News
JUST IN: President Tinubu Mourns Late Pa Ayo Adebanjo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of a profound leader of the Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, saying that he received the news of the late Icon in shock.
President Tinubu also said Nigeria has lost a political leader whose decades of unwavering struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
The President’s statement reads:
” I received the news of the passing of one of the Afenifere leaders, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, with profound sorrow.
Nigeria has lost a political leader whose decades of unwavering struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.
According to the family, Baba transitioned peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his home in Lekki, Lagos.
All who knew Baba Adebanjo drew from his boundless wisdom and cherished the democratic ideals he tirelessly campaigned for.
His principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism, will be deeply missed.
“As a nation, we will miss his regular interventions in national affairs, which enriched our political discourse” .
Though we mourn his departure, we are also grateful to God for blessing him with a long, remarkable, purposeful life—96 years of unrelenting advocacy for progress and equity.
Baba, as a lawyer, statesman, and politician, stood among the last of a generation of nationalists and independent heroes who shaped the foundation of our country.
A devoted disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, his contributions spanned political eras, from his role as Organising Secretary of the Action Group in the First Republic to his leadership in the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic.
In moments of national crisis, Baba’s courage shone brightest. When democracy hung in the balance after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, he joined the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) as one of the leading voices against military dictatorship, helping to galvanise a movement that became the bedrock of our collective struggle to reclaim democratic governance.
His unwavering commitment to truth and justice extended to my journey as a governorship candidate in 1999.
Baba Adebanjo’s steadfast support was instrumental in my election as Governor of Lagos State under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy.
Though our political paths diverged in later years, my respect and admiration for him never wavered. Until his death, I shared a deep personal bond with Baba Adebanjo; he was like a father figure.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Afenifere family, the governors of the Southwest, past and present, and all Nigerians who shared his vision.
Let us take solace in the enduring legacy of a man who dedicated his life to the service of others—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
May the soul of this great patriot find eternal rest, and may his ideals, which he so passionately envisioned, forever resonate in our country.
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.
-
News3 days ago2Baba’s son, Zion, matriculates at Pan-Atlantic University
-
International3 days agoUganda: Again, Museveni wins Presidential election after 40 years in power
-
Sports3 days agoNigeria Bags 9th Bronze Medal at 2025 AFCON
-
News3 days agoArmy says 80 Cross River militants surrender arms
-
Crime2 days agoNDLEA Arrests Notorious Drug Kingpin 12 Years After Alleged Murder of Three Officers
-
Sports1 day agoAFCON 2025 Award Winners
-
News2 days agoJUST IN: One Killed, Two Injured in Tragic Truck Collision on Jimgbe–Ajaokuta–Lokoja Road
-
News2 days agoDr. Pedro Obaseki to Sue Over Benin Abduction and Assault
