” I remain firmly Nigerian by choice, conviction and identity.”

Former Lagos State Governor and immediate past Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, made the declaration on Tuesday in Abuja during his keynote address at the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, where he spoke extensively on national identity, migration, patriotism and Nigeria’s global image.

He stressed the need for Nigerians, at home and abroad, to take collective ownership of the country and its problems.

“I don’t think we own Nigeria enough. So, I heard some of our colleagues and our compatriots who, by virtue of the 1999 Constitution, have dual citizenships. But I have only one,” said Fashola.

“And when they talk to me, they say, your country. I say, stop. It’s our country. Your problem is our problem. There must be a common ownership on every platform. If we have common ownership, we will solve it. So, from my childhood experience, I tell people I’m not just a proud Nigerian, I’m an arrogant one. I’m arrogant about my country.“I tell people that I have not received one day’s education outside this country.

All my education was here. So, proudly made in Nigeria. Arrogantly, too. So everything, every inch that we think that we have lost, we can get back if we decide to,” he stated.

• 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.

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.