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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured that his administration will continue to provide an enabling environment for corps members to feel wanted, loved, appreciated and respected during their national service in the state.

The governor gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Olakunle O. Nafiu, at Lagos House, Marina, on Thursday, even as he commended the vital role corps members played in different communities in Lagos State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting them as they serve and grow, assuring that his government was fully committed to building the NYSC permanent site project in the Ikorodu area of the state.

‘We are being very deliberate and intentional. It is very gratifying that a large number of corp members in the country are in Lagos. I want to assure you again that we will continue to provide an enabling environment for corps members to feel wanted, loved and appreciated during their time in Lagos.

‘We commend all our youth corpers. It is always something of joy to identify with them, to see those uniforms and to continue to encourage them and for them to thrive in whatever they do. It is a national pride and something that everybody must carry with dignity and honour.

‘We will do whatever is expected of us to make their time and period here a memorable one. We want to assure you that as a government, we will continue to support and make the scheme interesting and memorable for corps members at all times,’ the governor said.

Speaking earlier, Brig. Gen. Nafiu, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for the marvellous things they were doing for NYSC in Lagos, noting that based on the visible imprints everywhere, corps members were always excited to come to Lagos, just as he disclosed that over 44,000 corps members were currently serving in Lagos.

The NYSC boss said the purpose of his visit was to further cement the already cordial relationship that existed between the state government and the National Youth Service Corps, pledging his organisation’s continued support in deploying corps members to Lagos State for socio-economic development.

‘Lagos State is the number one destination for corps members in the country. As of today, Lagos State has over 44,000 corps members serving in Lagos. NYSC has 303 doctors serving in Lagos State. We deployed about 7,148 teachers teaching in the public schools and 274 nurses. We have about 35,000 serving in other public and private sectors within the state, making Lagos State the highest in terms of core postings in the country.

‘NYSC saved Lagos about N14.8 billion annually when we consider the cost of paying corps members in the state if they were to be employed full-time. The NYSC scheme has continued to remain a viable scheme not only in uniting the country and building bridges across culture, religion and socio-economic divides, but it also contributes immensely to the socio-economic development of the state and communities where our corps members are deployed.

‘We appreciate the security in Lagos. It makes it very peaceful, and parents are always eager and comfortable when their sons and daughters are posted to Lagos. Parents are comfortable with their daughters serving in Lagos State. Lagos State consistently for the past five or six years has been having more female corp members than male corp members. We want to thank the Governor for the enabling environment you have continuously provided for us in Lagos State,’ he said.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), Chief Wole Olaonipekun (SAN), Major General Ike Nwachkwu, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, and other prominent leaders have emphasize the need for Nigeria to stand tall as the giant of Africa and strengthen the continent’s place on the global stage.

They made the call on Thursday as they all gathered at the Island Club 2025 Nigeria @ 65 Independence Lecture and Awards Night, themed: ‘Nigeria and the African Reawakening: The Giant That Must Not Sleep,’ held at the Peacock Hall, Island Club, Lagos.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, while making the call, stressed that Nigerians needed to join hands and fight to ensure that the country hits its potential in all areas of human endeavor to strengthen African unity, foster economic growth, and secure its rightful place as a global leader.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, noted that Nigeria stands tall as Africa’s most populous nation with over 220 million people, considered as a demographic dividend fuelling growth, with over 60 per cent believed to be young and in their productive stage, further stressing that not many countries can boast of this youthful, productive, and vibrant demographic.

‘We need to join hands and fight to ensure that Nigeria hits her potential in all areas of human endeavours. With private sector leadership or collaboration with captains of industry, like the esteemed Island Club members, this giant of a nation will wake up, move up, and stay up,’ he said.

Governor noted that the theme of the event was a reflection on Nigeria at 65, saying that it should be an exhibition of collective ideas on how this giant of a country can live up to its stature as a true giant, responsible and respected nation, honoured and valued at home and abroad.

This was just as he reaffirmed that Lagos remained committed to contributing its quota as a hub of enterprise, creativity, and progress to Nigeria’s bright future and Africa’s awakening.

Highlighting Lagos’ pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic progress, Sanwo-Olu noted that the state now ranks as the second largest city economy in Africa with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $259 billion based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), adding that the state GDP is more than 18.7% of Nigeria’s GDP and about 20% of the country’s non-oil GDP.

‘Nigeria has all that it takes to succeed. We are home to the largest number of millionaires in Africa – a true reflection of our economic vibrancy. Lagos State epitomizes entrepreneurial dynamism; a commercial heartbeat driving Africa’s economic pulse.

‘It is working towards becoming Africa’s model megacity, one that is safe and secure, functional and productive. It has the ambition of becoming a global economic and financial hub in which businesses thrive and with high returns on investment,’ the governor said.

Similarly, former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Fashola (SAN), called for a national consensus on what the ‘Nigerian Dream’ truly meant, stressing the importance of defining clear standards for success and leadership.

Fashola, while emphasizing that success was not static but must be redefined over time to reflect the nation’s evolving challenges and opportunities, urged Nigerians to establish a gold standard for leadership, to ensure that the nation recognize and rally behind true visionaries.

Referencing Nigeria’s role in continental infrastructure, Fashola highlighted the country’s contributions to the Trans-African Highway and other projects, noting that three of the nine highways across Africa terminated in Lagos.

He explained that such investment from the Lagos-Badagry Expressway to the Kano-Maradi Railway reflected Nigeria’s responsibility in shaping Africa’s shared future.

Also speaking, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Olaonipekun (SAN), underscored the importance of structural and constitutional reforms to rebuild Nigeria’s foundations, even as he stressed that the responsibility now rests on Nigerians and Africans themselves to define a new path.

‘The responsibility now rests on Nigerians and Africans themselves to define a new path. With a call for justice, unity, and moral rebirth. Nigeria must be born again, contextualized, structural, constitutional, and legal. Only then can we inspire Africa and the world,’ he said.

The former Foreign Minister, Major General Ike Nwachkwu, in his own remark, noted the importance of strong opposition in safeguarding democracy, recalling how past opposition figures helped preserve nation’s stability and accountability.

Lamenting the weakening of opposition politics today, Nwachkwu warned that democracy cannot thrive without genuine checks, fairness, and focus, calling on Nigerians to unite, rise above selfish politics, and demand governance that prioritizes the collective good over personal ambition.

The Keynote Speaker, an Internationally Celebrated Pan-Africanist and Thought Leader, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, challenged Nigerians to embrace their historic responsibility as Africa’s leader, warning that the nation can no longer afford ‘business as usual.’

Lumumba, while making the call, noted that Nigeria, despite its vast resources and human talent, had yet to achieve its true potential, pointing to persistent challenges in governance, education, healthcare, electricity, and the economy.

The erudite scholar emphasized that leadership at all levels must rise above self-interest and tribalism to deliver real transformation, declaring pointedly that ‘the day Nigeria wakes up is the day Africa wakes up.’

He, therefore, urged Nigeria to take bold steps in diversifying its economy, reviving local industries, strengthening education, and investing in innovation, rather than relying on imports.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, refused to hear an application filed by Dumebi Kachiku against Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Sen. David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate of ADC, is seeking an order compelling INEC to, forthwith, withdraw the unlawful publication of Mark and Rauf Aregbesola’s names as national chairman and secretary of the party pending the determination of the suit.

Justice James Omotosho, however, declined to hear the motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1331/2025, which was brought by Dayo Akinlaja, SAN, on Kachikwu’s behalf.

‘This court is not inclined to nullify anything at this stage whether done before or now. This is a political case. I am not taking any interlocutory matter,’ he said.

Instead, Justice Omotosho held that all the processes filed by the parties, including the preliminary objections of the defence,would be taken together with the substantive suit.

All efforts by Akinlaja to have his application heard were rebuffed by the judge.

Recall that INEC had, recently, recognised Mark, the former senate president, and Aregbesola, ex-governor of Osun, as ADC’s national chairman and national secretary.

Kachikwu and others had, on July 7, filed the originating summons to challenge the purported appointment and declaration of Mark and Aregbesola as national chairman and secretary of the party.

Others in the suit include Adikwu Elias, Etimbuk Umoh, Muhammed Khala, Alaku Godwin William as 2nd to 5th plaintiffs.

They named INEC, ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu, Mark, Aregbesola as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

When the case was called on Friday, Akinlaja informed the court that the matter was adjourned for hearing.

The lawyer, however, told the court that a motion was filed on Sept. 19 by the plaintiff.

He said the motion was hinged on the fact that despite the pendency of the suit in court, INEC chose to recognise the leadership of Mark and Aregbesola.

In the motion, the plaintiffs sought an order setting aside the purported recognition and publication of Mark and Aregbesola’s names as chairman and secretary of ADC.

They argued that the action, having been done during the pendency of the suit and in violation of the doctrine of lis pendens.

They also sought an order of injunction restraining Nwosu, Mark and Aregbesola from continuing to deal or relate with INEC in the capacity of national officers of the party.

Akinlaja, therefore, pleaded with the judge to have the motion taken but to no avail.

Shaibu Aruwa, SAN, who appeared for ADC, and other lawyers for the defence, opposed the application.

Justice Omotosho, who granted an application for joinder filed by Nkemakolam Ukandu, the deputy national secretary of ADC, made a consequential order for amendment of the suit to accommodate Ukandu’s name as a defendant.

The judge gave 48 working hours to the plaintiff’s to file their consequential amendment and seven days to the defence to respond and adjourned the matter till October 23 for hearing.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed what he found out about the Boko Haram insurgents, and why the problem continues to persist years after the terrorist group’s major attack in the country.

The former President said this on Friday while giving remarks as the Chairman at the launch of ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’, a book by former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (rtd.) in Abuja.

According to Obasanjo, the insurgent group came to be not because they were interested in political power or serious religious issues, but rather a better life.

‘I found, yes, there was Boko Haram. I found they were not really aiming for anything political or anything seriously religious. But in short, they were looking for a better life. And any other thing attached to that is a better life for them,’ he said.

Continuing, the former Nigerian head of state and two-term civilian president questioned steps taken by Nigeria as a nation in addressing the challenges, adding that if the country had taken the right steps, Boko Haram would not have been a part of its daily life.

‘Have we understood that? If we have, have we taken the steps that we should take? If we have, why are we, after fifteen years, Boko Haram is not virtually becoming part of our life? Should we accept that? If we should not accept, what should we do? How much do we know?’ He asked.

Obasanjo further questioned the country’s proactiveness, across the divides, in dealing with the insurgency problem, which he said is becoming a monster within the country.

‘I think we have to ask ourselves the necessary questions to be able to deal with this thing that is now becoming a monster within our country,’ he added.

The event had in attendance other prominent Nigerians, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Minister of Defense, Abubakar Bagudu; Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; Bishop Hassan Kukah, among others.

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has urged the full implementation of state-driven rural electrification programmes, saying such initiatives could accelerate access to power and reduce the country’s dependence on the federal grid.

The call was made in Abuja on Friday during the 29th edition of the NSE October Lecture, themed ‘Evaluating Nigeria’s Power Sector Reform 2005-2023: A Quantitative Analysis of Technical Performance and Regulatory Impact.’

Delivering the keynote address, former NSE President (2022-2023), Mr. Tasiu Gidari-Wudil, said the 2023 Electricity Act created new opportunities for states to take greater responsibility for their electricity needs.

‘I am advocating for state rural electrification programmes across all 36 states and the FCT, in addition to the Nigerian Electricity Commission,’ he said.

‘In the U.S., where I did all my regulatory trainings, every state has a public utilities commission, while the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is at the centre, managing all interstate businesses and large hydro plants. Beyond that, even small villages can form cooperatives to generate electricity for themselves with the resources they have. That is the model we should adopt.’

Gidari-Wudil said unreliable electricity remained one of the country’s most pressing infrastructure gaps, with wide implications for economic growth and industrial competitiveness. Although reforms since 2005 had encouraged private sector participation, broadened regulatory frameworks, and increased installed generation capacity, he noted that Nigeria was still struggling to achieve a reliable and affordable supply.

He listed persistent challenges such as political interference in tariff setting, inadequate infrastructure, and a power market that remains financially unsustainable. According to him, electricity failures result in annual economic losses of about $50 billion, with manufacturers among the hardest hit as many rely heavily on diesel generators.

Consumer satisfaction has also remained low, he added, with more than half of Nigerians saying they had not directly benefited from the reforms.

‘Tariff reforms like the Service-Based Tariff have improved revenue but not necessarily service delivery, as monitoring remains weak,’ Gidari-Wudil said.

Looking ahead, he called for reform models to be tailored to local contexts, stronger regulatory capacity, transparent subsidies, and deeper community-level engagement. ‘If we want electricity, we have to do the right thing,’ he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, emphasised the importance of private sector investment in the sector. Represented by Godwin Emmanuel, Head of Generation at Sahara Power, Adesina said: ‘The reforms of yesterday must therefore evolve into the reforms of tomorrow. They must be reforms that inspire investor confidence, encourage technological adoption, and ultimately serve the Nigerian people.’

He added that the success of the power sector depended on consistent policies, respect for contractual agreements, and the creation of a conducive investment climate. ‘We will continue to invest, innovate, and collaborate because we believe that Nigeria’s future is bright and that with collective effort, indeed, there will be light,’ he said.

The NSE President and Chairman-in-Council, Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, described the lecture as timely, saying its theme aligned with ongoing national debates about sustainable electricity supply, energy transition, and the efficiency of power reforms.

Oguntala explained that the annual October Lecture was designed as a platform for the NSE to present its stance on major national issues. ‘Most importantly, it is to showcase the knowledge, wisdom, and professional expertise of our revered past presidents, whose leadership and contributions continue to inspire generations of engineers,’ she said.

She noted that the lecture brings together thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts,s and engineers for dialogue on pressing issues shaping Nigeria’s development. ‘With over six decades of service to the nation, the NSE remains committed to promoting engineering excellence, upholding ethical standards,s and contributing meaningfully to nation building,’ Oguntala added.

The Ondo State Government on Friday announced that it has paid over N12 billion in gratuities to local government retirees whose entitlements had been pending for more than a decade.

The government also commended all 18 local government chairmen in the state for their efforts in promoting grassroots development, saving funds, and embracing transparency in governance.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, disclosed this in Akure while briefing journalists on the outcome of the ministry’s inspection tour of the 18 local government areas.

Takuro said the payment covered retirees between 2010 and 2013, adding that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved the release of the funds to ease the suffering of former workers who had served the state meritoriously but were left unpaid by previous administrations.

‘On gratuities alone, we have spent almost N12 billion to pay local government retirees between 2010 and 2013. These people had retired for ten to fifteen years without receiving their entitlements.

‘Though the backlog was not caused by this administration, government is a continuum, and Mr Governor directed us to save money specifically to clear it. By next week, we will also begin payment for the 2014 retirees,’ he said.

The commissioner explained that the achievement was possible through consistent savings agreed upon at the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) meetings with council chairmen. He stressed that without such an arrangement, it would have been difficult to dedicate funds to retirees given other competing demands.

Takuro recalled that many desperate pensioners had besieged his office when he assumed duty, with some even offering to forfeit a percentage of their entitlements if their payments could be fast-tracked.

‘I felt sorry for them and told them they didn’t need to know me personally before receiving their gratuities. That was why we made proper arrangements with the local government chairmen and started saving. We have done this successfully on several occasions, and today the results are visible,’ he explained.

He praised the local government chairmen for initiating development-oriented projects within their short time in office. ‘We are glad that the local governments are alert to their responsibilities. Some have built markets, provided solar power and potable water, fixed bridges, and graded rural roads. They have also engaged our youths in agriculture, thereby creating employment opportunities and strengthening food security,’ he said.

According to him, these initiatives align with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Aiyedatiwa, both of whom consider grassroots development as the foundation of national growth.

‘If we make rural dwellers uncomfortable, there will be problems. They are the ones who provide food for us. Neglecting them will only worsen rural-to-urban migration and increase pressure on city centres. That is why Governor Aiyedatiwa has keyed into President Tinubu’s vision of grassroots empowerment,’ he stressed.

The commissioner further revealed that the councils had collectively saved N15 billion in a joint account to finance capital projects, describing the move as proof of long-term planning beyond recurrent expenses.

He added that the state government had partnered with the EFCC, ICPC, and the state anti-graft agency to train local government chairmen and senior officials on transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

According to him, the training was aimed at strengthening accountability and preventing mismanagement. ‘The trainings were designed to ensure that council officials handle public funds with the highest standards of transparency and accountability. This is to guarantee that savings and allocations are used for the good of the people,’ he said.

Takuro emphasized that the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa would continue to prioritize both the welfare of retirees and the development of grassroots communities, stressing that without strong local governance, even the state and federal governments would face challenges.

Osun State, located in South-West Nigeria, is widely regarded as the cradle of Yoruba culture. With its rich history, sacred sites, and vibrant festivals, the state is a top destination for cultural tourism and spiritual heritage. Visitors are drawn not only to its UNESCO World Heritage sites but also to its serene natural landscapes and artistic traditions.

Here are five must-visit attractions in Osun State:

1. Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is one of the last surviving sacred forests in Yoruba culture. Situated on the outskirts of Osogbo, it is dedicated to Osun, the goddess of fertility. The grove features shrines, sculptures, and artworks created by the Austrian artist Susanne Wenger and local artisans. It is also the venue for the world-famous Osun-Osogbo Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors annually.

2. Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls (Olumirin Waterfalls)

Located in Erin-Ijesha, the Olumirin Waterfalls is a breathtaking natural wonder. The seven-step waterfall cascades down rugged rocks, offering visitors a refreshing adventure and a scenic environment. Hiking to the upper levels is both challenging and rewarding, with spectacular views of the surrounding forest.

3. Nike Art Centre, Osogbo

Osogbo is known as a hub of art and culture, and the Nike Art Centre stands as one of its most prominent landmarks. Founded by Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, the gallery showcases traditional and contemporary Nigerian art, including textiles, beadwork, and paintings. It is a must-visit for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

4. Oke-Ila Orangun Mountain

Tucked away in Oke-Ila, this mountain resort offers a blend of relaxation and adventure. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, panoramic views, and serene natural surroundings. The resort also highlights local traditions and serves as a getaway for those seeking peace away from the bustle of city life.

5. Osun-Osogbo Festival

While not a permanent site, the Osun-Osogbo Festival deserves mention as one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural events. Held every August, it celebrates the goddess Osun and attracts tourists, devotees, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world. The festival combines colorful processions, traditional rituals, music, and dance, a true showcase of Yoruba spirituality and heritage.

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has begun a four-day annual retreat aimed at strengthening the capacity of its Directorate of Legal Services for better service delivery.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Lagos, the Director of Legal Services, NDDC, Victor Arenyeka, said: ‘Work-focused retreats such as this are designed to provide a deliberate pause from our daily demands, allowing us reflect on the purpose of our roles, our contributions to the organisation, and the shared vision that binds us together.

‘It is during moments like this that we step away from the intense pressure of work, recharge in a stress-free environment and reignite our passion for service. These days of reflection and relaxation serve as a form of renewal, mentally preparing us to return to our duties re-energised, focused and committed to giving our very best.’

He explained that this year’s theme, ‘Innovative Strategies for Excellent Legal Service Delivery and Conflict Resolution’, reflects the Directorate’s responsibility to adopt new approaches for effective legal work and dispute resolution in a changing environment.

Arenyeka noted: ‘The Legal Directorate remains a pivotal spectrum within the NDDC and will continue to play a critical role for years to come. As the custodian of the Commission’s legal and regulatory framework, the Legal Directorate serves as a tool in advancing NDDC’s mission, from ensuring contractual integrity and regulatory compliance to fostering harmonious conflict resolutions.

‘To achieve this, it is imperative that we work in synergy by adhering strictly to established processes, maintaining transparency in all dealings, and promptly seeking legal guidance when required.

As public officers we must recognise that embracing new strategies is not optional but essential. In so doing, we collectively strengthen the integrity of our operations and uphold the values of accountability and excellence that define the NDDC’s mission.’

In his keynote address, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN, recommended arbitration as one of the approaches the Directorate could adopt.

He said: ‘There is a general acknowledgement that in commercial matters arbitration is a viable alternative to litigation. This is more so given the congestion and delay that is experienced in many of our courts.

That aside, arbitration has a few other advantages over litigation. It affords the parties the opportunity to discuss and agree in advance of any dispute arising, the manner in which the dispute will be resolved, the qualifications and possibly the identity of the person or persons who will be entrusted with resolving the dispute.’

The Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable Children Agency (BASOVCA) has condemned in strong terms the self-immolation incident involving a woman who set herself ablaze at the late Prime Minister’s residence in Bauchi.

In a press release on Friday, signed by the Chairperson of BASOVCA, Hajiya Yelwa Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the agency expressed deep sadness over the tragic development.

Hajiya Yelwa, who doubles as Chairperson of BASOVCA, described the act as unfortunate and extended her deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.

She noted that the incident ‘is a stark reminder of the need for increased mental health support and the resuscitation of religious education amongst the populace to understand the spiritual consequences of suicide in the hereafter.’

The agency further clarified: ‘We want to categorically state that the deceased woman had no connection whatsoever with Hajiya Yelwa Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chairperson of BASOVCA, or the agency, as there is no record of such a name in the list of the agency’s orphans and vulnerable interventions.’

According to BASOVCA, ‘The woman’s actions were her own and did not reflect the values or mission of BASOVCA.’

It added: ‘Therefore, the thoughts and prayers of the agency are with the family of the deceased during this difficult time. We urge everyone to prioritise their mental health and seek help when needed.’

The agency also commended the swift response of the Bauchi State Police Command and their efforts to investigate the incident, expressing hope for a thorough probe that will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

‘In conclusion, BASOVCA remains resolute in its mission of supporting vulnerable children and families in Bauchi State. We will continue to work tirelessly to make a positive impact in our communities, local governments, and the state at large,’ it stressed.