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Protest in Ikeja, Lagos as Nigeria Union of Teachers demonstrates over the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Lagos to Commission First Phase of Epe Food Logistics Hub Before End of 2026

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to commission the first phase of its flagship food logistics hub in Epe before the end of 2026 as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen food security and modernise the agricultural value chain across the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, disclosed this on Friday during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja.

Olusanya said the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu was moving beyond isolated agricultural interventions to a more coordinated food systems economy aimed at increasing local food production, improving storage and logistics infrastructure, and stabilising food prices across Lagos.

According to the commissioner, over 25,300 farmers, fisherfolk, food processors, livestock operators, market participants, women and youths were trained within the review period, in addition to more than 100,000 beneficiaries previously trained by the ministry.

She noted that the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme trained over 1,500 youths in poultry, aquaculture, crop production and agribusiness management. Beneficiaries of the programme were also provided with mentorship and productive assets to support the establishment of commercial farming businesses.

Olusanya further revealed that 442 secondary schools applied for the Lagos Agric Scholars Programme, with 50 schools selected for practical vegetable farming support, while 12 top-performing schools would receive greenhouse facilities and agricultural inputs to encourage youth participation in agriculture.

Speaking on livestock development, the commissioner said the Lagos State Butchers Academy had trained 20 youths and supported them with containerised meat shops aimed at improving hygiene standards and modernising the meat value chain in the state.

She added that Governor Sanwo-Olu had approved the training of another 40 youths as well as the provision of 10 additional meat shops to expand the initiative.

Lagos Reporters gathered that the food logistics hub project is expected to improve food distribution, reduce post-harvest losses and enhance access to affordable food supplies across the state.

Lagos Rejects JAMB’s 150 Cut-Off Mark, Insists on 185 Minimum for State Universities

–Lagosreporters

The Lagos State Government has rejected the 150 minimum cut-off mark approved by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for university admissions, declaring that candidates seeking admission into its state-owned universities must score at least 185 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, made the position known on Wednesday during a ministerial press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa as part of activities marking the third year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

According to Sule, the cut-off mark approved by JAMB was too low for Lagos State universities and did not reflect the educational standards expected in the state.

Lagos State Government is determined to maintain what it described as quality admission standards across its tertiary institutions despite the national benchmark announced by JAMB.

“To us in Lagos State, the cut-off marks approved by JAMB look too low for our universities. None of our three universities is admitting any student who scored below 185 in the UTME,” the commissioner stated.

He explained that although JAMB’s decision was intended to accommodate candidates across the country’s six geo-political zones, Lagos could not lower its standards to align with states facing educational challenges.

“For JAMB to announce 150 as the cut-off mark out of the 400 obtainable marks in the UTME for this year’s admission seekers is very low,” Sule said.

He further stressed that Lagos should not be classified among educationally disadvantaged states, adding that the state would continue to maintain higher academic standards in its admission process.

“Lagos cannot be considered educationally disadvantaged to the extent of bringing its cut-off mark down to meet what Sokoto or Zamfara State requires,” he added.

The development signals that admission seekers into Lagos-owned tertiary institutions may face stricter entry requirements despite JAMB’s national benchmark for the 2026 admission exercise.

LAGOS BLUE LINE MOVES 3.5 MILLION PASSENGERS IN ONE YEAR, DAILY RIDERSHIP RISES TO 15,000 AS PHASE II ADVANCES

The Lagos State Government has disclosed that the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line transported about 3.5 million passengers in 2025, while current daily ridership on the rail corridor has risen to 15,000 passengers.

The Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, made this known during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing commemorating the third year of the second term of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
According to the report presented by the Ministry of Transportation, daily trips on the Blue Line increased from 57 trips to 72 trips and currently stands at 90 daily trips in 2025, showing growing public acceptance of the rail system.

The Commissioner stated that the State Government has continued to strengthen operations on the Blue Line through the addition of new coaches and ongoing infrastructure expansion.

According to the report, construction activities on Blue Line Phase II are ongoing with continued track construction, station development, installation of power systems and supporting rail infrastructure.

The Ministry explained that major infrastructure works have already been completed on key components of the project, including the Mazamaza and LASU bridges, while stations at Festac, LASU and Volkswagen are also progressing.

Speaking further, Osiyemi said the State Government is equally expanding operations on the Red Line Rail project to improve connectivity and reduce travel time across Lagos.

The report stated that the first phase of the 37km LRMT Red Line rail corridor is running from Agbado to Oyingbo sharing tracks with the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
It added that the State Government recently received a new set of 24-car trains to strengthen operations on the Red Line, improve passenger capacity and reduce waiting time for commuters.

The Ministry also disclosed that feasibility studies are ongoing for Phase II of the Red Line project from Oyingbo to the National Theatre to enable connection with the Blue Line.
On the Green Line Rail project, the report revealed that the proposed 68-kilometre rail corridor will connect Marina to Lekki Free Trade Zone through Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah and Sangotedo with about 17 stations.
The report further stated that the Green Line is designed to transport 35,000 passengers per hour, while a Memorandum of Understanding has already been signed with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the project.

According to the Ministry, funding approval for Phase I of the Green Line project has also been granted by the Federal Executive Council.
Osiyemi said the ongoing rail projects are part of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to building an integrated, reliable and sustainable multimodal transportation system for Lagos residents in line with the THEMES+ Agenda.

E-Signed;
Bolanle Ogunlola (Mrs)
Director Public Affairs.
12th May, 2026

Lagos set to launch own driver’s license
As FG approves funding for green line projectLagos, China sign MoU on project implementation

The Lagos State Government has concluded plans to launch a state-owned driver’s license in collaboration with the Federal Government (FG) as part of efforts to ensure sanity and safety on roads across the metropolis.

Similarly, the Federal Executive Council has approved the funding for phase one of the Green Line rail project, which is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2026 as part of the ongoing projects in the State.

Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this on Monday, at the 2025 annual ministerial briefing, commemorating the seventh year in the second term in office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dr. Obafemi, held at Alausa, Ikeja.

On the Lagos State-owned license, Osiyemi said it would be launched in a few weeks.

The project, which would be implemented in collaboration with the FG, he said, is optional for motorists to obtain the Federal license or the new state driver’s license aimed at enhancing safety, sanity, among others, on the roads.

Osiyemi added that it would ensure prompt issuance, as opposed to the usual delays being experienced with the existing process.

On the Lagos Rail Mass Transit, LRMT, the Lagos Green Line project is a 68 kilometres, Km, rail connecting Marina to Lekki Free Trade Zone through Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah, Sangotedo, and ending at Free Trade Zone, stretching with about 17 stations.

A Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, Osiyemi said, has been signed with China Harbour Engineering Company, CHEC, for ex*****on.

“The Green Line, designed to transport 35,000 passengers per hour, the funding for phase 1 of the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council as announced by Mr. Governor,” the commissioner stated.

The Green Line forms part of the State’s broader rail expansion plan aimed at enhancing the quality of daily movement of residents in the Lagos metropolis.

On the LRMT red line project, a 37 km rail route from Marina via Oyingbo to Agbado along the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, he said phase one, currently in operation, has been expanded with the procurement of 24 new coaches configured as three sets of eight-coach trains moving over 500 passengers each.

Osiyemi added that phase two of the project (Oyingbo to National Theatre) to connect with the Blue Line, the feasibility study is equally ongoing.

LASU RETAINS POSITION AS NIGERIA’S UNIVERSITY OF FIRST CHOICE; EMERGES NATION’S MOST SUBSCRIBED UNIVERSITY IN 2026 JAMB ADMISSION EXERCISE WITH OVER 84,000 APPLICANTS

Lagos State University (LASU) has once again reaffirmed its status as Nigeria’s University of First Choice, emerging for the second consecutive year as the most subscribed university in the country for the 2026 admission year, according to the latest Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) Application Statistics by Institution released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The university recorded an impressive 84,326 first-choice applications, maintaining its position at the summit of the national admission table ahead of two leading federal universities - the University of Lagos, which recorded 78,240 applications, and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, with 60,370 applications, ranking second and third respectively.

The remarkable feat was formally announced on Monday, 11th May 2026, during the ongoing 2026 JAMB Policy Meeting on Admissions held in Abuja.

LASU’s continued dominance in national subscription statistics reflects the growing confidence of Nigerian students, and parents in the university’s academic excellence, stability, innovation, and student-focused administration. Over the years, the institution has steadily transformed into one of the most sought-after universities in the country through strategic investments in teaching, research, infrastructure, digital innovation, and global competitiveness.

The university’s upward trajectory has been particularly noteworthy. From ranking outside the top ten most subscribed universities in Nigeria before 2023, LASU rose to third position in 2023 with over 55,000 applicants, climbed to second position in 2024 with 62,601 applicants, and emerged number one in 2025 with over 70,000 applications. The 2026 record of 84,326 applications further consolidates the institution’s place as one of the fastest-rising universities in Africa.

Speaking on the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, expressed profound appreciation to the Lagos State Government for providing the leadership to keep the university in pride of place. She also praised all stakeholders, particularly staff and students working with her administration to consistently strengthen the university’s reputation nationally and internationally.

She noted that the achievement is a strong validation of the administration’s vision to position LASU as a globally competitive institution driven by excellence, innovation, integrity, and impactful scholarship while reaffirming the university’s commitment to sustaining the highest standards in teaching, research, community service, and human capital development.

Distinguished Professor Olatunji-Bello further assured prospective students that Lagos State University would continue to provide a conducive academic environment, industry-relevant programmes, and a transformative educational experience capable of preparing graduates for leadership and success in a rapidly evolving global society.

BREAKING: Lagos Moves to Ban Illegal Roadblock Tax Collection, Offenders Risk ₦2m Fine, 3-Year Jail Term

The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to streamline taxation and eliminate illegal levies through a new bill designed to harmonise taxes, enforce electronic payments, and impose stricter penalties on unauthorized collections.

The proposal was disclosed during a public hearing at the Lagos State House of Assembly on a bill titled: “A Law to Enact the Lagos State Harmonised Taxes and Levies, to Provide for the Collection of Taxes by the State and Its Local Government Councils, and for Related Matters.”

Speaker of the House, Chief Mudashiru Obasa represented by Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, described the hearing as a platform for inclusive stakeholder engagement, stressing that effective lawmaking must reflect public input.

He noted that the bill is aimed at eliminating duplication in tax collection, improving coordination across agencies, and strengthening public service delivery.

A key feature of the proposed law is the mandatory adoption of electronic payment systems, which lawmakers say will reduce cash-based transactions, curb leakages, and enhance transparency in revenue collection.
Presenting the bill, Majority Leader Noheem Adams said the current system has been plagued by multiple illegal charges affecting residents and businesses.

He added that the legislation also aligns with recent amendments to Nigeria’s tax framework.

The draft bill further prohibits the use of roadblocks for tax and levy collection and introduces strong taxpayer protection provisions.

It also prescribes stiff penalties for offenders, including a fine of ₦2 million or up to three years imprisonment for unauthorized tax collection.

Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Femi Saheed, said the reform would improve governance efficiency and ease the burden of multiple taxation on businesses operating in the state.

Stakeholders present at the hearing included the Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi; Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, Opeyemi Ogungbo; Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, Ayo Subair; and representatives from professional bodies including the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

SANWO-OLU URGES BADAGRY TO PRESERVE LEGACY OF AKRAN, DE WHENO AHOLU MENU TOYI



The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged the people of Badagry to preserve the legacy of the Akran of Badagry, His Imperial Majesty, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I.

He said the "Akran of Badagry was a constant, an unshakeable figure of unity, whose palace was always open to his people and whose voice was always measured, always just."

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke on Saturday during the funeral outing thanksgiving service held in honour of the Akran of Badagry, His Imperial Majesty, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, at Freeman Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Badagry.

The service was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; members of the State Executive Council; serving and former public office holders; politicians; religious and traditional leaders; deceased family members, security personnels and Badagry sons and daughters.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, after the service, also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I Cultural Park in Badagry.

The Governor said the revered traditional ruler left this world with a name that will endure, a name synonymous with peace, with dignity, and with the timeless heritage of the Badagry Kingdom.

He said: "To the good people of Badagry, I say this: your Kabiyesi lived a life worthy of celebration. He was a teacher, a journalist, a king, a statesman, a father, and a guardian of one of the most storied kingdoms in Nigeria's history. He gave you forty-eight years of peace. He gave the world a record of your heritage. He gave God a life of service.

"Do not let grief consume what he built. The best tribute you can offer the Akran of Badagry is to continue the work, to preserve the monuments, uphold the traditions, welcome the world to witness Badagry's history, and raise your children to know the covenant of this ancient land.

"Throughout my time as Governor of Lagos State, I was privileged to witness firsthand the steady, principled presence of the Akran in our Council of Obas and Chiefs. He was not a man who spoke often, but when he spoke, the room listened. His was the wisdom of long years and long service, patient, generous, and incorruptible.

"To the Royal Family of the Badagry Kingdom, to the sons and daughters, the chiefs, the palace council, and the extended royal household, I bring the condolences of the Lagos State Government and of the entire people of Lagos. We grieve with you. We know that no words can fill the space left by the departure of a father, a patriarch, and a king. But we also know that the surest way to honour a great man is to carry his values forward."

Speaking about the virtues of the departed monarch, Governor Sanwo-Olu said De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I was a truly remarkable man, a man whose life was not merely lived but consecrated to the service of his people, his kingdom, and his God.

He said the monarch championed the preservation of Badagry's historical sites, promoted its cultural festivals nationally and internationally, and ensured that the town's heritage was not swallowed by the march of time and modernity.

"We celebrate a life that spanned nearly nine decades of extraordinary witness. We celebrate a reign of forty-eight years, the longest of any traditional ruler in Lagos State's modern history. And above all, we celebrate a man whose love for his people was the compass by which he charted every decision.

"The people of Badagry often said of him, 'We have not lost a king; we have lost a father.' That is the highest compliment that can be paid to any leader, that his people feel not the distance of a crown but the warmth of a parent's care."

In his sermon, the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, said the De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I was hospitable and loved his people with passion.

He said the life of the departed monarch taught everyone that life is mortal, adding that the traditional ruler served God till his death.

Bishop Makinde praised the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration's giant strides in Lagos, particularly the Blue and Red line rail and the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

He also implored President Bola Tinubu to ignore the critics of the approved Badagry-Sokoto Expressway. He said the project is laudable and it should be encouraged to see the light of the day.

Speaking on "How are you preparing for your eternity?" Bishop Makinde implored people to live a fulfilled life, noting that this life is a journey, and people's perception will form their legacy.

Court Orders Lagos Businesswoman to Return Property to Ex-Husband

A Lagos-based businesswoman and former NTA staff, Ms. Olufunke Otti, has been ordered by the Lagos High Court to return a property she unlawfully acquired from her ex-husband, Chief Isaac Morakinyo Jolapamo.

Delivering judgment in suit No. LD/3034LM/2022 on March 26, 2026, Justice Olufolake Olufolashade Adewunmi-Oshin declared that the property located at 23A & B Olusegun Aina Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, rightfully belongs to Chief Jolapamo and not Ms. Otti. The court consequently ordered her to relinquish the property to him.

In addition, the court directed Ms. Otti to refund N410,347,000.00 to Chief Jolapamo, representing the outstanding balance from the proceeds of the sale of two vessels. She was also ordered to remit N63,000,000.00, being rental income collected from tenants between 2018 and 2021. Furthermore, the court awarded N5 million in general damages against her.

Ms. Otti and Chief Jolapamo were formerly married. Their relationship began at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), where Chief Jolapamo had gone in search of spiritual and personal support during a difficult period. Ms. Otti, a senior member of the church, was assigned to assist him, and their relationship eventually developed into a romantic one.

The couple formalized their union on February 23, 2017, at the Federal Marriage Registry in Ikoyi, Lagos. During the marriage, Chief Jolapamo entrusted his wife with significant business responsibilities, including the sale of two vessels—M.T. MOR Prosperity and M.T. Power—with instructions to use the proceeds to acquire a matrimonial home in Parkview Estate.

Ms. Otti sold the vessels for N810,347,000.00 and purchased the property as directed. However, she registered the property solely in her name without her husband’s knowledge. The situation came to light during a trip abroad when she sent him back to Nigeria and later informed him via WhatsApp that she was no longer interested in the marriage, instructing him to vacate the house.

This revelation marked the beginning of a prolonged legal dispute between the couple, who had ceased living together as husband and wife since March 2019. Their marriage was officially dissolved in April 2025.
With the court’s judgment delivered on March 26, 2026, Chief Jolapamo has now successfully reclaimed his property and financial entitlements.