News
JUST IN: Yuletide: Governor Ododo Distributes Over 100 Trucks of Rice to Residents
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has distributed over 100 truck loads of rice to residents of the state as part of efforts to ensure a joyous Christmas and New Year celebration for families.
The gesture, aimed at alleviating the burden of rising costs during the festive period, was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, on Friday in Lokoja.
Fanwo noted that the initiative underscores the Governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people.
“I can confirm that the People’s Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, has taken delivery of over 100 truckloads of rice, which are being distributed to the 21 Local Government Areas.
This is to ensure that families across the state enjoy their holidays,” he said. Fanwo added that the Governor, in addition to this gesture, ensured the timely payment of salaries to civil servants on December 14, 2024, while also making provisions for residents not directly on the government payroll.
“The Governor has once again demonstrated his unbending commitment to the welfare of the people, in line with his oath to defend and promote the interests of Kogi citizens.
His actions continue to reflect his determination to prioritize the needs of the masses,” Fanwo stated.
To ensure equitable distribution, the Governor directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to oversee the process and prevent political interference.
“The Governor has mandated the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to ensure that the materials reach those who need them most.
Measures have been put in place to prevent the distribution from being hijacked by politicians or other interest groups.
This administration is committed to fairness and transparency in every initiative,” Fanwo said. Reports from various Local Government Areas indicate that the distribution has sparked jubilation among residents, with many praising the Governor’s leadership and compassion.
A resident of Ajaka in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area, Mr. Andrew Abah, lauded the Governor’s efforts, describing him as a leader with an unwavering commitment to his people.
“This Governor has shown remarkable capacity and genuine love for his people. He is detribalized and inclusive, ensuring that the welfare of civil servants and ordinary citizens is prioritized.
He is making it difficult for anyone to dislike him,” Abah said. The distribution of rice is part of a broader strategy by Governor Ododo’s administration to cushion the effects of economic hardship on Kogi residents, particularly during the festive season.
This initiative has further solidified his reputation as a leader who is deeply attuned to the needs of his people.
News
Lagos to divert traffic for 64 days as Lekki–Epe Road reconstruction begins
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, said that the rehabilitation works on Sections 2 and 3 of the expressway will commence on Sunday, 25 January 2026, and last for an estimated 64 days.
• Sangotedo – Bogije section of Lekki -Epe expressway / Ohibaba.com
The Lagos State Government on Tuesday announced a 64-day traffic diversion for the reconstruction of the Ajah Bridge to Admiralty section (inbound Lagos) of the Lekki–Epe Expressway.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, said that the rehabilitation works on Sections 2 and 3 of the expressway will commence on Sunday, 25 January 2026, and last for an estimated 64 days.
Daramola said that the project will follow a traffic management plan, with work carried out intersection by intersection rather than along the entire corridor at once.
Construction will be carried out both day and night to accelerate completion.
He explained that though a stakeholder meeting had been held late last year with plans to begin work, the project was postponed due to the yuletide festivities.
The festivities are over, and the state government has instructed the contractor to move to site to commence work on Sunday,” he said.
Intersections will be worked on at night to maintain better traffic flow.
News
LASEMA releases update regarding fire outbreak at Computer Village Ikeja
Following distress alerts received on it’s 767/112 Toll-Free Emergency Lines at 0155hours, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans from Command and Control Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
INCIDENT DESCRIPTION:
Upon arrival of LRT at the incident scene by 0215hours, it was observed that a fire outbreak occurred in a one-storey commercial building that accommodates dealers in computers and accessories in Computer Village, Ikeja.
Responders observed active flames and dense smoke, indicating intense combustion within the structure.
The one-storey commercial building is primarily used for the storage and sale of computers and accessories.
The high volume of combustible materials contributed to the rapid spread of fire.
CAUSE OF FIRE:
Cause of the fire is yet-to-be ascertained and is currently under investigation.
CASUALTIES/INJURIES
- No fatalities were recorded.
- One Lagos State Firefighter sustained minor injuries during the operation and was administered first aid treatment on site by LASAMBUS.
DAMAGE REPORT:
- The entire top floor of the one-storey commercial building was completely razed by the fire.
- All goods and properties worth millions of naira stored therein were totally destroyed by the conflagration.
- Physical examination of the one-storey commercial building reveals partial compromise and requires immediate structural assessment.
ACTION TAKEN:
- Upon arrival, LASEMA Response Team conducted Risk Assessment of the incident scene and cordoned off the activity area.
- LRT activated Safety and Precautionary Measures to forestall damages to adjoining buildings and immediate environs of the incident scene.
- Prompt interventions were implemented by LRT, and other responders, to forestall escalation of fire to adjoining buildings and eventually extinguish it.
- LRT co-ordinated the multi-agency response to ensure a quick and safe operation.
CURRENT STATUS:
- Firefighting operations have successfully suppressed and contained the fire within the affected building.
- The fire was prevented from escalating to neighbouring structures.
- Continuous damping-down operations are ongoing to eliminate residual heat and prevent re-ignition.
- Rescue and Recovery Operation has been concluded.
RECOMMENDATIONS/NEXT STEPS
- Conduct a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the fire
- Carry out a structural assessment of the building to evaluate safety
- Review fire safety measures and storage protocols for commercial accessory buildings in the entire area.
- Ensure continued monitoring of the incident scene to prevent re-ignition of the fire.
RESPONDERS:
- LASEMA Response Team – Command and Control Centre.
- LASG Fire & Rescue Service.
- LASAMBUS
- Nigeria Police Force – NPF.
News
Major Fire Engulfs Section of Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos
A devastating fire broke out at the bustling Computer Village market in Ikeja on Monday, January 19, 2026, raging through parts of the popular electronics and IT hub and continuing into the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The blaze, which reportedly started in the afternoon or evening of January 19, affected multiple shops and commercial buildings in the densely packed market known as West Africa’s largest hub for computers, smartphones, accessories, and related gadgets.
Thick smoke billowed over the area as flames consumed valuable stock, including electronics and other merchandise worth potentially millions of naira.
Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service responded to the scene, working through the night to bring the inferno under control. By Tuesday morning, January 20, the fire had been largely contained or extinguished, though pockets of smoldering remained in some structures.
No immediate reports of casualties have emerged from the incident, but traders and shop owners are said to have suffered heavy losses, with destroyed goods, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted business operations.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with preliminary indications pointing to possible electrical faults—a common risk in the area’s overcrowded and often makeshift wiring setups—though officials have not yet confirmed this.
Computer Village, located in the heart of Ikeja, is a vital economic center employing thousands and serving customers from across Nigeria and beyond. Incidents like this highlight ongoing concerns about fire safety, building regulations, and emergency response in such high-density commercial zones.
Authorities, including the Lagos State Police Command and fire service, are expected to provide further updates as assessments of the damage continue and support measures for affected traders are discussed.
Traders have begun tallying losses, and calls for better prevention measures are already circulating among market associations.
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