Unknown assailants have kidnapped six Lagos-based real estate marketers during an inspection visit to Ogun State.
The Guardian learnt that the victims had gone to inspect their company’s land at Oyebola village in Obafemi-Owode Local Council of the state, before they were attacked.
Confirming the incident to newsmen, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, said the incident occurred on Friday. He said that the command launched an investigation immediately it was alerted about the incident.
Ogunlowo assured the public that all hands were on deck to ensure the rescue of the abductees.
“So, they brought some marketers from Lagos to see the land, so that they can have the requisite information to market the land.
“It was during their visit to this land that the six people were abducted. The command has been on it since, and we shall definitely ensure that these people regain their freedom,” he added. (Guardian)
Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has confirmed that she has officially moved out of Nigeria.
During an online live session, the singer admitted to moving to New York, marking a new chapter in her personal life and career.
Though it has been less than two months since her relocation, the singer says the city already feels like home.
“Moved to New York in less than two months officially, but I’m always in newyork regardless, I’ve always been in New York, I’m a newyorker in my spirit,” she shared.
According to her, the bustling rhythm of New York echoes the familiar chaos and energy of Lagos, the city she grew up in.
“I’m a New Yorker in my spirit, I feel it; New York reminds me so much of Lagos,” she said.
The presence of a large African and Nigerian community in the city, she added, has made the transition feel natural.
“There’s a lot of Nigerians here, there’s a huge African diaspora here so it feels like home.” (Vanguard)
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, are investigating two travellers, Mamud Nasidi and Yahaya Nasidi, over alleged failure to declare foreign currencies in their possession at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
The suspects were apprehended on Saturday, October 11, 2025, by operatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) during a routine check. According to preliminary findings, the duo were found with undeclared sums of $6,180 and £53,415.
The EFCC disclosed that the suspects had just arrived from Dubai via Addis Ababa and were scheduled to board a connecting flight to Abuja when they were intercepted.
Also recovered from the suspects were three mobile phones, which have been taken into custody as exhibits.
The suspects and the recovered items were received by CSE Margaret Lamai on behalf of the acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Ahmed Ghali. (Nation)
The All Africa Music Awards has commended President Bola Tinubu, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Bankers’ Committee for their role in the successful revamp and unveiling of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.
AFRIMA, in a Wednesday statement, described the restoration of the cultural landmark as a bold step in safeguarding Nigeria’s creative heritage and empowering the arts sector.
The historic edifice, originally opened in 1976, has been revamped and upgraded as part of efforts to reposition Nigeria’s creative economy. The project, undertaken by the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee as part of their commitment to giving back to the nation, was unveiled during the country’s 65th Independence anniversary celebrations on Wednesday.
The Bankers’ Committee had in July announced the completion of the renovation and upgrading of the facilities at the theatre.
The renovation covered different spaces, including the 4,000-seater main bowl, over 3,000-seater banquet hall, exhibition halls, cinemas, VIP spaces, actors’ changing rooms, industrial kitchen, over 300 new toilet cubicles, clinic, fire station, lobbies within the four National Theatre entrances and extensive roof repairs.
AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, described the development as a milestone for Nigeria’s cultural industries and a symbol of renewed confidence in the creative sector.
“The National Arts Theatre has played a crucial role in nurturing African creativity, serving for decades as a hub for music, theatre, film and cultural festivals. Its revival speaks volumes about Nigeria’s vision and the dedication of stakeholders like the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee to supporting the creative economy. This is not just a building restored, but a renewal of cultural confidence and an investment in future generations of Nigerian and African talent,” Dada said.
Beyond the theatre, AFRIMA used the occasion to congratulate Nigeria on its 65th Independence Anniversary. Dada hailed the country’s resilience and influence in shaping Africa’s creative and cultural industries, pointing to its leadership in music, film, fashion and digital culture.
“On behalf of the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Nigeria as the country marks 65 years of independence. Nigeria remains a vital partner to AFRIMA and a key pillar of Africa’s cultural identity. Its creative energy continues to inspire not just the continent but the world,” he added.
He further noted that Nigeria’s role as host of the 9th AFRIMA had amplified African music on the global stage while promoting unity across the continent.
AFRIMA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting African music, nurturing young talent and using culture as a tool for continental pride and development. (Punch)
Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has accepted the renaming of Nigeria’s National Theatre in his honour despite his past criticism of public monuments named after individuals.
At the reopening of the refurbished venue in Lagos on Thursday, the 90-year-old playwright acknowledged “mixed feelings” about the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, as the complex in Iganmu is now known.
“I am notorious for having criticised many appropriations of public monuments by some of our past leaders, where everything is named after them,” Soyinka said.
“However, when I examined the history of theatre in Nigeria, and the lack of recognition for my predecessors, I believe somebody has to carry the can.”
The renaming, announced in July 2024 by President Bola Tinubu’s administration without Soyinka’s prior knowledge, sparked debate given his opposition to self-glorifying tributes.
The National Theatre, built in the 1970s under military rule, had fallen into disrepair, which Soyinka once described as a “slum” unfit for cultural events.
He recalled a near-fatal incident in the 2000s when exposed wiring endangered actors during a performance of his play Camwood on the Leaves.
The building’s Bulgarian-inspired conical design, which he had mocked as a “general’s hat,” became a symbol of neglect.
On Thursday, Tinubu inaugurated the restored theatre, rehabilitated with funding from Nigerian banks after years of decay. Soyinka, who staged Death and the King’s Horseman there in 1977, praised the effort as a “tasty morsel” of redemption, reversing his earlier support for a private takeover.
The centre is expected to host international festivals and youth programmes aimed at strengthening Lagos’s creative sector.
Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel literature laureate in 1986, used the event to recognise figures such as Hubert Ogunde and Duro Ladipo, who helped establish Nigerian theatre during colonial and post-independence periods.
A co-founder of the Orisun Theatre Company in the 1960s, Soyinka’s works, including The Bacchae of Euripides, combine Yoruba traditions with global themes. His activism, including imprisonment during the 1967–1970 Biafran War, has also defined his public life.
Tinubu described the naming as a tribute to a figure of rare stature. (Guardian)
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila on Friday inaugurated a 1,200-capacity auditorium he facilitated at Abalti Army Barracks, Surulere, Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that, the auditorium, named Bola Tinubu Hall, is one the projects facilitated by the Chief of Staff at the barracks.
At the inauguration, Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, said that the military deserved better recognition and dividends of democracy even when they do not ask like the electorate.
He said, “The military has done so well in stabilising this country and this democracy.
“And that is why when you talk about dividends of democracy, normally it is the civilians, our people, our electorate that talk about and ask for dividends of democracy.
“But you guys don’t ask for it. It is given to you naturally because we understand the role you play in Nigeria.
“If you are doing that, it behoves on us, as elected officials, and unelected officials as I am now, to make sure that you live in a comfortable environment, that you operate within a comfortable environment that will make your work easier.
“That’s why we commission projects here on a regular basis. This is another one of them: over 1,000 capacity hall, it is furnished, fully air-conditioned, with an 80 kVA generator and it is ultra-modern.
“And why do we do that? We do that because the army, the military is an integral part of any democracy.”
According to him, without security, there cannot be democracy.
Gbajabiamila conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s leadership commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of the officers and men of the military.
He expressed the President’s gratitude for the role the men and women in the military play, and for sacrificing, sometimes even paying the supreme sacrifice, to keep the country one.
According to him, the facility allows the military to host events, to do training and conferences as well as help to generate revenue.
Gbajabiamila added that he was working to pull down the old bungalows in the barracks and replace them with a multi-storey residential building, “which will be our next project for this barracks”.
He added that efforts had been made to build and inaugurate an ultra modern new residential building at the nearby police barracks, “Yours is coming, too”.
He added, “I want to thank you for all that you have been doing, not just in Surulere, but for what you’ve been doing for everyone, even outside Surulere.
“We thank you for how you have been able to maintain peace and security within Surulere
“The traditional role of the military, even constitutionally, is to protect the territorial integrity of our country, but sometimes you are called upon to step outside that traditional role to maintain internal security.
“And not once have you wavered in that call to duty. May God continue to bless you. May God continue to keep all of you.
“May you continue to serve your motherland dutifully, responsibly and with the same commitment and faith that Nigeria will continue to be one. Nigeria will continue to be strong.”
According to him, the nation’s democracy is growing and doing well, noting that the President has full commitment towards the welfare of the men and women in uniform.
“I have served many presidents, I have seen many presidents and I have worked with many presidents. They all have the same commitment towards our men and women in uniform. They all have commitment towards you.
“But I have not seen one that has the kind of commitment, the kind of passion, like President Bola Tinubu does for you,” he added.
Speaking, Mr Muiz Dosunmu, the Vice Chairman, Surulere Local Government, who described the council as the best in Nigeria, said that council had been relating peacefully with the Abalti Barracks community.
He said that the cooperation and collaboration between the two parties had facilitated many notable projects in the barracks.
“Surulere is leading in all facets: development, education, sports, health infrastructure. We have tried to be the best and people can see, we don’t need to blow our trumpet unnecessarily.
“We believe we can do more than we are doing and we promise to do more than what we are doing. We are not leaving any man behind, everybody is being carried along, involved and integrated, as advised by the chief of staff to the President.
“We keep promising that we will always be the vocal point of whatever is happening in Nigeria,” he said.
He applauded Gbajabiamila for doing his best not for the council alone ,but for the state and the country.
In his keynote address, Director of Nigeria Army on Corps, Lt.-Col. Michael Toriola, who described Gbajabiamila as a role model, philanthropist and a man with a good heart, commended the chief of staff vision and commitment to the welfare of the military.
Toriola applauded Gbajabiamila for building the Hall and other projects that had been put in place in the barracks out of his magnanimity.
“Sir, we appreciate you. This is a true reflection of your commitment to the well-being of officers, our family and men. It underscores the importance of creating an environment where we can perform and thrive.
“The completion of this facility (Bola Tinubu Hall) goes beyond mere infrastructure, it represents progress, professionalism and a deep pride in service.
“As we commission this gigantic hall today, may it stand as a lasting symbol of our shared commitment to excellence and service,” he said.
The event was attended by many APC leaders including a member representing Surulere Constituency I in the House of Assembly, Mr Desmond Elliot, officers and men of the Nigerian Army. (Nation)
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board on Wednesday said it will begin screening for over 500 exceptional candidates below 16 years of age seeking admission into tertiary institutions for the 2025/2026 academic session between September 22 and 26.
The exercise will be conducted by a special technical committee set up by JAMB, according to resolutions reached during a virtual meeting of members on Wednesday.
Speaking during the meeting, Registrar of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede, said three venues have been selected for the screening: Lagos, Abuja, and Owerri.
He said Lagos will host 397 candidates, Owerri 136, and Abuja 66.
Oloyede, who noted that out of 41,027 underage candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), more than 40,000 did not scale the first hurdle, explained that the screening is to ensure that only exceptional and well-prepared underage candidates gain admission.
“People have been doing it in other parts of the world. We are not reinventing the wheel,” he said.
During the meeting, a subcommittee led by Prof. Taoheed Adedoja presented its report on the planned assessment, stating that candidates will face subject-specific tests followed by a brief oral interview.
The committee also resolved to request the result details from the West African Examination Council to verify the eligibility of some shortlisted candidates before they appear for interviews.
Participants in the virtual meeting included heads of tertiary institutions, government agencies, civil society representatives, members of the Nigerian Academy of Education, and the principal of Federal Government Gifted Academy, Suleja.
Recall that out of the 1.955 million candidates who sat for this year’s UTME nationwide, 599 scored above 300 but fell below the minimum admission age of 16, prompting the creation of the screening committee.
The policy aligns with the Ministry of Education’s directive setting 16 as the minimum entry age for tertiary institutions.
The initiative is designed to ensure that candidates admitted are mentally and psychologically prepared for the demands of higher education.
Four universities, the Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; University of Jos; and Osun State University, have already informed JAMB that they will not admit underage candidates under any circumstances.
JAMB says the policy will balance academic excellence with cognitive maturity, prevent age falsification, and protect young candidates from undue parental pressure.
The Board is targeting only candidates who score at least 320 in UTME (80%), achieve a minimum of 80% in post-UTME, and secure at least 80% (24/30 points) in a single WAEC or NECO sitting. (Punch)
An Ikeja Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos, on Wednesday discharged Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly behaviour and assault aboard an Ibom Air flight.
Presiding Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami struck out the five-count charge against Emmanson after the police formally withdrew the case.
The charges had alleged that Emmanson disrupted the peace on board the flight, assaulted a crew member, and conducted herself in a manner capable of breaching public order. She had pleaded not guilty at her arraignment.
However, during today’s proceedings, Police Prosecutor Oluwabunmi Adeitan informed the court that the complainant and the airline were no longer interested in pursuing the matter.
She applied for the withdrawal of the case, citing instructions from the police authorities.
Following the application, Magistrate Salami granted the request and ordered Emmanson’s discharge. (Vanguard)
Female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, who assaulted Ibom Air’s crew and clashed with airport security at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos has been charged to court.
Mr Tunde Moshood, Spokesperson to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on X.
Moshood also said she has been remanded at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos.
He stated: “The more reason the flying public should be more careful, the unruly passenger on Uyo-Lagos bound Ibom Air, Miss Comfort Emmanson has been charged to court and she’s now cooling off in Kirikiri.”
Vanguard reports that Emmanson, on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos assaulted the airline’s crew and clashed with airport security at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos on Sunday.
Confirming the development, the airline said shortly before take-off from Uyo, Emmanson was instructed to switch off her mobile phone, but she refused.
According to the airline, she refused to comply until the pilot-in-command made an announcement, after which a fellow passenger seated beside her took the phone and switched it off.
The statement reads: “This action prompted a verbal tirade from Emmanson. The situation was eventually calmed, and the flight departed as scheduled.
“Upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson waited for all other passengers to disembark and then proceeded to confront the purser who had earlier instructed her. She walked up to the unsuspecting purser, stepped on her, forcibly tore off her wig, removed her glasses and threw them to the floor, and used her footwear to assault her. She slapped her several times, and when the other cabin crew member tried to intervene, she slapped her too. She then attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft.
Moshood also said she has been remanded at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos.
He stated: “The more reason the flying public should be more careful, the unruly passenger on Uyo-Lagos bound Ibom Air, Miss Comfort Emmanson has been charged to court and she’s now cooling off in Kirikiri.”
Vanguard reports that Emmanson, on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos assaulted the airline’s crew and clashed with airport security at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos on Sunday.
Confirming the development, the airline said shortly before take-off from Uyo, Emmanson was instructed to switch off her mobile phone, but she refused.
According to the airline, she refused to comply until the pilot-in-command made an announcement, after which a fellow passenger seated beside her took the phone and switched it off.
The statement reads: “This action prompted a verbal tirade from Emmanson. The situation was eventually calmed, and the flight departed as scheduled.
“Upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson waited for all other passengers to disembark and then proceeded to confront the purser who had earlier instructed her. She walked up to the unsuspecting purser, stepped on her, forcibly tore off her wig, removed her glasses and threw them to the floor, and used her footwear to assault her. She slapped her several times, and when the other cabin crew member tried to intervene, she slapped her too. She then attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft.
“By this time, the Pilot-in-Command had alerted airport security. Before security could arrive, the purser, as seen in the viral video on the internet, prevented the passenger from leaving the aircraft until security arrived. The arrival of Ibom Air Security personnel did not deter the passenger, as she attacked them as well, lashing out violently at both Ibom Air and FAAN security. She was then restrained and removed from the aircraft by force. Even after disembarking, she continued to assault both Ibom Air and FAAN security staff and even slapped the ground supervisor.
“The passenger was removed from the ramp and taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
“Ibom Air has since submitted a report on the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and placed a travel restriction on Emmanson, who will no longer be permitted to fly on any of our aircraft.” (Vanguard)
The Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Kaosarat Bada Ambrose, on Monday, said that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is committed to making the state a globally competitive economic powerhouse.
Speaking during a press briefing to announce the kick off of the Lagos Investors Summit 2.0 and Africa Social Impact Summit, (ASIS) 2025, on Monday, Ambrose said the theme of the two-day event slated for July 10 and 11, 2025 is “Scaling Action: Bold Solutions Towards Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.”
She added that the theme was derived from the general theme of the Africa Social Impact Summit: “Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovation.”
“The theme of the Lagos Investment Summit 2.0 reflects our unwavering commitment to building a globally competitive economic powerhouse. We are shifting from dialogue to delivery, from potential to performance, and from planning to implementation.
“The Lagos Investors Summit 2.0 is more than a meeting; it is a platform for actionable collaboration. It will bring together visionary investors, policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, and global stakeholders to explore bold solutions that will drive infrastructure expansion, unlock financing, deepen enterprise growth, and power digital innovation – all towards making Lagos A 21st-century Economy.
“The Summit will run from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a networking where delegates can forge meaningful partnerships that will shape the future of our economy. A key feature of the Summit is the Deal Rooms, where the state’s investment potential would be pitched to potential investors.
“This is expected to be anchored by political heads in the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other senior government representatives.
“This summit comes at a pivotal time as Lagos continues to lead the way in sub-Saharan Africa, attracting investment, harnessing talent, and building infrastructure that supports inclusive prosperity. Key sectors to watch out for include civil infrastructure, transportation, technology, green energy, creative economy, real estate, blue economy, and agribusiness.
“The deal rooms would facilitate one-on-one and matchmaking sessions for serious investors, in addition to interaction with government officials, global investors, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), multilateral organisations, and business executives.
“Let me take this opportunity to invite investors, partners, and stakeholders – both local and international – to be part of this transformative moment. Lagos is open for business, and this Summit will spotlight the unparalleled opportunities that lie within our borders, particularly as Lagos is a hub for smart city solutions, digital infrastructure, and fintech.”
Ambrose was optimistic that the Lagos Investment Summit 2.0 would lead to the African Social Impact Summit, ASIS co-convened by Sterling One Foundation and United Nations in collaboration with Sterling Bank and Lagos State Government.
“The Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) is a multi-sectoral platform dedicated to accelerating action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria and across Africa.
“The two-day summit has the objectives to establish a collaborative framework among the public/private sectors and the development community to create measurable impact through influence and advocacy; provide impact investment opportunities for social enterprises in critical sectors and vital need areas, thereby facilitating the scaling of outcomes in line with the SDGs and the African Union 2063 Agenda; while stimulating increased involvement of stakeholders across public and private sectors in developing policies to aid the speedy achievement of the SDGs and provide support for Africa’s new action plan.”
She added that the Summit is Africa’s premium platform for accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ambrose further stated that this year’s edition focuses on strengthening sub-national development, rethinking financial flows, and addressing structural inequalities through long-term investment and reform.
“The essence is to drive conversations on inclusive growth, Environment, Sustainability and Governance – ESG, climate resilience, health equity, education, youth empowerment, and social enterprises.
“As an event pivotal to spotlighting SDG progress and gaps across Africa, ASIS 2025 will promote partnerships, collaborations between governments, NGOs, development agencies, investors, and private sector to scale social impact.
“The ASIS, which will feature high-level speakers, panel discussions and more, provides an avenue for leaders from various sectors to engage in practical and transformative efforts to address Africa’s most urgent challenges related to the SDGs and the African Union Agenda 2063.” (Guardian)
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