₦airaland Forum

The technocrat, entrepreneur and quiet force driven by an appetite for more
There is something about Feyi Agagu that becomes clearer the longer you listen to him. He is not a man who appears satisfied with yesterday’s achievement.

For him, there is always another mountain to climb, another idea to pursue and another problem worth solving. Perhaps that is why one word repeatedly comes up when people who know him describe him: dogged. Another is reliable.

For those who have experienced his leadership firsthand, there are more: a no-nonsense boss, a visionary, a man of exceptional intelligence and strategic vision, with timeless class, effortless confidence and commanding influence.
Taken together, the descriptions offer a glimpse into the man. But they do not tell the entire story.

An indigene of Ondo state, Feyi Agagu’s academic journey reflects his passion for knowledge and technology. He obtained his first degree in Computer Science from Tuskegee University before proceeding to California where he earned his Master’s degree in Software Engineering. His educational background laid a solid foundation for a career at the intersection of technology, innovation and software development.

That combination of engineering discipline and technological thinking has remained evident in the way he approaches business, innovation and problem-solving.

Today, Agagu serves as Director, Business Development at SoftAlliance, bringing years of experience in technology, entrepreneurship and business strategy to his role. His career has also taken him beyond technology, with interests spanning areas including telecommunications and upstream oil and gas.

For him, however, the attraction has never been simply about occupying positions or being involved in different businesses. It is about identifying opportunities, understanding problems and figuring out how value can be created from them.

And perhaps the most revealing thing about Feyi Agagu is that, despite what he has achieved, he does not speak like a man who believes he has arrived.
“I still want to achieve more,” he says.
That simple statement says much about his personality.

There is an ambition in him that refuses to settle. He remains interested in building, improving systems and contributing to a Nigeria where technology and innovation can play a greater role in national development.

Agagu believes Nigeria’s technology industry has enormous potential and that with the right investment and stronger structures, the country can compete more confidently with the rest of the world. It is a vision that fits naturally with the man people describe as a visionary.
But Feyi Agagu is more than his career.

There is a deeply personal side to his story, particularly in the way he and his siblings chose to preserve the legacy of their father, the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, former Governor of Ondo State.

Following his father’s passing, the family established the Olusegun Agagu Foundation, creating scholarships and educational opportunities for young Nigerians. Through the foundation, students have benefited from scholarships and educational endowments across tertiary institutions.

For Agagu, it is perhaps one of the clearest expressions of what legacy means: that what a person leaves behind should continue to create opportunities for others. Then there is Feyi away from the boardroom.

He loves to travel. He plays football. He is also a collector of wines and whiskies. These interests reveal another side of a man whose professional life is often defined by strategy, responsibility and demanding decisions, a man who appreciates experiences, enjoys the finer things in life and understands the importance of stepping away from work to simply live.

To some, he is the no-nonsense boss. To others, he is the strategist whose intelligence and vision command respect. To those who know him personally, perhaps the simplest description remains the most telling: reliable and dogged.

A man who shows up. A man who stays the course. A man who believes there is always more to accomplish and perhaps that is the most interesting thing about Feyi Agagu. He is not defined only by what he has already achieved, but by what he still believes is possible.

The engineer who found his way into technology. The entrepreneur who continues to explore new frontiers. The leader who demands excellence. The philanthropist who believes in giving others a chance. The traveller, football lover and collector who enjoys life beyond the boardroom.

That is Feyi Agagu and judging by his own words, his story is still being written.

Nigeria Stability Index Reports Declining Security Confidence as Economic Sentiment Improves

The Nigeria Stability Index (NSI) has reported contrasting trends in public sentiment, with Security recording declining scores while FX and Economy and Investor Confidence have shown comparatively stronger performance in recent months.

In August 2026, NSI recorded an overall Stability Score of 4.3 out of 10, with Security emerging as the lowest-rated pillar at 2.0 out of 10. By September, the Security score had declined further to 1.6 out of 10, reflecting growing concerns among survey respondents.

Meanwhile, FX and Economy and Investor Confidence have been among the better-performing pillars, suggesting a more positive outlook in these areas compared with security.

NSI tracks public sentiment monthly across five pillars: Security, Social Stability, FX and Economy, Governance, and Investor Confidence.

The contrasting results highlight how perceptions of national stability can differ significantly across sectors, with improvements in one area not necessarily translating into greater confidence in another.

Alongside its monthly Stability Score, NSI publishes State Spotlight and Institution Spotlight features highlighting documented achievements by states and public institutions.

Through its monthly assessments, NSI continues to provide insight into changing public perceptions and the issues influencing confidence in Nigeria’s stability.

Daughters of Dorcas International Foundation has renewed its call for an end to child marriage and greater investment in the rights, education and future of the girl child as it marked the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child with its annual Girls Rise Conference.

The conference, which held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Jerry’s Century Place, Bayelsa State, was themed “End Child Marriage; Invest in Her Rights.” It brought together distinguished professionals, advocates, speakers and young girls to address the challenges confronting girls and the urgent need to protect their rights and create opportunities for them to thrive.

Speaking at the event, the Founder and Convener of the Foundation, Bolou-Ebi Esther Opukiri, Esq., reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to its guiding mandate, “Teach, Touch and Transform,” stressing that every girl deserves the opportunity to grow up in safety, access quality education, discover her potential and make informed decisions about her future.

She noted that ending child marriage requires more than public awareness and advocacy, calling for deliberate and sustained action by parents, families, communities, institutions and policymakers to protect girls from harmful practices and uphold their fundamental rights.

According to her, investing in the girl child is essential to building stronger families and communities, adding that girls must be given the support, mentorship, education and opportunities they need to become confident, independent and productive members of society.

The conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Hon. Justice Doris Adokeme, Mrs. Adetokunbo, Dr. Rume Ndokinta, Dr. Boma Tonye Miebai, Dr. Tabowei Ikoko Ebiye Lilian, Mrs. Timipre Tobi Ebiringa and Mrs. Camila Wisdom Pedrick. The event also featured a music ministry by Psalmist Precious Oporomo, Esq.

Through the conference, the Foundation highlighted the far-reaching consequences of child marriage and the barriers that prevent many girls from reaching their full potential. It also underscored the importance of education, mentorship, equal opportunities and community support in helping girls build brighter futures.

Founded in 2003 and incorporated in 2010, Daughters of Dorcas International Foundation has remained committed to humanitarian service, with a focus on empowering vulnerable women and children, promoting social development and creating opportunities for meaningful and lasting change.

The annual Girls Rise Conference forms part of the Foundation’s continuing efforts to amplify the voices of girls, strengthen advocacy for their rights and encourage stakeholders to take practical steps towards their protection and advancement.

As it continues its work, the Foundation is calling on families, government institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to move beyond conversations and embrace collective action to end child marriage and ensure that every girl has the freedom and opportunity to shape her own future.

For Daughters of Dorcas International Foundation, the message remains clear: every girl deserves to be protected, educated, empowered and given the opportunity to thrive.

Nigeria @66: Let's bury our differences, build country of our dreams, Odunmbaku urges Nigerians at Independence


The Chairman, Ojodu LCDA, Hon. David Odunmbaku has called on Nigerians to come together in spite of their differences and work for the progress of the country as the nation marks its 66th Independence Anniversary..

In his Independence anniversary message, Odunmbaku noted that while Nigeria is going through various challenges, the anniversary is an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country's 66 years journey and bury their differences for a stronger country.

He also commended the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu adding that the President's policies have transformed the economy.

“ As we celebrate our 66th Independence Anniversary, let us bury our differences and come together to work for the progress of our nation. Together, we can build a Nigeria of our dreams and a stronger nation for future generations.

This celebration calls for renewed commitment from all of us to preserve our unity and peaceful co-existence,” Odunmbaku said.

The Chairman of Ojodu LCDA, Hon. David Odunmbaku, on Thursday inspected the ongoing construction of a containerised Secondary School at Oluwole Estate, as well as the development of the Oluwole football field, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to expanding educational and recreational infrastructure across the council.

The containerised school project is being constructed by the Lagos State government following the facilitation and advocacy of the Ojodu LCDA Chairman. The project is designed to provide an improved learning environment for school children around the community and further strengthen access to quality education.

During the inspection, the Chairman who visited the site alongside the Vice Chairman, Hon Kafaya Layeni and his Chief of Staff Hon Olaide John Bello, assessed the progress of work and engaged with relevant stakeholders on measures required to ensure the timely completion and effective utilisation of the facility.

The chairman also doused the concerns of shop owners around the school whose structures will be affected by the project to
improve accessibility and safety around the facility noting that the government has their interest at heart and will provide a way of minimising their losses.

The Chairman and his entourage which included the Supervisor for Works, Hon. Dapo Adeoye and Supervisor For Health, Hon Seye Oyekan also inspected the ongoing construction of the Oluwole Football Field, a project being undertaken by Ojodu LCDA to provide residents, particularly young people, with a suitable recreational and sporting facility.

The two projects demonstrate the impact of collaboration between Ojodu LCDA and the Lagos State Government in delivering sustainable development at the grassroots. Through effective coordination and shared commitment, both levels of government continue to translate development priorities into tangible projects that benefit residents.

The Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, has called for synergy among practitioners to stop incessant building collapses in the state.

Speaking on Thursday at a conference organized by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, BCPG, Amuwo-Odofin Cell, with the theme “Building Resilient Lagos through Synergy held at Satellite Town, Lagos, the General Manager LASBCA, Gbaye Florence, said each practitioner in the building sector should play it's professional role during construction rather taking up roles which does not define his or her professionalism.

Gbaye likened the building sector to a surgical room where professionals such as surgeons, nurses, cardiologists and others play their individual roles in order to save a life.

She added that a situation where an architect plays multiple roles such as ground engineer, regulator, surveyor, soil engineer among others which are not his area of professionalism does not augur well for the sector.


The General Manager therefore called on all stakeholders, institutional bodies, community leaders and the regulatory body to collaborate by reporting to the government distressed buildings in their localities for prompt attention adding that the government can not do it alone.

“The government cannot do it alone, so also professionals in the building environment; the architects, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical consultants, town planners, you can't do it alone. We cannot have a resilient and safer Lagos if we continue to do this alone.

Let the town planners do what they are supposed to do, let an architect consider the functionality from having the brief from the developer and advising them rightly for what to do. The structural engineer will ensure that the structure can safely carry its load, not saying we can manage it. Let us organize. Let us come together and engage professionals,”Gbaye said.


The Coordinator of the Conference, Chibuike Okafor told the gathering that the four storey building which collapsed on Ladipo Street at Satellite Town in June 2026 and claimed several lives heightened was a clear signal that the building sector needs to be repositioned.

“In the face of this tragedy, we realised that the government alone cannot do it all. As a community, we have a role to play. The incident highlighted the importance of working together to protect lives and ensure the safety and well-being of our people. We must therefore make the right decisions and create opportunities for a better and more sustainable future. By taking responsibility as a community, we can contribute meaningfully to building a better Lagos,” he said.

The chairman of the occasion, Arc. Austin Otuoke noted that incessant building collapse in Lagos State is a call to action for collective responsibility among practitioners and create a resilient environment.

“ We have to develop a city we can bequeath to the next generation. Lagos must develop but we must ensure it develops safely. No government can make the state resilient alone, the answer lies in partnership,” he said.

...Offers one-month free SoftKloud subscription to participants, plans from ₦10,000 monthly


Nigerian technology company, SoftAlliance, has thrown its weight behind Nigeria’s emerging technology ecosystem by providing young innovators at the 6th edition of Thrive in Tech with free access to its locally hosted cloud platform, SoftKloud.

The sixth edition of Thrive in Tech, held in Lagos, brought together young technology enthusiasts, developers and innovators focused on using technology to develop solutions to real-world challenges.

As part of its support for the programme, SoftAlliance offered every attendee one month of free access to SoftKloud, giving participants an opportunity to build, test and develop their technology solutions without the immediate cost of cloud infrastructure.

Speaking at the event, Babatunde Ojumu, Director, Technical Solutions at SoftAlliance, said the company’s participation was driven by the need to give young Nigerians the tools required to turn their ideas into practical solutions.

“We need to empower young people to solve our problems. This programme is designed to check out their creativity, let them come out and see what they can do and how they can solve our problems,” Ojumu said.

He noted that with Africa’s large youthful population, providing young people with the right technology infrastructure could help unlock innovations capable of competing on the global stage.

According to Ojumu, the goal is not simply to encourage young people to develop ideas but to give them the infrastructure to transform those ideas into viable products.

“If they are good enough, those solutions can even go global. We can start to build our own local unicorns,” he said

Ojumu explained that SoftKloud was developed to make cloud infrastructure more accessible to individuals and businesses, particularly those looking to build and host technology solutions locally.

While SoftAlliance has traditionally provided locally hosted technology infrastructure as part of its enterprise solutions, he said SoftKloud represents a shift towards making these capabilities available through a self-service model.

“Over the years, we have been doing a lot of these types of projects. We usually do it enterprise to enterprise, but we are now trying to empower people to be able to use a self-service model, going online and being able to buy the solutions themselves,” he said.

SoftKloud allows users to access and purchase technology resources online for building and hosting their solutions locally, providing an alternative for innovators who may otherwise depend entirely on foreign cloud platforms and incur foreign exchange costs.

After the one-month free subscription offered through the Thrive in Tech initiative, users can continue with SoftKloud plans starting from ₦10,000 per month.

Ojumu said the affordability of the platform was deliberate, particularly for young developers and startups who may not have the financial capacity to sustain expensive cloud infrastructure while still developing their ideas.

Looking beyond the event, Ojumu said SoftAlliance expects to see young innovators move from ideas to solutions that can create meaningful impact.

“Our expectation is solutions. We expect creativity. We expect disruptions,” he said.

He described young people as a major source of unconventional thinking, noting that some of the technologies that have transformed the world emerged from ideas that initially appeared outside the mainstream.

Referencing the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, Ojumu said the next major technological breakthrough could emerge from an African innovator.

“Maybe the next one is going to start from here. Something after will take over from AI. Maybe this is where it is going to start from,” he said.

SoftAlliance’s participation at Thrive in Tech reinforces its broader commitment to supporting local innovation and creating opportunities for young Nigerians to develop technology solutions without being held back by infrastructure costs.

With initiatives such as the one-month free SoftKloud subscription and affordable monthly plans, the company is positioning its cloud infrastructure as a practical resource for innovators seeking to build locally, develop affordably and take their solutions to the world.

Lagos State government through the Office of the Local Government Establishments and Training, OLGE&T on Wednesday urged 341 retiring officers to prioritize their health and make meaningful use of their retirement life by engaging in productive activities.

The occasion was the Pre-Retirement Training For Officers in the Unified Local Government Service organised by OLGE&T held at the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA Secretariat, Ilupeju, with the theme “ Beyond Retirement: Preparing For A Healthy, Purposeful And Prosperous Chapter.

The Head of Service, Olabode Agoro represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning, Wasiu Olayinka, described the workshop as a ‘timely initiative’ adding that while retirement does not happen by chance it requires early sensitization and adequate preparation.’

“ You need to prioritize your health, as retirement provides an opportunity to pay greater attention to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. After many years of meeting the demands of public service,you must now maintain healthy habits, undertake regular medical check-ups and make time for activities that promote a balanced and fulfilling life. The objective is not merely to retire from work, but to retire into a life that is healthy, meaningful, and worthwhile, Agoro urged.

He also advised those who are yet to retire to start making plans for retirement and should not wait until their retirement date before they begin to plan.

The Permanent Secretary, OLGE&T, Toyin Ogunlana said the retiring officers had given time, knowledge, skills and experience to the public service and contributed, in different capacities, to the development of local communities.

She said retirement may bring an end to active public service, but it does not have to bring an end to productivity, relevance or purpose. She urged them to see it as the beginning of a different kind of fulfillment for them.

“It can be the opportunity to pursue that business you have always thought about, to learn a new skill, invest, mentor younger people, serve your community, spend more time with family and finally make room for the things that years of demanding public service may have placed on the back burner, “ she said.

Toyin further said the workshop was
part of the commitment of OLGE&T to ensuring that Lagos workers do not simply leave the service but are prepared for post-retirement life

“Do not wait until your last day in service before you begin thinking about your next chapter. The best retirement is one that is planned for while you are still in active service.

You have spent many years serving the government and our communities. Now, it is time to prepare for a chapter in which you can invest more deliberately in yourself, your family, your interests and your future. We appreciate your service. We value your contributions and we want the next chapter of your life to be one you enter with confidence, dignity and purpose,
Begin to see retirement not as an ending, but as a new chapter waiting to be written,” she said.


Some past retired officers at the event also urged the retiring ones not see their retirement as the end of their lives and avoid living sedentary lifestyle and engaged in regular exercises

Sanitation: Odunmbaku, council officials join exercise, promise to sustain tempo in Ojodu



The Executive Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area, Hon. David Odunmbaku, on Saturday joined residents and council officials for the monthly environmental sanitation exercise across the LCDA.

Hon. Odunmbaku, who participated in the clearing of drains and waste evacuation in some streets such as Odebor in Ward C, Sorinmade in Ward B and Aboaba in Ward D said the exercise is aimed at ensuring a cleaner, healthier and flood-free environment for residents.

He urged people of Ojodu to sustain the tempo by keeping their surroundings clean and adhering to environmental laws, stressing that a clean environment is a collective responsibility.

“Let us make sanitation a lifestyle, not just a monthly activity. A clean Ojodu is possible if we all do our part,” he said.

He also ordered urgent interventions in some areas where wastes are yet to be cleared adding that all council machinery should be deployed to clear refuse across the council areas.

Odunmbaku also urged residents to sustain the culture of cleanliness saying : cleanliness is next to Godliness.’

2027 election: Ojodu council chair, APC Lagos West Leaders meet, mobilise for party's victory


The Chairman, Ojodu Local Council Development Area, Hon.David Odunmbaku on Friday joined other stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos West Senatorial District at a meeting held to mobilise grassroots support for the victory of the party in the 2027 general elections.

The meeting was also to reconcile aggrieved members of the party ahead of the general election.

Hosted by Ikeja Local Government, Onigbongbo and Ojodu Local Council Development Areas, the meeting was held at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat with party leaders such as Senator representing Lagos West, Senator Dr. Mrs. Idiat Adebule; Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Apex Leader of the APC in Lagos West Senatorial District and member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa; Chief Abayomi Finnih,and other stakeholders from across the senatorial district.

Discussion at the meeting focused on strengthening party unity, improving grassroots mobilisation, promoting good governance and developing strategies for securing victory for the APC in the 2027 elections.

Addressing the gathering, Senator Adebule commended the impressive turnout of party leaders and stakeholders, describing it as a clear demonstration of the strength and commitment of the APC in Lagos West.

She urged members to sustain the spirit of unity, remain loyal and committed to the party, and work collectively towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the success of all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Also speaking, Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa urged party leaders and stakeholders to maintain internal cohesion, discipline and effective grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections.

He noted that while the party had made significant progress, there were areas where its internal structures could still be strengthened. He therefore called for greater reconciliation, consultation and consensus-building among party members.

In his remarks, the APC Chairman in Ikeja, Hon. Adebowale Adetoro, assured the gathering that the party in Ikeja remained united, focused and determined to deliver victory for all APC candidates in 2027.

Adetoro said Ikeja had continued to strengthen its grassroots structures and would work closely with party leaders, members and stakeholders to ensure a resounding APC victory in Ikeja and across Lagos West.

Lagos Diaspora Agency Chief, Jermaine Sanwo-Olu, bags PhD

The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Office of Diaspora Affairs (LASDA), ESV Dr. Jermaine Sanwo-Olu has bagged a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Project Management from the Faculty of Management Technology, Department of Project Management, Lagos State University (LASU).

Dr. Sanwo-Olu was awarded the PhD on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, following the successful completion of his doctoral research on “Diaspora Engagement and Construction Project Performance in Lagos State.’

The research is particularly significant to Lagos State, given the growing importance of diaspora participation in investment, infrastructure development, knowledge transfer and sustainable economic development. It also underscores the potential of strategic diaspora engagement to contribute meaningfully to improved project delivery and development outcomes in the State.

Speaking on the milestone, Dr. Sanwo-Olu described the achievement as “a journey of grace, purpose and perseverance”, noting that it was shaped by experiences of failure, resilience, learning and continuous self-development.

“This journey has been one of learning, research, perseverance and purpose. It is a milestone of purpose, research and impact. I am grateful to God for the grace to continue learning, even while serving, and for the resilience to keep moving forward despite the challenges and failures along the way.”

Before his doctorate achievement, Sanwo-Olu holds a Master of International Law and Diplomacy (MILD) from the University of Lagos (2025), Master of Arts (MA) in Diaspora and Transnational Studies from the University of Ibadan (2023), Master of Science (MSc) in Management from the College de Paris, France (2002), Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) in Public Relations and Strategic Communications from Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom (2017), and Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in International Business Management from Bradford University, United Kingdom (2011).

An Estate Surveyor and Valuer, public relations consultant and development professional, Dr. Sanwo-Olu has combined professional practice, public service, academia and diaspora engagement throughout his career.

He is the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Office of Diaspora Affairs, where he has played a significant role in advancing the State's engagement with Lagosians in the diaspora and strengthening opportunities for diaspora investment, partnerships, knowledge exchange and development.

His latest academic achievement further reinforces his commitment to research-driven public service and the application of knowledge to address practical development challenges facing Lagos State.

Congratulating Dr. Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Office of Diaspora Affairs, described the achievement as a ‘ well-deserved milestone of grace, purpose, perseverance and impact.’

ECHOES OF RENAISSANCE REVEALS NO. 17: THE BRIDGE OF MOTION IN ITALY.



Thirty days before the opening of Artnovation: Echoes of Renaissance in the Hues of Africa, Artnovation, in partnership with Hybrid Motors Nigeria Limited, will unveil The Bridge of Motion — No. 17 in The Thread of Continents Series, a newly curated work exploring the intersection of art, mobility, innovation and sustainable development.

The Bridge of Motion explores “the moment a thread becomes a bridge, and the bridge begins to move.” The work will be unveiled during the opening ceremony of Echoes of Renaissance at Fondazione Luciana Matalon Museum in Milan on September 16, 2026.

THE THREAD OF CONTINENTS: 16 WORKS, ONE JOURNEY

The Thread of Continents (ToC) is one of four series curated by Foluke Michael for Echoes of Renaissance. Its first 16 works trace an evolving relationship between Africa and Europe, exploring memory, encounter, exchange, trade, connection, cooperation and the possibility of a shared future.

No. 17 — The Bridge of Motion takes the series into a new dimension, connecting its cultural narrative to mobility, renewable energy, innovation and sustainable development. The number is deliberate, evoking the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals and opening a conversation about how creativity can contribute to the future of mobility and Africa-Europe collaboration.

Foluke Michael, Chief Curator of Artnovation, said: “The journey does not end at sixteen. No. 17 carries the story towards a new horizon, where ideas gather momentum, possibilities take shape, and the future begins to move. For us, The Bridge of Motion is not simply about a vehicle. It is about what mobility can represent when creativity, renewable energy, sustainable development and innovation enter the same conversation—and what Africa and Europe might create together.”

WHEN THE THREAD BECOMES A BRIDGE

The Renaissance brought art, science, engineering, philosophy and human imagination into a powerful conversation about what humanity could create. Echoes of Renaissance asks what that spirit might mean in the 21st century—and what becomes possible when African creativity meets European design and innovation.
The Bridge of Motion extends that conversation into mobility.

For Africa, sustainable mobility, renewable energy and infrastructure are increasingly central to economic opportunity and development. For Europe, they form part of a wider transition toward sustainable technology, innovation and new forms of international cooperation.

The Bridge of Motion places these questions at the heart of the creative economy, where art does more than reflect the future—it helps us imagine it. And when imagination is given the space to meet technology, enterprise and collaboration, it can become the beginning of innovation.

For Jubril Arogundade, Founder of Hybrid Motors Nigeria Limited, the partnership brings art, culture, fashion, technology and innovation into the mobility conversation.

“Our vision extends beyond vehicle development to sustainable, indigenous mobility solutions for West Africa, alongside opportunities for deeper European technical, institutional and commercial collaboration,” he said. Hybrid Motors’ mobility and renewable energy ambitions align with areas associated with the EU Global Gateway, particularly sustainable transport and renewable energy, with discussions exploring potential European technology, expertise, institutional partnerships and sustainable financing.

“The Milan unveiling marks the beginning of a conversation toward a potential sustainable Africa-Europe mobility partnership, where art helps us imagine what innovation can make possible,” Arogundade added.

​Echoes of Renaissance continues a journey between Africa and Europe that began with AfroItalian Renaissance, launched and hosted in partnership with the Italian Consulate General in Lagos in December 2025. What began as cultural exchange is now opening into a broader conversation about creativity, innovation, enterprise and shared opportunity.

When continents connect, possibilities move. And when creativity becomes collaboration, the Creative Economy becomes a bridge between worlds.
Artnovation: Echoes of Renaissance in the Hues of Africa opens at 5:00 p.m. CEST on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Fondazione Luciana Matalon, Foro Buonaparte 67, Milan. The exhibition, fashion and dialogue will open to the public from September 17–29, 2026.

At its opening, art, fashion, poetry, culture, innovation, and enterprise will converge around a question that reaches beyond the exhibition: What happens when Africa and Europe choose to design the future together?

No. 17 — The Bridge of Motion offers one possibility.
And perhaps that is the enduring message of Echoes of Renaissance: that the next Renaissance will not belong to one continent alone. It will emerge where ideas meet, where cultures connect, and where people choose to build together.

ABOUT ARTNOVATION
Artnovation is an interdisciplinary creative platform that builds bridges between Africa and Europe through art, fashion, museums, education, technology, entrepreneurship, and cultural diplomacy.
Through its Africa-Europe Creative Economy vision, Artnovation explores how creativity can become a platform for collaboration, innovation, enterprise and sustainable development.

Sanwo-Olu declares May 16 Lagos Boy Child Day as First Lady seek review of Child's Right Law

Ayodele Olalere

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared May 16 as a day to celebrate Lagos Boy Child while also calling for the protection of boy children to bridge the gap between the rights of boys and girls.


Speaking at a stakeholder’s engagement on the Review of Lagos Child's Right Law 2015 and launch of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative, an initiative of the Office of the First Lady, Lagos State with the theme ‘ The Child Development Framework in Lagos State: Addressing The Boy Child Gap, the governor said the initiative would ensure the right of boy child is not relegated while much attention is paid to that of girl child.

Sanwo-Olu said now is the right time for the boy child's right to go through amendment adding that the Lagos State government would support the amendment and the initiative.

He commended the First Lady for championing the cause of boy children, noting that the initiative has turned into a Movement that will be supported by the government.

“The First Lady has ensured that the initiative grows and turns into a Movement where the presence of girl children has not reduced while ensuring that we have not inadvertently relegated the boy child.,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He also urged parents to protect their boy children against abuses such as sexual and drug abuse the same way they do girl children.

“ As leaders and parents, there is a need to protect boy children. There are a lot of programmes they can be taking to repair the imbalance so we can have a society we can be proud of . We will support the initiative to whatever level that it is required, “ Sanwo-Olu promised.

While giving reasons for birthing the initiative, the convener of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative, LBC, and First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said her conviction that boy children also deserve intentional guidance, support and opportunities gave birth to the initiative .

She thanked the governor for backing the initiative ‘ with a future that extends far beyond any individual or administration, and designating every 16th of May as the Lagos State Boy Child Day, an indication of the administration’s commitment to inclusive child development and gender-responsive governance.

“This singular decision goes beyond policy. It is a profound statement that every child matters and that true gender equality is achieved not by competing interests but by ensuring that every child, girl or boy, is given the opportunity to realise his or her God-given potential.”

Mrs Sanwo-Olu further said reviewing the Child’s Rights Law 2015 will strengthen the legal and institutional framework in ways that respond to emerging realities while safeguarding the best interests of every child.

“The Child’s Rights Law has served our State remarkably well. However, society continues to evolve. New realities such as technology-facilitated violence, online exploitation, changing family structures, mental health concerns, juvenile justice reforms and inclusive child development require that our laws evolve accordingly.

It is therefore gratifying that implementation of the existing law and practical amendments of it will make it even more responsive to contemporary challenges,” she said.

She said reviewing the law would also
institutionalise the Lagos Boy Child Initiative within the legal and policy framework but assured that it will not shift attention from advancing the rights of the girl child.

“Nurturing boys intentionally today is an investment in safer families, stronger communities and a more prosperous Lagos tomorrow. Lagos State has taken the lead. We hope many governments, institutions and development partners across the world will join this movement because every child deserves equal opportunity to thrive,” she said.

Sanwo-Olu empowers 3,792 vocational centre graduates with tools, says governance must touch llives

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday gave out working tools to 3,792 graduates of state-owned vocational skills training centres across the state in demonstration of his administration's commitment to eradicating poverty at the grassroots level.

The tools were distributed through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA, at the Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja, under the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) .

Speaking at the empowerment programme, the governor described the initiative as a practical demonstration of his administration’s resolve to create opportunities, reduce poverty and promote self-reliance among Lagosians.

He noted that the true measure of any government lies not only in economic growth or infrastructure development but in its ability to positively impact lives and empower citizens to succeed.

He said in the last seven years of his administration, almost 40,000 residents have been empowered through working tools to begin and expand their businesses.

Sanwo-Olu charged the beneficiaries to make use of the tools by growing their businesses and becoming employers of labour.

“The strength of any government is measured not merely by the size of its economy or the scale of its infrastructure, but by how many lives it touches and how many people it empowers to succeed,” he said.

He said the initiative aligns with the objectives of his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda, which prioritises inclusive growth by ensuring that development reaches every part of Lagos, including urban, rural and riverine communities.

In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, described empowerment as a catalyst for lasting social and economic transformation rather than the mere distribution of equipment.

She said the MESI programme was designed to bridge the gap between vocational training and business start-ups by providing graduates of the state’s tuition-free Skills Acquisition Centres with the tools needed to establish sustainable enterprises.

Dada disclosed that since the inception of the Sanwo-Olu administration, 35,101 residents had graduated from the ministry’s Skills Acquisition Centres, while 18,990 beneficiaries had received start-up equipment through MESI.

She added that over 1,100 residents had acquired digital skills, 18,241 people had benefited from the Life Skills and Economic Empowerment Programme, more than 4,040 vulnerable families had received food support under the Ounjẹ Lọ Rẹ Awo initiative, and over 5,500 widows had been empowered with financial grants to strengthen their businesses.

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/08/04/sanwo-olu-deepens-poverty-fight-empowers-3792-lagosians/

Rotary District 9111 Governor Charges Youths on Leadership, Vocational Skills at 2026 RYLA Boot Camp


The District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Bukola Bakare, has charged youths to take up leadership roles, reminding them that they are leaders of today, not just tomorrow.

She also urged them to learn vocational skills that could help them in the future, not relying only on white-collar jobs.

Bakare spoke while declaring open the 2026 Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, RYLA, nine-day camp for 402 youths held at Sea School, Apapa, Lagos.

According to her, RYLA is designed to equip young people with leadership, vocational, and technology-driven skills to make them leaders today, not just tomorrow.

The DG noted that the camp would equip the participants with leadership skills, gain lifelong friendships, and network opportunities..

“The world is now more technology-driven, so you will receive different forms of training while you are here. Learn, listen, respect your facilitators, and, of course, have fun. If it is just one of the Rotarians who goes back and makes a change or creates lasting change in this community, then I will say this program is successful,” she said.

She said the annual program, which is the third for District 9111, is part of the Rotary's way of mentoring young people to become leaders in society.

“Rotary International is passionate about the youth. People often say that the youth are the future and the leaders of tomorrow, but for Rotary, the youth are the leaders now. From here, they will build lifelong friendships and network with other people. We also ensure that they become better contributors to society by training them in various skills.”

The Chairman, RYLA 2026 Planning Committee, Jide Ogunleye told the participants to consider themselves ‘ extremely lucky because they were selected from a pool of over 1,000 applicants..’

He advised them to take the programme seriously as the training they would receive will be useful for them in the future.

“My advice to them is to take this programme very seriously as it has the potential to transform their lives and lead them to places they could never have thought of or imagined,” he said.

He added: “ Beyond the inspirational messages they receive, the participants will also learn vocational skills, management skills, and life skills. They will build new friendships, create new bonds, and, ultimately, become better leaders in our society.

Guest speakers, popular Nollywood actor, Charles Inojie and comedian Olufemi Fagade popularly known as ‘Omo Baba’ also charged the youths to be bold in their endeavours, avoid drug abuse, peer pressure and other vices.

Highlight of the opening ceremony was the donation of cash and presentation of award to the best speaker among the participants, Zainab Lawal

Reacting , Zainab alongside another participant, Alade Ibrahim, commended Rotary Club for organising the programme noting it will prepare them for future leadership roles .

“This programme has given us the opportunity to meet people we never thought we could meet in this life. We have learnt not to put our back to the ground and no matter where we are now, we can get to the top. Though people might want to discourage us, we should not be discouraged. Coming here has been worthwhile for us,” Zainab said.

400 youths to participate in 2026 Rotary's Leadership programme


The Rotary Club District 9111 has selected 400 youths to participate in this year's Rotary Youth Leadership Academy programme, RYLA.

The programme is a nine-day intensive leadership and character development camp scheduled to commence on August 1 at the Sea School, Snake Island, Apapa, Lagos with the aim of developing the youths in leadership, discipline, vocational skills, teamwork and personal development which will prepare them for future leadership roles.

Ahead of the commencement of the camp, the youths, on Monday, underwent an orientation programme to prepare them on what to expect in the camp.

The District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Rotarian Bukola Bakare, said the initiative was designed to prepare young people for leadership responsibilities in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing world.

Bakare described RYLA as one of Rotary International's flagship youth development programmes focused on mentoring young people and building their capacity for leadership, service and responsible citizenship.

According to her, Rotary believes that young people are not merely leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today who require guidance, mentorship and opportunities to develop their potential.

“This year, about 400 participants will undergo intensive training at the Sea School. We want to build their confidence, discipline and leadership abilities while preparing them to become responsible citizens capable of contributing positively to society,” she said.

She further disclosed that some participants would benefit from international exposure through exchange and training opportunities in the United Kingdom, Ghana and Canada, while participants from Ghana would also be admitted into the programme to promote cultural exchange and global understanding.

She said Rotary would consider the programme successful if participants returned to their schools, workplaces and communities inspired to initiate positive change.

Chairman of RYLA 2026/2027 committee, Rotarian Babajide Ogunleye, said the camp was designed for young people aged between 14 and 25 and would expose them to practical leadership experiences and vocational skills.

“We have participants learning photography, shoemaking, bead-making and other vocational skills. They will also interact with accomplished leaders from different sectors who will share experiences capable of inspiring them to greater achievements,” he said.

Ogunleye explained that all participants were nominated and sponsored by Rotary clubs from various districs, adding that only first-time attendees were selected for this year's programme.

Addressing the participants, Camp Commandant, Dr. Ekundayo, outlined the strict code of conduct guiding the exercise, stressing the importance of discipline, punctuality, honesty and self-control.

He warned against fighting, theft, lateness and other forms of misconduct, noting that the training would expose participants to carefully managed challenges designed to build resilience, courage and leadership capacity.

“We expose participants to manageable and calculated risks. We challenge them physically, mentally and emotionally because leadership requires discipline, resilience and self-restraint,” he said.

The Commandant added that all activities at the camp would be compulsory and participants would be expected to adhere strictly to the rules and timetable.

Some of the participants expressed excitement ahead of the programme.

One of them, Onyeka Okeke, said he looked forward to becoming more disciplined, confident and motivated through the training.

“I want to challenge myself, overcome my limitations and become a better version of myself,” he said.

Another participant, Ade Oluwanifemi, said the camp would help strengthen his leadership and life skills while preparing him to become a responsible member of society.

Building collapse: Sanwo-Olu launches LAGBIS, urges property owners, developers to embrace insurance


Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday , launched a building insurance scheme in the wake of incessant building collapse in the state.

The scheme tagged ‘Lagos State Building Insurance Scheme’, LAGBIS, is an initiative of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, in partnership with Veda Technology with the aim of promoting safer buildings and mitigating financial risk resulting from building collapse.

Represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube, Sanwo-Olu said the scheme would protect not only property owners but also tenants of any insured collapsed structure noting that the scheme is for the people.

“This is the first of such initiatives in Nigeria. It is a scheme that will change the building culture of our people. The state has been experiencing remarkable infrastructural transformation but growth without safety is not progress. We must come together to make dramatic changes.

When a building collapses, businesses suffer and it's important there are financial consequences. The LAGBIS will establish a framework that protect construction workers, tenants and property owners, “Sanwo-Olu said

The governor further encouraged Lagosians to ‘report distressed buildings or excesses they observe in their neighborhoods’ while the government would step up compliance with the Insurance ACT

“”We are laying the foundation for the future Lagos, a city where development never comes at the expense of human lives. LAGBIS would strengthen our building culture.”

The Special Adviser on e-GIS & Urban System, Olajide Babatunde in his contribution said that the state government would begin to enforce that all buildings above a storey is insured while filling stations, hotels, and commercial buildings without insurance would henceforth be shut down.

The General Manager, LASBCA, Gbaye Florence, noted that the initiative underscores the unwavering commitment of the Lagos State government to promoting safer buildings, protecting investments, strengthening regulatory compliance, and fostering a more resilient built environment across the state.

She noted that the laws requiring a building under construction in the state to be insured had been in existence but lacked implementation adding that with the launch of LAGBIS, the law would henceforth be enforced.

“Building insurance has always been part of the requirements for the issuance of Authorisation to Commence Construction.
The Lagos State Government Building Insurance Scheme (LAGBIS) has been carefully designed to simplify compliance while ensuring transparency, accessibility, and accountability. Under the Scheme, all buildings that fall within the prescribed categories will be identified and notified by LASBCA.

Rather than relying solely on public intervention after unfortunate incidents, insured properties are better positioned for quicker recovery and reconstruction. This allows businesses to resume operations faster, families to recover more quickly, and communities to rebuild with greater confidence,” Gbaye said.

She urged all property owners and developers to ‘embrace this initiative not merely because it is a statutory requirement, but because it represents responsible ownership, sound financial planning, and a commitment to protecting lives and investments.’

Sanwo-Olu bags Leadership Award at Babcock convocation, urges graduates to seize opportunities

Ayodele Olalere

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday was honoured with the Leadership and Service Award by the Babcock University in recognition of his outstanding performance and excellence in governance in Lagos State.

The award was presented during the university's convocation ceremony, where the governor also delivered the Convocation Lecture before more than 3,400 graduating students, academics, parents and distinguished guests.

Receiving the honour, Sanwo-Olu described leadership as a responsibility that demands integrity, accountability and service to humanity.

“It is a humbling experience and another call for us to continue to serve. We must lead with the fear of God, understanding that people are watching us and that we are expected to provide good examples for younger generations,” he said.

In his convocation lecture, the governor urged the graduating students to embrace opportunities, believe in Nigeria and position themselves for success in an increasingly competitive global environment.

According to him, his presence at the ceremony was not merely to celebrate the graduating students but also to inspire and encourage them as they prepare to begin a new chapter of their lives.

“I am here because, as a leader, we need to continue to encourage young people, share our experiences with them and let them know that life is waiting for them out there,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu commended Babcock University for its contributions to higher education, describing it as an institution that has consistently maintained high standards and produced graduates who have excelled in various fields of endeavour.

He noted that the institution had stood the test of time and continued to provide students with the foundation required to succeed in life and contribute meaningfully to society.

The governor said the graduating set which he was informed was one of the largest in the university's history, represented a new generation of Nigerians equipped to take advantage of emerging opportunities across the world.

He encouraged the graduates to approach the future with confidence and optimism, stressing that the opportunities available to them today are far greater than those available to previous generations.

“Nearly 40 years ago when we graduated, the world was completely different. We had very little compared to what is available today. Many of those listening were probably not even born then but times have changed,” he said.

He also urged the graduates to adapt to changing realities, embrace innovation and leverage technology and globalisation to achieve their aspirations.

“They need to understand the world they live in. They should not give excuses or reasons why they cannot succeed. They should embrace the opportunities before them and run with them,” he added.

The governor also challenged the graduates to remain hopeful about Nigeria's future, insisting that the country still offers enormous opportunities for growth, innovation and personal fulfilment.

He noted that the education they had received at Babcock University had equipped them with the knowledge, skills and values required to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation at large.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Miss Simisola Abore described the academic journey as challenging but rewarding, expressing gratitude to God for seeing the students through to graduation.

“It was a struggle, but we thank God that we have graduated. We thank God for keeping us alive throughout the journey,” she said.

Abore urged her fellow graduates to remain united and uphold the values of the institution as they move into the next phase of their lives.

“My advice to my fellow graduates is that we should stand firm as alumni of Babcock University and always be ready to give back to the community,” she added.

Sanwo-Olu congratulated the graduates on their achievements and urged them to uphold the principles of excellence, discipline and integrity instilled in them by the university as they pursue their ambitions.

Lagos First Lady, Agoro lead residents in sanitation exercise, urges sustained environmental responsibility

Ayodele Olalere

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and the Lagos Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, on Saturday led Lagos residents to observe July monthly sanitation.


While Agoro monitored the exercise at Badagry, Sanwo-Olu's wife and the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab took part in the exercise at Ibeju-Lekki.


Ibijoke commended residents of Eputu London in Ibeju-Lekki for their active participation in this month's exercise, describing their response as evidence of growing public awareness about the importance of a clean and healthy environment.

She hailed the community for embracing the initiative beyond the designated sanitation day by commencing cleanup activities several days earlier.

According to her, the level of participation demonstrated that the campaign for environmental cleanliness was gradually yielding positive results across the state.

She noted that both adults and children turned out in large numbers to take part in the exercise, adding that community members had shown commitment to maintaining a cleaner environment despite the challenges posed by the ongoing rainy season and flooding in some parts of Lagos.

"We are very proud of our people. When we arrived in Eputu London, we discovered that residents had already started cleaning their environment three days before the exercise. They did not wait until the last Saturday of the month. That shows that people are becoming more conscious of their environment and are taking ownership of it," she said.

The First Lady stressed the importance of involving young people in environmental management, noting that schoolchildren participated actively in the exercise from as early as 6:30 a.m.

She explained that the state's sanitation campaign seeks to instill environmental consciousness in younger generations and disclosed plans to involve students of tertiary institutions in future exercises.

"We are catching them young. These children have been here very early this morning because whatever values we pass on to them today, they will continue in the future. By the grace of God, from next month, students of tertiary institutions will also participate. This is a collective responsibility," she said.

Dr Sanwo-Olu encouraged Lagos residents to continue participating in the monthly exercise, which is held on the last Saturday of every month between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., while also maintaining good sanitation habits on a daily basis.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said the state government was intensifying efforts to improve waste management infrastructure as part of broader measures to achieve a cleaner Lagos.

He cited ongoing work at the Olusosun waste management facility, where a waste transfer loading station and material recovery facility are being developed to improve waste processing and disposal across the state.

According to Wahab, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators are working to strengthen waste collection services, while the government continues to engage residents through sustained advocacy and public enlightenment.

"The ultimate goal is to ensure efficient waste management across the state. LAWMA and PSP operators are putting in significant effort, but residents must also take ownership of the process. People should not dump refuse on road medians, drainage channels or public spaces because those facilities belong to all of us," he said.

The commissioner acknowledged that changing long-established habits would take time but expressed confidence that sustained awareness campaigns, consistency and enforcement would gradually produce the desired results.

He urged residents experiencing challenges with waste collection services to report such cases to LAWMA rather than resorting to indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

"If residents are paying for waste collection services, service providers must deliver. Where there are lapses, people should contact LAWMA so that appropriate action can be taken. Advocacy remains our first approach, but sanctions will be applied where necessary," Wahab stated.

300 Lagos property owners receive N3.1bn compensation for road projects

Ayodele Olalere

Over 300 property owners in Lagos on Monday received a total of N3.1billion as compensation for the demolition of their property by the state government for road projects.

The cheques were presented by the governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the presentation ceremony held at Adeyemi Bero auditorium, Alausa Secretariat.

Sanwo-Olu said the compensation underscored his administration’s commitment to fairness, transparency and the protection of citizens’ rights in line with the Land Use Act.

He said the lands that were acquired by the government for various infrastructural projects were in public interest but noted that the government has a moral obligation to compensate affected persons fairly, transparently and promptly.

“Today’s exercise is not charity; it is justice. It is not a favour; it is the rightful entitlement of every verified project-affected person whose property was acquired for public purpose,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu added that the process of deciding beneficiaries was transparent as well as the amounts to be given to each property owner.

“Behind every parcel of land is a family, a livelihood and a story. Development must always have a human face, and that is the principle guiding this administration,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said the acquired lands would be used for roads, schools and other public infrastructure to improve residents’ quality of life.

While noting that the projects would benefit millions of residents, he acknowledged the sacrifices of affected property owners and assured them of the government’s commitment to treating them with compassion and dignity.

“Infrastructure may benefit millions, but the government must never ignore those who bear the immediate impact.

“We acknowledge your sacrifice and appreciate your partnership in building a greater Lagos,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu hails Egube as ‘dependable’ ally as Urhobo, Isoko Elites Honour DCOS

Ayodele Olalere

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday described his Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube as a ‘dependable' ally, noting that the Delta State born aide has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and integrity.


Sanwo-Olu spoke at a celebratory reception organised by Urhobo and Isoko elites in Lagos to honour Egube for his contributions to governance and public service.

The governor said that he appointed Egube first as Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget during his first term and later as Deputy Chief of Staff in his second term noting that both appointments were as a result of Egube’s excellence, professionalism, competence and integrity and not ethnic background.

As his Deputy Chief of Staff, Sanwo-Olu said Egube has effectively coordinated his engagements and ensured effective administration of the Governor's Office.

He described Egube as a dependable adviser whose integrity and competence have earned his confidence over more than two decades of friendship and professional association.

The governor noted that while the event celebrated one of the Urhobo nation's finest sons, it also underscored the fact that outstanding performance transcends ethnic and regional identities.

"We don't ask where excellence comes from. What matters is the ability to do the job well and serve the people faithfully," Sanwo-Olu said.

In his remarks, Egube thanked the Urhobo and Isoko elites for celebrating him, describing it as a source of encouragement to remain committed to excellence in public service.

He said the recognition should inspire young Nigerians to pursue success through discipline, resilience, integrity and productivity, regardless of their background.

Nollywood Star Rechael Okonkwo Launches Debut Book ‘Odogwu Girl’


Award-winning Nollywood actress and philanthropist, Rechael Okonkwo, popularly known as Nkoli Nwa Nsukka, on Sunday officially unveiled her debut book, ‘Odogwu Girl: From Dreams to Reality’, at a colourful launch in Lagos, marking a new chapter in her career beyond the screen.

The memoir chronicles Rechael’s personal journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Nollywood’s most recognisable actresses, offering readers an honest account of the obstacles, setbacks and triumphs that shaped her path to success published by
inemesit Hanson.

Speaking at the launch, the actress described the book as a message of hope for women and anyone striving to overcome life’s challenges.

“I feel proud of myself. I’m glad I’ve come this far, and I’m happy to have written something that will inspire, encourage and motivate women to keep believing in themselves, no matter what they are going through or where they come from. I want everyone who reads this book to leave feeling encouraged and empowered,” she said.

According to her, ‘Odogwu Girl’ captures years of perseverance, resilience and unwavering faith, with the aim of inspiring young people, especially women, to believe that their circumstances do not define their future.

Known for her humanitarian initiatives and programmes that support women and young people, Rechael said the publication aligns with her long-standing commitment to empowering others through mentorship, education and personal development. She noted that many of the experiences shared in the book reflect lessons that have shaped both her career and her outreach efforts.

She explained that readers should expect practical life lessons, personal experiences and words of encouragement drawn from her own journey.

“This book is beyond acting. It contains my experiences, my insights about life and, most importantly, encouragement. Women are emotional by nature, and when life doesn’t go as planned, many lose hope. I want this book to remind them that the future is still bright and that they can rise above every setback.”

Reflecting on what inspired the book, Rechael said her own life became the story she needed to tell.

She revealed that losing her father at the age of 13 and becoming the first child responsible for helping to support five younger siblings shaped her determination to succeed despite numerous hardships.

“Life has never been easy for me, but one thing has always stood out; my decision to keep going and to thrive no matter what comes my way. My life is proof that a woman can overcome challenges, break stereotypes and still succeed.”

Beyond recounting her rise in the entertainment industry, the book explores themes of determination, purpose, self-belief and resilience, encouraging readers to remain focused despite disappointments and obstacles.

Describing Odogwu Girl as more than just a publication, the actress said she hopes it will grow into a movement that inspires women to discover the strength within themselves.

According to her, the “Odogwu spirit” represents courage, resilience and the determination to keep moving forward despite life’s challenges.

Audience at the launch, including veterans in the literary and entertainment communities, described the publication as another significant achievement for the actress, noting the growing number of Nigerian entertainers who are documenting their life journeys through books to inspire future generations.

The event attracted several notable personalities from the entertainment industry, including actress and filmmaker Benita Onyiuke Ogbonna, actress Princess Chineke, popularly known as Dr. Princess, comedian Nwa Jesus, actress Dr. Matilda, actor Nickson Nwankwo, actress Nkechi Nnaji, actress Judith Nwankwo, actress Precious Ezeugo, actress Mary Tophan, actor Sochima Ezeoke, actress Chidimma Ugwu, Author and Producer Nani Boy, and content creator It’s Bobby alongside family, friends, colleagues and admirers who gathered to celebrate Rechael Okonkwo’s latest milestone.

The launch of ‘Odogwu Girl: From Dreams to Reality’ was attended by family, friends, colleagues and admirers, who congratulated the actress on expanding her legacy beyond film into literature.

The book is expected to resonate with readers seeking motivation, practical life lessons and an authentic account of how resilience, hard work and purpose can transform dreams into reality.

Lagos Resident Hails Emergency Responders For Saving His 7-Month-Old Daughter

Ayodele Olalere
 
A resident of Lagos State, Muhammad Armayau has applauded the state’s emergency responders for acting swiftly to save his 7-month old daughter.
 
Armayau who resides in Badagry area of the state disclosed this to journalists on Monday, saying his daughter fell seriously sick in the middle of the night, during a heavy downpour and there was no car to take the child to the hospital.
 
He said his family heaved a sigh of relief when they put a call through to 112, the state’s government emergency toll free line.
 
  ‘’ My seven-month-old daughter developed a high fever after battling an elevated temperature for two days. When the thermometer read 38.5°C, panic set in. With heavy rain falling and no means of transportation, my wife and i tried to bring the fever down by gently wiping the baby with a wet towel while waiting for the rain to subside," he said.
 
According to him, at about 4:07 a.m., he called 112 and explained the situation to an emergency response officer, who immediately requested his address and a nearby landmark after hearing the baby crying in the background.
 
‘’Twenty minutes later, the Lagos Emergency Response Call Centre called back to confirm that an ambulance had already been dispatched. Because it was still dark, the officer discussed the best way for the ambulance crew to locate the family.
 
‘’By 5:07 a.m., the rain had eased, and another call informed me that the ambulance was waiting at the Checkpoint Bus Stop. The family quickly rode on a motorcycle to the location, where the ambulance team was already waiting.
 
‘’After assessing the baby's condition, the medical personnel recommended taking her to General Hospital, Badagry, since the family's nearest Primary Health Centre at Ilepo does not operate round the clock.’’
 
According to Armayau, the ambulance was unable to reach his home because of the poor condition of the Ibiye–Checkpoint–Magbon road, which had become difficult to access due to the heavy rainfall.
 
He described the response as remarkable, noting that the ambulance travelled approximately 24 kilometres from General Hospital, Badagry, simply to attend to their emergency.
 
Armayau noted that at the hospital, the baby received immediate medical attention, saying,’’ i paid ₦2,000 to open a new patient file, ₦8,000 for laboratory tests, including a Full Blood Count (FBC) and malaria test, and about ₦4,000 for prescribed medications.’’
 
He added that if their Lagos State Health Insurance coverage had still been active, the total cost would have been just ₦1,400.
 
Apart from those payments, he said there were no consultation fees or ambulance charges, describing the experience as an example of public services funded by taxpayers delivering real value to residents.
 
Armayau also commended the cleanliness of General Hospital, Badagry, and acknowledged the dedication of the healthcare workers on duty.
 
While praising the emergency response and healthcare services, he appealed to the Lagos State government to rehabilitate the Ibiye–Checkpoint–Magbon road, employ more doctors at General Hospital, Badagry, upgrade the Ilepo Primary Health Centre to a 24-hour facility, improve electricity supply in the community, and work towards a unified electronic medical record system across government hospitals.
 
He also appreciated ongoing infrastructure projects in Badagry, including road rehabilitation and improvements around the General Hospital, noting that better roads significantly enhance emergency response and save lives.
 
Describing the experience as one he had only seen in developed countries, Armayau expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Emergency Response Team and all frontline health workers for their commitment to protecting lives.

LASBCA PARTIALLY REMOVES ILLEGAL STRUCTURES BEHIND BARRACKS BUS-STOP


...Says Enforcement Exercise Followed Repeated Notices and Non-Compliance

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has partially removed illegal structures behind Barracks Bus-Stop, Surulere, Lagos, following persistent violations of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, as well as established building regulations.

The enforcement exercise was carried out after extensive monitoring and inspections revealed that the affected structures were erected in contravention of approved building standards. Findings by the Agency showed that the buildings had exceeded the approved setback limits, encroaching on mandatory spaces reserved for safety, accessibility, and proper urban planning.

LASBCA also established that they failed to produce any valid statutory approval documents authorising the development. In addition, the buildings were found to be in clear violation of the State's building codes and construction regulations, thereby posing potential risks to lives, neighbouring properties, and the environment.

The Agency disclosed that several statutory notices, including contravention and enforcement notices, had previously been served on the developers, directing them to halt the illegal construction and comply with the provisions of the law. Despite these notices and ample opportunities to regularise the development, the owners failed to comply, leaving the Agency with no option but to commence enforcement by partially removing the offending sections of the structures.

LASBCA reiterated that the exercise was carried out in line with its statutory responsibility to monitor building developments, prevent illegal construction, and ensure strict compliance with approved building standards throughout Lagos State.

The Agency emphasised that enforcement actions are undertaken solely in the interest of public safety and sustainable urban development, noting that buildings erected without approvals or in violation of approved setbacks and building codes constitute serious safety hazards and undermine orderly physical planning.

LASBCA therefore urged property owners, developers, and contractors to obtain all necessary planning permits and building approvals before commencing any construction and to strictly adhere to approved plans and relevant building regulations throughout the construction process.

The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining monitoring and enforcement activities across Lagos State and warned that any individual or developer who continues to disregard statutory notices and building regulations will face appropriate enforcement measures in accordance with the law.

Residents were also encouraged to report illegal developments and distressed buildings within their communities to LASBCA, as the Agency remains committed to ensuring a safe, resilient, and well-regulated built environment for all Lagosians.

Housing: Igando, Ipaja projects to be completed before end of Sanwo-Olu's tenure — Lagos Commissioner


The Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai has promised that ongoing state housing projects in Egan-Igando and the ones at Ipaja will be completed before the end of the tenure of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

While inspecting the level of work done at the Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Scheme, the JV Housing Scheme in Ipaja, and the Lagos State Workers’ Village, Command Road, Ipaja, the commissioner directed contractors to accelerate work in order to meet delivery timelines.

He frowned at the slow pace of work by the contractors and pointed out areas they need to speed up construction.

"We are here to assess the progress of work and identify areas requiring urgent attention. We have a contractor that is far behind schedule, and that is one of the major challenges we are addressing. However, that will not stop us from moving ahead with our plans to complete these projects," he said.

At the Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Scheme, the commissioner said significant progress had been recorded, with critical infrastructure already in place. According to him, electricity challenges affecting the scheme have largely been resolved, while the water treatment plant and sewer system are ready.

"We are happy that we have been able to resolve the electricity issues. Electricity is a major component of the scheme. The water treatment plant is ready, the sewer system is also ready, and most of the housing units are substantially completed," he stated.

He added that the inspection was necessary to enable the ministry to provide an updated assessment of the project ahead of its eventual commissioning.

The JV Housing Scheme, Ipaja, comprises 128 housing units made up of 80 two-bedroom apartments and 48 three-bedroom apartments while the Lagos State Workers’ Village, Command Road, Ipaja has 176 units in 11 blocks of 16 two-bedroom apartments each.

Akinderu-Fatai said both Ipaja projects form part of the state's broader housing delivery strategy aimed at reducing the housing deficit and providing affordable accommodation for residents.

He explained that the government was combining direct funding with Public-Private Partnership arrangements to increase housing supply despite prevailing economic challenges.

The commissioner admitted that the rising construction costs and inflation have compelled the government to adopt cost-saving measures without compromising the structural integrity and habitability of the buildings.

"We have reviewed certain finishing elements to make the houses more affordable. Residents can move into the homes immediately and make additional improvements at their convenience. The objective is to ensure that the houses remain within the reach of ordinary Lagosians," he said.

He reiterated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's commitment to affordable housing, noting that government-built homes are deliberately priced below prevailing market rates to encourage home ownership.

He further assured that the Ministry of Housing would continue to monitor contractors closely, resolve outstanding technical issues and ensure all infrastructure is fully operational before the projects are commissioned for public use.

Lagos targets tourism, economic growth at the maiden Grand Horse Race


Ayodele Olalere

As part of efforts to boost it's tourism sector and improve the state’s economy, the Lagos State government is set to host the maiden edition of the Lagos Grand Horse Race, themed "Race Into the Future.”

The three-day event is scheduled to hold from September 11 to 13, 2026, at the National Stadium, Surulere, and is expected to attract over 30,000 local and international participants.

Speaking at a briefing in Lagos, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, said the initiative aligns with the state's vision of leveraging sports, culture and entertainment to drive tourism and economic development.

Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources in the ministry, Mr. Taoreed Dosunmu, the Permanent Secretary noted that the event would serve as a major platform for showcasing Lagos as a global tourism destination while creating economic opportunities for businesses and residents.

According to her, the Lagos Grand Horse Race is designed to combine sports, fundraising, music, fashion, food and cultural exhibitions, making it a unique attraction for visitors from within and outside Nigeria.

She said the event is expected to generate significant economic activities for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, artists, tour operators and other stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism value chain.

"The Lagos Grand Horse Race will provide a significant boost to tourism, culture and the economy. It will also strengthen destination branding and reinforce Lagos' position as Africa's leading destination for sports and cultural activities," she said.

Oyekan-Ismaila added that the initiative forms part of the government's broader strategy to promote tourism through public-private partnerships and innovative cultural events.

The Convener and Founder of the Lagos Grand Horse Race, Mr. Femi Fasoro, described the event as a platform for youth engagement, sports development and the preservation of Nigeria's rich equestrian heritage.

Fasoro said traditional horsemen from different parts of the country would participate in the festival, which is expected to feature about 100 horses in competitive races and cultural displays.

He noted that beyond horse racing, the event would celebrate fashion, culture, entertainment and national unity while providing opportunities for young people to explore careers and business prospects within the sports and tourism sectors.

According to him, the Lagos Grand Horse Race is aimed at reviving public interest in horse racing and establishing Lagos as a major hub for equestrian sports on the African continent.

Organisers said the event would feature a variety of attractions, including horse racing competitions, cultural performances, music concerts, fashion showcases, food exhibitions and networking opportunities for investors and tourism stakeholders.

They expressed confidence that the maiden edition would become a flagship annual event capable of attracting international attention and contributing significantly to Lagos State's tourism and investment drive.

Tributes as Sanwo-Olu, Aiyedatiwa others bid Akindele Odunmbaku farewell


Tributes poured in on Friday for late former Ondo State Commissioner, Olasinmi Akindele Odunmbaku who was the wife of member, Lagos Governance Advisory Council,, GAC and a leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, as her remains was laid to rest.


Among dignitaries who graced the funeral ceremony at the Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa , Ikeja, were the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Ondo State counterpart, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde.

Odunmbaku served as Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, and was fondly known as Mother Celestial.

Speaking during the service, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to draw valuable lessons from the life and legacy of late Odunmbaku, saying funerals should serve as moments of reflection for the living rather than occasions of mourning alone.

The Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the children and the entire Odunmbaku family, particularly the deceased husband, Cardinal James Odunmbaku.

He urged them to find comfort in the overwhelming show of love and support demonstrated by the large turnout of sympathisers who came to pay their last respects.

While noting that the loss of a loved one is always painful, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Christians should celebrate those who have lived fulfilled lives in Christ.

“We can say that our Mother in Israel has gone to be with the Lord, but we do not mourn those who have gone before us; we celebrate their lives. Though painful, we thank God that she lived a good life, served well and left behind a worthy legacy. Her children, spouse and family may be mourning, but they are also giving thanks to Almighty God for a life well spent,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the testimonies shared about the late Akindele Odunmbaku reflected the remarkable impact she made on countless lives, leaving an enduring legacy that would not be forgotten. He described her as a rare gem who contributed positively to the lives of the people.

He stressed that funeral ceremonies should inspire self-examination among the living.

“The condolence is really not for the corpse before us but for those of us who are alive. We must ask ourselves: what lessons are we taking home? What impact have we made? How have we used our positions, contacts and the blessings God has given us to uplift others? The preaching is for the living,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to strive to become better citizens, better spouses and more faithful servants of God, adding that the greatest tribute to the deceased would be to emulate her virtues of service, compassion and generosity.

Sanwo-Olu prayed for God’s strength, long life and good health for members of the bereaved family and implored them to immortalise the good name of the deceased and sustain her legacy saying she lived a fulfilled life and was a good partner to the renowned cleric and politician.

Also speaking, the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, paid glowing tribute to the late Odunmbaku, describing her as a devoted servant of God who lived an impactful life.

Speaking on behalf of the government and people of Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa sympathised with the family, particularly Cardinal James Odunmbaku, encouraging them to find comfort in the Holy Scriptures.

“Life is a journey that begins at birth and ends in death. Everyone desires heaven, but no one wants to die. It is therefore natural to grieve when we lose a loved one. However, the Bible reminds us that precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa described the deceased as a committed public servant who made significant contributions during her tenure as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ondo State, noting that she championed programmes that advanced women’s economic empowerment and political participation, leaving behind a legacy of purposeful service.

He prayed that God would grant the entire Odunmbaku family the strength and grace to bear the irreparable loss.

Lagos to demolish Article Market,serves notice on Odun-Ade traders over distressed complexes


Lagos State government through the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, has ordered demolition of Article Shopping Complex, Satellite town and has also served notices on traders at Agric and Coker markets in Odun-Ade, Ajeromi-Ifelodun local government over several distressed buildings within the shopping complexes.


LASBCA enforcement team led by Kolawole Williams, Director, Quality Control and Post Construction Unit, Badagry division which visited the markets to ascertain the status of the buildings in the aftermath of recent increase in collapsed buildings across the state, issued 14-day ultimatum to traders and owners of the buildings to conduct integrity test on the structures.

At the Agric market with 10 blocks of three storey buildings each, several of the structures are dilapidated and occupied by traders selling building materials in spite of the structures already marked distressed by LASBCA since January 29, 2026.

In Coker markets with 12 blocks of buildings of three storey each, several of the structures have partially collapsed yet traders went about their normal businesses without concern for their safety.

The market leaders told the team that efforts are being made to repair the damaged part of the structures, an excuse the team did not accept.

At he Article Shopping Complex, which had already been marked for demolition, in Oriade local government and is a few distance from the three storey complex that collapsed a week ago killing nine people, the team demolished an additional office building being constructed on the distressed three storey complex.

Speaking on the enforcement, Kolawole said the state government is determined to minimize the incident of building collapse in the state.

He added that 90% of the buildings inspected by the team at the two local governments were distressed adding that all occupants at the Article Shopping Complex would be evacuated and the Complex demolished while integrity test would be conducted on those at Odun-Ade before deciding their fate.

He noted that the agency has the capacity to monitor buildings across the state through it's district officers and personnel adding that owners of distressed buildings who violates government orders would be prosecuted.

Kolawole promised that the Lagos State government will not relent in enforcing building standards for the safety of Lagosians.

My crown is about service, not just glamour --Tracy Okodede, Miss Nigeria International



Tell us a bit about yourself and your background, prelude to your ascension as crowned beauty pageant winner.

My name is Tracy Okodede, and I am proudly from Edo State, Nigeria. I have always believed that true beauty is reflected in character, compassion, and purpose. Before becoming Miss Nigeria International I was passionate about personal development, community service, and inspiring young girls to believe in themselves. My journey to the crown was built on resilience, consistency, and a desire to use my voice to create meaningful change. Winning this title was never just about wearing a crown—it was about embracing a responsibility to serve.

How did you hear about the Mr. and Miss Nigeria international and what inspired you to get involved?

I first heard about the pageant through social media and recommendations from people who believed I had the qualities to represent the organization. At first, I was hesitant, but after learning more about its vision and values, I realized it aligned perfectly with my passion for leadership and service. I decided to challenge myself, step outside my comfort zone, and pursue an opportunity that would allow me to grow while making a positive impact.

What was your first impression at the pageant proper, and how did you emerge as the winner?

My first impression was that the competition was filled with intelligent, talented, and confident individuals. It was inspiring and motivating at the same time. I remained focused on being authentic rather than trying to be someone else. I trusted my preparation, stayed consistent, and approached every stage with confidence and humility. I believe my sincerity, composure, and passion for service helped me emerge as the winner.

Looking back, what has been the most memorable moment of your reign?

The most memorable moments were interacting directly with people in the community and witnessing the positive impact of our initiatives. Seeing smiles on people’s faces, especially young girls who felt inspired to dream bigger after meeting me, reminded me that the crown carries a purpose far greater than appearances.

How has winning the crown changed your life personally and professionally?

Personally, it has strengthened my confidence, resilience, and leadership abilities. Professionally, it has opened doors to collaborations, networking opportunities, public speaking engagements, and community projects. Most importantly, it has taught me that influence comes with responsibility and that every opportunity should be used to inspire others.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during your tenure, and how did you overcome it?

One of my biggest challenges was balancing the expectations that come with the title while maintaining my personal goals and commitments. There were demanding schedules and moments of pressure, but I overcame them through discipline, proper planning, and constantly reminding myself of the purpose behind my journey.

Many people see the glamour, but not the hard work. Can you share a behind-the-scenes reality of being a titleholder?

Behind every beautiful photo is a lot of preparation, long hours, travel, rehearsals, meetings, planning, and sacrifice. Being a queen means representing your organization with excellence at all times. It’s about showing up even when you’re tired, remaining professional, and understanding that your actions influence how others see the title.

How did you use your platform to make a positive impact in your community or beyond?

Throughout my reign, I intentionally used my platform to inspire, educate, and empower others. I participated in community outreach, youth engagement programs, and advocacy initiatives focused on encouraging young people—especially girls—to believe in their potential. I also used my social media platforms to promote positive values, education, and self-development.

What personal values guided you throughout your reign?

Integrity, humility, compassion, discipline, resilience, and service. These values helped me remain grounded and reminded me that leadership is not about recognition but about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

If you could relive one event from your year as queen, which would it be and why?

I would relive the day I was crowned. It was the moment that changed my life forever. It reminded me that preparation, perseverance, and faith truly pay off. That experience continues to motivate me whenever I face challenges.

How did you balance your pageant responsibilities with your personal life and other commitments?

Time management was essential. I prioritized my responsibilities, stayed organized, and made sure I maintained healthy relationships with family and friends. I also understood the importance of self-care because you can only serve others effectively when you also take care of yourself.

What advice would you give to the next queen stepping into this role?

Wear the crown with purpose. Stay authentic, remain humble, and remember that your greatest achievement will not be the title itself but the lives you positively influence. Focus on service, embrace every opportunity to learn, and never underestimate the power of kindness.

How do you plan to continue your advocacy or projects after passing on the crown?

Passing on the crown does not mean the end of my purpose. I intend to continue expanding my advocacy through mentorship, community outreach, partnerships, and sustainable initiatives that empower young girls through education, leadership, digital literacy, and personal development. My goal is to ensure that the impact continues long after my reign.

What is one misconception about beauty pageants you wish more people understood?

Many people think beauty pageants are only about physical appearance. In reality, they are platforms for leadership, intelligence, advocacy, confidence, and service. A queen is expected to think critically, communicate effectively, inspire communities, and represent important causes.

As you close this chapter, what legacy do you hope to leave behind?

I hope to be remembered as a queen who served with sincerity, inspired hope, empowered young people, and represented the organization with dignity and excellence. More than the crown, I want my legacy to be the positive impact I made in people’s lives and the doors I helped open for others to dream bigger and believe in themselves.

Dope Divas celebrates 8th anniversary with donation to Kirikiti Correctional Centre

A Non-governmental organisation, Dope Divas, has marked its 8th anniversary with donation of food and relief materials to the female correctional centre, Kirikiri, Lagos.

The group with over 10,000 members both in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, through collective monetary contribution donated items such as sanitary pads, noodles, toiletries among others as a way of giving back to the society.

The founder, Mimi Raman popularly called Goddess said the gesture was part of the organization’s annual tradition to donate to the less privileged in the society.

“ We have been doing this for the past eight years. It's our own little way of giving back to society. Our donation is a collective effort because we task ourselves to contribute and buy items we give out. In the past, we visited schools and orphanages to donate gifts to female children,” she said.

Mimi called on corporate organisations and individuals to support the group so they could do more for the less privileged. She also promised that the group would not relent in contributing its quota to the society.

Odunmbaku launches PBAT FEEDS for 500 Ojodu pupils, hails Tinubu's school feeding initiative


Hon.David Olusegun Odunmbaku, the Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area, LCDA has launched the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s PBAT FEEDS nationwide feeding program for 500 pupils in Ojodu Primary School.

While the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu kicked off the statewide implementation of the program at the Lagos Island East local government, Odunmbaku joined other 56 council chairmen to roll out the program in their respective local governments.

The program tagged ‘Adopt A School Snacks for Thought PBAT FEEDS’ under the Renewed Hope National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP) in partnership with private sector was targeted at feeding 500 primary school pupils in one school from each local government for three days. A total of 30,000 pupils are targeted across Lagos State.

The initiative ensures that children receive nutritional support that enhances their learning while also creating opportunities for community participation and corporate social responsibility.

Odunmbaku, represented by the Supervisory Councillor Education, Damilola Fayoyin, commended President Bola Tinubu for the initiative noting that it reflected the president’s care for the welfare of school children.

“Today, we celebrate a meaningful initiative that reflects our commitment to the health and education of our pupils. The PBAT School Feeds Project is an investment in the future of our children, ensuring they are well nourished and ready to learn. This initiative reflects our collective commitment to improving the health, well-being, and learning outcomes of our pupils through proper nutrition.

We appreciate the federal government, Lagos State government, Conference 57, Ojodu LCDA, and all partners for making this programme a reality. Together, we are building a brighter future for every child.

I encourage our pupils to make the most of this opportunity by remaining focused on their studies and striving for excellence,”Odunmbaku said.

The National Programme Manager, Princess Aderemi Adebowale represented by Kikelomo Alamu said the initiative by President Bola Tinubu was to create a country where every child has access to nutritious food that supports learning, healthy development, and lifelong success through a sustainable partnership between government, communities, development partners, and the private sector.

‘A child who eats well learns better. A child who learns better becomes a productive citizen which is why feeding children is not simply a welfare programme.It is an investment in human capital. It is an investment in national development.”

She noted that 30,000 primary school pupils are to benefit from the program for three days across Lagos State during which they will receive nutritious snacks each day designed to support their learning and wellbeing.

She called on corporate organisations and Nigerians in general to support the initiative ‘because when we invest in our children, we invest in our nation.’

The Chairperson, Ojodu LCDA, Abimbola Odunmbaku represented by Hon. Funke Akinwale described the ‘PBAT School Feeds Project’ as ‘an investment in the future of our children, ensuring they are well nourished and ready to learn.’

The pupils thanked President Bola Tinubu for the initiative and prayed for the success of his government and Nigeria in general.

The statewide launch also witnessed the introduction of the ‘Adopt A School For Snacks for Thought Dashboard,’ a data driven digital monitoring which allows sponsors to search for schools they could adopt in each local government areas

It also allows them to monitor how their funds are utilised under the program for transparency and accountability.

At the event was the Technical Adviser , Home Grown National School Feeding Programme, Jamilu Kano and other federal government representatives.