Education: TGPS EDD1, Dr. Oyetola Presents Promotion Letters to Officers, Urges Them to Embrace Continuous Learning

Yomi Durojaye 

The Supervising Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary (TG/PS), Education District III, Dr. Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, has presented letters of promotion to officers recently promoted to Grade Levels 15, 16 and 17 in the District.

The presentation took place at the Education District III Headquarters, Falomo, Ikoyi, where the newly promoted officers were formally received and congratulated on their career advancement.

Addressing the officers, Oyetola charged them to see their promotion as an opportunity to take on greater responsibilities and contribute more meaningfully to the development of the education sector.

She urged them to remain committed to their duties, improve their knowledge and skills, and cultivate the habit of reading and continuous learning, noting that career advancement comes with increased expectations and responsibilities.

The Supervising TG/PS further encouraged the officers to pursue relevant academic and professional qualifications that would enhance their capacity and prepare them for higher responsibilities within the Lagos State Public Service.

Oyetola assured the newly promoted officers of her support and guidance as they settle into their new roles, while urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them through dedication, professionalism and improved service delivery.

She congratulated the officers once again and wished them greater success as they continue to progress in their careers and contribute to the achievement of the goals and objectives of Education District III.

Ikeja Residents Celebrate as AKOD Commissions Roads, Streetlights

 Yomi Durojaye 

Residents of Apena, Bashiru Oweh and Anifowose communities in Ikeja Local Government on Tuesday celebrated as the Executive Chairman of the council, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), commissioned newly rehabilitated roads, streetlights and an ultra-modern public toilet.

The projects, which include the rehabilitation of RST Apena Close with drainage, interlocking stone, and streetlights; the rehabilitation of Bashiru Oweh Street with interlocking stones and streetlights; and an ultra-modern public toilet under the bridge in front of the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, formed part of the activities marking AKOD's first anniversary 

AKOD, who led council officials, party leaders, market women, traditional and community leaders to the various project sites, said the commissioning was a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to delivering tangible dividends of democracy to residents.

“When we came in last year, we made a promise to better the lot of Ikeja people with projects that will improve the livelihood of our people. We are here today to commission some of those projects, and we are doing more,” he said.

The chairman urged residents to take ownership of the projects and protect them to ensure their sustainability.

Former Chairman of Ikeja Local Government and Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, Hon. Wahab Owokoniran, who commissioned the RST Apena road, commended AKOD for his commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

The Council Manager, Mrs. Odubeko Julianah Taiwo, said the interventions were made possible with the support of the people, urging residents to maintain their partnership with the administation, emphasing it's commitment to delivery further developments across Ikeja.

Sports: Orile-Agege LCDA Champions Sports Development with “Train the Trainers” Programme

Yomi Durojaye 

The Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) will host a two-day “Train the Trainers” programme to equip sports coaches with the skills needed to develop future champions.

The programme, themed “…equipping our coaches,” holds on Wednesday, 19th and Thursday, 20th August 2026, at the Orile Agege Primary School Hall, Lagos, with over 100 coaches expected to participate.

Supported by the Chairman, Hon. Akinola Abiodun Idowu, and the LCDA Sports Committee, the initiative reflects a strong commitment to grassroots sports development through capacity building.

The training will cover modern coaching methods, athlete development, sports management, and the role of coaches in building disciplined athletes. Resource persons include Ayo Filani, Ayobami Joseph Okanlawon, Fatai Akande Smith, Oladipo Liadi, and Taiwo Salako.

The programme underscores the belief that strong athletes begin with well-trained ¹standard coaches, aiming to improve coaching  and youth sports development in the community.

More than a workshop, it is an investment in grassroots sports and youth empowerment, reinforcing collaboration among stakeholders to build a sustainable sporting system.

As coaches gather for the two-day event, the expectation is that the knowledge gained will lead to better coaching practices and stronger athletes.

Through this initiative, Orile-Agege LCDA reaffirms its commitment to developing sports and nurturing future champions.

Abuja–Kaduna Train: A Journey That Shows Progress and the Need for More Investment

 *Muhammad Iskeel Abdullahi*

Today, Tuesday, August 11, 2026, I boarded the Abuja–Kaduna train from Rigasa Station, Kaduna.

One of the first things I noticed was an additional layer of passenger screening at the outer barricade. Passengers were required to present their tickets before proceeding to the main ticket-scanning point.

It may appear to be a small administrative adjustment, but it could make a meaningful difference. Beyond improving passenger control, the arrangement has the potential to discourage touting and ensure that only genuine ticket holders proceed towards the boarding area.

Another positive development was the timely departure of the train.

The service left as scheduled something that may appear routine, but which is fundamental to building public confidence in any transportation system.

As the heavy steel machine moved steadily towards Abuja, I decided to walk through some of the coaches.

For me, this was more than simply stretching my legs. It was an opportunity to practise what journalists describe as participant observation: being physically present, observing the environment and listening to passengers in order to gain a better understanding of their experience.

I noticed that very few passengers were standing in the coaches. Some appeared to be stretching their legs, while others may simply have wanted a brief escape from the rather chilly air-conditioning.

The public-address announcements continued, informing passengers of our arrival at Asham, Rijana, Kubwa and eventually Idu.

But another small, recurring issue caught my attention: some passengers appeared confused about the seating arrangements.

Thankfully, the situations were resolved amicably.

The confusion appeared to involve passengers unfamiliar with the numbered seating system, as well as groups travelling together whose allocated seats were not necessarily next to one another.

I also overheard some passengers expressing frustration about difficulties associated with purchasing tickets online.

While there may be several factors responsible for this, the frequency and availability of train services deserve closer attention.

And this brings me to the bigger picture.

We thank Almighty Allah for a safe journey. But a safe and timely journey should also encourage us to ask a broader question:

How can we make the Abuja–Kaduna railway service better, more accessible and more responsive to the growing needs of its passengers?

This is not merely a transportation facility connecting two cities.

The Abuja–Kaduna railway serves a much wider population across the North. It is an important link for citizens, businesses, students, civil servants and other travellers moving between Kaduna, Abuja and communities beyond.

For that reason, I believe the Federal Government should continue to explore greater investment in the service including additional locomotives and coaches, stronger supporting infrastructure, improved ticketing systems and, where operationally and economically feasible, increased daily services.

More trips would give passengers greater flexibility, reduce pressure on available services and potentially make rail transportation a more attractive alternative for people who would otherwise depend on the roads.

But this responsibility should not rest entirely with the Federal Government.

I also appeal to Northern governors, legislators, business leaders, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and other influential stakeholders to make their voices heard.

They should collectively engage the Federal Government and advocate for sustained investment in the Abuja–Kaduna railway.

If we genuinely want to see infrastructure in the North improve, we must move beyond complaints.

We need constructive, persistent and evidence-based advocacy for better public services.

The Abuja–Kaduna train has demonstrated that rail transportation can make a real difference in the lives of Nigerians.

What we need now is not abandonment, but investment, expansion, efficiency and sustainability.

A reliable railway is not simply about moving people from Kaduna to Abuja.

It is about connecting communities, supporting commerce, facilitating movement, reducing pressure on our roads and creating a more efficient transportation network for the region.

The journey today was encouraging.

But it also reminded me that progress should never be the reason we stop asking for improvement.

The train is moving. Let us make sure it keeps moving forward.

BADAGRY LG PRESENTS OFFICIAL VEHICLES TO COUNCILORS AS HUNPE MARKS ONE YEAR IN OFFICE

 Yomi Durojaye 

The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, on Wednesday presented official vehicles to members of the Legislative Council to enhance effective grassroots governance and service delivery as part of activities marking his one year in office.

Hunpe, who spoke during a special interdenominational prayer session held at the council secretariat, said the vehicles were working tools to improve the mobility of Councilors, enabling them to engage their constituents more effectively, monitor projects and discharge their legislative and oversight responsibilities.

He urged the beneficiaries to use the vehicles responsibly, stressing that they were not symbols of privilege but instruments for bringing government closer to the people through accountable, accessible and dedicated representation.

Reflecting on his administration's first year, the chairman thanked God for His faithfulness and reaffirmed his commitment to transparent, inclusive and people-centred governance under the Greater Badagry Rising Agenda, noting that the administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic empowerment and security.

Hunpe also appreciated the Lagos State Government, religious and traditional leaders, political stakeholders, council staff and residents for their unwavering support, expressing confidence that with continued prayers and cooperation, Badagry Local Government would achieve greater developmental milestones in the years ahead.

#ParrotSPEAKING #lagoslead #BadagryArea #badagrylg

"Our Walk Today Is a Vote of Confidence in President Tinubu's Leadership" – AKOD

 Yomi Durojaye 

The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has said that the massive solidarity walks across major roads in Ikeja by APC faithful from Ikeja, Onigbongbo, and Ojodu was organised to demonstrate the unwavering support of the people for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Addressing party supporters during the rally, AKOD said the walk was a clear message that the people of Ikeja recognise the achievements of the Tinubu administration and are committed to supporting his second-term bid.

According to him, landmark projects and policies of the Federal Government, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the ongoing Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, the NELFUND student loan programme, local government autonomy, prompt payment of local government allocations, and the approval of a new salary structure for federal civil servants, are evidence that the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians.

AKOD expressed confidence that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would also implement the new salary structure for state workers, adding that local government workers would equally benefit in due course.

He therefore called on Nigerians to sustain their support for President Tinubu by re-electing him for a second term, while also rallying behind Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the next Governor of Lagos State, saying continuity of progressive leadership remains the surest path to greater development and prosperity.

#AKOD #RenewedHope #Tinubu2027 #Hamzat2027 #APC #Ikeja #Onigbongbo #Ojodu

CERUD COMPLETES 2026 TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME ACROSS FIVE DIVISIONS

Yomi 

…Empowers youths and farmers with agricultural, chemical and catering tools

 

As part of efforts to round off its 2026 training and empowerment programme for youths, farmers and small-scale business owners, the Office of Rural Development in the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, through the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), has concluded a series of capacity-building programmes across the five divisions of Lagos State.

 

The programme was designed to improve the economic capacity of residents in rural communities and empower them with relevant skills and tools for sustainable livelihoods.

 

Speaking at the final edition of the training and empowerment programme held at the Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area Secretariat on Thursday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, reiterated that the initiative was one of the numerous programmes of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu aimed at alleviating poverty and economically empowering residents to contribute meaningfully to the development of the State.

 

According to him, the initiative aligns with the Governor’s vision of making Lagos State a 21st Century Economy under the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda.

 

Dr Agbaje disclosed that the training programme had covered the five divisions of the State, with participants receiving training in fish farming, bread and pastries production, honey harvesting, as well as the production of household consumables using chemicals.

 

He added that over 500 direct and indirect beneficiaries had been equipped with relevant skills and empowerment tools to promote self-reliance and sustainable economic growth.

 

The Special Adviser urged the participants to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the State Government by putting the knowledge acquired and the empowerment tools received to productive and commercial use.

 

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa, in her special remarks, thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for his continued commitment to the empowerment of youths and rural dwellers across the State.

 

She noted that the positive impact of the Governor’s empowerment initiatives had been felt across the five divisions of Lagos State.

 

Bolarinwa also urged the participants to pay keen attention to the training and maximise the opportunities provided to place themselves on the path to financial independence.

 

In his remarks, the Chairman of Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olarewaju, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his sustained efforts at economically empowering rural dwellers and reducing rural-urban migration. He noted that the initiative had contributed to improving economic activities within rural communities, as many beneficiaries had leveraged similar opportunities to establish sustainable means of livelihood and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

 

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Director and Chief Executive Officer of CERUD, Mr Musibau Balogun, thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to empowering residents across the State.

 

He appealed to the participants to justify the Governor’s investment in them by putting the knowledge, skills and empowerment tools acquired during the programme to effective use.

 

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Ajibola-Ogunde Anuoluwapo thanked the Lagos State Government for providing a platform through which participants were equipped with relevant skills and tools to improve their livelihoods and attain economic self-reliance.