Agege LG Disburses ₦140 Million to 1,400 Residents in Business Empowerment Drive

Yomi Durojaye 

Agege Local Government has disbursed ₦140 million to 1,400 residents under its Business Empowerment Initiative, providing ₦100,000 each to beneficiaries across the council's seven political wards.

The programme, led by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Abdul-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa  is aimed at supporting small businesses, promoting entrepreneurship, and easing the impact of current economic challenges on residents.

Speaking at the presentation held at the Agege Local Government Secretariat on Friday, Obasa urged beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely to expand their businesses and create sustainable sources of income. He also assured residents that the initiative would continue, with more beneficiaries to be included in future phases.

Political leaders and community stakeholders commended the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward grassroots economic development. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support, pledging to use the funds to strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

The council said the initiative reflects its commitment to inclusive development, economic empowerment, and improving the welfare of Agege residents.

TGPS Lagos EDD1, Dr. Oyetola Hosts Lagos Model College, Winner of World Robot Olympiad Ahead of European Championship

Yomi Durojaye

The winners of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) State and National Finals from Lagos State Model Senior College, Meiran, were today, Thursday, 24th July 2026, presented to the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District I, Dr. (Mrs.) Idowu Olufunke Oyetola.

The presentation followed the team’s qualification to represent Lagos State and Nigeria at the forthcoming World Robot Olympiad European Championship in Croatia.

Dr. Oyetola, while congratulating the students on their outstanding achievement, charged them to remain focused, disciplined, and hardworking as they prepare to compete on the global stage. She noted that their success is a testament to the quality of STEM education and talent development in Education District I.

The TG/PS also commended the team’s coach, Mr. Moses Adewale, and the Principal of Lagos State Model Senior College, Meiran, for their commitment to nurturing excellence. She encouraged them to continue grooming the students to showcase their talents and make both Lagos State and Nigeria proud at the international competition.

The World Robot Olympiad provides a platform for students to develop problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork skills through robotics and technology.

Education District I celebrates this milestone and wishes the team resounding success as they fly the nation’s flag in Croatia. 🇳🇬🤖👏

Go make us proud! 🤖🇳🇬  

#ED1STEM #WRO2026 #LagosToTheWorld #Robotics

JUST IN: LAGOS TASKFORCE APPREHENDS 46 CRIMINAL SUSPECTS

  

Yomi Durojaye 

…Recovers Dane Gun, Cutlass, Narcotic Drugs, Others

The Lagos State Task Force has arrested 46 criminal suspects in furtherance of the ongoing clean-up enforcement exercise embarked on by the agency aimed at ridding the State of street urchins, miscreants, drug addicts, peddlers, illegal commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Okada riders, street traders, illegal ticketers, and other criminal elements.

Spokesman of the Agency,  Gbadeyan Abdulraheem in a statement said the operation commenced at 0900hrs today.

Areas Visited, according to the agency, include Muri-Okunola Park, V.I; Obalende Underbridge; Law School Junction; Maroko; Sandfill by Mobil Bus-stop; and Marwa Bus-stop along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

A total of 46 suspects were arrested, while items recovered include dane gun, narcotic drugs including Indian Hemp, Colorado, and Cannabis, 1 UTC cutlass, and a metal object fabricated in the form of a pistol but incapable of firing live ammunition.

Normalcy has been restored in all the areas visited.

The agency said all arrested suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017 and the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

Speaking today at the Agency’s Headquarters, the Task Force Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele said that the agency will not give any breathing space to criminal elements in the State, while the unit  remains committed to sustaining the enforcement operations across the State.

Lagos Grassroots Alliance Unveils Rebranded Identity, Draws Over 4,000 Ahead of 2027

 Yomi Durojaye 

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‎The Lagos Grassroots Alliance (LGA), an established grassroots structure with over a decade of active engagement and mobilisation in support of the progressive cause in Lagos State, has unveiled its renewed identity at a well-attended event that attracted over 4,000 participants from across the state.

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‎The event, themed “2027 Election: Waking the Giant Vote in Lagos ,” brought together grassroots leaders, community stakeholders, supporters from across Lagos and APC Leaders across board, marking a rebranding of the Alliance's identity and a renewed commitment to inclusion, community participation and collaboration for a more prosperous Lagos.

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‎The gathering was widely seen as a reflection of the mobilisation capacity of the Convener, Owolabi J. Falana, who has over the years been recognised for his ability to mobilise young people and grassroots stakeholders. However, the turnout and organisational strength displayed at the unveiling exceeded the expectations of many leaders who had long known his capacity, further reinforcing his reputation as a consistent champion of grassroots mobilisation.

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‎The Alliance received commendation from the APC Governorship Candidate for Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende (RAK). Also present were the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Director of the forthcoming Lagos State Gubernatorial Election Campaign to mention a few, alongside other political leaders and stakeholders. The commendation and the strength displayed by the Alliance have further strengthened confidence in its capacity to contribute positively to the party's performance at the 2027 poll, with an ambition to help achieve over 2 million votes for the APC in Lagos State.

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‎With its renewed identity and established network across Lagos, the Lagos Grassroots Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to the philosophy of “One Lagos, Many Voices,” while promoting unity, inclusion and grassroots participation. The successful unveiling has further demonstrated the depth of the structure led by Falana and provided renewed assurance of a coordinated grassroots network capable of contributing significantly to the political and developmental future of Lagos State.

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Meet Saheed Azeez, the young man who built AI that Speaks Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa

 

Eniola Ajose

Saheed Azeez is the creator of YarnGPT, a text-to-speech artificial intelligence model that is capable of translating English and other foreign languages into Nigerian accents and at least four indigenous languages, including Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba.

Azeez first drew attention in 2023 as the first runner-up at the Bluechip Data and AI Hackathon. In 2025, he finished building a text-to-speech model trained on an instinct for local authenticity. That model became YarnGPT.

Instead of relying on the clipped, generic-sounding adapters most TTS systems use, YarnGPT used pure language modelling to generate speech in a set of distinctly Nigerian voices and could dub an English-language video into Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa within minutes. It could also turn a written news article into something closer to a podcast.

In June 2026, at the third edition of its own Data and AI Summit at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos, Bluechip Technologies, the pan-African IT firm co-founded by Olumide Soyombo and Kazeem Tewogbade, announced on stage that it had acquired YarnGPT outright.

Tewogbade later explained the logic plainly: Bluechip had been quietly trying to build its own internal tool for converting text into local dialects, and decided there was no point starting from zero when a working engine already existed.

Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, but for an ecosystem more used to watching its brightest builders get scooped up by foreign accelerators, a homegrown hackathon project getting bought by a homegrown company was, by most accounts at the summit, exactly the kind of proof of concept Nigeria’s AI scene needed.

Source: Nairametrics

ℹ️Oyo News

Gbenga Abiola Appeals for Unity After APC Agege Primary Tension

Gbenga Abiola urges APC supporters in Agege to maintain unity and avoid insults after the House of Assembly primary election.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Agege Constituency I, Mr Gbenga Abiola, has called on his supporters to avoid insults, mockery and attacks against fellow aspirants and their followers following the conclusion of the party’s House of Assembly primary election in Lagos State.

Abiola, a former Vice-Chairman of Agege Local Government, emerged as the party’s candidate after the May 20 primary election, ending weeks of internal disputes within the constituency.

His emergence followed earlier controversies in which rival aspirant Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi was initially declared winner by some party interests before the final resolution by the APC State Chapter leadership.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Abiola said the primary election had concluded and urged party members to focus on unity ahead of the general election.

He stressed that politics should not become a source of hatred or division among individuals working toward a common political objective.

“We must remember that we are all members of the same APC family. There is no need for insults, mockery or unnecessary provocation,” he said.

Abiola appealed to supporters across Agege to exercise restraint on social media and in public discussions, warning against inflammatory remarks that could deepen divisions within the party.

He said true leadership is demonstrated through discipline, maturity and respect for opposing views, even in competitive political environments.

The APC candidate noted that all aspirants who participated in the primary contributed meaningfully to the growth of the party and deserved respect.

He called on stakeholders, party leaders and supporters to rally behind the APC’s broader electoral goals ahead of the next general election.

According to him, unity and cooperation remain essential for future electoral success and effective governance delivery.

Abiola emphasised that the contest period was over and that attention must now shift toward collective progress.

“The time for contest is over and the time for collaboration has begun. Let us work together for the progress of Agege, our party and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

He added that only a united front would guarantee stronger electoral performance and sustained political progress for the party in Agege and beyond.

Alternative Animal Feed Key to Food Security, Healthier Poultry Products — FUNAAB's DVC, Academic

 

 … As the University Holds 114th Inaugural Lecture

 By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Joy Adeyiga

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Olusegun Mark Obafemi Idowu, has called for increased investment in alternative animal feed resources as a sustainable solution to Nigeria's food security challenges, rising livestock production costs, and the demand for healthier animal products.

Speaking while delivering the 114th Inaugural Lecture of the University today, July 8, 2026, Prof. Idowu said his decades of research had demonstrated that locally available, non-conventional feed resources could significantly reduce the cost of livestock production while improving animal performance and the nutritional quality of poultry products.

Titled, "Feed to Food: Biological Machines in the Hands of a Monogastric Nutritionist," the Professor of Monogastric Animal Nutrition explained that his research had successfully established the nutritional and economic value of alternative feed ingredients such as Cassava Root Sievate, Shrimp Waste nd Unpeeled Cassava Root Meal.

According to him, the feed materials not only improve feed conversion efficiency but also reduce dependence on conventional feed ingredients that compete directly with human food consumption. Prof. Idowu disclosed that one of the landmark outcomes of his research was the ability to reduce cholesterol levels in poultry products through dietary manipulation.

He explained that incorporating alternative feed resources into poultry diets significantly lowered cholesterol concentrations in eggs, blood plasma and liver tissues, while dietary copper supplementation enhanced cholesterol excretion. He added that the combined use of copper and ascorbic acid effectively reduced cholesterol without causing excessive copper residue in chicken muscles.

Prof. Idowu, a member of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), described animal nutrition as a critical link between feed production and food security, stressing that sustainable feeding strategies enhance livestock productivity, improve animal welfare, promote environmental sustainability and deliver healthier food to consumers.

The Animal Nutrition expert urged governments, researchers, and private-sector stakeholders to invest in the production and processing of alternative feed resources, intensify research into non-conventional feed ingredients and agro-industrial by-products, strengthen collaboration among researchers, farmers, feed manufacturers, and policymakers, and prioritise continuous professional development for animal nutritionists.

According to him, adopting innovative feeding strategies would improve the efficiency and competitiveness of Nigeria's livestock industry while making nutritious animal protein more accessible to the growing population.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, described the University's 114th Inaugural Lecture as another milestone in its commitment to advancing scholarship, innovation and research-driven solutions to national development challenges. He noted that the lecture was the fourth Inaugural Lecture from the Department of Animal Nutrition and the 14th from COLANIM.

Presenting the profile of the Inaugural Lecturer, Prof. Kehinde described him as a distinguished scholar who obtained all his Academic Degrees from FUNAAB, earning a Bachelor of Agriculture Degree in Animal Nutrition in 1994, a Master's Degree in Monogastric Animal Nutrition in 1999 and a Ph.D. in the same discipline in 2004.

The Vice-Chancellor said Prof. Idowu joined the University's service as a Graduate Assistant in 1997 and rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Monogastric Animal Nutrition in 2014.

He highlighted the scholar's extensive administrative experience, having served as Acting Head of the Department of Animal Nutrition, Chairman of the University Timetable and Examination Committee (TIMTEC), Director of the FUNAAB Distance Learning Centre, Director of the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), and currently as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

Prof. Kehinde also noted that Prof. Idowu has published more than 70 journal articles and over 20 conference papers, while attracting several national and international research grants from organisations including TETFund, DelPHE, the EDULINK ACP-EU Cooperation Programme and the West African Network of Organic Agriculture and Research and Training (WANOART).

#SDG2, #SDG4, #SDG9

Lagos Empowers Honey Bee Farmers ... Reaffirms Commitment to Rural Development

Yomi Durojaye 

The Lagos State Government, through the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD) under the Office of Rural Development, has commenced a special training and empowerment programme for honey bee farmers as part of efforts to boost agricultural productivity, create alternative sources of income, and improve livelihoods in rural communities across the State.

Speaking at the programme held at the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD) Headquarters in Igbodu, Epe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, said the initiative was designed to empower farmers with the knowledge and tools required for successful honey bee production.

He explained that the programme would provide participants with alternative sources of income, strengthen existing honey production businesses, and improve the standard of living of rural farmers, in line with the Lagos State Government's commitment to sustainable rural development.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, appreciated the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering support for the Ministry and the continuous investment in rural development initiatives. 

She urged participants to make the most of the training by applying the knowledge acquired to enhance their productivity and economic well-being.

In his welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), Mr. Musbau Balogun, stated that the training and empowerment programme forms part of the Centre's ongoing 2026 empowerment initiatives aimed at reaching farmers across all parts of Lagos State.

He added that, in addition to the training sessions, participants would receive honey bee production equipment at the end of the programme to support them in establishing or expanding their businesses.

Delivering the presentation, the lead facilitator, Dr. Gbolahan Saba, highlighted the vast opportunities within the honey bee value chain. He explained that beyond honey production, farmers could generate additional income from other bee products, thereby increasing the profitability and sustainability of the enterprise. The participants were also taking through practical session in Honey Bee production.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mrs. Adeleke Adeyinka, a member of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Centre for Rural Development for organizing the programme. She assured the government that the knowledge and skills acquired during the training would be effectively utilized to improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods.

𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠 𝗢𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗲

Yomi Durojaye 

Three Nigerian students secured four gold medals at the International STEM Olympiad in Rome, showcasing Nigeria's academic prowess on the global stage.

Three Nigerian students have won gold medals at the Grand Finale of the International STEM Olympiad in Rome, Italy, marking a major achievement for the country on the global academic stage.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by education advocate and Educare CEO Alex Onyia, who sponsored the students’ participation in the competition after they emerged among the top performers at the Southeast Mathematics Olympiad.

Sharing the development on X, Onyia initially wrote, “The wait is over. We have two golds: Chimdiebube Onwubiko and Don Anele Munachimso. We are the best in the world! ”

Punch

Owu National Youth Symposium: 3.0 - Empowering Owu Youth for Leadership, Innovation & Cultural Preservation

 Yomi Durojaye 

The future of the Owu Kingdom was the focus as Owu youths, traditional leaders, and stakeholders gathered at the Olowu Palace for the 3rd Edition of the Royal Union of Owu People (RUOP) National Youth Symposium.

Chairman of RUOP National Youth, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, urged Owu youths to embrace self-development, innovation, and responsible leadership through knowledge and skills.

Alayeluwa, Olowu of Owu, Abeokuta, encouraged Owu youths to leverage the Olowu Hope Initiative, particularly its education programme, by using Coursera to acquire knowledge, develop relevant skills, and prepare for future leadership.

Chief (Hon.) Johnson Fatoki, the Oganla of Owu Kingdom, emphasized that true empowerment lies in talent discovery, skill acquisition, integrity, and good character.

Olóye Akolawole Shoremi, Ogun State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), emphasized the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital innovation, and entrepreneurship in driving development. He also proposed Owu-Connect, Owu-Wiki, Owu Market, and Owu-Palace as digital initiatives to preserve Owu heritage, connect Owu people globally, and promote community development.

The symposium reaffirmed RUOP National Youth’s commitment to empowering Owu youths through leadership, innovation, and cultural preservation for the continued development of the Owu Kingdom.

#OwuKingdom #OlowuofOwuAbeokuta #RUOPNationalYouth #OwuYouth #Leadership #Innovation #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalInnovation

No individual can build a kingdom alone, Sustainable development is achieved through collective responsibility Says Ologba

...As Brazilian  Olosun Social Club of Lagos visits Ogba Community 

The Ologba of Ogba Kingdom,  HRM Oba Surv. Abdulateef Oladimeji Egbeyemi, Madarikan 1, has reiterated his commitment toward a regeneration of Ogba and Agege development communitits.

Ologba stated this yesterday at the courtesy visit by  Brazilian  Olosun Social Club of Lagos to Ogba Community. 

"Permit me to express my profound gratitude to the leadership and entire members of Brazilian Olosun Social Club of Lagos for their thoughtful gesture.

"Your presence today is not mere social visit, its a reaffirmation of friendship,  brotherhood, loyalty and enduring values upon which this noble club was founded on 14th September,  1979.

"The noble example of Brazilian and Ogba Progressive Clubs teach us an enduring lesson that when good people unite for a noble course, generation yet unborn become beneficiaries of their sacrifices.  

"No individual can build a kingdom alone, sustainable development is achieved through collective shared idea, innovation, responsibility,  mutual respect and selfless service. Every community is remembered not only for its kings, but also for the quality of its citizens and the strenght of its institution. 

"As your royal father, I remain committed to providing a purposeful leader that will unite our people, attract meaningful development to Ogba Kingdom and preserved our cherished Cultural Heritage. I hereby invite all well meaning sons, daughters, friends, partners and well wishers of Ogba home and abroad to join hands with us in building a stronger, more prosperous and peaceful kingdom. Ologba of Ogba.

The highpoint of the event was  when Kabiesi was honoured with Life Patron of the Club and the presentation of Portrait to Kabiesi to commemorate his second anniversary on the throne and award given to the leadership of the club as an appreciation to Brazilian Club as guests were treat with sumptuous delicacies.