The Nigerian Navy has rescued 10 crew members from a distressed vessel, MV SEMA III, which was sailing from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, to Calabar, Cross River State.

This was disclosed in a statement on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Ayiwuyor Adams-Aliu, who said the rescue operation demonstrated the Navy’s swift response capability and commitment to saving lives at sea.

According to Adams-Aliu, personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka carried out the rescue on Friday after receiving a distress call at about 8 p.m.

“Acting on a distress call received around 2000 hours, a naval gunboat equipped with a submersible pump was immediately deployed. On arrival, the team discovered the vessel taking in water and promptly evacuated all occupants, comprising one Cameroonian, one Equatorial Guinean, and eight Nigerians,” he said.

The rescued crew members were taken to FOB Ibaka, where they were debriefed and cared for until Saturday.

The Master of MV SEMA III expressed profound appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for its timely intervention and professionalism in preventing a potential maritime disaster.

Adams-Aliu added that the successful operation underscores the Navy’s commitment to maritime safety, protection of national assets, and the promotion of lawful economic activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, on Sunday met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo behind closed doors at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Fayose, who arrived at the OOPL complex was received by aides of the former president before proceeding to Obasanjo’s private where the meeting was held.

Although details of their discussions were not made public, sources close to the meeting described it as “a private visit” that lasted for over an hour.

The former Ekiti governor, known for his outspoken political style and criticism of national leaders, has in recent times called for unity among southern political actors ahead of future political realignments.

The meeting has, however, sparked political speculation, coming at a time when discussions around the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and national reconciliation efforts are gaining momentum.

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has sealed a construction site and issued a 72-hour ultimatum to another property within the Lekki–Ikoyi corridor for engaging in unauthorised development.

In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), the agency said its officials sealed a building under construction at Femi Okunnu Road, Alexander Avenue, after the developers failed to obtain the necessary building permits.

LASBCA stressed that strict adherence to building regulations remains essential to curb the rise of illegal structures and ensure safety and orderly urban development across Lagos.

The agency also issued a 72-hour ultimatum to QMB Mart to dismantle all illegal structures erected on Coastal Road and under the powerline.

According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun, the space in question was originally designated as a parking lot but had been converted into a commercial complex without proper approvals.

“The occupants allegedly turned the area into a commercial hub, erecting a laundromat, clubhouse, and eatery without authorisation,” Abiodun said. “Development in Lagos must follow due process. Any structure built without approval or any change in the use of government-allocated spaces without consent is illegal. We are committed to upholding the state’s master plan.”

The General Manager of LASBCA, Gbaye Florence, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustained monitoring and enforcement across all development zones.

“Our duty is to ensure that all buildings in Lagos meet safety and regulatory standards,” she stated. “Anyone who erects structures without approval will be identified, marked, and subjected to necessary enforcement actions.”

LASBCA added that the ongoing enforcement drive will continue across the state as part of efforts to eliminate illegal constructions and promote a safer, well-planned Lagos.