The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who announced this in a letter to Lagosians, that the project reflects the state government’s resolve to reclaim public spaces, make them functional, sustainable, and safe, and ensure they serve the needs of Lagosians in a modern, responsible way.

The letter reads in full:

Dear Lagosians,

I am pleased to announce that the Lagos State Government is collaborating with MTN Nigeria to redevelop and transform the Obalende under-bridge into a modern, well-structured transport hub to be known as Y’ELLO Bus Park.

This redevelopment will convert what was once a notorious and degraded space into a functional, secure, and community-centred facility. The new bus park will feature an organised and regulated transport terminal, a recycling drop-off station, a road camp for LAWMA sweepers and security agencies, over 60 public toilet fixtures, kiosks, and other essential amenities designed to serve commuters and residents alike.

The design prioritises safety, health, and aesthetics. Solar-powered lighting will improve night-time visibility, reduce blind spots, and enhance CCTV effectiveness, helping to curb criminal activities and improve overall security in the Obalende axis. A biodigester system is also being introduced to sustainably manage wastewater generated within the park, while a dedicated recycling station will discourage illegal waste disposal in the area.

In line with our commitment to climate responsibility, the project includes the installation of solar panels to support long-term energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprint. Tree planting is also planned to improve air quality and enhance the visual appeal of the environment.

This project reflects our resolve to reclaim public spaces, make them functional, sustainable, and safe, and ensure they serve the needs of Lagosians in a modern, responsible way.

Together, we are building a cleaner, safer, and more resilient Lagos.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has dismissed claims that candidates already in universities were barred from registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE).

The board dismissed the claims in a statement by its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Benjamin said the claims were a distortion of its guidelines by self-styled education advocates seeking attention and traffic on social media platforms.

He said the 2026 UTME/DE advertisement clearly directed candidates to disclose their matriculation status during registration, in line with its mandate to prevent multiple admissions.

He explained that it was not an offence for a candidate already enrolled in an institution to register for the UTME or Direct Entry.

The JAMB spokesperson said that failure to disclose an existing matriculation status constituted an offence under the law governing admissions.

Benjamin added that disclosure meant that once a candidate secured a fresh admission, any previous admission automatically ceased to exist.

He said that no candidate was legally permitted to hold two admissions concurrently under Nigeria’s admission regulations.

He also said that mandatory disclosure had helped to curb the activities of matriculated students engaging as professional examination takers.

The spokesperson warned that candidates who failed to disclose their admission status risked forfeiting both admissions if detected by the system.

He, however, urged the public to rely on official guidelines and avoid misleading interpretations circulated for selfish interests. (NAN)

A peaceful protests of community leaders, displaced residents and activists groups turned violent Wednesday when some policemen fired bullets at the crowd in a bid to disrupt the protest at the state Secretariat, Alausa.

Our reporter also witnessed elderly people from Makoko being arrested by the Police just in front of the State House of Assembly.

Meanwhile, Hassan Taiwo Soweto, a member of the EndBadGovernance Movement in Lagos State, has also been arrested by the police and dragged into the State House of Assembly even as the same police opened fire and shot teargas at hundreds of women and unarmed protesters simply demanding to speak with members of the State of House of Assembly.

Lawmakers watched as police unleashed teargas and live ammunition on unarmed protesters, including women, whose only crime was asking to speak to their representatives.

The protest started peacefully enough at the Ikeja Under-Bridge, with calls for a stop to the ongoing demolition and alleged forced evictions of residents of waterfront and low-income communities across the state.

The protesters accused the Lagos State Government of carrying out demolitions in areas such as Makoko, Owode Onirin and Oworonshoki without adequate notice, compensation or resettlement plans for affected residents.

The protesters carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Stop Forced Evictions Now,” “Makoko Lives Matter,” “Demolition Without Resettlement Is Injustice,” “Urban Renewal, Not Urban Removal,” “Homes Not Rubble,” and “Housing Is a Human Right.”

Other messages read, “Where Do You Want the Poor to Go?” “Lagos Is for All, Not the Rich Alone,” “Respect Court Orders,” and “Development Without Displacement.”

Some demonstrators displayed photographs of demolished houses and displaced families, while others held images of children and elderly persons said to have been affected by the demolitions.

Chanting solidarity songs and slogans, including “No Justice, No Peace,” “Makoko Is Not a Slum,” and “Consult the People,” the protesters repeatedly called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to halt further demolitions and engage affected communities in dialogue.

Speaking to journalists at the scene, some of the protesters said communities such as Makoko, Owode Onirin and Oworonshoki have existed for decades and should be upgraded through inclusive urban renewal and proper planning rather than be demolished.

They demanded an immediate suspension of demolitions, provision of relief materials, compensation for affected residents and the adoption of humane resettlement policies.

The protesters vowed to sustain the demonstrations until the government responds to their demands.

However things devolved into pain and anguish when the protest train reached Alausa, where it was Co fronted by a phalanx of armed policemen.

Our reporter witnessed the evacuation of one of the women protesters who was shot in the leg to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Incidentally, the Lagos State Teaching Hospital is shut off to patients due to the weeks – long strike action embarked upon by Lagos health workers.

More to follow:

According to a statement from the Ojora royal family, issued by Mrs. Toyin Ojora-Saraki on behalf of the family, the Ojoras expressed deep submission to the will of Almighty Allah, saying, the late High Chief “joined his ancestors in the early hours of Wednesday 28th January, 2026.”

Born on 13th June, 1932, Ojora is a business executive who was chairman of the board of AGIP Nigeria Limited from 1971 until it was acquired by Unipetrol in 2002.

He began a career as a journalist with BBC in the early 1950s, and became an executive of UAC in 1962. In the 1970s, he began to invest in a number of foreign firms in Nigeria.

He held multiple esteemed titles, including Chief Olori Omoba of Lagos, Head of Oba Ologunkutere & Oba Adele Ajosun Royal Family, Head of Ojora Royal Family, and Head of Aiyeomosan Chieftaincy Family of Lagos.

The family also shared his Oriki, honouring his lineage and legacy:
“Omo Ojora Apasa, Omo kekeniju, Omo oyinbo Dudu ni ita iganmu, Omo afomo loko toun ti ele die, Omo olumokun okosho yun, Omo opayun Pade, Omo alowo loko bi oyinbo, Omo ogbe obinrin ta fi owo ra akobi… Omo olowu oduru. Sun re ooooooooo.”

The family said details of the burial plan would be released later.

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco, produced thrills and several story lines, some good and others not so good. It ended in a victory for Senegal – their second Afcon championship. While the 1-0 victory over Morocco was deserved, the championship game ended on a sour note as fans invaded the field and the winning country abandoned the game for 16 minutes.

I’m a sports communications scholar and an author of multiple books on football as it relates to Africa.

The top four positives of the tournament were:

• quality matches played on impeccable surfaces
• expanded media coverage
• increased global interest
• higher attendance figures.

On the downside, however, we had the Senegalese team walkout during the final, bad refereeing decisions, especially in games involving Morocco, and ticketing challenges.

This 2026 Afcon provided examples of quality pitches and marketing that future hosts should learn from. However, providing better security around the field and better trained match officials are lessons that CAF (the Confederation of African Football) must learn from this tournament.

What went well

The infrastructure at Afcon showed Morocco’s readiness to host the World Cup later in the year. On six stadiums alone, the country spent US$1.4 billion. As much as US$10 billion was spent on allied public infrastructure for transport. The matches were of high quality on excellent surfaces.

The fans who watched the spectacular football on the field were transported by a high-speed rail system and seamless other transportation means.

The quality of the surfaces may have contributed to the fact that there were fewer surprises or upsets. All four teams that reached the semi-final stage – Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria and Senegal – were top ranked in their groups.

Eventually, the championship game was contested by the two top ranked African teams. The game was outstanding as the well-known names produced memorable football throughout the tournament.

Expanded media coverage

The decision to expand to additional markets led to expanded media coverage in China, Brazil and key European markets. With several well-known players from European clubs participating, a global audience was assured. Teams like Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Liverpool had players participating.

Beyond those were recent world renowned players such as Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Those names were certain to attract media audiences across the world.

Viewership rose overall, with remarkable increases in Europe. France recorded 3.4 million viewers and the UK had 1.7 million viewers.

Increased global interest

CAF announced a 90% increase in revenue. This year’s revenue was US$192.6 million (US$114 million profit) compared to US$105.6 million and US$72 million profit in the previous Afcon. This shows the steady rise from just nine partners in the 2021 tournament to 17 in the 2023 tournament and 23 in this one. Greater media reach resulted in commercial interest.

Attendance figures have also risen remarkably. Figures announced at the end of the competition showed 1.34 million attended the games. The number of attendees in 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire was 1.1 million.

This clearly shows increased interest in the tournament. Morocco’s proximity to Europe was also a critical factor. More attendees travelled from the continent and elsewhere.

The prizes awarded to teams at the tournament also set records, with Senegal taking home US$11.6 million. Teams eliminated at the group stage received US$1.3 million each.

Errors

Angry scenes: The championship game was marred by a Senegalese walkout following protest over a penalty kick awarded to Morocco during the extra time. The game was delayed for 16 minutes. Senegal was angered by the cancellation of its goal late in regulation time. Its protest over the penalty awarded to Morocco lasted until one of its famous faces, Sadio Mane, asked his teammates to continue the game.

By then angry Senegalese fans had torn seats in the stands and multiple fights broke out. In the end, Morocco could not convert the penalty award and Senegal scored a memorable goal to emerge winner.

Umpiring questions: Throughout the tournament, Morocco appeared to be favoured by several refereeing decisions and non-decisions. CAF should consider match official exchange programmes with other confederations as a way of improving officiating. This would not only help Afcon but expose officials to other continental events.

Also of concern, Moroccan ball boys were seen seizing the goalkeepers’ towels for opposing teams in both Nigeria v Morocco and Senegal v Morocco.

Ticketing challenges: There were ticketing challenges also. While tickets were sold out, several stadiums during the group games were deserted. This may be attributed to hiccups where secondary sellers may have bought more tickets than they could re-sell. Nonetheless, an average 21,167 attended each game. Media attendance also rose during the tournament. Reports indicated over 3,800 journalists covered the event from Morocco.

Looking ahead

The competition demonstrated Morocco’s readiness to host World Cup games in 2030. Morocco, along with Spain and Portugal, will host the games, featuring 48 teams. All six cities used for the 2025 Afcon will host the world in 2030. Portugal will have only two host cities and Spain will provide nine venues.

It will be difficult for the host nations for the 2027 Afcon to match Morocco’s accomplishment.

The three hosts for 2027 – Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda – should at least measure up to what Côte d’Ivoire accomplished hosting the 2023 event.

They can look to improve the ticketing system, at the least. Further improving security around stadiums and educating the ball boys would help in protecting visiting teams.

But the on-field disturbances should not take away from this tournament’s numerous accomplishments off the field and the available facilities.

• Chuka Onwumechili is Professor of Communications, Howard University

Aligning with the ‘Our Ease Agenda’ of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Engr. Adeyanju has made the welfare of the people his primary assignment. His recent initiatives focus on critical sectors including water supply, healthcare, education, and agriculture.

Key Achievements include:
Water Sanitation: The renovation and construction of boreholes in over 20 communities, ensuring access to potable water.

Infrastructure & Security: Installation of solar street lights to enhance security and visibility in rural areas.

Social Services: Extensive renovation of Primary Health Centers and school buildings to improve service delivery.

Agricultural Support: Training programs for farmers accompanied by the distribution of high-quality seedlings and essential farm tools.

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
Engr. Adeyanju has announced that the 2026 fiscal year will commence with a specialized welfare program targeted at widows and the vulnerable segments of society. This initiative aims to provide economic safety nets and social inclusion for the most needy.

These efforts underscore a commitment to ensuring that the dividends of democracy are not just theoretical, but are physically felt by the main grassroots population of Ondo North.

The Perspectives Leadership Development Institute (PLD) last week formally commenced its collaboration with the Oluṣẹgun Ọ̀basanjọ Leadership INSTITUTE (OOLI) .

This follows an exchange of partnership document between the leadership of the two institutions, led by Professor S. A Daramọla for the OOLI and Prof Olúṣesí Ọbátẹ́yẹ for the PLD Institute. Ọbátẹ́yẹ was supported by two directors of PLD Institute, Engr Dr. Olúwatóyìn Jokosẹnumi and Dr. Folúsọ́ Arówójolú.

The Global Patron of PLDI and former President of Nigeria, Chief Olúṣẹ́gun Ọbásanjọ́ facilitated the collaboration.

Perspectives Leadership Development INSTITUTE, otherwise called PLD INSTITUTE, is an offshoot of Priesthood Leadership Development INITIATIVE, which is a global leadership organization with membership from 40 countries and convenes leadership conferences yearly in many of these countries.

“Collaborating with OLUṢẸGUN ỌBASANJỌ LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE [OOLI] will no doubt increase our international approval rating and integrity index,” Prof Ọbátẹ́yẹ said. “Leveraging on the global influence of the former President of Nigeria, Chief Oluṣẹgun Ọbásanjọ́ is a global milestone for PLD INSTITUTE.”

The adjournment marks the seventh time the first defendant, Giwa, has sought to stall proceedings and the fourth time he has changed legal representation since the commencement of the trial.

Giwa and Bukola are being prosecuted on allegations of forging official documents and impersonating a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Awa Kalu, with the alleged intent to mislead the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) into withdrawing an earlier criminal charge against Giwa.

At the resumed hearing, T. Y. Silas appeared for the Inspector-General of Police, while Ogbu Aboje represented the second defendant. Levi E. Nwoye held a watching brief for the complainant.

The first defendant was represented by Farook Akabi, from the law firm of Ahmed Raji, SAN.

Prosecuting counsel, Theophilus Silas, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the hearing of the prosecution’s motion and urged the court to allow him to move the same.

However, Akabi told the court that the law firm of Ahmed Raji, SAN, was only briefed the previous day, adding that the learned silk intended to personally handle the case but had another engagement.

He therefore applied for an adjournment, citing short notice and the need to properly plan the defence.

Silas vehemently opposed the application, arguing that the request was a calculated attempt to frustrate the trial.

“This is the seventh date the first defendant is seeking adjournment to prevent this motion from being heard,” Silas told the court.

“It is also the fourth time he is changing counsel strictly to delay this trial.”

He further noted that the first defendant was fully aware of the hearing date and at the last hearing the 1st defendant was fit and proper to defend himself .

According to the prosecution, all processes had long been exchanged, with the last filing done on December 1, 2025, making the motion ripe for hearing.

Silas relied on Section 396(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2018, and Section 36(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), arguing that the defendant had exhausted the statutory limits for adjournment and had become “an obstacle to fair trial within reasonable time.”

He also cited two Supreme Court decisions, Etsako West LGA v. Christopher and Tiput v. Dawankat and others submit that litigation must not be allowed to continue endlessly.

Responding, counsel to the second defendant, Ogbu Aboje, urged the court to be guided by its own records but appealed for restraint.

He disclosed that he personally contacted Ahmed Raji, SAN, who confirmed that he was indeed briefed just a day earlier and intended to handle the matter himself.

Aboje also informed the court of a pending motion by the first defendant seeking to relist an earlier motion that had been struck out, urging the court to hear and determine it in the interest of justice. He said the second defendant did not oppose a short adjournment.

In his ruling, the trial judge expressed strong concern over the conduct of the first defendant, noting that Giwa had at various times represented himself and appeared with three different Senior Advocates of Nigeria and over 30 different counsel.

“Each time the first defendant appears, he adopts a storyline to prevent the matter from proceeding,” the judge said, adding that the court works with evidence, not theatrics.

The court recalled earlier warnings against delay tactics and referenced a previous claim by the first defendant that he had petitioned the Chief Judge and the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The judge noted that the NJC had since replied the Defendant that his petition cannot stop his ongoing trial and case assignment was at the discretion of the Chief Judge.

Although acknowledging the pattern of delays, the court held that “in the interest of justice,” the matter would be adjourned.

The case was accordingly adjourned to February 4, for continuation of hearing.

In a landmark move to reposition the Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC) for 21st-century relevance, the President-General, Alayeluwa Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu, on Sunday convened a high-level Strategic Retreat at the Aafin Owu in Abeokuta.

The retreat, which brought together a diverse “Think-Tank” of Muslim dignitaries, Islamic scholars, professionals, youth leaders, and women’s organizations, served as the first major consultative engagement since Oba Matemilola’s emergence as the head of the apex Muslim body in the State.

Addressing the delegates, the President-General emphasized that the retreat was not merely an administrative meeting, but a “design laboratory” aimed at fostering unity, brotherhood, and a more purposeful Islamic leadership structure.

“Our goal is to build a Council that is not only unified but remains profoundly relevant in the socio-political and spiritual landscape of our State,” the Olowu noted.
While presenting the OMC Strategic document for review by participants, a member of the Retreat Steering Committee, Dr. Akintoye Akindele, explained that it contained implementation framework to reposition OMC through a 30-year long term plan.

“As an umbrella body for all Muslim associations in Ogun State, we have a historic opportunity to redefine our identity, strengthen our institutional framework, and amplify our impact for the benefit of the Muslim Ummah and society at large.”

Dr. Akintoye explained that the retreat is expected to achieve five objectives which include: clarifying and reaffirming OMC’s identity, mission, vision, and core values; define its programmatic focus and operational priorities.

Other objectives are aimed at establishing effective systems for planning, management, and reporting; designing a sustainable governance and financial model; and to expand OMC’s relevance beyond traditional mandates to national development.

“A cardinal objective of the retreat is to clearly articulate and affirm the identity, mission, vision, and core values of the Ogun Muslim Council (OMC), strengthen the organisational framework, and amplify its impact, for the advancement of the Muslim Ummah and the broader society.”

He added that the retreat is designed to be the “laboratory of ideas,” where distinguished Muslim leaders, professionals, and scholars collectively chart a coherent and forward-looking strategic direction.

In his contribution, the Secretary-General of OMC, Asiwaju Kamaldeen Akintunde, said the ratification of the strategic document of OMC is expected to define the next 30 years vision for OMC.

Asiwaju Akintunde added that this will further be developed into five years roadmap and annual, quarterly and weekly implementation strategies.

Also contributing, another member and expert of the Steering committee Engr. Femi Omotayo further explained that the implementation of the document will enable OMC to be benchmark against global Islamic organisations.

Engr. Omotayo said the committee has put machinery in motion to learn from best practices in terms of structure and implementations.

In his goodwill message at the retreat, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Alhaji Sarafa Tunji Isola, reiterated the need for Muslims to be actively participate in politics in order to achieve the required reform.

Ambassador Ishola, the Baba Adinni of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta
,who showed support to the effort of Oba Matemilola to reposition OMC asked participants to use the opportunity of the retreat to bond and dissect the challenges confronting Muslims.

In their different goodwill messages, the Vice President-General of OMC from Ijebu division, Engineer Fatai Arowolo; his counterpart from Remo, Prof. Habeeb Oduye, as well as that of Yewa zone, Ali Ajibode, enjoined stakeholders to be committed to development of growth and development of OMC.

The session was characterized by the review of several position papers submitted by constituent groups and stakeholders, highlighting a collective desire for a more vibrant and sustainable institution.

A key outcome of the session was the adoption of a “Bottom-Up” consultative approach. Rather than imposing immediate changes, the Retreat resolved to allow delegates to return to their respective organizations with the preliminary outcomes for peer review. This two-month deliberation window is intended to ensure that the final roadmap carries the full weight and consensus of the entire Ogun State Muslim community.

The feedback from these various groups, expected in two months’ time, will culminate in the formal “OMC Strategic Declaration.” This document will serve as the definitive blueprint for the Council’s future programmes, administrative reforms, and its strategic contributions to the development of the Gateway State.

Meanwhile, a renowned legal practitioner and Aare Musulumi of Ijebuland, Chief Musbau Oyefeso, has called for the adoption of an evidence-based approach to reposition the Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC).

Chief Oyefeso also announced a donation of N1 million to support the development of a database system for the Council, aimed at facilitating the realisation of its mission and vision.

He stressed the need for the proper integration of the recommendations of the Public Affairs Committee of the OMC, particularly the collection of data on Muslims and Islamic institutions across the state, to enable a better understanding and appreciation of their needs.

The legal practitioner also offered the services of his law firm to assist in the incorporation of the OMC and any of its subsidiaries non-governmental organisations, to enhance the attainment of the Council’s objectives.

Other dignitaries at the retreat include former Ogun State Commissioner for Information, Dr Lateef Ogunsiji; Mogaji Adinni of Owu, Prof. Moruf Lanrewaju Adelekan; among others.

Director of Defence Information, Maj Gen Samaila Uba, who disclosed this today in a statement, said the measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks.

The statement reads:

UPDATE ON DISCIPLINARY CASES INVOLVING SIXTEEN OFFICERS INVESTIGATED FOR INDISCIPLINE, BREACH OF SERVICE REGULATIONS

It would be recalled that the Defence Headquarters issued a press statement in October 2025 regarding the arrest of sixteen officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.

The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel. The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.

Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.

The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks. The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority.