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Lagos Assembly speaker: Meranda may step down as Akande panel shortlists seven

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The speakership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly might be resolved soon as the intervention of heavyweights in the All Progressives Congress may be leading to a headway.

The impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa and the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, might be stepping aside for another lawmaker to lead the House.

The development follows the intervention of the APC bigwigs, notably former governors of Osun, Ogun and Lagos states, namely Chief Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, respectively, among others.

The high-powered APC delegation was directed by President Bola Tinubu to resolve the political tension at the Lagos Assembly, following the inability of the Governance Advisory Council to find a solution.

The crisis began at the House on January 13, 2025, when about 36 lawmakers removed Obasa as speaker and replaced him with Meranda, the then-deputy speaker.

Over 90 per cent of the lawmakers accused the impeached speaker of poor leadership style, perpetual lateness to legislative sections and plenary, high-handedness and disregard for colleague lawmakers and the executive, especially the governor, abuse of office and privileges, intimidation and oppression of members, misappropriation, among others.

Obasa, who was away in Atlanta, United States, when he was removed, had since faulted his removal and insisted he was still the speaker, even as his colleagues in the House remained adamant.

“My status in the house? I strongly believe I am still the speaker until the right thing has been done.

If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way and I will not contest it,” Obasa said while addressing newsmen on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

On Sunday, Osoba, Ambode, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and all the GAC members met at the Governor’s Lodge in Marina over the crisis, to find a lasting solution.

It was gathered that the meeting lasted till around 7 pm. It was also learnt that the panel earlier met with the lawmakers.

A GAC member, Chief Muraina Taiwo, noted that one of the seven lawmakers from Lagos West was being considered by the party leaders as the new Speaker.

“The issue will die down soon. Between now and the middle of next week, everything will become clearer. The APC leaders, including Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Olusegun Osoba, came to mediate.

“They will go back to Abuja to brief our leader (Tinubu) how they feel about everything.

They are suggesting to Speaker Obasa that he should step down and the other woman (Meranda) to also step down and they will bring in another new person.

They are thinking of submitting a few names but all will land at the table of the leader.

“You know the House is working based on seniority, that is, if you’ve spent two years at the House, you’re qualified to hold a higher position than someone in first tenure.

So they will go back to Abuja with seven names of the seniors in the House and from Lagos West,” he said.

The GAC member added, “The seven of them are ranking members in Lagos West. They are the ones whose names will be submitted to President Tinubu.”

It was also gathered that party leaders considered it politically and ethically appropriate not to select a speaker from Lagos Central, as it is the same senatorial zone as Governor Sanwo-Olu.

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Lagos Fire Service Contains Warehouse Fire at Amuwo-Odofin Industrial Area (Photos)

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The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) responded to a distress call at 20:29 hours regarding a fire outbreak at an expansive warehouse located on Coker Market Road, Amuwo-Odofin Industrial Layout, Mile 2, Lagos.

Firefighting crews arrived the scene promptly at 20:40 hours. Firefighters from the Ajegunle, Sari Iganmu, Okota, and Alausa Fire Stations were immediately mobilised to combat the blaze.

The affected warehouse was stocked with chemical materials stored in hundreds of 200-litre drums, posing significant risk.

Through swift and coordinated intervention, the fire was brought under control, preventing further escalation and damage to adjoining facilities. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded.

The cause of the fire outbreak is yet to be ascertained, as investigations are currently ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reiterates its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges residents and business owners to adhere strictly to fire safety regulations at all times.

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Senator Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Human-Centered Approach to AI in Education on International Day of Education 2026

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In a message issued to mark the International Day of Education, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, urged Nigerians and the global community to prioritize human agency amid the rise of artificial intelligence in learning environments.

This year’s observance, held annually on January 24 under United Nations auspices, carries the theme “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.”

The First Lady emphasized that education continues to serve as the most powerful instrument for equipping individuals with knowledge, values, creativity, and ethical judgment essential for success in a fast-changing, technology-driven era.

“As we embrace artificial intelligence and innovation, we must ensure that technology serves humanity, not the other way around,” Senator Tinubu stated.

“Humans must remain the drivers of AI, harnessing innovation while preserving the values that define us and sustain development.

”Highlighting Nigeria’s national priorities, she reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in quality and inclusive education that enables children and youth to develop critical thinking, act with responsibility, and approach the future with confidence and compassion.

The First Lady’s message aligns with broader global discussions on balancing technological advancement with the irreplaceable role of human insight in education systems.

She concluded her address with warm greetings:

“Happy International Day of Education 2026.

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Update on Fire outbreak at Sapid Container Terminal 2, Mile 2, Lagos; No Casualties Reported

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Emergency responders successfully contained a fire outbreak at the No Sapid Container Terminal 2 area in Mile 2 on Saturday, January 24, 2026, with no loss of life or injuries recorded.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Eagle Squad, working alongside the Lagos State Fire Service, LRU Fire, and Nigeria Police, swiftly intervened to prevent the blaze from spreading to neighbouring structures.

According to a situation report issued by LASEMA Permanent Secretary Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the fire originated from a building behind the container terminal where multiple drums of chemicals and oils were stored — a factor that contributed to the intensity and rapid spread of the flames.

While the fire was still raging at the time of the report due to the highly combustible materials involved, joint firefighting efforts continued throughout the day to bring it fully under control.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the extent of property damage or any potential environmental concerns arising from the incident, but the absence of casualties has been attributed to the prompt and coordinated response by the emergency teams.

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