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Works Minister Dave Umahi also congratulated Nigerians and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the country’s 65th Independence anniversary. Umahi described the occasion as a moment for reflection on the nation’s past struggles and present progress.

Umahi said Independence Day serves as a reminder of Nigeria’s founding fathers’ sacrifices and vision, while inspiring citizens to commit to building a more united and prosperous nation.

He praised President Tinubu’s leadership, noting that the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ had repositioned Nigeria on the development path.

Amid the prevailing economic hardship and social uncertainty in the country, First Baptist Church, Ikeja has launched annual Moments of Gratitude programme, designed to inspire hope and strengthen resilience through thanksgiving.

The event, which runs every Sunday throughout October, features gospel music, testimonies and cultural expressions.

The organisers said the month-long celebration was aimed at helping people focus on God’s mercies and finding encouragement despite life’s challenges.

Host pastor, Rev. Kolawole Ogokunle, said the church decided to dedicate October to gratitude as a reminder of God’s blessings in families, careers and businesses.

‘Our decision to dedicate October to gratitude comes from looking at our lives and seeing God’s mercy,’ he said. ‘This year’s celebration is both thanksgiving and a prayer for more testimonies.’

The festival will feature performances by Prevailers Voices, Tobi Akuraku, Lilian Nneji and the Prevailers Praise Team, while the final Sunday will be marked with a cultural thanksgiving service, allowing participants to celebrate their faith and heritage.

Church Secretary, Oluleye Ademola, in a statement, noted that the services would also be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube to accommodate those unable to attend physically.

‘Gratitude is more than just saying thanks; it is fuel for future,’ Rev. Ogokunle said. ‘It gives us strength to keep moving forward in our families, our work and our daily struggles.’

Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka yesterday explained why he accepted the renaming of the National Theatre, Lagos after him.

He said he never believed that the monument could ever be revamped.

He admitted that he accepted the honour with mixed feelings, despite being a critic of many past leaders, who appropriated public monuments.

‘I have to stand up in public and watch my name being put up as yet another appropriator. It just didn’t seem very well for me,’ the literary giant said.

Soyinka, who spoke at the reopening of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (formerly National Arts Theatre, Iganmu Lagos), said he accepted to eat his words if the monumental turn-around of the theatre complex is what he would get in return.

He explained that before the renovation of the edifice, he thought it was irredeemable, but the Bankers’ Committee ‘made me eat my words.”

He said the Bankers’ Committee had done a great job and brought the edifice to global standards. He said that with the recreation of the edifice, Nigerians can now watch Africa Theatre at home instead of travelling abroad.

The Bankers’ Committee committed N68 billion into the project.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the occasion directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to float a National Arts Theatre Endowment Fund to ensure the maintenance of the national edifice.

Soyinka said: ‘And one of the reasons was I nearly electrocuted two of my actors. That is how they crept into my car. The roofs were leaking, so the pools of water were everywhere. And of course, there were electric wires also.

‘One other reason is nostalgia. I remember this building when it was first erected, when we did it originally. I think we called it General’s Hat, because of the shape of the roof. There’s a constant re-conception very little of what I call the African architectural intelligence in it.

‘Then there’s another reason why I thought I should accept.

Well, I was already ambushed. They shaved my head behind me. I would have raised a squawk. But, then I decided, this building belongs to me. It belongs to me.’

Tinubu directs CBN to float National Theatre Endowment Fund

The promised to contribute to the endowment fund.

Among the prominent persons at the event were First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, who coordinated the Bankers’ Committee, Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi, who is a former CBN governor; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.

President Tinubu said there was no controversy in the National Theatre being renamed, adding that he considered Prof Soyinka’s contributions to the arts and culture.

‘Prof. Wole Soyinka is one of the greatest assets of the world. So, the renaming could not have gone to anyone else,’ he said.

The President advised Nigerians to stop talking negatively about the country.

‘Let us all come together to rebuild Nigeria. The youth should also renew their hope in Nigeria and work together for its continued greatness,’ he said.

Cardoso said the Bankers Committee was committed to spending N68 billion in remodelling the edifice.

‘The Central Bank of Nigeria, the Bankers’ Committee, the Lagos State Government, and the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy came together with a shared purpose to deliver this national project, with the Bankers’ Committee alone committing approximately N68 billion, not as corporate social responsibility but as a deliberate investment in Nigeria’s cultural future,’ Cardoso said.

He said that the project stands as proof that when the public and private sectors unite behind a shared national purpose, there is no limit to what Nigeria can achieve.

The CBN boss stated that 65 years after our nation’s founding, Nigeria’s creative spirit remains alive, pervasive and shaping global culture.

‘This edifice has stood for nearly half a century as a proud symbol of our heritage. Completed in 1976 and inaugurated at FESTAC ’77, it became a beacon of African creativity and a repository of our shared history,’ he said.

Cardoso explained that by renaming the National Arts Theatre as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in July 2024, ”President Tinubu charted a bold course to place creativity at the heart of Nigeria’s renaissance.’

Cardoso explained that the Wole Soyinka Centre is more than a renovation; it is a rebirth.

‘Its iconic silhouette has been preserved while delivering world-class performance halls, cinema spaces, exhibition galleries, an African literature library, rehearsal rooms, media and medical facilities, and fully modernised infrastructure. The surrounding grounds now offer gardens, outdoor exhibition areas, upgraded access, and seamless integration with the Lagos Blue Line rail, placing culture at the heart of city life,’ he said.

Stakeholders drawn from government agencies, faith-based organisations, civil society and child welfare institutions have reaffirmed their commitment to promote family integration and holistic support for vulnerable children during a two-day Collaborate+ Lagos 2025 Forum at the Bimbo Odukoya Foundation Centre, Ilupeju.

The conference, themed: ‘Promoting Family Integration and Holistic Support for Every Child,’ was convened by the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) in collaboration with the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASHON), Lagos State Chapter.

It served as a rallying platform for dialogue and partnership on how to address family separation, child neglect, and systemic challenges facing caregivers in Lagos State.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Adenike Obilana, a director at the Ministry of Youth and Social Development (MYSD), reaffirmed the state’s commitment to inclusive welfare under its T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.

Mrs. Obilana, who represented the Commissioner, Mr. Bolaji Dunde, noted that the government recognised the family as the cornerstone of society and stressed that sustainable child protection required collective responsibility.

‘Vulnerable children need more than compassion – they need collective action, intentional policy, and unwavering support,’ she stated.

A major highlight of the event was the panel session on tackling the roots of family separation, featuring speakers from diverse professional backgrounds.

Executive Director of the Office of Life Care, Women and Children Empowerment Initiative, Pastor Kingsley Kalu, lamented that poverty, unemployment and domestic strife remain leading causes of family breakdown in Nigeria. He urged faith-based institutions to go beyond charity and offer structured family counselling, skill acquisition and social support to restore dignity and stability to homes.

Similarly, Director of Christian Education at the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend Dr. (Mrs.) Foluke Bosede Ola, focused on the wellbeing of caregivers, stressing that mental exhaustion and emotional burnout can lead to reduced quality of care. According to her, caregivers need more institutional support and recognition.

‘A burnt-out caregiver cannot nurture children effectively. Mental balance, rest, and counselling are essential for quality child care,’ she said.

Executive Director of Denny School Welfare Hub, Mrs. Abosede Mary Otukpe, emphasised the role of parenting education in family resilience. She explained that intentional parenting, effective communication, and empathy are vital in preventing neglect and abuse.

Her remarks drew attention to the growing need for capacity-building workshops for both parents and caregivers.

On the government’s part, Mr. Alufa Wellington Olalekan, representing the MYSD, revealed that Lagos currently operates 23 Family Social Services Centres across the state. These centres, he said, offer counselling, conflict mediation and intervention in domestic crises. Early intervention, he added, often prevents permanent family separation and institutionalisation of children.

The legal dimension was explored by Barrister Adora Ochulali of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, who advocated stronger access to justice for vulnerable families. She noted that legal protection is crucial for fair treatment in cases of custody, domestic violence and child rights violations. Her call for better synergy between social workers, law enforcement, and courts received strong applause from participants.

Adding a community perspective, Mrs. Bridget Taremotimi of Women at risk International Foundation (WRIES) and Mrs. Bamiduro Adeola Atinuke of CPM Ojoju LCDA both emphasised collaboration among community leaders, NGOs, and faith groups. They highlighted how community-based awareness programmes can help identify.

Edo State Government said plans have been concluded for effective collection and conversion of wastes to useful purposes, including power generation.

Commissioner for Water and Energy Resources, Washington Osifo, said this in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government, at an awareness campaign to mark this year’s World Rivers Day celebration with the theme: ‘Clean Rivers, Healthy Communities’.

Represented by Mr Emma Ofordu, the commissioner advised communities to imbibe the culture of avoiding indiscriminate dumping of wastes in rivers.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), Dr. Olufemi Adekanmbi, appealed to residents of Ologbo community and environs in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State to collaborate with the body to preserve water bodies within its catchment areas.

Adekanmbi appealed to the people to stop harmful human practices that degraded quality of water on the Ossiomo River that flowed through the communities.

He said the organisation remained committed to the development of the rivers within its catchment area.

Adekanmbi said the collaboration with the communities was necessary to restore water quality due to several years of abuse that degraded the water quality resulting in low aquatic resources that supported life.

He appealed to the populace to maintain a clean and safe environmental culture that supported the health of rivers for the benefits of mankind.

Adekanmbi said the event was to draw global attention to the need for the communities to appreciate the usefulness of rivers in the sustenance of life.

According to him, ‘abuses as a result of harmful human activities, such as pollution, over extraction, damming, deforestation and climate change threaten their health and sustainability, thus causing great danger to human health and existence.

‘Rivers are the lifeblood of our planet. They sustain ecosystems, provide water for agricultural and industrial use, support biodiversity, serve as vital sources of drinking water for billions of people worldwide. They also hold cultural, spiritual and recreational significance enriching lives of communities across the globe.’

Adekanmbi later planted some coconuts and palm fruits along the river bank as a symbolic commitment to preserving water bodies.

Members of Lagos State House of Assembly have hailed Police Commissioner Olorundare Jimoh and his team for their professionalism and commitment to safeguarding lives and property during the recent security incidents in the state.

Presenting the motion on the floor of the house, Stephen Ogundipe, chairman, Committee on Information, Security and Strategy, highlighted the importance of community involvement in enhancing security.

He said public safety was a shared responsibility, urging increased community awareness, public education and a stronger crime reporting mechanism.

He advocated improved safety protocols across schools, commercial districts and public spaces, supported by surveillance systems and regular risk assessments.

Gbolahan Yishawu echoed support for the motion, describing it as timely and relevant.

He acknowledged Nigeria Police Force as the backbone of security in the state, particularly during festive seasons when Lagos received a large influx of people from the diaspora.

Ogundipe urged positive and responsible use of social media, warning that misuse could exacerbate existing challenges.

He concluded by recommending that the Commissioner of Police should engage with the leadership of the House of Assembly to address the state’s evolving security challenges and rising vices.

The lawmaker representing Oyo North Senatorial District and 2027 governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Sen. Buhari Abdulfatai, has pledged to remain committed to ensuring his constituents and other Oyo State indigenes and residents enjoyed the best things of life.

He said he would prioritise projects that would promote education, health care and economic development, adding that he would work to address people’s challenges.

He said he was dedicated to making positive impact in the lives of his constituents, contributing to the development of Nigeria.

In a statement by the lawmaker to celebrate the 65th Independence Anniversary, Buhari urged Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of their forebears, who fought for their freedom.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and vision for the nation, saying the President’s commitment to education and development was evident in the establishment of Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho.

Buhari thanked Tinubu for signing a bill into law, which would provide youths with access to quality education and equip them with the skills needed to drive the agricultural sector forward.

He said the university would be a game changer for the region, adding that he was proud to have played a role in making it a reality.

”Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho will provide our youths with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in agriculture and technology. This will not only improve their lives, but also contribute to the growth and development of our nation.

‘I am confident that this institution will become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, driving economic growth and development in our region,’ the senator said.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said his administration would fight insecurity with resources at its disposal.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

The governor said nowhere in Kwara would be safe for criminals, including kidnappers.

He spoke after a security council meeting on Tuesday night.

Following the recent attack at Oke Ode, the governor said he moved swiftly to brief President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where he reiterated his request for additional federal deployment to raid the hideouts.

‘The Army Headquarters has since relocated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2nd Division to Ilorin as part of the renewed efforts to strengthen security operations in the state.

‘On Monday night, combined forces of the Army, DSS and Police launched an offensive around Baba Sango, along Kwara-Kogi boundary, neutralising about 15 armed bandits.

‘The same operation continued on Tuesday. And yesterday night, I presided over the State Security Council meeting at Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin, to integrate state and federal assets into a strategy for both Kwara North and South,’ he said.

AbdulRazaq assured residents that his administration would not relent in supporting security agencies to keep every community safe.

‘I have assurances of the security forces to smoke out and eliminate the criminals from their hideouts.

‘We will fight insecurity with every resource at our disposal. Kwara will not be a hiding place for criminals. To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in Kwara, you may run, but you cannot escape justice. Kwara belongs to its people, and their peace will be defended,’ the governor added.

Carloha Nigeria has unveiled Chery Tiggo 9 SUV and CarlohaCare brand in Lagos.

The firm said its goal is to ease access to modern mobility while improving after-sales.

Managing Director, Mr. Sola Adigun, said CarlohaCare 6-6-7 initiative offers six years warranty, six years free scheduled maintenance, and a seven-day repair with a courtesy car guarantee.

Speaking on Chery’s global success and technology, Adigun said Chinese innovation is redefining the auto sector.

He said Chery, China’s largest vehicle exporter, has five million exports underscoring global confidence and acceptance of the brand.

He stressed that Nigerian customers can experience the same quality recognised in over 80 countries.

Adigun reiterated Carloha’s investment in human capital, highlighting efforts to train Nigerian technicians.

He explained that this will ensure every Chery vehicle sold in Nigeria is backed by local expertise and parts availability.

General Manager of Marketing, Mr. Taiwo Akinpelu, said Tiggo 9 is a landmark addition to the SUV market.

He said it combines cutting-edge technology, comfort, and safety standards, making it the most reliable choice in its category.

He added that Carloha’s advanced driver-assist features, robust safety architecture, and luxury design were crafted for families and businesses.

‘Every journey in Tiggo 9 is backed by engineering excellence and CarlohaCare 6-6-7 package, which guarantees value,’ Taiwo said.

Carloha noted that its ambition is to make car ownership more affordable and sustainable.

It announced plans to begin local assembly in 2026 to reduce costs, create jobs, and expand Nigeria’s automotive capacity.

A Professor of Educational Management at the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, Ebenezer Adu, has urged the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other regulatory agencies to intensify efforts in curbing overcrowding in universities.

Prof. Adu, who delivered the institution’s second inaugural lecture in Ikere-Ekiti, titled: ‘Fixing the Engine, Not Just the Destination: Aligning Internal Efficiency with the Goals of Effective Schools’, said universities have continued to sacrifice quality for revenue by admitting students far beyond their capacity.

He described the trend as dangerous, stressing that overstretched facilities, high teacher-student ratios and poor instructional delivery have led to the production of ill-equipped graduates.

‘Some institutions admit large numbers of students to boost revenue. This leads to high teacher-pupil ratios and low quality of output,’ Adu said.

He called on the Ministry of Education (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NABTEC) and National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) to strengthen monitoring and ensure universities and other tertiary institutions comply with approved admission quotas.

He said: ‘Regular inspection and supervision of instruction by the regulatory body should always be undertaken to improve the quality of instruction and reduce wastage.

‘Some of the high institutions look for the means of increasing internally generated revenue; they admit large number of students, which lead to high teacher-pupil ratio. At the end, there is low quality of output.