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JUST IN: Lagos approves N1billion take off grant for science research, innovation council (PHOTOS)

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... Inaugurates Cybersecurity Advisory Board

In its quest to advance scientific innovations in Lagos State, the Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has inaugurated the newly constituted Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) and Cybersecurity Advisory Board.

The event that took place at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House in Ikeja, was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who announced the take-off grant of N1Billion, for the effective commencement of the activities by the Board.

Sanwo-Olu stated that his administration is committed to increasing the success metrics with the provision of LASRIC Seed fund. He added that “with the provision of LASRIC Seed fund to the tune of N1,000,000,000 (One Billion Naira) in the first tranche payment to the council. We believe this fund would continue to catalyze development in our dear State.”

The Governor noted that the sustenance of the development of the State is the central focus of the present administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda, adding that to drive deeper positive economic outcomes, it was essential to establish an Innovation, Science, and Technology body to manage and propel Lagos State’s engagement with the science and technology ecosystem.

He noted that within the Research and Development, LASRIC has supported more than 70 initiatives, ranging from projects in biomass and biodiesel to artificial intelligence for medical imaging, adding that “their efforts have increased innovation activity within the state by over 250%.

The Governor, enumerated the key areas of responsibilities of the Government to the newly recommissioned LASRIC board, which includes: Increased Funding and Support, Collaboration and Partnerships, Capacity Building, Focus on Local Challenges, Promotion of a Culture of Innovation, and LASRIC SEED FUND, adding that all these areas will increase the ecosystem science, innovation, and technology of the state.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the board is composed of experts from industry, academia, and the public sector, with the mission to deepen and expand innovation activities in Lagos.

While congratulating the newly constituted council, the governor stated that “It is my expectation that the new LASRIC being inaugurated today will work assiduously towards ensuring the realization of our collective goal and aspiration congratulate the Chairman and members of the Board for heeding the call to serve. I have no doubt in my mind that you will bring to bear on your new assignment your experience and expertise which informed your selection to serve the government and the people of Lagos State.

In an earlier event, the Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the state cybersecurity council, charging them with the mandate to establish a robust protection ecosystem that will ultimately safeguard the quality of life for all its citizens, stating that the inauguration of the State’s Cybersecurity Advisory Board marks a significant step in its commitment to enhancing digital security and advancing the development agenda in the state.

“Given these escalating threats, it is imperative for Lagos to implement a comprehensive cybersecurity protection strategy. The growing use of digital tools offers both opportunities and real-world risks to our development. Today’s inauguration aligns with our goal of transforming Lagos into a smart, livable, and cyber-protected city,” said the Governor.

Earlier in his welcome address, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Tunbosun Alake stated that the Sanwo-Olu administration has continued to enhance technology and digital solutions which will increase the quality of livelihood of its citizens.

The commissioner stated that the inauguration of both the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) Board and the State’s Cybersecurity Advisory Board is a testament to the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu/Kadri Obafemi Hamzat administration’s commitment to innovation science and technology and protecting the state ecosystem.

Also, in their address, both Chairmen of the newly inaugurated boards, LASRIC, Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya and Cybersecurity, Dr. Osakwe Fene assured the government of their commitments to the mandate of the council, to protect and promote cybersecurity, science and technology towards the development of the ecosystem of the state and its citizens.

The duo added that technology and cybersecurity are pivotal to the development of any country, especially in achieving the making Lagos a 21st-century economy goal, adding that the present administration is open to different innovative ideas that will continue to enhance the economy of the state and as the 5th largest economy in Africa.

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Anambra Govt Debunks Video of Soludo’s Reelection Visit to Native Doctor

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The Anambra State Government has debunked the misinformation, malicious and deliberately fabricated online publication and social media comments in the video of the recently arrested Native doctor in the state.

In a press statement signed by Christian Aburime, the state Press Secretary to the Governor on June 4, 2025, the State Government debunked the allegations that the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, consulted a native doctor regarding his reelection prospects, stressing that the information is totally false.

The statement reads: The attention of Anambra State Government has been drawn to a malicious and deliberately fabricated online publication and social media comments making spurious claims that the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, consulted a native doctor regarding his reelection prospects.

The State Government hereby debunks the allegations as totally false. For the interest of the general public, the video clip being maliciously circulated and misrepresented, as evidence of native doctor consultation, was taken during a recent official government meeting with Anambra-based content creators.

The session, facilitated by the Special Senior Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, was organised to strengthen the partnership between the State Government and the creative industry as part of Governor Soludo’s commitment in encouraging and supporting Anambra’s creative economy.

During the interactive session, content creators were encouraged to showcase their talents, ask questions, and share their concerns about the creative industry in the state.

As part of the presentations, one of the content creators performed a native doctor skit, a common comic genre in Nigerian entertainment, to demonstrate their creative abilities to the Governor and other officials present.

This was purely an entertainment performance by a content creator, not a consultation session. The State Government thus found it deeply disappointing that critics and political opponents would stoop so low as to deliberately fabricate malicious narratives from an innocent entertainment performance and spread misinformation to mislead the public.

Rather than engage in frivolous consultations, Governor Soludo has consistently demonstrated his commitment to developing Anambra’s creative economy through investment plans as part of the state’s economic diversification strategy.

The recently commissioned SOLUTION FUN CITY project is part of such investment plans.

The State Government also clarified that Governor Soludo does not need consultations with any native doctor to win reelection, as he relies solely on the support of Ndi Anambra based on his impressive performance and focus on delivering the SOLUTION AGENDA by transforming Anambra State into a livable and prosperous homeland.

Therefore, the Anambra State Government calls on Ndi Anambra, media channels and social media users to disregard the misinformation concerning the circulated video clip.

The public is also urged to always verify information before sharing or amplifying content and reject malicious stories sponsored to mislead the public.

As always, Governor Soludo remains committed to the development of Anambra State and will not be deterred by the antics of desperate political opponents who have chosen the path of falsehood over constructive engagement.

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Tinubu hosts Gov Adeleke, Davido at Lagos residence (Photos)

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to his Lagos residence for a private meeting on Monday.

Accompanying the governor was his elder brother and renowned businessman, Chief Adedeji Adeleke, along with his son, internationally acclaimed Afrobeats artiste David Adeleke, widely known by his stage name, Davido.

The visit was announced in a post by President Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, who shared details on X on Tuesday.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives in audience H.E. Ademola Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun State, along with Chief Adedeji Adeleke and his son, Afrobeats icon Davido, at his Lagos residence,” Olusegun wrote.

As of the time of filing this report, the reason for the courtesy call had not been made public, and no official statement has been issued either by the Presidency or the Adeleke family.

Images from the visit have surfaced on social media, capturing moments from the closed-door meeting between the President and the Adeleke family members.

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Nigeria should fence its borders for security, says defence chief

Nigeria shares borders with four countries: Niger Republic, Cameroon, Benin, and Chad. All of these neighbouring countries are currently dealing with different levels of insecurity and conflict.

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Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s chief of defence staff, has called for the country to build fences along its borders to improve national security.

Speaking at a security conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Musa stressed the need for better control of Nigeria’s borders.

He pointed out that other countries like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have had to fence their borders with Afghanistan and Iraq because of security problems.

Musa said Nigeria needs to fully secure and control its borders, explaining that the country’s wealth and natural resources are attracting insurgents and criminals.

“It is Nigeria that everybody is interested in. That is why we need to secure fully and take control of our borders. It is critical for our survival and sovereignty.”

Nigeria shares borders with four countries: Niger Republic, Cameroon, Benin, and Chad. All of these neighbouring countries are currently dealing with different levels of insecurity and conflict.

BusinessDay

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