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GM LASTMA URGES MOTORISTS TO EXHIBIT ABSOLUTE COMPLIANCE AND UNCOMPROMISING OBSERVANCE OF TRAFFIC REGULATIONS AS THE LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT COMMENCES THE SECOND PHASE OF OGUDU–IFAKO BRIDGE REHABILITATION

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

In steadfast pursuit of its avowed mandate to guarantee the uninterrupted mobility of persons and goods across Lagos amidst the execution of critical infrastructural interventions, the Lagos State Government has announced its full preparedness for the commencement of the second phase of extensive rehabilitation works on the Ogudu–Ifako Bridge in Kosofe Local Government Area, following the successful completion and reopening of the first phase.

 

This second phase, which entails the holistic restoration of the bridge’s expansion joints inbound Lagos Island, is scheduled to extend from Tuesday, 19th August 2025, through Wednesday, 1st October 2025. Conscious of the attendant implications for vehicular circulation, the Government has meticulously designed an execution matrix underpinned by strategically defined traffic diversions, purposefully crafted to mitigate disruption and sustain commuter convenience.

 

The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed that motorists commuting along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway/Lagos Toll Gate axis inbound Oshodi and Victoria Island will be subjected to a controlled diversion at the Ogudu–Ifako Bridge. In this regard, vehicular traffic will be streamlined into a single lane approximately 50 metres before the designated work zone, with full access restored 50 metres beyond the construction site.

He elaborated further that motorists destined for Oshodi may advantageously employ the Ojota Slip Road, seamlessly linking to Ikorodu Road inbound Anthony (by Taxi Park).

 

“Motorists bound for Victoria Island may conveniently divert through Ojota Slip Road, merging onto Ikorodu Road inbound Anthony (by Town Planning Way), then connecting to Gbagada and accessing the Third Mainland Bridge inbound Lagos Island. An additional alternative exists via Ikorodu Road inbound Funsho Williams Avenue, affording direct ingress to Eko Bridge en route to Lagos Island.”

 

Moreover, he advised motorists originating from Ikeja and adjoining precincts to traverse through Maryland, connect with Ikorodu Road/Funsho Williams Avenue, and thereafter proceed via Eko Bridge to Outer Marina and adjoining corridors. Alternatively, they may link Ikorodu Road inbound Anthony (by Taxi Park) to Oshodi and pursue their onward destinations.

 

Reasserting the Government’s commitment to ameliorating commuter discomfort, Mr. Bakare-Oki emphasised that LASTMA officers have been strategically deployed across the affected corridors to ensure vehicular fluidity, enforce lane discipline, and guarantee swift operational response to emergencies.

 

He passionately appealed for the unwavering cooperation of road users, stressing that scrupulous adherence to the traffic advisory and unreserved compliance with the directives of LASTMA personnel remain indispensable to the preservation of order during the rehabilitation exercise.

 

“Motorists are profoundly enjoined to exercise patience, prudence, and civic obligation, as the partial closure of the bridge represents a vital component of the State’s overarching traffic management architecture designed to deliver enduring infrastructural dividends for the collective wellbeing of Lagosians.”

 

He disclosed that mini and heavy-duty towing apparatus, together with other requisite road infrastructure, have been strategically stationed along diversion routes and critical intersections within the metropolis to promptly address breakdowns, vehicular mishaps, or other exigencies, while also guiding motorists appropriately.

 

While lauding the commendable cooperation exhibited by motorists and members of the public during the first phase of the rehabilitation works, he urged for continued collaboration and civic discipline throughout the present phase. He further implored the public to promptly report incidents or emergencies before, during and after the period of works via LASTMA’s dedicated hotline: 080000527862.

 

Mr. Bakare-Oki sternly warned that any motorist found contravening traffic laws, indulging in reckless indiscipline, or engaging in the outlawed practice of driving against traffic (‘One-way’) across the State shall be prosecuted expeditiously before the Lagos State Mobile Court.

BREAKING: We’ve captured Nigeria’s most wanted terror kingpin -Ribadu

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    Security forces have captured Abu Baraa, the notorious leader of the Ansaru terrorist network, after an intensive operation that spanned several months.   National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu disclosed the development during a special briefing at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in Abuja.   Ribadu, who was flanked by service chiefs and intelligence heads, said the operation followed a prolonged surveillance effort that began in May and culminated in Baraa’s capture in July.   “I am glad to inform you that we have successfully concluded a high-risk, intelligence-led, counter-terrorism operation which led to the capture of the top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate,” Ribadu said. He explained that Ansaru, which declared its presence publicly in Kano in 2012 after splintering from Boko Haram, originally presented itself as a “humane alternative” before turning to attacks on security operatives, civilians, and government facilities.   “The group publicly displayed the setting sun logo of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), signaling its ideological and operational alignment with global jihadist movements,” Ribadu added.   According to him, Ansaru had entrenched itself in both urban hideouts and forest camps, particularly around Kainji National Park, which spans Niger and Kwara states and extends into Benin Republic.

How Okonjo-Iweala disappointed those who don’t wish Nigeria well – APC G3

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A support group of the ruling All Progressives Congress, the APC Grassroots Governance Group, APC G3, on Friday said the credit given to the present administration by the Director-General (DG) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has left the opposition and naysayers confused and stranded.

 

Recall that during a visit to the Presidential Villa on Thursday, the WTO Chief lauded President Bola Tinubu and his team for stabilising Nigeria’s economy.

 

According to her, “We think that President Bola Tinubu and his team have worked hard to stabilise Nigeria’s economy, and you cannot really improve an economy unless it is stable,”

“Nigeria now needs to grow the economy and we need to build social safety nets, so that people who are feeling the pinch of the reforms can also have some support to be able to weather the hardship.

 

APC G3 National Coordinator, Amechi Chuks-Oyema in a press release on Friday, said the group and well meaning Nigerians supporting the policies of President Tinubu have been proved right.

 

He said: “What the opposition and naysayers wanted to hear is that the country is going down the slope. They are confused and stranded as the Director-General (DG) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, gave us a true state of our economy.

 

“So, President Tinubu has to be given the credit for the stability of the economy. The reforms have been in the right direction. What is needed next is growth.

“We should note that President Tinubu inherited $4 billion in forex reserves, $7 billion in unmet obligations, ₦30 trillion Ways and Means debt, a debt servicing burden consuming 96% of government revenue

 

“Since assumption of office forex reserves have climbed toward $40 billion, Oil production rose from under 1 mbpd to 1.8 mbpd, $14 billion in national debt and $7 billion in forex obligations have been cleared

 

“GDP grew 3.13 percent in Q1 2025, with a 7 percent growth target by 2027, Nigeria posted a positive trade balance for the first time in decades.

 

“Record counter-terrorism operations, Governors in Abia, Enugu, Zamfara and beyond revived long-abandoned projects without new borrowing, thanks to federal reforms.

“We in APC G3 have always said that despite the initial pains, the policies of the present administration, with the support of the people will bring Nigeria out of the present economic challenges

 

“True, these reforms have exacerbated cost-of-living strains, but they were inevitable to avert a descent into crises resembling Venezuela or Zimbabwe.

 

“We urge the opposition, naysayers, some media houses etc to acknowledge these gains instead of dredging alarmist negativity in perpetuity.”

Min of Agric partners NDLEA on alternatives to illicit drugs, rehabilitation of drug users

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

As Marwa meets Kyari on areas of collaboration to enhance food, national security

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency of the readiness of his ministry to support ongoing drug control efforts by NDLEA especially in the areas of creating alternatives for illicit drug producers and provision of agricultural opportunities for drug users undergoing rehabilitation to prevent them from relapse.

Sen. Kyari gave the assurance in his response to the remarks by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) who led some members of his management team into a meeting with the minister and top officials of the ministry in Abuja on Thursday 14th August 2025.

Marwa had told the minister that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu has food security and national security as part of its focus adding that “we really cannot tackle national security without adequate attention to drug control because they are interlinked.”

He said the visit was to seek collaboration between NDLEA and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as part of ongoing efforts to surmount the challenge of drug scourge facing the country. He noted that out of the 14.3 million drug users in Nigeria, 10.6 million of them abuse cannabis alone, making the psychoactive substance the most commonly abused in the country.

“As you know, cannabis is not only smoked, it is also eaten. They make soup with it. They mix it with hot drinks to produce monkey tail. They take it in all kinds of forms. Every week, we make arrests. And still, they keep at it, because there’s so much money in the business. And so, we sat down and reflected and felt that there’s a more permanent solution to this, especially with the growers of cannabis.

“So, we have decided to create another platform called Alternative Development, which seeks to persuade cannabis growers to change from growing cannabis, which is illicit to something legitimate and licit. This will give them at least a legitimate source of income. They will be able to sleep with their two eyes closed. Instead of always in fear of arrest by NDLEA, they will live respectable lives with their families and their communities.

“The Alternative Development project has secured the buy-in of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs and they are willing to encourage us. But for us to tell cannabis growers, please, don’t grow cannabis, grow something else there has to be incentives for them to agree. I’ve actually had a meeting with some cannabis growers and discussed this idea with them. The fact that they agreed to come and meet me without the fear that they are being tricked so that we arrest them, was a positive sign. And we sat and had an engagement and I’ve also sent a delegation to their communities.

“This is where we need the support of the ministry to give them some inputs, seedlings, tractors, water, fertilizers, chemicals, and others. So, we looked at the possibility of getting them to grow food crops including artemisia annua plant that can fetch the country $100 billion annually. They call it sweet wormwood. The derivative is used for the treatment of malaria. We consulted with IITA, they actually confirmed that they have grown samples across the country. They have done some trials. And it seems to have a very positive outlook.

“With a $100 billion possible income to the country, if this is fully tapped, we’ll suggest that this is probably one of the areas of pharmaceutical crops that would be given to these cannabis growers to farm in addition to other licit crops.”

He said the other area of collaboration is the assimilation of persons coming out of NDLEA rehab facilities into agricultural programmes and projects that will give them livelihood and prevent them from relapse. “Now, when our children, come to us for treatment and rehabilitation, because of drugs, we treat them, and they become normal people, responsible, after the treatment. Then you throw them back again into the same environment where they got into drug abuse, they will relapse.

“So, we thought that within the scheme of this esteemed ministry, if you can assist us so that at the end of their rehabilitation they can be assimilated into some of your agricultural programmes with whatever incentives go with them so that they can be gainfully engaged.”

In his response, the minister agreed that there is a direct correlation between drug abuse and other forms of criminality, noting that if nothing is done urgently by all stakeholders the country may be breeding criminals instead of the next generation of leaders.

“So, we should join hands and this is the collaborative effort that President Tinubu has already mandated us to do in terms of not only achieving food security, employment, job creation, but improvement of livelihood, inclusivity of youth and women in agriculture, access to capital and credit, and so on and so forth.

“I would like to express our commitment to this alternative development initiative. Then, on the issue of your rehab centres, we will work with you so that those being treated can get some livelihood support in terms of tools and other things. We’re willing to partner with you on the excellent work that you’re doing”, the minister assured.

The meeting agreed to set up a technical committee that will work on the details of the collaboration.

PSC Acquires Portal For Police Recruitment

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

Following the successful meeting with representatives from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, yesterday in Abuja, the Police Service Commission is set to decentralise Police recruitment and allow recruitment desk officers from the states play key roles during the 2025 recruitment exercise.

The Commission, according to a press statement signed by the spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, will also ensure that all the stakeholders, the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Character Commission will have access to the portal for inclusiveness and transparency. It will also help prevent corruption and nepotism in the system.The Commission wishes to announce that the newly acquired Recruitment portal which will serve for recruitment of both its staff and all categories of Police Officers is now ready and will be deployed during the period of such recruitments.

 

The Commission yesterday held for the first time, a consultative meeting with the primary beneficiaries of its recruitment exercise – officers in incharge of Recuitment from the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory where far reaching decisions were taken on how best to improve and consolidate efficient, transparent, accountable and equitable recruitment in the country.

 

To give effect to this development, the Commission will dedicate this new Portal to ensure a successful and inclusive recruitment for both the Commission personnel and that of the Nigeria Police.

 

The public is by this statement advised to note that going forward Police recruitments will be done using this Commission’s recruitment portal with state Officers playing significant roles.

 

The portal is expected to be opened immediately the Commission is ready to commence the 2025 recruitment exercise.

 

Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni said the Commission is happy to partner with the State Desk Officers who are the immediate beneficiaries of Police recruitment to ensure that the interests of all parties are protected.

 

He noted that the Commission will continue to do its best to give the nation a Police Force it will be proud of.

Two Nigerians caught with $500k drugs in Lebanese hotel

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At least, two Nigerians were arrested in July in Beirut, Lebanon, for allegedly smuggling 156 cocaine capsules, weighing about three kilograms, valued at more than $500,000.

 

PUNCH Metro learnt on Thursday that the suspects allegedly ingested the narcotics before being apprehended inside a hotel in the Kesrouan district, north of Beirut.

 

According to the Lebanese news outlet, L’Orient Today, the arrests were carried out by the country’s Central Bureau for Drug Control.

 

The agency disclosed on Wednesday that it had been investigating “an international organisation recruiting people to deliver cocaine to Lebanon,” noting that the operation ran “from Nigeria to Lebanon, transiting through Ethiopia.”

The Internal Security Forces said the two Nigerians, identified only as R. A. (born 1996) and L. N. (born 1977), arrived at Beirut’s international airport at dawn on July 24, 2025.

 

“They had swallowed cocaine capsules and went directly to a hotel in Kesrouan to extract the capsules and hand them over to a local dealer,” the ISF statement read.

Investigators, who had been tracking their movements, were said to have arrested the pair “in the act.” The ISF confirmed that “156 capsules of pure cocaine” were seized, estimating their value at “more than half a million U.S. dollars.”

The agency added that the bust followed an earlier arrest on May 22, when a man attempting to smuggle narcotics into Beirut from an African country was caught at the airport with drugs hidden in his suitcases and swallowed in capsule form.

 

PUNCH Metro reports that arrests of Nigerians abroad for crimes ranging from scams and rape to drug trafficking have been on the rise.

 

Last month, the Ghana Immigration Service confirmed the arrest of about 50 Nigerians for alleged cyberfraud and human trafficking during a coordinated operation at McCarthy Hills in the Ga South Municipality of Accra.

 

The landlord of the property where the suspects were found was also apprehended.

DSS captures ex-Shekau fighter reportedly behind deadly Kwara, Niger attacks

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Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have apprehended a notorious bandit leader said to be responsible for multiple deadly attacks in Niger and Kwara states.

 

The suspect, Abubakar Abba, also known as Mamuda, was reportedly arrested in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State and moved to Abuja for further interrogation.

 

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed on Thursday that Mamuda, a feared gang leader had long terrorised communities in the Kainji axis, where he allegedly orchestrated a string of kidnappings, killings and raids.

 

Investigations revealed that Mamuda previously belonged to the Boko Haram faction led by the late Abubakar Shekau before shifting operations to the North West, and later to Niger and Kwara states, where he entrenched himself in banditry.

According to security sources, his capture followed months of sustained intelligence operations aimed at dismantling high-profile criminal networks across the region.

 

 

Caprecon Foundation Empowers Youth with Skills and Hope 

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By Halima Abdulazeez

 

Caprecon Foundation, led by Dr. Dollin Holt and his dedicated team, continues to make a remarkable impact. Their recent efforts in Warri focus on creating environments and resources that help young people grow creatively, an invaluable gift in today’s distraction-filled world.

 

The foundation’s commitment is clear: *“charity begins at home.”* Caprecon established a branch in Warri and launched a beginners’ skills acquisition program offering training in hairdressing, pedicure, manicure, and pastry making. These courses, aimed at equipping final-year students of the College of Commerce, Warri, emphasize practical trades alongside academic learning.

Dr. Holt vividly recalls how his grandparents instilled the importance of learning a trade alongside education, a lesson he now passionately shares. As the world shifts to value vocational skills, these programmes provide young people with tools for economic independence.

 

Further demonstrating their dedication, Caprecon in collaboration with the 1987 graduates of College of Commerce, Warri, donated a library to the college, enhancing learning resources for the next generation.

 

This work is driven not by ego but by a genuine desire to give back. Dr. Holt thanks the Caprecon Warri team for their hard work and encourages everyone to contribute to their communities whenever possible.

Finally, we all should care deeply about the children in our communities. When given a sense of belonging, children feel valued and grow into responsible adults. Many vices we see today stem from alienating our young people from society’s core. Caprecon Foundation is always ahead in restoring dignity to everyone through its far-reaching projects.

 

Halima Abdulazeez is a poet, advocate for free expression, Treasurer of PEN International Nigeria, Communication Strategist for the Caprecon Foundation, and a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Lagos. She lives in Lagos and can be reached at +234-8034816865 or umuhfaisal@gmail.com.

Police Recruitment: PSC Move To Stop Corruption, Meets With State Governments

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

The Police Service Commission today, Thursday August 14th 2025 met with representatives of the government of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to fine tune preparations for an improved, transparent and credible 2025 Police Recruitment. The Commission, according to the spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, will be recruiting Cadet ASPs and Constables.

 

The Stakeholders Consultative Meeting with theme “collaborative approach for a transparent and equitable Police Recruitment Process was held at the Parry Osayande Auditorium of the Commission in Abuja.

 

Addressing the Meeting, the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, informed the state representatives that the Commission will fully work with the State governments to ensure a transparent and equitable recruitment process adding that they should be prepared to protect their quota and avoid hijack of the exercise in their states.

 

DIG Argungu said the Commission has decided to eradicate connivance and resist trading/purchase of slots adding that special consideration will not be allowed to supplant merit and equity. “We want to stop corruption in the system and open up the exercise to promote healthy competition and equitable spread.

He told the Meeting that the Commission will want constructive and impactful partnership with state governments to curb corruption in the process.

 

Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary told the Meeting that the Commission was established for equity and fairness in Police Recruitment and operations and will henceforth ensure that no body is allowed to hijack the forthcoming recruitment . “We will rely on you to confirm that those to be recruited are from your states”.

 

DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, LLM, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police in the Commission said the new Management is committed to reinvent a recruitment process that will produce the best Nigerian youths for the Nigeria Police of our dream. He gave glowing tributes to Mr. President for his magnanimity in approving the recruitment exercise and noted that this rare opportunity will not be taken for granted.

 

Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission spoke on the Commission’s commitment to establish state offices to effectively carry out its constitutional mandate. He appealed to State Governments for support.

 

The Meeting agreed on need for regular stakeholders consultative meeting as the Representatives of the state governments pledged their cooperation and support.

Photos: Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. MB Marwa (Rtd) CON, OFR decorating promoted senior officers of the Agency with their new rank of Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN) during a brief ceremony at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday 13th August 2025.

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