Barnabas Sonayon

  The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, on Sunday called for the urban regeneration of Lagos Island but cautioned against the displacement of its indigenous residents in the process. Speaking with journalists at his palace in Iga Iduganran, after marking his 82nd birthday, the monarch emphasized the need for the State Government to reintroduce routine checks by sanitation officers at the grassroots to revive cleanliness and promote a healthier environment across Lagos. Oba Akiolu renewed his longstanding call for a special status for Lagos, noting that the nation’s revenue has increased following the removal of fuel subsidy. He warned politicians against the selfish acquisition of public funds, stressing that everyone will ultimately give an account of their stewardship before God and humanity. Reacting to a recent claim by U.S. President Donald Trump alleging Christian genocide in Nigeria, Oba Akiolu urged him to seek proper intelligence before making such statements. He reiterated...

  Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged participants of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) to translate the ideas shared during the National Women’s Conference into concrete actions that will impact lives at the grassroots. The Governor gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the 25th Annual National Women’s Conference, organised by COWLSO, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the next 25 years of COWLSO would depend on how boldly participants continue to mentor, serve, and lead in their respective spheres of influence. “Every session, every dialogue, every moment of reflection during this conference has deepened our understanding that women are not only development partners, they are drivers of progress,” the Governor said. “From inspiring discussions on leadership and innovation to moving stories of courage and transformati...

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday officially swore in the newly elected Chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 2Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), urging them to deliver inclusive, transparent, and people-centered governance. The swearing-in and oath-taking ceremony took place at the Sports Ground, Lagos House, Ikeja, where the Governor charged the new council leaders to prioritize service, fairness, and integrity in all aspects of their administration. “This is not a celebration of titles, but a call to responsibility. Let the THEMES Plus agenda come alive in your communities. Lagosians expect visible and accountable leadership,” Sanwo-Olu declared. He advised the Chairmen to be deliberate and discerning in appointing their cabinet members, emphasizing competence, character, and commitment to service delivery as key criteria. Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s readiness to support the new council executives with trainin...

  The Lagos State Government has denied involvement in the alleged demolition of a property reportedly owned by the brother of former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, while ordering a full-scale investigation into the matter. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the government expressed concern over what it described as “unverified and misleading claims” made by Mr. Obi, asserting that no agency of the state was responsible for the demolition. According to the statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, who oversees the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), confirmed that the agency was neither involved in nor aware of any demolition at the said property. “We find it disturbing that Mr. Peter Obi would make such allegations without first verifying the facts,” the statement read. “The Lagos State Government did not authorize, sanction, or execute the...

  It was a day of songs, gratitude and reflection as family members, friends, political associates, and well-wishers gathered in Lagos to celebrate the 60th birthday of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The thanksgiving event, themed “Rhythms of Worship with Adura”, held in Lagos, featured powerful performances by leading gospel artistes including Moses Bliss, Mercy Chinwo, Arugbo Ojo, Emma Oh My God, the MFM Guitar Choir, and the Dream Catchers Academy, among others. The lineup of music ministers led attendees in worship that was as celebratory as it was spiritually moving. In his emotional address, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the milestone as more than a personal celebration — calling it a spiritual moment of reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment to service. “Today is all about God. About His goodness. About His faithfulness. And about the rhythm of His love that continues to echo in my life, and in the life of our beloved Lagos State,” he said. The governor explained that the...

  Ikeja to Pilot Lagos Identifier Programme from July 1st The Lagos State Government has launched a groundbreaking digital addressing system designed to enhance ease of doing business, improve service delivery, and boost internal revenue generation. Announcing the initiative at a media briefing in Lagos, the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Babatunde Olajide, said the digital addressing system—branded the Lagos Identifier Programme—will be deployed across all local governments, beginning with Ikeja from July 1st. According to Dr. Olajide, the programme marks a major step in actualising Lagos State’s smart city vision by integrating location intelligence into various sectors including housing, transportation, e-hailing services, emergency response, urban planning, and security. “This system will have a real-life impact not just on businesses and government services, but on the everyday lives of Lagosians. From faster emergency response to improved ...