Community Express News

By NAN   Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, in a bold move to reposition Kogi State as a major economic and aviation hub has officially handed over the contract letter for the construction of the proposed Zariagi International Airport to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Gamji Nigeria Limited.     The presentation of contract award letters took place yesterday at the Government House in Lokoja, marking a significant milestone in the state’s infrastructural transformation process.   The event drew key stakeholders, government officials, and international partners, revealing the importance of the project to Kogi’s future.   Describing the airport as a “legacy initiative,” Governor Ododo said the project represents his administration’s unwavering commitment to economic growth, improved connectivity, and sustainable development. He noted that the selection of the contractors followed a rigorous and transparent procuremen...

By NAN The immediate past Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Mr Fuad Atanda-Lawal, has flagged off reconstruction of Army Children’s School and Dodan Barracks Primary School in Obalende.     Atanda-Lawal said the project, executed through his Fuad Atanda-Lawal Foundation, reflected his commitment to providing a conducive learning environment for pupils in the area.     Speaking at the ceremony on Tuesday, he recalled attending the school 38 years ago and noted that local governments alone cannot meet growing community needs.     “Every child, regardless of background, deserves access to quality basic education for a peaceful and prosperous society.     “This was my school 38 years ago. I excelled and even earned a double promotion because I was ahead.     “The local government alone cannot do all things. We must complement efforts to improve education and living standards.     “We want children withdrawn from costly p...

By NAN The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State chapter, has informed the general public of its decision to begin a three days mega strike, beginning from this Sunday.  Mr Steven Iwindoye, its Public Relations Officer, made this announcement at a media briefing in Lagos on Sunday.  The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that app-based drivers in Lagos have recently raised concerns over what they describe as poor working conditions and unsustainable fares on the Bolt ride-hailing platform. Iwindoye said the decision came after prolonged complaints and unresolved concerns regarding the harsh economic realities facing app-based transport workers across the state. "Drivers operating on platforms such as Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride continue to face rising operational costs, including the high price of fuel, vehicle maintenance, inflation, and daily living expenses.  "Unfortunately, the fare structures and policies of t...

By NAN The Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Noheem Adams, has distributed more than 3,000 boxes of food provisions and 1,000 bags of rice to residents of Eti-Osa Constituency I to support them during the Ramadan season. Adams made the distribution during his annual Ramadan lecture held in Eti-Osa, Lagos State. Speaking at the event, the lawmaker expressed appreciation to the people of his constituency for the trust and confidence they have placed in him to represent them in the state assembly.  He assured them of his continued commitment to promoting their interests, welfare and development. Adams also thanked traditional rulers, political office holders and other dignitaries who attended the programme, noting that their presence reflected unity and support for community-driven initiatives. Among the dignitaries present were the Chairman of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of A...

Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to food security and climate resilience, commissions a new set of agricultural and environmental management equipment under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative.   The ceremony which took place on Monday, held at Muhammadu Buhari Square, marked another milestone in the state’s drive to address food scarcity, flooding, land degradation, and the adverse effects of climate change.   Representing the governor at the event, the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engineer Joseph Oluwasegun, said the project would significantly deepen Kogi State’s agricultural and environmental transformation.  He emphasised that the current administration has positioned agriculture as a central driver of food security, job creation, and sustainable economic growth. According to him, over seven billion nairawas invested in 2024 in tractors, see...

By NAN Islamic clerics on Saturday urged Nigerian leaders to leave office with positive impacts, reminding them they would answer for their actions and omissions. They spoke at the 7th Annual Ramadan Programme organised by the Abdulwahid Islamic Foundation in Lagos.   The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the programme, with the theme ‘Leaving a Legacy: Family and Community Impact’, drew scholars, community leaders and residents seeking spiritual and social guidance.   Guest lecturer, Sheikh Ibrahim Kajola, said leadership positions were a sacred trust bestowed by God.   “Leadership is a trust from Allah, and every leader will return to give account of that trust,” Kajola said.   He likened leadership to shepherding, stressing that a shepherd must account for all placed under his care.   “Whatever leaders conceive and pursue today will determine the legacy they leave behind,” he added.   Kajola urged leaders, reg...

By NAN The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru, said that President Bola Tinubu understands that sustainable national development cannot be achieved without the full engagement of young people. Abiru, who also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, made this known at the inaugural Eko Parliamentary Summit of the Lagos State Youth Parliament, held in Lagos on Friday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, held at the Lagos State House of Assembly. It had as its theme, “Youth Legislature on the Rise: Shaping Policies for the Future,” reflecting the urgency of the times. Abiru, who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Southern Senators Forum, said that on this day, they had witnessed young Nigerians taking up critical roles in the Federal Executive Council and other key institutions. The federal lawmaker added that the President had demonstrated a clear commitme...

By NAN The Nathaniel Idowu-Ajegunle U-14 Football League on Thursday received a major boost with the endorsement of the Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Supporters Club (ANFASSC).   The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the backing followed a high-profile courtesy visit to the club’s national secretariat in Surulere, Lagos.   League officials said the visit aimed to strengthen ties with Nigeria’s most passionate football supporters ahead of the grassroots tournament.   The delegation was led by Adedotun Coker, Vice-Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, and McAnthony Anaelechukwu of the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Sports Council.   NAN reports that the team was warmly received by Abayomi Ogunjimi, National President of ANFASSC.   Ogunjimi pledged the organisation’s full support, describing the initiative as a vital intervention in youth development.   In a symbolic gesture, ANFASSC donated sets of Super Eagles replica jerseys and of...

By NAN Lagos, Feb. 12, 2026 (NAN) Nigeria’s most decorated young fencer, 18-year-old Inkosi Brou, will lead a four-man contingent to the 2026 African Junior Fencing Championships in Dakar, Senegal, from Feb. 16 to Feb. 20.   The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Brou, grandson of the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, former NAFDAC Director-General, is Nigeria’s first global fencing medallist.   He won silver at the 2024 World Tournoi Satellite Cup and is ranked 13th globally in the men’s sabre category.   Brou also secured bronze at the 2025 African Junior Championships and is viewed as a strong prospect for Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualification.   Joining him in Dakar are Mahathir Idongesit (men’s épée), Sara Idongesit (women’s épée) and Adebodunrin Thomas (women’s épée).   The quartet will compete in individual and team events, with Brou featuring in men’s sabre and Mahathir in men’s épée.   Sara and Thomas will represent Nigeria in the women...

By NAN Eko United, a coalition of Lagos professionals and innovators, has urged professionals, elites and working-class residents to actively participate in electioneering ahead of the 2027 elections.     The convener, Mr Wole Olagundoye, made the call at the Strategic Convergence of Ideas Meeting under the Progressive Lagos Initiative, held in Lagos on Sunday.     The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the engagement was hosted by Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), a former governorship candidate.     Olagundoye said professionals and elites had remained largely absent from politicking and electioneering processes across the country over the years.     “From statistics to statistics, we discovered that elites participate less in electoral cycles     “Many believe politics is dirty, while others say they are too busy building careers,” Olagundoye said.     He said the observed gap compelled the group to encourage i...

By NAN  The African Leadership Initiative West Africa (ALIWA) has brought together leaders from public service, business, finance, technology, entrepreneurship, civil society, and media to reimagine values-driven leadership for national development.  Emphasising the importance of values-based leadership. Mr Soji Apampa, the President of ALIWA Nigeria, made this known at the inaugural National Leadership Dialogue (NLD) at Radisson blu at Victoria Island in Lagos on Thursday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dialogue is with the theme “Reimagining Leadership in a Changing World”. Apampa said the dialogue was held to provide a space for leaders to explore the personal values, institutional frameworks, and collaborative approaches needed to navigate today’s complex social, economic, and governance challenges. The president explained that the NLD represented a key step in ALIWA’s mission to nurture values-driven leaders who move from individual success ...

By NAN In its ongoing effort to drive leadership transformation, the Africa Leadership Initiative West Africa (ALIWA) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening institutions, improving governance, and driving social progress across West Africa. The President of ALIWA, Nigeria Chapter, Mr Soji Apampa, made this known at a media briefing in Lagos on Thursday. Apampa emphasised that dialogue and values-based leadership were critical to addressing Africa’s most complex challenges. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ALIWA is part of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, a global community of over 4,000 values-based leaders committed to addressing society’s most pressing challenges.  NAN reports that through its Fellowship and Youth Leadership Programs, ALIWA equips leaders across sectors with the clarity and conviction to move from success to significance. NAN reports that ALIWA, as a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN), ALIWA connects its Fell...

By NAN Lagos, Jan. 25, 2026 (NAN) Residents of Ebute-Metta (West) in Lagos State, alongside the traditional ruler, Otumara community, Apapa Road, Ojo-Oniyun, Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye, have raised concerns over outrageous estimated billing imposed by Excel Distribution Company, formerly Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC). Expressing dissatisfaction, Kalejaiye told newsmen on Sunday that his monthly charge allegedly increased from N300,000 to one million naira, with the distribution company threatening disconnection if payment was not made. The residents also condemned the alleged reclassification of consumers from Band C to Band A without prior consultation or notice, describing the action as arbitrary and unacceptable. The traditional ruler told newsmen that the entire community was originally on Band C, but his premises was placed on Band B on the basis that it operated a commercial meter. “The electricity company has failed in the discharge of its responsibility....

By NAN   The Independent Newspapers Ltd., publishers of the  Independent newspaper, is set for its 2026 annual awards which  will coincide with its silver Jubilee anniversary. The Chairman, Awards Committee of the organisation, Mr Yemi Adebisi,  said at a media briefing in Lagos on Wednesday that the awards would feature 25 categories.   He said that each category would have three nominees. He said that the categories  would include business, governance and key sectors of the Nigerian economy. Adebisi said  that notable  awards would include Man of the Year, Financial Sector Regulator of the Year,  and Lifetime Achievement. The chairman added that the annual ceremony would take place on April 18 at Eko Hotel and Suites,  Lagos. He said a significant departure from previous editions would be that members of the public would participate in the voting process. According to Adebisi, the 2026 edition is the organisation’s Silver J...

By NAN Mr Temitope Adewale, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has pledged improved representation through empowerment initiatives and support for economic reforms benefiting his constituents. Adewale made the pledge at the third annual Thanksgiving Service, organised with the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ifako-Ijaiye Chapter, held in Lagos State. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the service attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, clergy, supporters and well-wishers from across the constituency. The gathering combined spiritual reflection with joyful worship, as hymns, prayers and songs of praise expressed gratitude for God’s faithfulness. Adewale, who chairs the House Committee on Transportation, said his focus remained inclusive growth and delivering tangible benefits to residents. He said the approach aligned with the state’s budget priorities on infrastructure, education and healthcare. The lawmaker urged residents, especially yout...