In a resounding vote of confidence from the investment community, Lagos State has concluded its bookbuild for a groundbreaking bond issuance, exceeding all expectations and demonstrating strong investor appetite.

The State’s offering, comprised of a ₦200 Billion Conventional Bond and a ₦14.8 Billion Green Bond, has been met with extraordinary enthusiasm, paving the way for crucial infrastructure projects across the bustling metropolis.

The conventional bond, originally slated for ₦200 billion, received an astounding 55% oversubscription, attracting a remarkable ₦310 billion in investment commitments.

This signifies the robust trust investors have in Lagos State’s economic prospects and its commitment to sustainable growth.

Adding to the success, the ₦14.8 billion Green Bond, designed to finance environmentally friendly projects, was met with an even greater level of enthusiasm.

It attracted a phenomenal ₦29.29 billion in subscriptions, representing a staggering 97.7% oversubscription.

This underscores the growing global interest in sustainable investments and Lagos State’s commitment to a greener future.

This historic achievement highlights Lagos State’s financial strength and its ability to attract significant investment to drive its ambitious development agenda.

The proceeds from these bonds will be instrumental in funding vital infrastructure projects, enhancing the quality of life for residents, and fostering economic prosperity across the state.

The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the abduction of female students from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, assuring families of its unwavering commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.

In a statement on Monday, the government conveyed solidarity with the affected families, noting that it “shares in their pain” and is working urgently to bring the girls home.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed that the protection of every Nigerian—especially schoolchildren—remains a paramount responsibility of the State. He condemned the attack, describing it as a “reprehensible assault on innocent students,” and mourned the school officials who were killed while performing their duties.

According to the statement, security and intelligence agencies have been issued strict directives to locate and rescue the abducted students and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The government pledged that it will not relent until the mission is accomplished.

The Federal Government also assured citizens that strengthening internal security remains a top priority, noting that efforts are underway to recalibrate the country’s military, policing, and intelligence architecture to better prevent and respond to threats.

Additionally, Nigeria is intensifying regional cooperation with ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to secure borders and disrupt terrorist and criminal networks.

The government urged the public to remain calm and confident as efforts to rescue the abducted students continue.

A heated exchange has erupted between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose after an explosive “thank you” message sent by Fayose triggered a public confrontation between the two political figures.

The rift stemmed from Obasanjo’s appearance at Fayose’s recent birthday celebration, during which the former governor claims the ex-president made “irresponsible comments.” In a sharply worded SMS released to journalists in Abeokuta on Monday by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Fayose lashed out at the elder statesman, describing him in scathing terms.

In the message, Fayose wrote:
“Dear Baba Obasanjo, I trust this meets you well. Your coming to my birthday party, I appreciate, except for your very irresponsible comments at your age. You went so low but I am not surprised… someone once said you are supposed to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely, that’s where you belong.”

Fayose added that he refrained from responding at the event “so that the world will know the difference between a sane and a mad man,” alleging that Obasanjo’s remarks reflected “heightened dementia.” He also demanded a refund of money he claimed to have given the former president, referencing Obasanjo’s public admission during the event.

Obasanjo responded curtly, saying Fayose’s message merely revealed “who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable.” He confirmed he had returned the money through the individual who delivered it.

“Ayo, thanks for your ‘Thank You’ message… Your money has been sent back through Foluso Adeagbo who brought it and in the same bag as he brought it, unopened by me,” Obasanjo said.

The public spat has stirred widespread commentary, highlighting lingering tensions between the two outspoken political figures.