News
Massive Gridlock: FG reopens Independence Bridge in Lagos
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has directed the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos to vehicular traffic.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, had earlier stated that the closure was for planned maintenance and rehabilitation.
She expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and appealed for public understanding.
The Federal Ministry of Works has clarified that necessary repairs on the bridge would be carried out at a later date.
The new instruction to reopen the bridge is ostensibly as a result of the gridlock caused by the closure which resulted in outcry by commuters since its closure on Tuesday, April 1.
News
Anthony Joshua’s Driver to Face Trial, February 25 – Court
A Nigerian court has adjourned the trial of Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, the driver of heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, to February 25, 2026, in connection with a fatal road accident that claimed two lives late last year.
The case, involving charges of dangerous driving causing death and related offences, was heard at the Sagamu Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State.
Reports indicate the adjournment followed today’s proceedings, where the trial was set to begin.Kayode, 46, faces four counts, including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a valid licence.
The charges stem from the December 2025 crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where the Lexus SUV he was driving carrying Joshua as a passenger collided with a stationary truck.
The incident resulted in the deaths of two members of Joshua’s training team, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
Joshua and Kayode sustained minor injuries and were later released from hospital care.
Police investigations attributed the crash to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking. Kayode was arraigned earlier this month and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was previously granted bail.
The high-profile case continues to draw attention, with the next court date now scheduled for February 25.
News
Sanwo-Olu says ₦4.4trn 2026 budget for prosperity of Lagos residents
The Lagos State House of Assembly had earlier passed the budget, tagged the “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” in January, approving the appropriation of ₦4,444,509,776,438 for the 2026 fiscal year.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, signed the ₦4.4 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law.
The Lagos State House of Assembly had earlier passed the budget, tagged the “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” in January, approving the appropriation of ₦4,444,509,776,438 for the 2026 fiscal year.
Sanwo-Olu said that the budget was designed to drive inclusive growth and improve the welfare of residents.
“Our mission remains clear: to build a Lagos that works for all, adding that his administration’s vision is to deliver a Greater Lagos where shared prosperity is a tangible reality.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the budget is anchored on four key pillars—human-centred development, modern infrastructure, a thriving economy, and effective governance—in line with the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.
News
NOA DG Urges National Assembly to criminalise Fuel Scooping
The Director- General called on the National Assembly to urgently initiate and enact comprehensive legislation that will expressly criminalise the act of fuel scooping from fallen tankers and prescribe firm, clear, and deterrent penalties for perpetrators.
• Fuel scooping from a fallen tanker at Liverpool bridge, Lagos , Monday 19 January 2026.
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has condemned the act of scooping fuel from a fallen tanker, as witnessed today at the Liverpool Bridge, Apapa area of Lagos State.
The Director- General therefore called on the National Assembly to urgently initiate and enact comprehensive legislation that will expressly criminalise the act of fuel scooping from fallen tankers and prescribe firm, clear, and deterrent penalties for perpetrators.
” This practice is completely unacceptable in a modern society and poses an extreme and avoidable threat to human life, public safety, and national infrastructure,” said Issa-Onilu .
He pointed out that the risks involved are not limited to those directly engaged in the act; the collateral danger to motorists, nearby communities, emergency responders, and critical assets is enormous and far outweighs any perceived or imagined benefit.
Issa-Onilu noted that the National Orientation Agency has, over the years, consistently deployed nationwide sensitisation and public enlightenment campaigns to conscientise Nigerians on the dangers inherent in fuel scooping and similar high-risk behaviours. Regrettably, despite sustained advocacy, repeated warnings, and value-reorientation efforts, some individuals have remained adamant and have continued to engage in this undesirable and life-threatening conduct.
The Director General stated unequivocally that this behaviour cannot be justified under any circumstances. “This is not poverty.
Poverty does not take away the sense in people’s heads, nor does it eliminate judgement or the instinct for self-preservation. What we are witnessing is a conscious, reckless, and criminal disregard for human life and public safety,” he said.
He recalled that Nigeria has, in the past, recorded several tragic incidents across different parts of the country where fuel tanker accidents led to explosions and infernos after people attempted to scoop fuel, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives. These recurring tragedies, he stressed, are painful reminders that this menace is recurrent, preventable, and must no longer be tolerated.In view of the grave danger posed by this practice, t
He emphasised that sustained public enlightenment must now be complemented by strong legal and enforcement frameworks to decisively end this deadly behaviour.
Issa-Onilu emphasised that this trend must not be allowed to continue, adding that Nigerians must collectively reject actions that repeatedly lead to mass casualties, national trauma, and avoidable loss of lives.
He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to intensifying its value-reorientation and safety advocacy across the country.
“Human life is sacred and priceless. No situation, no (excuse, and no momentary gain should justify conduct that places lives in imminent danger,” said the Director – General.
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