Ekiti people and Governor Biodun Oyebanji on the 24th year of the creation of Ekiti State.

The cleric in his goodwill message by his Personal Assistant, Hon. Deji Ogunbusuyi, said Nigeria remained one indivisible entity despite the political and ethnic forces differences of its people, urging Nigerians to continually pray and make concerted efforts to ensure the nation’s upliftment.

Olu-Alo, who described Nigerians as resilient people, said all hands must be on deck in building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation, adding that citizens must eschew divisive tendencies at this time that we need to stand and live together as brothers.

He urged all Nigerians to participate actively and constructively in the process of nation-building for the country to get over all her challenges.

While congratulating Ekiti people on the 29th anniversary of the creation of the State, he said a better and well-developed State should remain paramount in the hearts of the citizens.

‘I therefore call on the Ekitis, both at home and abroad, to support and join hands with the government in repositioning the state and ensure its all-round development of the State.

‘The task of rebuilding and repositioning the state is a collective effort and through our cooperation, a truly prosperous state would be built and we shall put it firmly on the path of honour and irreversible development,’ he stated.

He urged the people not to relent in praying for the both administrations to be able to make life better for the people.

The preacher appealed to all political parties and residents of Ekiti state to conduct themselves peacefully in their forthcoming parties governorship primary elections.

In a separate statement, the cleric also congratulated His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja on his recent coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Prophet Olu-Alo, who is founder of Adamimogo FM Nigeria and the owner of Adamimogo 105:1 FM, Ibadan in Oyo State and others in Southwest, said the momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in the history of Ibadan’s traditional institution.

While also rejoicing with the monarch on his birthday celebration, the cleric said: ‘Your ascension to the throne is a testament to your leadership qualities and dedication to the well-being of your people. As a former Governor of Oyo State, you have demonstrated exceptional governance skills, and your experience will undoubtedly shape your reign as Olubadan.

‘I pray God will grant you wisdom and knowledge to lead and guide the people as well as giving you sound health as you embark on this new chapter. May your reign be marked by peace, prosperity, and the continued growth of Ibadanland’.

The Lagos State government has arrested five persons over illegal dredging and land reclamation on the Lekki shoreline.

It also sealed multiple sites in a sweeping enforcement executed by a joint ministerial task force.

The task force comprising the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, and the Lands Bureau, targeted ongoing infractions along the Lagos Lagoon.

Leading the exercise, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush Alebiosu, announced the sealing of a property at 13A, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, over illegal reclamation and unapproved extension of its fence. He described the defiance of the owners, who allegedly ignored previous government warnings, as an act of ‘legendary audacity.’

‘This property has been sealed several times since last year, yet the owners continue construction and social activities. Today, we have returned with other ministries to enforce the law,’ Alebiosu said.

He said the culprits would be prosecuted, adding that they risk forfeiting the illegally reclaimed land.

Commissioner for Physical Planning, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, said while the owner originally presented plans for 1,200 square metres, the reclaimed area had expanded to over 8,000 square metres.