President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated a strategic Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress (APC), aimed at fostering unity and addressing internal disputes as the ruling party gears up for the 2027 general elections.

The committee, comprising prominent APC governors, federal ministers, and key stakeholders, is chaired by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, with former APC National Legal Adviser Muiz Banire serving as Member/Secretary.

Members include Senator Adamu Aliero; Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman and Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq; Progressive Governors’ Forum Chairman and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma; Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Uba Sani (Kaduna); Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle; and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

Speaking at the inauguration in Lagos, Governor Buni thanked President Tinubu for the appointment and pledged the committee’s commitment to inclusive consultations and proactive conflict resolution.

He emphasised developing strategies that ensure aggrieved parties feel included while urging members to prioritise party interests over personal sentiments.

The move follows President Tinubu’s remarks at the APC’s 15th National Executive Committee meeting on December 19 in Abuja, where he stressed the importance of tolerance, accommodation, and cohesion to sustain the party’s progressive ideals.

This initiative signals the APC’s proactive efforts to strengthen internal harmony and mobilisation in preparation for future electoral challenges.

A major fire outbreak has engulfed the multi-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, prompting an intense emergency response on Christmas Eve.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service received a distress call at 16:41 hours, with firefighters from Ebute Elefun and Dolphin Stations arriving on the scene at 16:53 hours, supported by crews from Sari Iganmu and the Alausa headquarters.

According to Controller General Margaret Adeseye, the blaze originated on the fifth floor of the approximately 25-storey building and has spread downwards, affecting floors up to the fifth level.

The structure primarily serves as warehouse storage and retail space for clothing materials, alongside corporate offices and a few shops.

Firefighting operations are ongoing, with no casualties reported at this time. Emergency teams are working to contain the inferno and prevent further spread.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns over fire safety in Lagos’ densely packed commercial districts, particularly during the festive season.

A two-storey residential building marked as distressed collapsed in the early hours of Monday at No. 54 Cole Street, near Cemetery Bus Stop by UBA Bank, Oyingbo, trapping several occupants.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) received a distress call at approximately 00:20 hours and arrived on scene by 00:29 hours. Crews from Sari Iganmu Fire Station led the initial response.

According to LSFRS Controller General Margaret Adeseye, the structure had shown visible signs of distress prior to the collapse, but residents continued to occupy it.

So far, 15 individuals – comprising 7 male adults, 4 female adults, and 4 children – have been rescued with varying degrees of injury.

The victims were promptly transported to Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, and General Hospital, Odan on Lagos Island for treatment.

Rescue efforts remain ongoing, with emergency teams combing the rubble for any additional trapped persons. No fatalities have been confirmed in the initial report, though operations continue amid concerns for those still unaccounted for.

This incident adds to the recurring challenge of building collapses in Lagos, often linked to structural distress in older properties.