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There was pandemonium when angry youths invaded Iyekogba police station under Oba market Police Area Command located at Estate gate in Benin, after requesting police authorities to handover arrested crime suspect in their custody to them for execution.

Angry northern youths living in the area, were said to have mobilized to Iyekogba police station, following a recent fatal road accident that occurred near Ogba River in the locality.

The crash involved a suspected internet fraudster popularly known as ‘yahoo boy’, claimed the lives of three unidentified Nigerians.

Investigation revealed upon arriving at the scene of crime, police operatives recovered the body parts of the accident victims and recovered a vehicle and immediately took the driver and the JLK car into police custody. While investigation was yet to commence, angry youths stormed the police station and attempted to invade the police station, but upon sensing jungle justice police authorities, quickly shut the police station’s gate to prevent them from gaining access to the suspect whose identity is yet-to-be ascertained.

Police source said that ‘police personnel on duty fired teargas canister to prevent the angry youths from unleashing terror’.

The source also revealed that after normalcy had been restored at Iyekogba police DPO, immediately ordered that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at the police headquarters in Edo State for further investigation and prosecution of the suspect in court.

Spokesman of the Police Command, CSP Moses Yamu wasn’t available for comments as of the time of filing this report.

Additional 10,000 units have been added to the Lagos housing stock in the last six years, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said on Wednesday.

Sanwo-Olu, announced this while inaugurating newly built 420 housing units LagosHOMS Badagry Phase I, describing them as a step towards achieving his administration’s commitment to providing decent and affordable shelter to the people.

Lagos, Nigeria’s most populated state, is estimated to have about 17 million housing deficit, forcing millions to leave in slum areas, a situation Sanwo-Olu says he is committed to tackling headlong, as more units are being built.

The LagosHOMs Badagry Phase 1, now named after Sunny Ajose, the late head of service, Lagos State, is the 24th estate completed by the current in the last six years. Sanwo-Olu also performed the groundbreaking for the construction of the phase II of the project which he said would change Badagry’s skyline with seven-storey high-rise buildings.

According to him, the expansion was designed to maximise land use, accommodate more families, and attract investors to Badagry, which he described as ‘a rising hotspot for eco-tourism, culture, and commerce.’

‘This event is more than just the commissioning of buildings; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the welfare of every Lagosian. We were here in Badagry about a month ago to inaugurate an iconic road projects. The true measure of our progress will always be the wellbeing of our people,’ he added. Sanwo-Olu said that 20 per cent of the completed homes would be allocated to members of the Medical Guild, Nigerian Union of Teachers (Lagos chapter), and other organised unions, while public servants would enjoy price rebates as recognition for their dedication to service.

‘We are also introducing new financing models to make home ownership easier. To enhance affordability, the government will subsidise the selling prices of these housing units,’ he said.

The governor assured that the state remains in active partnership with financial institutions and private developers to accelerate delivery of affordable homes under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda.

‘From roads and hospitals to schools and urban renewal, every corner of Lagos is witnessing transformation. Badagry is now better connected through the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, opening up new economic opportunities,’ Sanwo-Olu said. Speaking also, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, the Commissioner for Housing, said: ‘The project commenced in the year 2013 by the New Towns Development Authority (NTDA) and was later transferred to the Ministry of Housing for completion in the Year 2017.

The Commissioner described the 420 modern home units as a testament to Sanwo-Olu’s vision and the expected deliverables of his administration in realisation of the goals set out under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda.

The Ajara housing scheme comprises of phase I and II and is situated on a land area of 18.9 hectares. The phase one which is being commissioned comprises of 35 blocks of 12-in-1 residential buildings. Each building contains a combination of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom semi-furnished apartments with complimentary facilities such as a kitchen, kitchen cabinets, light fixtures, wardrobes.

StudyIn Nigeria provides practical solutions to bridge the gap between education and employability, as it connects students with tailored career pathways, aimed at aligning academic pursuits with real-world job opportunities to thrive in today’s competitive workforce.

By providing access to credible information, mentorship, and institutional resources, the platform aims to bridge the gap between ambition and achievement for Nigerian students navigating complex educational landscapes.

Mary Agbu, country director of StudyIn Nigeria, said the inaugural edition attracted over 300 students and educators from leading Nigerian schools and universities, and that many of the participants have progressed to global institutions, with several securing significant tuition discounts and scholarships.

Agbu disclosed that the 2025 edition, with the theme ‘Degrees with Direction, Building Career Pathways at Home and Abroad’, is designed to equip students with practical tools and insights to make informed decisions about their academic and career journeys.

‘It will bring together students, education leaders, global universities, and industry experts to explore how academic programmes can better translate into real-world career opportunities both locally and internationally.

‘The Global Education Conference is about connecting students to pathways that not only prepare them for the world of work but also open doors to international exposure. We are excited to host the second edition and look forward to seeing more students take advantage of the opportunities it brings,’ she said.

In addition, Agbu stated, ‘StudyIn is committed to bridging the gap between education and employability. By bringing global institutions to Nigeria, we are making world-class opportunities accessible while ensuring students are well-prepared to thrive locally and internationally.’ The annual event, according to the organisers, will be held on Friday, October 10, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, and the agenda features a line-up of sessions addressing both academic and career concerns for young people, such as ‘career pathways unlocked by your degree’, highlighting how diverse academic backgrounds can translate into rewarding career options.

Others are inside the hiring room, what employers really look for: a candid look at employability skills and recruitment practices; an interactive career profiling workshop, a hands-on session helping students map their strengths and align them with career goals, and fostering well-being and employability, addressing the importance of resilience, balance, and holistic preparation for success in the workplace.

Some of the institutions expected at the conference include London South Bank University, Kings Education, University of South Wales, University of Reading, University of Bradford, University of York, Malvern International, Liverpool John Moore University, Navitas, University of Leeds, University of Sheffield, University of Dundee, Northumbria University, University of Kent, Keele University and Southampton Solent University.

Some of the speakers include Chantal Epe, a professor of Human Resource Management at Pan-Atlantic University; Halima Alawiye, the West Africa manager, external relations at University of Dundee; Olivia Radburn, regional sales director EMEA and the Americas, Oxford International, and Zahra Packer, research and implementation lead, West Africa, The Henry M. Jackson Foundation.

Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the minister of state for labour and employment, has commended the Lagos State Government for its leadership in advancing occupational safety and health standards, describing the state’s efforts as a model for others across Nigeria.

Speaking at the 2025 Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health (LASOSH) Conference in Lagos on Tuesday, Onyejeocha praised the Lagos State Safety Commission and the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their proactive approach to creating safer work environments.

‘I must commend Lagos State for the vision it has demonstrated through the Lagos State Safety Commission,’ the minister said.

‘The Commission’s mission to ‘proactively make safety a lifestyle’ is not just a slogan; it is a call to action that reflects forward-thinking leadership.’

Themed ‘Occupational Safety and Health as a Catalyst for Nation Building,’ this year’s conference, she noted, was timely in light of Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms.

‘A safe and healthy workforce is the bedrock of productivity,’ Onyejeocha said. ‘When safety is prioritised, workers perform at their best, businesses remain competitive, and national productivity increases.’ The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to strengthening workplace safety in collaboration with states, employers, and other stakeholders. According to her, the ministry is aligning its programmes with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, economic growth, and worker welfare.

‘Our goal is to ensure that safety is fully integrated into national efforts on job creation and employability,’ she stated. ‘We are committed to supporting employers with practical regulations that protect workers while enabling enterprise to thrive.’

Onyejeocha also called for broader partnerships between the public and private sectors to promote a safety-first culture across all levels of employment. ‘The Government cannot do it alone,’ she said. ‘Employers, trade unions, civil society, academia, and the media all have vital roles to play in cultivating a safety-first culture.’

She congratulated the Lagos State Government and the Safety Commission for their sustained commitment and pledged continued Federal Government support.

‘We will continue to work with Lagos and other states to embed occupational safety and health into the foundation of national growth,’ the minister added.

The federal government has charged officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to deliver exceptional and transparent services to Nigerians and foreign nationals, describing quality customer service as a right, not a privilege.

Kemi Nandap, Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI), gave the charge in Abuja while declaring open the 2025 SERVICOM Customer Service Week, themed ‘Mission Possible’ with the NIS sub-theme ‘Meeting and Exceeding Expectations.’

Nandap said the Service was on an ‘irreversible path of reform, modernization and transparency,’ in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that every officer must embody professionalism, integrity and courtesy in their daily operations.

‘The Nigeria Immigration Service must not only meet expectations but exceed them. Every passport issued, every permit processed, every encounter at our borders is a test of our professionalism and integrity.

‘We must continue to build public trust and prove that we are a Service that delivers’, she said.

The CGI noted that since her assumption of office in 2024, she had introduced a series of reforms to rebuild public confidence and eliminate corrupt practices that previously tainted the Service’s image.

Among these reforms, Nandap highlighted the automation of passport applications, the introduction of contactless processing systems, and the deployment of e-gates and body cameras across international airports, initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency and security while minimizing human interference. She added that the Service had also intensified anti-corruption sensitization campaigns across formations to entrench professionalism and accountability among personnel. ‘These reforms are already yielding results,’ she said, citing improved national ratings, commendations, and awards received by the NIS during recent government performance review sessions.

Nandap urged officers across the country to use the Customer Service Week as an opportunity to recommit themselves to efficiency and citizens-centred service delivery.

‘This celebration is not for fanfare. It is a solemn call to renew our pledge of service and institutionalize transparency, courtesy, and excellence as our standard culture’, she cautioned.

The CGI commended President Tinubu and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, for their unwavering support toward ongoing NIS reforms, saying their leadership has significantly strengthened professionalism and curbed corruption within the Service.

Earlier, Muhammad Abubakar, special assistant to the CGI on SERVICOM and Reform Champion, described the Customer Service Week as ‘a call to reflection, action, and renewal.’

Abubakar, who is also a Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, said the global theme ‘Mission Possible’ challenges government institutions to turn obstacles into opportunities for innovation rather than excuses for inefficiency.

‘Customer service is not a privilege given by government institutions but a right owed to the people. Our duty is to ensure that every interaction with the NIS leaves citizens and travelers with confidence in our integrity and efficiency’, he said.

Bolt, ride-hailing platform, is celebrating Customer Service Week with a N1 million ride credit giveaway for riders and an array of rewards for drivers.

Speaking on the initiative, Osi Oguah, general manager Bolt Nigeria said: ‘At Bolt, we believe our drivers and riders are the real heroes who make what we do possible every single day. This week is about saying thank you to them for their dedication, loyalty, and the positive spirit they bring to our community. ‘Bolt Says Thanks’ is our way of celebrating their everyday efforts and showing that we truly appreciate them.’

Themed ‘Bolt Says Thanks,’ the week-long festivities highlight the company’s gratitude for its vibrant community of drivers and riders across the country. To recognize drivers’ tireless efforts, Bolt is rewarding 300 drivers in 10 Nigerian cities with N5,000 Chicken Republic meal vouchers. In Lagos, 150 drivers will be treated to a special lunch at the Bolt Driver Engagement Centre on Thursday, featuring good food, fun activities, and exciting prizes through a lucky dip and spinning wheel. Riders are also in for a treat with an interactive activation at Ikeja City Mall (ICM), where they can enjoy games and win impressive prizes. Online, Bolt’s Customer Service Week Bingo game on Instagram gives one lucky rider the chance to win N1 million in ride credit, alongside other giveaways like spa trips, shopping vouchers, and meal vouchers for loyal users.

With this celebration, Bolt continues to strengthen its bond with the people at the heart of its operations, recognising and rewarding both drivers and riders while promoting a culture of appreciation and service excellence across the country.

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to driving digital transformation in the nation’s banking sector with the unveiling of a state-of-the-art Digital Experience Centre in Abuja.

The initiative is part of the bank’s strategic push to achieve 24/7 self-service banking nationwide, enabling customers to carry out transactions seamlessly through cutting-edge technology and personalized digital solutions.

The facility, located in the Bolingo area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was officially inaugurated by Babangida Hussaini (Senator, Jigawa North-West) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Olusegun Alebiosu, managing director and chief executive officer of FirstBank Group, described the initiative as a major milestone in the bank’s digital transformation drive.

‘The future of banking is digital, and FirstBank is building that future today. Our customers can open accounts, collect ATM cards instantly, deposit or withdraw cash, and complete transfers, all without entering a traditional banking hall’, Alebiosu said.

The new experience centre is designed to function 24/7, providing secure, automated banking through biometric verification, instant card issuance, and artificial intelligence-enabled transaction authentication.

Alebiosu said the facility reflects FirstBank’s strategic commitment to convenience, innovation, and inclusion.

‘Our aim is to give customers faster, safer, and simpler ways to bank. If you can use a mobile phone, you can operate these machines,’ he added.

He disclosed that the Abuja launch follows successful rollouts of similar centres in Nsukka and Benin, with another expected to open in Kano.

According to him, the bank plans to replicate the concept in high-traffic urban areas across the country.

‘Wherever we see high transaction volumes and demand for 24-hour service, we will bring the experience centre closer to the people,’ he assured.

Alebiosu emphasised that the initiative complements FirstBank’s vast network of over 600 branches and 300,000 FirstMonie agents nationwide, a structure designed to ensure no Nigerian is left behind in the digital banking era. He added that digital adoption is also transforming rural economies, as more traders, artisans, and small business owners embrace cashless transactions.

‘Traditional markets are evolving. As digital payments spread, people are realising they don’t have to keep money at home or depend solely on cash,’ he said.

The MD noted that customers can now access banking services at any hour, including deposits, withdrawals, and transfers, without human assistance.

Addressing concerns about cyber threats, Alebiosu assured customers that FirstBank has implemented some of the most rigorous fraud prevention systems in Nigeria’s banking industry. ‘Even as Managing Director, I do not have system access or passwords to customers’ accounts. Every transaction goes through multiple security layers, from biometrics to OTP verification. No one can impersonate a customer’, he said.

He disclosed that the bank uses artificial intelligence to flag suspicious activities in real time, ensuring that customer funds remain protected at all times.

At the unveiling, several dignitaries and customers lauded the initiative as a timely advancement in Nigeria’s financial landscape.

He admitted that insecurity in parts of Nigeria has affected branch expansion and operations. However, he said digital transformation has become a safer alternative for customers and staff.

‘When you lose policemen or customers to attacks, you think twice about opening physical branches. Digital banking reduces those risks,’ he explained.

Alebiosu also disclosed that FirstBank is finalising its recapitalisation process through a private placement, expressing confidence in the bank’s financial health and investor trust.

‘Our last rights issue was oversubscribed, and we expect the same strong response this time. FirstBank has always kept its promises,’ he said.

With over 131 years of consistent service, Alebiosu reaffirmed that FirstBank’s latest innovation represents more than just technology, it is a redefinition of customer experience and trust.

‘The bank of the future is already here – open, smart, secure, and built for every Nigerian,’ he concluded

On his part, Hussaini praised FirstBank’s foresight, noting that its emphasis on digital controls has helped curb fraud and boost customer confidence.

‘A few years ago, I thought the multiple verification steps were excessive. Now I understand why. With rising fraud cases, FirstBank’s systems are protecting people’s life savings.’

A customer, who had patronised the Bolingo branch for years, described the centre as ‘a refreshing innovation that shows how much the bank values customer comfort’, he said.

Idris Ado, group executive, retail banking North division, said the new centre would cut waiting times and improve overall service efficiency.

‘Customers can complete all transactions seamlessly, anytime, with zero queues and minimal human interaction,’ Ado stated.

Similarly, Chike Uzoma, head of strategy and corporate development, described the Abuja DXC as ‘a landmark in FirstBank’s journey to redefine convenience and strengthen customer loyalty.’

‘Whether the branch is open or not, customers can transact freely. We are building a system that keeps banking accessible 24 hours a day,’ Uzoma added.

The Senate on Wednesday swore in two new lawmakers; Joseph Ikpea and Emmanuel Nwachukwu representing Edo Central and Anambra South Senatorial Districts, respectively.

Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, presided over the brief ceremony during plenary, while Emmanuel Ojo, the Clerk of the Senate, administered the oaths of office and allegiance to the new senators.

Their swearing-in followed the by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill vacant seats in both districts.

INEC had earlier declared the Edo Central seat vacant after its former occupant, Monday Okpebholo, emerged as Governor of Edo State, paving the way for Ikpea’s election.

Similarly, the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who previously represented Anambra South, prompted a by-election contested by 12 political parties on August 16, resulting in Nwachukwu’s victory. In his remarks, Akpabio congratulated the new lawmakers and described the Senate as ‘one of the most elite clubs in the world.’ He urged them to stay focused and prioritize actions that will advance national development. ‘You are no longer a Senator of your political party.

‘You are a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Once you step into this chamber, you drop your party outside and come in here as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with the intention of carrying out and contributing to debates and other functions here as a nationalist and keeping Nigeria constantly in mind.’

He added, ‘Your colleagues who have been here will continue to assist you so that you get used to the nuances of proceedings of lawmaking. I must say that we are giving you two items today. One is the Nigerian Constitution, which you must try to imbibe the contents.

‘It’s not just a ceremony. It’s to let you know that that’s the ground law and that all authority in this hallowed chamber comes through the Nigerian Constitution. The second one that we are giving you, which you must start reading from today, is the Senate Standing Orders 2023 as amended.’

Among those present at the ceremony were James Ibori, former Delta State Governor; Philip Shaibu, former Edo State Deputy Governor; Lee Ikpea and Samson Osagie, among others.

Akpabio also acknowledged the presence of female guests, jokingly adding, ‘Including the women, so that they will not say that I do not like women.’

The federal government has disclosed plans to stop the deductions for cost of revenue collection, which is usually paid to revenue collecting agencies, including Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian Customs, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) among others.

Wale Edun, the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, during the launch of the National Development Update (NDU).

According to the report, while the government’s gross revenues has been on the rise, a huge sum is also being paid as deductions to revenue collecting agencies, without corresponding impact on national development.

Edun in his remarks said that the government is making effort and work is in progress in terms of the review of the different deductions.

He said, ‘Funds have flowed to the federation account, but the point is this, efficiency of that spending is critical, and we have been mandated by his excellency, Mr. President, to take a look at deductions, not just the deductions for cost of collection, but deductions generally.

‘When you look at the gross figure, you see all kinds of deductions before you get to the net distributable figure, which goes to the federal state and local governments. And I must inform that even during the last FAAC allocation, most of those deductions have been removed once and for all.’

He said that the government is focused on achieving stronger fiscals, through greater transparency, efficiency, and funding for development at the federating units, both at the federal government and states.

The NDU report also indicated a higher spending by both federal and subnational governments. Subnational governments recorded increase in their capital expenditure (capex), which accounts for almost 60-65 percent of their spending. It also rose from almost one percent of GDP in 2022 to 2.7 percent of GDP projected in 2025. However, in the period under review, wages and salaries account for around 70 percent of the spending of the federal government which doesn’t leave too much space for capex.

The report also showed that despite the government’s reform aimed at stabilizing the economy, 139 million Nigerians were still living in poverty. It stated that Nigeria must reduce inflation particularly food inflation, ensure effective use of public funds and expand safety nets, to address the high rate of poverty in the country, and ensure that citizens enjoy the gains of reforms.

However, Edun explained that issue of social safety net, which speaks to bringing home the reform gains, was a promise from the start by the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu.

He noted that reforms are painful elevating the cost of living and leaving the poorest and most vulnerable at risk. ‘The promise was they would not be left to their own, they would not be left behind. But you know, it takes resilience, determination.

‘We made sure that each person that benefits is biometrically and uniquely identified by their name. Kudos to the management of the Nigerian identity management company. And likewise, those on the social register, we also made sure that they had a digital methodology for giving them the funds so that you had the transparency there, you had the accountability there.

‘And once we had put in place the right technology and the right methodology, it started to zoom such that we are still implementing the first stage of the social safety net, the direct benefit transfers. By the end of October, we’ll have done about 10 million households covering 50 million Nigerians. Long before the end of the year, the commitment is to have completed 50 million households.’

He added that in effort to ensure that the gains of the government’s reforms reach all citizens, especially the vulnerable, the National Economic Council has approved a world-based development program throughout the 8,809 wards.

‘So that is where the connection will be to bringing the gains home, drilling down to make sure all Nigerians get a chance to participate in a growing, in a stable, and in a very positive trajectory of the Nigerian economy,’ he added.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation of all officials serving under the President Bola Tinubu administration, including cabinet ministers.

Atiku stated that the investigation is necessary, adding that ‘Nigerians deserve to know the truth about those who preside over their lives and resources.’

The former vice president, while reacting to Tuesday’s resignation of Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, on his X handle, said the incidence has ‘brought to light the deep moral crisis at the heart of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.’

Atiku who faulted President Tinubu’s refusal to sack the Minister, added that Nnaji should have been sacked and prosecuted by law enforcement agencies.

‘Let the truth be told: Uche Nnaji should not have been allowed the courtesy of resignation. He should have been summarily dismissed and prosecuted for deceit and falsification.

‘What should ordinarily be a matter of national shame is now being disguised as a ‘voluntary resignation’, an attempt to whitewash yet another scandal that typifies the forgery-ridden character of this government.’ He noted that by permitting him to quietly exit through the backdoor, the Tinubu administration has once again demonstrated that ‘it is an assembly of forgers, impostors, and morally bankrupt individuals masquerading as public servants.

‘What makes this even more embarrassing is that the same Department of State Services (DSS) which screened out Mallam Nasir el-Rufai for alleged ‘security concerns’ is the very agency that cleared this same character, Uche Nnaji. ‘The DSS truly deserves our flowers for this national disgrace. Their failure of due diligence has made Nigeria an object of ridicule before the world and raises the question: how many more of such individuals are occupying sensitive positions in this government?’

The former vice president while also noting that the episode is not isolated, said it is a reflection of a pattern, a rot that begins from the very top.

According to him, ‘The man who occupies the office of President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has for decades been enmeshed in controversies surrounding his identity, age, and academic records.

‘From the Chicago State University saga to multiple contradictory claims under oath, the world has seen ample evidence that Nigeria today is led by a man who himself has been unable to credibly defend the authenticity of his own certificates.

‘When a man of questionable identity leads a country, deception becomes the standard of governance. Tinubu’s personal history of alleged forgery and perjury has effectively institutionalized falsehood in public service’.

Atiku noted that it is unsurprising that his ministers and aides have taken after his example by falsifying documents, inflating records, and desecrating the moral foundation of our nation.

‘I, therefore, call for an independent, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into the academic and professional credentials of all members of the Federal Executive Council, beginning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu himself.

‘Until this cleansing is done, Nigeria will continue to sink deeper into moral decay, economic ruin, and global embarrassment. The time has come to rescue our country from the grip of deceit and restore integrity to public life.’