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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage, announcing the signing of an Executive Order that makes health insurance mandatory for all residents of the state.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the Eko Health Convention 2025 held at Jewel Aeida, Lekki, and themed ‘Lagos Health: Driving Innovation, Strengthening Systems, Leading Change,’ the Governor, represented by his deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said the move aligns with the National Health Insurance Act and aims to ensure that every Lagosian contributes according to their capacity while enjoying protection during medical need.

‘When we launched the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme in February 2021, we made it clear that universal coverage requires a reliable and inclusive system,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

‘Without a shared pool of resources, universal healthcare is impossible. When everyone participates, we protect families from financial hardship, strengthen hospitals, and make healthcare stable and equitable for all,’ he said.

The Governor emphasised that effective insurance must be supported by a robust emergency response system.

Through the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), he noted, the government has strengthened emergency medical operations with rapid-response systems designed to save lives.

‘These measures reaffirm our conviction that emergency care must be a right, not a privilege,’ he said.

‘Lagos now boasts 360 public health facilities and over 3,500 private ones, forming a unified ecosystem where both sectors work together to ensure that every resident has access to quality healthcare.’

Sanwo-Olu also called on health stakeholders to invest more in innovation, technology, and service delivery, urging Lagosians to adopt healthy lifestyles, enrol in health insurance, and take responsibility for their wellbeing.

Since assuming office, the Governor said, his administration has placed Health and Environment at the centre of its THEMES development agenda, recording major milestones such as the commissioning of new Maternal and Child Centres in Eti-Osa, Badagry, and Epe; expansion of General Hospitals; and the construction of key facilities including the New Massey Street Specialist Children’s Hospital, Ojo General Hospital, Lagos State Mental Health Institute in Ketu-Ejirin, and the Cardio-Renal Centre in Gbagada.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described the new Lagos Health Blueprint as a transformative plan to make the state Africa’s health powerhouse.

He said Lagos currently loses an estimated $1.5 billion annually to outbound medical tourism, a figure higher than the state’s health budget, but the new reforms will reduce such capital flight.

He explained that the blueprint features climate-resilient hospitals, a 500-bed psychiatric and rehabilitation centre, and the establishment of the Lagos State University of Medicine and Health Science.

It also includes the Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP), a digital network linking public hospitals and primary health centres for real-time data sharing and policy decision-making.

‘Our goal is clear,’ Abayomi stated. ‘Lagos must become the health capital of sub-Saharan Africa – not just for Nigerians, but for the continent.’

In her remarks, the Special Adviser on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, stressed that collaboration through Public-Private Partnerships remains vital to achieving the state’s goal of quality, affordable healthcare for all residents.

‘Our vision is to empower citizens to take full control of their health and wellbeing,’ she said. ‘Government cannot do it alone; we must all work together to make healthcare accessible and sustainable for every Lagosian.’

The Cross River Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has warned drivers in the state to repent from committing road traffic infractions or face jail terms.

The Sector Commander, Innocent Etuk gave the warning in Calabar on Monday during a mobile court proceeding to try drivers for various traffic infractions along Calabar-Odukpani road.

Etuk said he had already made it clear that he was ready to send many drivers to jail unless they repented.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a court presided by a Magistrate Mr Eno Iyamba, arraigned 49 traffic offenders, convicted 46, and discharged three.

NAN reports that a total of 114 offences were recorded with Drivers Licence Violation (DLV), Seatbelt Use Violation (SUV), Attempting Corrupt Marshal on duty (ACS) as the most prevalence.

Speaking further, the sector commander said the exercise was the Corps’ strategic intervention to cut down the excesses of the motoring public in terms of traffic infractions.

He said, ‘Today, another mobile court sitting to fulfil our mandate to bring down road crashes; at least once or twice every month, we carryout these intervention patrols to achieve our mandate.

‘It is sad that despite our advocacies through the media and others, traffic infractions are not abating.

‘Last month, many drivers were convicted for attempting to corrupt our men and this month, it is still on the increase.

‘In the month of September, we did not convict any driver for Dangerous Driving (DGD) but this month, we have already convicted one and it took our synergy with sister agencies to get this done,’ he said.

Etuk noted that as the ’ember’ months unfolded, the Corps had identified flash points in the state where it normally encountered challenges.

According to him, the flash points are Odukpani Junction, Okurikang, Ikom Four Corner and Ogoja towards Vandekia.

He said that the command planned to have a camp around Okurikang which would be on and effective till late night to enable the Corps reduce response time in the case of any emergency.

The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, has said about 98 per cent of Nigerian workers will be exempted from paying Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax under the new tax laws scheduled to take effect from January 2026.

The Chairman of the committee, Mr Taiwo Oyedele said this at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES31) in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said that the reforms were designed to protect low-income earners and those living around the poverty line, while ensuring fairness and efficiency in Nigeria’s tax administration.

Oyedele said that the Federal Government generated good revenue from tax in 2024, even as plans were ongoing to reduce the corporate income tax rate from 30 per cent to 25 per cent as part of the broader fiscal reform agenda.

‘The more inequality you create, the more time-bomb you have. These reforms are designed to strengthen governance around revenue generation, improve accountability, and ensure that tax revenues are effectively utilised,’ he said.

Oyedele said that the reforms would help enhance the country’s sovereign credit rating, lower borrowing costs for both government, businesses, and stimulate private-sector investment.

The chairman said that the reform process had been inclusive, with engagements across all sectors of the economy, including persons with disabilities, farmers, and Nigerians in the diaspora.

‘No one was left out. We worked with every state, consulted widely with stakeholders, and co-created solutions to the challenges identified in the fiscal system,’ he said.

Oyedele commended President Bola Tinubu for adopting an implementation-focused approach, which allows the committee not only to design reforms but also to work directly with government institutions to execute them.

‘Our Committee is unique because we are not just submitting a report, we are part of the implementation process.

‘ The goal now is to ensure public understanding, capacity building, and effective rollout of these laws,’ he said.

According to Oyedele, the reforms are expected to broaden Nigeria’s tax base, improve compliance, and make the system more equitable, ensuring that those with the ability to pay contribute fairly, while protecting those most vulnerable.

Winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10, Opeyemi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, has revealed her deep love for award-winning filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele, describing her as her number one mentor and dream collaborator.

The 23-year-old reality TV star made this known during an interview with journalists shortly after receiving her ?150 million grand prize and an SUV at the prize presentation ceremony held in Lagos on Tuesday.

Imisi, who won the hearts of fans nationwide with her lively personality and acting flair during the show, said her time in the Big Brother house reignited her passion for film and storytelling.

‘I think people saw a lot of my acting side while I was in the house. Even my fellow housemates said I’m a natural actress. I’m ready to do more,’ she said.

Speaking further, Imisi expressed her admiration for top Nollywood stars who continue to inspire her.

‘Funke Akindele is my number one mentor. I really hope to work with her one day. I also admire Bimbo Ademoye and Bolaji Ogunmola-they inspire me a lot,’ she added.

Describing her victory as ‘overwhelming,’ Imisi said she is still processing the massive love and support she has received from fans across the country.

When asked about claims that ethnic loyalty influenced her win, she responded candidly:

‘Maybe. Yoruba people are very supportive of their own, so that might’ve played a role. But honestly, I believe people connected with my realness and vulnerability.’

Imisi also thanked her Celestial Church community for their prayers and support throughout the show, adding that she intends to build a lasting career in entertainment.

‘Fame is new to me, but I’m ready to learn and grow. I’ll seek mentorship and be intentional about my next steps,’ she concluded.

An Ikeja Special Offences Court was told on Tuesday that its order on the examination of the phone and WhatsApp conversations in the on going trial of former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele met a brick wall as parties failed to agree on modalities for the examination.

Justice Oshodi had ruled that the mobile device, marked ‘iPhone 2’, and its WhatsApp contents tendered by EFCC as evidence against Emefiele should be examined scientifically.

This was as a result of Emefiele’s lawyer’s application on the necessity of subjecting the phone device to forensic examination in the presence of experts on the sides of the prosecution and defence, to serve the interest of justice.

But at the resumed trial of the case on Tuesday, Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, told Justice Rahman Oshodi that on two occasions, representatives of the Economic and Finance Crimes Commission, EFCC, as the prosecution, successfully blocked execution of the court’s order to examine the phone.

Ojo told the court that on the 24th and 25th September, 2025 the dates directed by the court for the forensic examination of the device, although representatives of both parties were present, together with the Registrar of the court, nothing could be done as EFCC’s representatives failed to present the phone to the examination team.

‘The first brick walls we faced was that the EFCC said the device cannot be exposed to the entire team. On 25th September, the Registrar was also present and clarified that the order directed that the WhatsApp messages can be examined. He said when the Apple expert demanded phone device, it was not produced.

‘The EFCC met us with categorical NO. The Registrar cannot take decision. The same thing happened on the 25th, equally wasted. There must be unfettered assess for the experts to do their job. We were blocked. The court should give directive to assess the phone and WhatsApp’, Ojo SAN submitted.

However, the prosecutor, Barrister Rotimi Oyedepo SAN submitted that the objection of the prosecution was based on the fact that the forensic expert presented by the defence team was not credible and has no fixed address.

In addition he said the forensic expert was trying to link the device to internet and that will disrupt the whole system of the device.

Justice Oshodi has adjourned till Wednesday 8 October for continuation of the trial.

ýGrammy-nominated artist Meaku and legendary Afrobeat producer Fliptyce have joined forces for ‘High Vibration’, a 12-track collaborative album that ýredefines the possibilities of global sound.

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ýThe album’s breakout track ‘Back To Sender’ will appear on the 2026 Grammy ballot for Best African Music performance and Best Global Music Performance, while the album itself will compete in the best Global Album category.

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ýBlending Afrobeat, R and B, and Meaku’s signature Hybrid Vibe genre, the project stands as both a celebration of African music and a bold step toward its future.

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ýThe album features an impressive roster of collaborators, including Grammy-nominated superstar Yemi Alade on ‘Gimme Some More (Club Mix),’ vocalist Amanda Holley, international rapper Mega Ran, and rising talent Naika Oko.

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ýThe title track, ‘High Vibration,’ is ýelevated by a saxophone performance from Baba Kuboye, nephew of Afrobeat originator Fela Kuti, grounding the record in the genre’s rich lineage.

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ýMeaku and Fliptyce’s bond stretches back a decade, beginning with their 2015 hit ‘Baby Oh’ featuring Ugandan superstar Eddy Kenzo. Since then, the duo have built a catalog of boundary-pushing collaborations defined by passion, cultural fusion, and undeniable energy.

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ýWith High Vibration, they deliver the apex of their partnership: smooth, powerful, fun, sexy, and deeply resonant. ‘It is an album born from pure love and intentionality. High Vibration is a breath of fresh air for Afrobeat music,’ says Fliptyce, adding that ‘It feels like the missing piece in the Afrobeat puzzle.’

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ýReleased through ML1 Records via Too Lost distribution, High Vibration has already surpassed 50,000 streams on Spotify, marking a strong global reception out of the gate.

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ýMeaku first earned Grammy recognition in 2020 for his vocal contributions to Rufus Du Sol’s Solace, nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Album.

His performance on the single ‘Treat You Better’ went Platinum in Australia and Gold in Canada, cementing him as a boundary-breaking

ývocalist. Beyond his Grammy nod, Meaku has collaborated with some of the biggest names in African music, including Wande Coal, Yemi Alade, Eddy Kenzo, Iyanya, Masterkraft, Niniola, Yung6ix, and more – reinforcing his reputation as a global voice.

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ýFliptyce on the other hand is a prolific Afrobeat producer, widely recognized for his ability to craft infectious rhythms and globally resonant soundscapes. Over the past decade, he has worked with some of Africa’s most influential artists, including Davido, Yemi Alade, Akon, P-Square, and May-D, consistently shaping the evolution of the genre. His breakout moment came in 2011 with P-Square’s ‘Chop My Money’, a track whose remix featuring Akon catapulted Afrobeat into international consciousness.

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ýIn August 2025, Billboard cemented his legacy by ranking ‘Chop My Money’ number 10 on their ‘Top 50 Afrobeats Songs of All Time.’ Known for blending traditional Afrobeat foundations with modern production techniques, Fliptyce has built a career as one of the genre’s most important sonic architects, bridging African culture with global pop appeal.

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ýWith its seamless collision of swag, culture, and sound, High Vibration is more than an album.

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ýMeaku and Fliptyce have created an immersive listening experience with equal parts celebration and elevation, marking a milestone moment for Afrobeat’s global rise.

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Nigerian singer Omawumi has shared how the support she received from music producer Cobhams Asuquo, helped her career.

While speaking with Hip TV, Omawumi revealed that meeting Cobhams changed the course of her career for the better.

‘The first time we met, he just called. I knew we met on the show, and he said, ‘Omawumi, this is Cobhams Asuquo-you know he likes to funkify his name. There is a song I want you to do. It might not come out as anything for now, but let’s just go with it,” she said.

She added that she accepted the offer and it unexpectedly opened more doors for her. Omawumi also spoke about her work relationship with Cobhams, revealing that she learns so much from him as an artist.

‘I did the song, and then the agency picked it. I became the brand ambassador for that product for two years. Cobhams taught me a lot of nuances when it comes to delivery and posture,’ she added.

American singer Taylor Swift has reacted to reports of her being jealous of Selena Gomez’s wedding.

Although the famous singer was present at the union of Selena Gomez and producer, Benny Blanco, rumors emerged that Swift teased Selena about walking down the aisle before her.

Swift, however, addressed the rumors during her appearance on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. She stated that she made no mention of her engagement during the ceremony.

‘I did do some light teasing about the way we dressed in 2008, the year we met. It was the year of deep, deep V-neck. It was the year of colorful skinny jeans. I talked about how happy I am for her and just how beautiful it’s been to get to be a part of her life, but I did not make it about me,’ Swift explained.