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Ahead of the maiden State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) conference slated to begin Thursday, Lagos State Government has unveiled popular Comedian, Oluseyitan Aletile alias Seyi Law as Ambassador.

The unveiling was done by the Permanent Secretary (PS) Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu and the General Manager, Lagos State Command and Control Centre (C3), Femi Giwa, after a road show to drum public support for the conference, yesterday.

According to Oke-Osanyintolu, Seyi Law was chosen as ambassador to give the youths an icon to look up to, adding that plans had commenced to train young people working as area boys as local emergency responders in order to get them off the streets.

The Nation reports that the roadshow which commenced at the agency’s office in Alausa, proceeded to the Fire and Rescue Services before moving to the relevant stakeholder ministries inside the state secretariat on Awolowo Way and back to the C3.

In an interview with reporters after the roadshow, Oke-Osanyintolu said that LASEMA, NEMA and other stakehodlers were committed to emplacing a robust national emegency response strategy.

He said the goal was to ensure that across the country, emergency workers understood the importance of saving lives and efficiently utilising the golden hour.

The LASEMA boss said already President Bola Tinubu, through his policies, has shown that the safety and security of Nigerians were paramount to him.

He re-emphasised that the 112 national emergency number was currently working, adding that part of the deliverables from the conference would be to sync emergncy responsiveness at state and local government levels so that the SEMAs in all the states of the country would be in tune with global best practices.

‘I want to assure the good people of Lagos that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has put everything in place to ensure a smooth summit for a more resilient Nigeria as it was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that created LASEMA when he was the Lagos State Governor, so we are fully ready for the task ahead and we promise participants a more fulfilling time in Lagos,’ he said.

Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental relations,Gbenga Oyerinde, during a brief interview in front of his ministry, said the SEMA summit was for participants to brainstorm with relevant stakeholders’ on efficient disaster management.

‘This administration has invested heavily in emergency and disaster management in ensuring the protection of lives and property of the residents of the state, so we are inviting all stakeholders’, professionals and the general public to join us for the three days SEMA conference to chart a new course for national emergency management for the benefit of all Nigerians,’ he said.

Representatives of NEMA, Fire Service, LASAMBUS, Health, among others participated in the walk for the summit awareness with the theme Strengthening a sub-national emergency management for a resilient Nigeria.

The Akwa Ibom State Government has procured 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and commenced the construction of ultra-modern terminals and bus stations across the state.

Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, disclosed this on Tuesday during a joint press briefing with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, and the Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh.

Umanah also revealed that about 771km of roads are currently at various stages of construction, while 31 completed bridges are set for commissioning.

He noted that the achievements reflect the progress made under Governor Umo Eno’s administration in just two years, across sectors guided by the ARISE Agenda, as Akwa Ibom marks its 38th anniversary.

In the aviation sector, the commissioner said, ‘The aviation sector continues to soar with the acquisition of four new aircraft for Ibom Air, construction of the Aviation Village, and completion of the new Terminal Building and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Victor Attah International Airport.

On security, he said, ‘In security, the establishment of the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, recruitment of 4,500 community watch personnel, provision of gunboats and patrol vehicles, and creation of a Security and Command Centre have strengthened the State’s safety architecture’.

Speaking on tourism, the commissioner said, ‘ecological remediation of 70 hectares of gullies and construction of the ARISE Resort are underway, alongside works at the 5,000-capacity Ibom International Convention Centre and Hotel and the ARISE Shopping City.

‘In training and empowerment, more than 10,000 youths and SMEs have benefited, and the administration is constructing a 2,000-capacity Amphi-Theatre to host the Annual Christmas Unplugged Event.

‘In addition, the newly established ?100 million Creative Industry Fund is being deployed to strengthen talent development, drive capacity building, and expand opportunities for the entertainment and film sector, thereby positioning Akwa Ibom as a creative hub in Nigeria.

‘In roads and bridges, over 771 kilometres of roads are at various stages of construction, and 31 bridges have been completed.

Umanah disclosed that, ‘In agriculture, the State has established the Ibom Model Farm, rolled out the Arise Home Farms Scheme and the Back-to-Farm Initiative, while distributing inputs to farmers.

‘In healthcare, there are now functional health centres across all LGAs, a State Health Insurance Scheme, a 350-bed International Hospital under development, an Emergency Ambulance Service, a Medical Oxygen Production Plant, and an expanded workforce of medical personnel’.

Leaders of the Federation of Ahlus-Sunnah Organizations in Nigeria (FASON) on Sunday paid royal homage to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.

The delegation, led by FASON National Amir Sheikh Tajudeen Abdul Kareem Al Adabiyy, included the West Africa President of JIBWIS Dr. Abdullahi Bala Lau, National Vice President of the Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria Sheikh Isa Solahudeen Akindele, and other prominent Islamic scholars.

They were joined by traditional rulers such as Oba Abdul Azeez Olatubosun Adebanji, the Akire of Ikire Ile, and Oba Qazeem Ilufemiloye I, the Olowu of Owu Ile, alongside academics including Professor Mutiullah Olasupo of the University of Abuja.

Sheikh Al Adabiyy said the visit was to offer prayers for the monarchs’ long life and successful reigns. Akindele, in his remarks, also appealed to the Olubadan to help curb land-grabbing challenges in Ibadanland.

‘We pray to Almighty God to grant you a long time and good health. We pray to God to give you the wisdom to direct the affairs successfully.

He said, ‘God will allow you to implement the good visions you have for this city and Nigeria in general. Many things that are not good are happening in the city, such as land grabbing. You have said that you will tackle these problems, God will give you the wisdom to do it’.

During the visit to the Alaafin, Sheik Al Adabiyy informed that the visit became necessary to pray for the traditional rulers.

While in Oyo, the group was received by the Khadeemul Musleemuun of Oyo Kingdom, Sheikh Daud Tijani Igi Ogun, and Aare Musulumi of Oyo, Alhaji Kamarise, in a brief but colourful reception at the JIBWIS group of school, a multilingual event anchored by Sheikh Tajudeen Imam of Prince and Princess Central Mosque, Abuja.

Sheik Al Adabiyy, while speaking, said, ‘We have come from different parts of the country; we have people who came from Abuja and other parts of the country here. The purpose of the visits is to pray for you for a long life and a successful reign

‘We are here to greet you, we are here to pray for you. We have been doing it when you were not there, we are now doing it in your presence. What we want is for God to grant you a long life’.

The Olubadan and the Alaafin, in their separate remarks, said that they were happy to receive the leaders of the Islamic organisation.

They thanked the organisation for the visit.

They urged them to continue in their prayers to promote peaceful coexistence in the country.

In the backdrop of the ongoing UNGA 80, prominent African leaders gathered at the World Trade Center in New York City on Friday for Africa Breakfast Convos (ABC), a high-profile official side event of the 80th United Nations General Assembly.

Hosted by global communications firm Allison Worldwide, in partnership with The King’s Trust Group, and African public relations company Black House Media (BHM), the breakfast event brought together executives from across Africa and the U.S. to discuss strategies for Africa-led innovation, investment, and sustainable development.

The event featured an exclusive fireside chat with Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, Chairman of Access Holdings, Chairman of Coronation Group, Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, and member of the Kings Trust Africa Advisory Board, who shared insights into Africa’s investment landscape, spotlighting opportunities to bridge African entrepreneurs with global capital.

‘Unlocking Africa’s youth potential, connecting entrepreneurs to global markets, and ensuring inclusive growth are not just aspirations – they are imperatives if Africa is to shape the 21st century,’ he stated.

Following the fireside, Claudine Moore, Managing Director, Africa, Allison Worldwide, who moderated the session with Aig-Imoukhuede, emphasised the importance of building platforms like ABC to amplify African innovation.

‘This is our third annual UNGA event and the second in The Africa Breakfast Conversation series. Our goal with all our events is to not only create the space for candid conversations but also a space for high-level connections that lead to action and impact. Our vision is that our events contribute to positioning Africa as a driver of global sustainable development,’ she said.

The discussions at the event highlighted Africa’s youthful population as a significant driver of future growth, with nearly 70 percent of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30. By 2030, one in five people globally will be African, underscoring the continent’s central role in shaping the world’s future.

A panel titled Generation Potential – Powering Africa’s Youth Through Nutrition, Skills, Access and Opportunity featured insights from Shalom Ndiku, Director of Policy, Food4Education; H.E. Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sierra Leone; Geoffrey Kasangaki, CEO, Asante Africa Foundation; Abeiku Greene, Outgoing Executive Director, Junior Achievement Ghana; and Ben Ovio, Chief Responsibility Executive, ENDIP International.

The panelists discussed how nutrition, education, and youth skills development can fuel Africa’s next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

Reflecting on the collaboration with Allison and BHM for this edition of the Africa Breakfast Conversation (ABC), The King’s Trust commented: ‘We are proud to support forums like ABC that put youth, innovation, and opportunity at the centre of Africa’s development agenda. Today was a chance for us to convene, to learn what we are doing right, but more importantly, to learn where we can do more to invest in Generation Potential.’

The second panel, Africa’s Role in the Future of Technology, Media, AI and Finance, featured Iyin Aboyeji, Founding Partner, Future Africa; Ayeni Adekunle, Founder and CEO, BHM; and Kayode Akintemi, Managing Director, News Central TV.

The session, moderated by Wendu Nwakanma, Vice President, Goldman Sachs, explored how Africa’s growing tech and creative ecosystems are shaping global industries, from fintech to artificial intelligence and media.

Speaking on the significance of the right investment in Africa, Ayeni Adekunle, Founder and CEO of BHM, said, ‘This gathering is an opportunity to have the right conversations about our continent – the opportunities and the challenges. We’re providing guests with a space where conversations can flow freely, turning ideas into impactful initiatives that foster sustainable growth across Africa.’

Throughout the event, speakers underscored the importance of cross-sector partnerships, diaspora engagement, and long-term investment in Africa’s growth. According to recent data from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), foreign direct investment flows to Africa stood at $50 billion in 2024, representing 3.7 percent of global FDI and reflecting continued confidence in the continent’s potential.

The Africa Breakfast Convos aligned with the UNGA 80s’ broader focus on global progress and sustainable development. As the event concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism about Africa’s future and its ability to lead in critical sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and youth-driven innovation – setting the stage for deeper collaboration and continued investment in the continent’s sustainable development.

Allison is a global integrated marketing and communications agency, with operations across 50 markets throughout the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa, dedicated to driving growth, innovation, and positive change for clients, colleagues, and communities. With a diverse range of expertise and a forward-looking mindset, Allison delivers game-changing results that make a lasting impact. Allison is owned by Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), one of the fastest growing and most influential marketing and communications networks in the world. Agency partners leverage Stagwell’s technology, data analytics, insights and strategic consulting solutions to drive measurable results and optimize return on marketing investment for more than 1,700 clients worldwide.

BHM is a media and communications services company, home to public relations and reputation management consultancy BlackHouse Media (UK and Nigeria); Pan African communications advisory firm, ID Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, etc); and marketing technology platform, Plaqad. BHM was named one of Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies in 2023 and 2024 by the Financial Times.

The King’s Trust Group is a global network of support for young people, established by His Majesty King Charles III, our Royal Founding President. Our mission is to work for young people. Together with our partners, we empower young people to build the confidence, skills and experience they need to succeed in the world of work. We do this through programmes focused on Education, Employment and Enterprise. We are active in over 20 countries. Since 1976, we have supported over 1.3 million young people to change their lives for the better. ‘The King’s Trust Group’ includes The King’s Trust Group Company and its charitable subsidiaries – King’s Trust International, King’s Trust USA, King’s Trust Canada, King’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand and King’s Trust Australia – plus The King’s Trust in the UK.

The crisis between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Refinery over the sack of over 800 staff has culminated in the scarcity of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The association has cut the gas supply to the refinery since Sunday.

The Nation, however, monitored the petrol market in the FCT on Tuesday to discover that almost all the retail outlets were under lock and key.

Black marketers displayed the same PMS in strategic locations, like at the Conoil opposite the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in the Central Business District.

Speaking with The Nation, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) National President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, said the scarcity was due to the cut of supply from the Dangote Refinery.

According to him, Dangote is the sole supplier of the product, and loading is slow at the refinery.

He added that private depots have hiked petrol price to N980 per litre in Lagos.

He urged the warring parties to quickly settle their differences for the sake of the economy.

Similarly, the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) National Public Relations Officer, Chief Chinedu Ukadike, said the only cause of the scarcity was the Dangote and PENGASSAN crisis.

He appealed to the federal government to quickly resolve the crisis.

Three people, including a commercial motorcyclist and his two passengers, have lost their lives in a fatal accident near the Ogba River Bridge in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State.

Eyewitnesses said the accident occurred on Monday night when the driver of an SUV lost control and rammed into the motorcycle, killing all three victims instantly.

The incident sparked protests by fellow Okada riders along the Airport Road, who decried recurring fatal accidents in the area.

They alleged that the SUV driver was involved in advance fee fraud, popularly known as ‘Yahoo Yahoo.’

One of the protesters, Abdullahi Usman, identified the deceased Okada rider as their union secretary, lamenting the recklessness of so-called ‘Yahoo Boys’ on the roads.

‘The accident was very severe. It was the Divisional Police Officer at the Estate Police Station who calmed the situation,’ Usman said.

Edo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Cyril Matthew Zango, was unavailable for comments as of press time.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday vowed to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of Arise News staff, Somtochukwu Maduagwu.

Wike commiserated with the management and staff of the Arise News Channel over the death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, describing her death as tragic and painful.

In a statement on Tuesday, by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister, who prayed for the repose of the soul of Somtochukwu, assured that the Police will unravel the circumstances surrounding her death and bring those responsible to justice.

He said the death of Somtochukwu was not only a loss to the Arise News family, but to the Nigerian media and the entire nation as a whole.

The minister said from reports he received from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Mandate Secretary on Health, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, Somtochukwu was brought to the Maitama Hospital dead at about 4:30 am last Monday.

The minister said, ‘I feel pain that such a wonderful soul could be cut down in its prime. It is sad!

‘From the report by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Mandate Secretary on Health, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, Somtochukwu was brought to the Maitama General Hospital dead at about 4:30 am on Monday.

‘Preliminary medical reports will be made available to the police to aid their investigation, while all efforts will be made to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death.

‘Therefore, at this period, we will continue to pray for the continued support of the Almighty God for the staff and management of Arise News, especially the Chairman, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, and the family and friends left behind by the deceased.

‘It is my prayer that God in His infinite mercies will accept her soul and give her family members, friends, and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss’.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has reaffirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is firmly committed to policy continuity and governance stability, being a moral obligation necessary for Nigeria’s sustainable development.

Akume noted this in Abuja on Tuesday at the inauguration and maiden lecture of the Renewed Hope Grassroots Movement (RHGM), where he emphasized that President Tinubu believes continuity is not merely a governance principle but ‘a moral obligation to secure sustainable development and prosperity for all.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs in the Office of the SGF, Mr. Nadunga Gagare, Tue SGG said the President’s conviction is rooted in the belief that one of Nigeria’s greatest developmental setbacks has been the tendency to abandon policies, projects, and programmes whenever a new administration takes over.

‘This cycle of discontinuity has often stalled progress, wasted resources, and slowed down the pace of development. Sustainable development, however, thrives on consistency. A road started by one administration should be completed by the next,’ Akume said.

According to him, Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is anchored on ensuring stability in governance by strengthening national institutions, implementing reforms that outlive individuals, and building systems that deliver results for citizens irrespective of leadership changes.

Akume described the RHGM as an initiative that considers the yearnings of the masses for inclusive and accountable governance.

‘The Renewed Hope Grassroots Movement has a duty to mobilize, sensitize and ensure that citizens not only understand but take ownership of government policies,’ he added, stressing that democracy cannot thrive without the active involvement of the grassroots.

In his welcome address, the National Leader of the RHGM, Ambassador Isaac Chigozie Udeh, said President Tinubu has solidified his position ahead of the 2027 elections.

He noted that the movement was established to rally support for Tinubu’s policies and prevent what he called ‘experimentation’ by other political contenders.

‘We are here because we are comfortable with the policies of President Bola Tinubu and don’t want anybody else to come and carry out any experiment with us.

‘Nigerians need to be patient because what we are going through is like pregnancy; there will be joy very soon,’ Udeh said.

On her part, the National Women Leader of the RHGM, Mrs. Soaga Abiola, said the movement’s efforts would not be in vain, insisting that President Tinubu must be retained in 2027.

She also emphasized the importance of women’s involvement in governance, advocating for women to be considered for deputy positions in leadership.

Goodwill messages from RHGM members in the Diaspora, patrons, zonal and state coordinators, as well as leaders from the six geo-political zones, emphasized the importance of Nigerians rallying behind the government’s policy continuity and governance sustenance drive for the benefit of future generations.

The event also featured the inauguration of national officers, zonal and state coordinators, the national youth leader, and the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians.

Ademola Lookman made his first start of the season for Atalanta as the Italians came from behind to beat Club Brugge in the Champions League.

The England-born Nigeria winger was left out of the Italians’ squad for the first three Serie A games of the season after handing in a transfer request at the start of August.

Lookman was reported to have been a target for Inter Milan but a move failed to materialise.

He looked sharp on his return to the first-team fold and had an early shot blocked, but it was Belgium’s Club Brugge who took the lead against the run of play when Christos Tzolis curled in a fine effort just before half time.

Atalanta dominated the second half and substitute Davide Zappacosta went close with a low drive that flew just wide of the target.

They got the equaliser their dominance deserved when Nordin Jackers was adjudged to have brought down Mario Pasalic inside the box, and Lazar Samardzic stepped up to convert the penalty.

That prompted an open end to the game as both sides had chances to snatch a winner, but it was Atalanta who got it as Pasalic headed home with three minutes left.

The result secured Atalanta their first win in this season’s Champions League while it was Club Brugge’s first loss after thrashing Monaco 4-1 in their opener.

Actress Regina Daniels caused a stir on social media on Monday with a video of herself and her husband, Senator Ned Nwoko, using the restroom.

The viral video captured the look on Ned’s face as he seemingly showed his displeasure before going on to pee.

Regina, who’s a mother of two, was seen quickly blocking the camera’s view as her husband appeared to be using the restroom.

According to the timestamp on the video, the incident occurred around 5:30 am.

The playful moment has since generated a flurry of comments from fans, with many praising Regina for her swift and protective gesture, while others found humor in the early morning recording.

While some praised the actress for her protective gesture and sense of humor, others criticised the video as being inappropriate and disrespectful.

One social media user commented: ‘He saw the video recording and still brought it out. I didn’t even see anything, so everyone should rest. If he had a problem with it, he would have asked her to delete it.’

Another critic wrote:’So disrespectful.’

A third user added: ‘It’s shameful! To showcase a serving senator this way is completely unacceptable.’