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Tag: Agege

  • SIFAX Foundation Trains 90 Lagos Students on AI, Technology skills

    SIFAX Foundation Trains 90 Lagos Students on AI, Technology skills

    The Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation, the CSR arm of the SIFAX Group, in partnership with the World Bank, has trained over ninety students of the State Senior Secondary School, Oyewole, Agege in Orile Agege Local Government Area, Lagos State, as part of its series of ongoing Community Connections Campaign Projects in Nigeria.

    The training, aimed at empowering students with practical technology skills to help them improve their education, secure jobs, and become self-employed in the long term, covered various areas, including computer literacy, machine learning, and the use of Artificial Intelligence.

    Representatives were selected from different classes across the school, with the hope that they would be able to transfer the skills acquired to their colleagues.

    According to Mrs. Foluke Ademokun, the Executive Coordinator of the foundation, “this initiative is part of a series of efforts to address the issue of youth unemployment and skills gap in the country and it’s expected to benefit not only the students but also the community at large, as the students would be able to apply the skills acquired to improve their lives and contribute to the economic development of their communities”

    Responding on behalf of the school management, the Vice Principal of the school, Mrs Sherifat Ajala, appreciated and commended AAAF for excellent facilitation and the opportunity given to the students to interact with the best minds who facilitated at the training.

    “On behalf of the school management and all these students, I want to say a big thank you to Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation and their sponsor, the SIFAX Group for the good works that they have done in the lives of our students and for the wonderful gift. May the Lord Almighty continue to bless you”, she said.

    Goodluck Innocent and Moses Faith, two of the students who participated in the training were rewarded for good class participation and thereafter expressed gratitude on behalf of their colleagues to AAAF and SIFAX Group for providing them with the opportunity to acquire skills that would enhance their future employability.

    At the end of the training session, the school was presented with the gift of a projector, laptop and projector screen as it is always done in the previous schools where similar programmes have been organised.

    Other schools who have benefited from previous empowerments include; Community Grammar School, Zion Pepe, Ondo state; Osolu Senior Secondary School, Badagry; Pobuna Senior Grammar School, Epe and Baptist Model College, Ile-Epo. Others are Ijaiye-Ojokoro Senior High School, Ifako-Ijaiye and Unity Senior College, Alimosho, all in Lagos state, which brings the total number of empowered students to nearly 600.

  • LAWMA Intensifies Enforcement, Waste Clean-up Across Lagos

    LAWMA Intensifies Enforcement, Waste Clean-up Across Lagos

    … Agency Urges Residents to Stop Patronising Cart Pushers

    The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has intensified its enforcement and clean-up operations across the state to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and maintain environmental sustainability.

    The agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasised LAWMA’s unwavering commitment to keeping Lagos clean, noting that the monitoring and enforcement team had been mobilised to ensure compliance with waste management laws of the state.

    He said, “LAWMA remains resolute in stamping out illegal waste disposal and environmental violations. Our Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Anti-Cart Pushers Squad has been actively dislodging illegal waste operators who contribute to the degradation of our environment. We urge residents to desist from patronising them and instead work with registered PSP operators for proper waste disposal.”

    Gbadegesin said the enforcement team recently carried out major operations in areas like Ifako-Ijaiye, Dopemu, Agege, Ojodu Berger, and other parts of Lagos, apprehending cart pushers known for collecting waste and dumping it at unauthorised locations, stressing that such activities violated environmental laws and undermined the state government’s efforts at maintaining a clean and livable city.

    He warned that ignorance of the law is not an excuse and anyone caught engaging in cart pushing would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    The LAWMA boss further noted that the Authority had also commenced the evacuation of waste from illegal dumpsites along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, particularly behind Circle Mall, adding that the operation, simultaneously taking place at Mile 2 Badagry expressway, would continue in the coming weeks, in line with the agency’s ongoing efforts to clear accumulated waste, remove silt along the median and verges and prevent indiscriminate disposal along highways.

    In a separate exercise, LAWMA has intensified efforts to clean up Lagos waterways, ensuring that rivers and water bodies remain free of waste and blockages. The initiative is aimed at reducing environmental pollution and promoting cleaner water channels across the state.

    Gbadegesin urged Lagosians to support LAWMA’s initiatives in 2025, by properly disposing of their waste, reporting service gaps, and calling the agency’s helplines for backup waste collection services.

    “A cleaner Lagos is achievable when everyone plays their part. We urge residents to work with assigned PSP operators, report waste-related infractions, and adopt responsible waste disposal habits. Together, we can create a cleaner and healthier city for all,” he added.

  • Mouka Celebrates First Babies of the Year Across Nigeria, Partners Lagos State Govt

    Mouka Celebrates First Babies of the Year Across Nigeria, Partners Lagos State Govt

    Mouka, Nigeria’s leading manufacturer of mattresses and bedding products, ushered in 2025 with its cherished tradition of celebrating families with newborns born on New Year’s Day. This initiative emphasises the company’s commitment to enhancing lives and fostering quality sleep from the cradle.

    In collaboration with public healthcare facilities across 13 states, including Lagos, Oyo, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Gombe, Kano, and Plateau, Mouka celebrated the first babies of the year. The company presented gifts, such as Mouka Dreamtime Baby Mattresses designed to ensure optimal comfort and well-being for infants, as well as Pillows, Diapers, and Baby Jelly.

    In Lagos, Mouka partnered with the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, to honour the first babies born in 2025. The event featured visits to Isolo General Hospital, Isolo, Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, Agege, and Ikorodu General Hospital, where mothers of newborns received celebratory gifts. Additionally, a heartwarming party was hosted at Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital for all the first babies born in Lagos from 2020-2024.

    Baby Olaolu, a girl weighing 2.75 kg, was the first baby of the year at Ikorodu General Hospital, born at 12:34 a.m. Meanwhile, at Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, twins Osayomi made their arrival just minutes apart—a girl weighing 2.5 kg was born at 12:14 a.m., followed by her brother, weighing 2.49 kg, at 12:15 a.m. At Isolo General Hospital, Baby Lawal, a boy weighing 2.7 kg, was born at 1:32 a.m., marking another joyous start to the New Year.

    Representing the Chief Commercial Officer of Mouka, Mr Dimeji Osingunwa, Tolani Tijani, Brand Manager, reaffirmed the brand’s dedication to promoting healthy sleep habits, stating: “As advocates of quality sleep, Mouka believes in nurturing healthy sleep practices from infancy. Our Dreamtime mattress is crafted with children’s comfort in mind to foster optimal physical and cognitive development. It is water-resistant yet breathable to keep the body cool through the night. It is also made with the right foam density to keep children comfortable while sleeping.”

    Mouka extended this celebration beyond Lagos; at the University College Hospital in Ibadan Oyo State, the first baby, Asimiyu, was delivered at 12:01 am, and the 2nd baby, Olaniyi, was delivered at 2:43 am. Other Mouka representatives visited hospitals across Nigeria to present gifts and bring joy to families of New Year babies. The initiative reinforces Mouka’s reputation as a socially responsible organization with a legacy of positively impacting communities.

    Grateful parents of the newborns expressed heartfelt appreciation for Mouka’s good gestures, which highlighted the company’s dedication to adding value to Nigerian lives.

    With over 64 years of providing trusted sleep solutions, Mouka remains a household name in Nigeria. Its product offerings include the Royal Luxury Pillow Top Mattresses, Wellbeing Orthopaedic Mattresses, Mondeo Firm Spring Mattress,mattress toppers, and a wide range of pillows—each designed to ensure Nigerians sleep better and wake up refreshed.

  • Lagos state and Origin Tech Group Redefine Food Security with Africa’s Largest Food Hub

    Lagos state and Origin Tech Group Redefine Food Security with Africa’s Largest Food Hub

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to increasing food security and infrastructure development from its current 18% to over 50% during a working visit to the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Park known as LHP in Ketu, Ereyun in Epe. This transformative project, championed by Origin Tech Group, is set to become the largest food logistics hub in Africa and the second largest globally, after the iconic Rungis International Market in France.

    The groundbreaking 220-hectare facility, initiated less than two years ago, promises to revolutionise Lagos’ food ecosystem by improving accessibility, stabilising market prices, and reducing post-harvest losses. Governor Sanwo-Olu revealed that the first phase of the project is slated for completion by the second quarter of 2025, emphasising his administration’s commitment to the project in view of its critical role in safeguarding the state’s food supply and security.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed the completion dates for the project during a working visit to the food logistics hub in the Ketu-Ereyun, Epe Division of Lagos State, with members of the State Executive Council, the leadership and members of the Lagos state Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems led by its Commissioner, Abisola Olusanya, government officials, and journalists.


    During his visit, the Governor highlighted the project’s importance, stating, “This hub represents a pivotal step toward achieving food sufficiency and affordability for Lagosians. By reducing wastage and optimising supply chains, we aim to stabilise food prices and mitigate the impact of economic disruptions.”

    The Governor also announced plans to replicate middle-level market hubs across Ajah, Agege, Oregun, and Ikorodu, similar to the pioneering initiative in Idi-Oro, Mushin that was launched last year by the governor. These hubs will serve as distribution points connected to the Lagos Central Food Security and Logistics Park (LHP) in Epe food logistics park, ensuring seamless and efficient food supply throughout Lagos as well as bordering communities.


    Prince S. J. Samuel, Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s foresight, noting, “This project is a testament to visionary leadership of His Excellency, our amiable governor and his EXCO especially under the direct supervision of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems in Lagos state. Despite economic challenges, we are committed to delivering this world-class facility on schedule’’. Samuel assured that the project will be delivered before the second-year anniversary of the Governor’s second term. Upon completion, Lagosians can anticipate a 50% reduction in food prices due to integrated facilities like cold and dry storage, Africa’s largest abattoir, and a jetty for streamlined goods transportation.

    The facility will feature: A 14,000-capacity abattoir on 1,000 hectares of land, size of 11 football fields of dry storage for agricultural produce, A 250mm dual carriageway concrete road network for efficient logistics and a jetty to facilitate waterway transportation across Lagos.

    This audacious project is poised to strengthen Lagos’ agricultural value chain, create thousands of jobs, and position the state as a leader in sustainable food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Governor Sanwo-Olu remarked, “We are writing our destiny with this initiative. This hub will transform Lagos’ food systems, stabilize prices, and provide Lagosians with the food sufficiency and adequacy they deserve.”


    As the largest food logistics hub in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Park will serve as a benchmark for innovation in food security and infrastructure. The partnership between Lagos State and Origin Tech Group exemplifies a commitment to sustainable development and economic growth.

    With its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic vision, the hub is set to solidify Lagos’ position as an economic powerhouse while addressing the critical challenges of food security in the region.

  • Pepsodent Targets 2.1 million Pupils in Nationwide Oral Health Campaign

    Pepsodent Targets 2.1 million Pupils in Nationwide Oral Health Campaign

    …expands Oral Health Awareness Across Four States

    Pepsodent, a leading global toothpaste brand, has launched a nationwide oral health campaign aimed at reaching 2.1million primary school pupils across four states in Nigeria.  This initiative is part of Pepsodent’s ongoing mission to promote oral hygiene, will cover 3,818 schools across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Kano state.

    The school activation campaign commenced on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, simultaneously at 20 primary schools in Lagos. In Lagos, the campaign will cover Local Government Areas (LGAs) including Alimosho, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Oshodi-Isolo, Ikeja, Kosofe, Agege, Mushin, Surulere, Shomolu, Ifako Ijaiye, and Lagos Mainland. In Oyo, the LGAs involved are Afijio, Atiba, Iseyin, Lagelu, Oluyole, Egbeda, Akinyele, Ido, Ogbomoso, and Oyo East and West. In Ogun State, the LGAs include Odo Ota, Owode, and Abeokuta North and South, while Kano’s LGAs include Ungongo, Kumbotso, Nassarawa, Gezawa, and Gwale.

    Participating schools in Lagos include De-Bright Nursery and Primary School, Dele Ajomale Primary School, Isolo, Ire-Akari Primary School, Isolo, Kusoru Primary School, Isolo, Olokun Primary School, Isolo, Ayo Adegboyega Primary School, Ejigbo, Ejigbo Model Primary School, Ejigbo, Ifoshi Primary School, Ejigbo, Imakiyo Primary School, EjIgbo among others.

    Speaking about the initiative, Oiza Gyang, Marketing Head of Unilever Oral Care Nigeria, highlighted the importance of early intervention in building lifelong oral hygiene habits.”Habits are formed from a young age, which is why we are focusing on primary school children to help them develop the important practice of brushing day and and night with a fluoride toothpaste like Pepsodent. This early intervention can lead to lifelong, life changing habits,” said Gyang.

    Gyang further noted that simple acts, such as brushing twice daily and using fluoride based toothpaste, can help prevent the incidenct of tooth decay and improve overall oral health. “Brushing correctly and using a fluoride toothpaste is key to reducing the risk of oral diseases. By improving oral health, we not only boost individuals’ overall well-being but also contribute to reducing absenteeism in schools and workplaces due to oral health issues.”

    She emphasized the role of children as powerful change agents, stating, “Children can influence the adults around them, encouraging parents and guardians to adopt the habit of brushing twice daily. By teaching these young change-makers, we are fostering a ripple effect that will positively impact entire families and communities.”

    Gyang underscored that this campaign is part of Unilever’s broader social mission, which is deeply rooted in its purpose-driven brands. “At Unilever, our goal is to make sustainable living commonplace, and our brands play a critical role in driving this mission. Through Pepsodent, we are committed to improving global oral health and ensuring access to vital oral hygiene education.

    She added, “This is the start of our campaign for the 2024/2025 academic session. As we move into the next year, we plan to expand the campaign to other states. All of this is part of Pepsodent’s social mission, through which we aim to positively impact 10 million Nigerian children by 2025. So far, we have reached 7 million children and are on track to delivering this commitment.” In 2025, we will take the campaign to more states, continuing our mission to ensure that oral hygiene education reaches every child.”

    Mary Gbemisola Akindola, Brand Manager for Pepsodent, reiterated the significance of the initiative in raising awareness about oral health and noted the additional efforts Pepsodent is making beyond schools. “In addition to our school’s  programme, we are also working with our partners, the Nigerian Dental Association, to take our oral health campaigns into various communities across the country, with a special focus on rural areas where access to dentists is limited,” Akindola explained. “This effort is in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Health, various state ministries of health, and both federal and state education boards, to ensure that we reach the broadest number of people and make a lasting impact on oral hygiene awareness nationwide.”

    In response to the activation, Mrs Bosede Oduntan, Headteacher of Ejigbo Model Primary School, expressed excitement over the initiative, noting that this would significantly empower pupils and boost their kids’ confidence. She thanked Unilever and Pepsodent for their dedication to improving oral health across Nigeria and affirmed the school’s commitment to encouraging regular oral hygiene practices among its students.

    As Pepsodent continues to expand its reach, the brand remains committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of children across Nigeria and beyond.

  • NDLEA arrests Lagos airport cleaner who leads drug syndicate

    NDLEA arrests Lagos airport cleaner who leads drug syndicate

    …seizes tons of narcotics in Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, Edo, Delta, others

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a cleaner at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos, Ohiagu Sunday, who leads a drug syndicate at the international wing of the airport.


    He was nabbed on Tuesday 23rd August following the arrest of an intending passenger on Airpeace flight to Dubai, UAE, Obinna Jacob Osita who was arrested with three bags, two of which contained eight blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 4.25kg concealed in cassava product, gari and crayfish.

    One other member of the airport syndicate who works with Ohiagu has also been arrested while operatives are after another suspect.


    Investigations revealed that a Dubai-based drug dealer recruited Obinna, a 42-year-old native of Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State to traffic the drugs and equally contracted Ohiagu, a 34-year-old airport cleaner from Orlu West Local Government Area of Imo State to create access for the unhindered passage of the trafficker.


    The drug syndicate bust, which is the first drug arrest at the new terminal of the MMIA comes on the heels of the seizure of a consignment of bottles of viju and fearless energy drinks used to conceal skunk for export to Dubai, UAE through the NAHCO export shed on Monday 15th Aug. A freight agent has already been arrested in connection with the seizure.


    In the same vein, attempt by a syndicate to export illicit drugs through the Lagos airport on Wednesday 24th Aug was foiled during an outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airline to Oman via Addis Ababa.


    A suspect Jonah Chukwuemeka was arrested with a total of 1,995 Tramadol tablets with a gross weight of 900 grams hidden in locust beans in his luggage. The bag containing the illicit substance was handed over to him at the airport by one Olagunju Abbas who was promptly arrested.


    Packs of Tramadol 225mg containing 119,500 capsules were Thursday 25th Aug transferred to NDLEA by the Nigeria Customs, cargo wing of MMIA. The consignment had come in through Ethiopian Airline from Pakistan.


    Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives on Saturday raided a car shop, Bolak Motors at Ewela bus stop, Oshodi where bags of 615.2kg cannabis were recovered along with nine vehicles. Efforts are ongoing to track the car dealer, Alhaji Ismail who is currently at large.


    No fewer than eight suspects were arrested and bags of illicit drugs seized from them when Akerele area of Agege, Shogunle and Mafoluku areas of Oshodi, Fagba area of Ogba, Ipodo area of Ikeja and Iyana Ipaja park were raided in the state.


    In Yobe state, two suspected fake security agents taking 14kg cannabis to Maiduguri, Borno state were intercepted along Potiskum- Damaturu road. While Adetula Olarenwaju was arrested with four blocks of the substance on Thursday 25th Aug on his way from Lagos, Sadiq Garba returning from Gombe was nabbed with 22 blocks of the substance on Saturday 27th Aug.


    In Edo, Abu Segun Sunday was arrested with 48.4kg cannabis at Idk quarter, Ibilo, while Rosemary Afekhuai was caught with 1,130 tramadol caps, among others at Oluma quarters, Otuo, Owan East LGA.


    In Delta, Mustapha Isah, was arrested at Oko Market with 9, 800 Tramadol caps weighing 6.4kg while NDLEA operatives in Kaduna also nabbed Chinedu Onnuka, at Narayi Kaduna with 33,000 tablets of Bromazepam.


    No fewer than 80 blocks of cannabis sativa were recovered from an abandoned tricycle with reg. no: BAU 70 WL while 25,000 tablets of exol-5 were seized from a dealer, Usman Muhammed who was nabbed along Bauchi-Gombe road.


    A raid operation at a market in Mubi, Adamawa state on Wednesday 24th Aug led to the seizure of 62,360 tablets of tramadol, diazepam and exol-5 while two suspects, Sirajo Idris and Anas Abubakar were arrested same day with 107 pallets of cannabis at Kamba, a border town in Kebbi State. The skunk weighing 90kg was smuggled in from Benin Republic.


    In Kano, a drug dealer Lawal Adamu, 31, was arrested along Zaria-Kano road, Kwanar Dangora, with 203 blocks of cannabis weighing 136kg, while another suspect, Taheer Abdullahi was nabbed on Friday 26th Aug. at Gadar Tamburawa, with 3000 ampules of tramadol injection.


    A raid operation at Kara Masaka, back of Mararaba market and Zamani estate on Saturday 27th Aug. led to the arrest of 26 suspects, while 25.7kg cannabis, 4.5kg codeine and 300 tablets of rohypnol tablets were seized from the drug joints raided. In Sokoto state, the village head of Ruga, Shagari LGA, Alhaji Umaru Mohammed (aka Danbala), a notorious drug dealer who was arrested on Monday 22nd Aug. will be facing charges any moment from now.

    Before his recent arrest during which 436.381kg cannabis and 1kg diazepam were recovered from his house, an earlier raid on his home on July 20th 2022 had also led to the seizure of 11.5kg cannabis, 2.259kg exol5 and 500grams of diazepam.


    Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, Bauchi, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Edo, Delta and Lagos Commands for the arrests and seizures. He charged them and their compatriots across the country not to rest on their oars.