News
Lagos Inaugurates Fire Marshal Club with Safety Walk to Cut Fire Incidents
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has officially inaugurated the Fire Marshal Club, a community-based volunteer initiative, accompanied by a high-profile Safety Walk to promote fire awareness and emergency preparedness across the state.
The event kicked off with a sensitization walk starting from the Service Headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, passing through the Ikeja Fire Station and various routes before returning to headquarters.
The activity aimed to engage the public directly in fire safety education and encourage proactive participation in preventing outbreaks.
Controller General Margaret Adeseye highlighted a modest decline in fire incidents between 2024 and 2025, attributing it to growing awareness efforts. She stressed that while fires cannot be entirely eliminated due to multiple risk factors, collective responsibility, adherence to safety rules, and community involvement can minimize them significantly.
“The Fire Marshal system is a globally recognized voluntary approach to prevention,” Adeseye said. “By establishing clubs in markets, commercial hubs, and neighborhoods, we will train and empower volunteers to prevent incidents and respond effectively as first responders.”
She added that members will receive comprehensive training to bridge gaps between communities and professional emergency services, including prompt reporting via toll-free lines.
General Manager of the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, Femi Giwa, underscored the role of inter-agency collaboration in aligning with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision for a safer Lagos.
Health, safety, and environment expert Dr. Julius Akpong praised the move, noting that research shows about 80–95% of fire incidents stem from unsafe human actions and ignorance, calling for ongoing education and behavioral shifts.
The Fire Marshal Club represents a key step in the state government’s strategy to protect lives and property through prevention, partnerships, and stronger emergency systems. Volunteers are expected to serve as vital links in reporting and initial response to incidents.
The initiative follows recent recruitment and training of new firefighters, signaling continued investment in Lagos’ fire safety infrastructure.
News
NMMA shortlist 972 entries for 2026 awards
NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.
The Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) said that it has shortlisted 972 of 1,112 entries for this year’s awards.
The Chairman of the NMMA Panel of Assessors, Otunba Dele Adetiba, said that the entries for the 34th edition cut across print, radio, and television categories.
Chairman of the NMMA Board of Trustees, Prof. Dayo Duyile, said that the award was established in 1990 to promote professionalism, ethical journalism and excellence among media practitioners.
Duyile, a veteran journalist and academic, said the NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.
News
Nigerian Law school student dies after falling from hostel rooftop
The deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
•Faith Alayande
A Nigerian Law School student identified as Faith Alayande, is dead after she fell from the rooftop at Lagos campus.
In a statement on Monday, Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council and director of administration, said that the deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
Osho said preliminary findings revealed that the student died from injuries sustained after falling from the rooftop of the campus hostel around 4am on Friday.
The Nigerian Law School is deeply saddened by this tragic development.
“Management is working closely with the appropriate authorities and the family to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, ensure that all necessary procedures are duly followed, and provide further information as appropriate.”
News
Ekwulobia Suspends New Yam Festival for Kidnap Billionaire Son
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
• Joseph Ezeokafor
Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has cancelled its New Yam festival celebration billed for September 4, 2026.
Ohibaba.com learned that this is because of the kidnap of billionaire businessman and owner of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor.
Ezeokafor was kidnapped in Awka on Tuesday last week when he stepped out of his house without his security details to attend to his spiritual need, where he goes to offer prays.
Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed the development said that serious operation is currently ongoing to save the elder statesman.
His kidnap has sent his community into mourning, causing the postponement of the new Yam festival, an annual festival which holds on a static date every year.
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
“The Igwe said the community of Ekwulobia cannot celebrate while their son remains in the custody of the kidnappers,” the source said.
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