NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Lagos urges support for local production

Lagos urges support for local production

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By Aderonke Ojediran

The Lagos State Government has urged Nigerians to embrace locally made products to boost Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and strengthen the national economy.

 

Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folasade Ambrose, made the appeal on Monday during the 16th National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment (NCITI).

 

The event was hosted by the Lagos State Government and organised by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

 

Its theme is: ‘Accelerating Diversification to Rebuild Prosperity by Leveraging Industry, Trade and Investment for Shared Prosperity.’

 

According to Ambrose, Nigeria urgently needs to reduce its over-reliance on oil by diversifying the economy.

 

“For Nigeria to remain economically relevant, we must produce and consume more local goods rather than depend on imports,” she said.

 

She noted that Nigeria is at a crossroads and economic diversification is now crucial for survival and global relevance.

 

Ambrose added that past disruptions have shown the danger of depending on a single resource, which limits long-term growth.

 

She stated that the Sanwo-Olu administration is building a business-friendly environment to attract investment and promote industrial growth.

 

Efforts include infrastructure development, policy reforms, and the Lekki Free Zone, which hosts the Dangote Refinery.

 

Other measures are improvements in land administration, tax transparency, and broader industrial support.

 

Ambrose also highlighted the laying of 3,000km of fibre optic cables to reduce data costs for businesses.

 

“Lagos has launched an industrial policy- 2025–2030- to support MSMEs, large-scale industries, and global investors,” she said.

 

She stressed that trade is a major pillar of Lagos’ economy and key to empowering local producers and exporters.

 

“Trade is not just commerce; it drives inclusion, reduces poverty, and supports shared prosperity,” Ambrose stated.

 

She said Lagos remains committed to providing a transparent and secure environment for investors.

 

“In the past year alone, Lagos attracted over $600 million — more than N1 trillion — in new investments,” she said.

 

Ambrose encouraged both state and federal governments to explore new markets and embrace the digital economy.

 

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Nura Rimi, said Nigeria must act quickly to adapt shifting global economy.

 

“The global economy is shifting. Nigeria must diversify with purpose and responsive policies,” he said.

 

He described manufacturing as the backbone of industrial growth and key to improving export performance.

 

“We must ease business processes, attract investors, and expand finance access for SMEs,” he added.

 

Rimi said the meeting was an opportunity to develop actionable policies to support industry and trade.

 

“Our ministry is committed to fostering business growth and building investor confidence,” he said.

 

Economist and keynote speaker, Abiodun Adesire, said no nation prospers by relying on imports.

 

He argued that reviving Nigeria’s manufacturing sector was essential for economic survival.

 

“We must produce what we consume. Oil dependence harms our economy,” he said.

 

He added that Nigeria is not producing enough and must focus more on local manufacturing.

 

“History proves that nations grow rich by processing — not exporting — raw materials,” Adesire said.

 

He stressed that Nigeria has the potential to lead Africa’s industrial growth, adding that “Nigeria must actively attract investors. Buying local is a patriotic act”.

 

He urged governments to implement policies that support manufacturing as a path to prosperity. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Kamal Tayo Oropo

Sanwo-Olu delivers 61 roads, 5 bridges, promises multi-agency complex

Sanwo-Olu delivers 61 roads, 5 bridges, promises multi-agency complex

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By Aderonke Ojediran

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed commitment to infrastructure development with the delivery of 61 roads and five bridges within one year.

The government is also constructing public buildings expected to be completed by September.

Mr Okufemi Daramola, the Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Infrastructure, gave the figures at the ongoing Lagos State 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing  in Ikeja.

The briefing is in commemoration of Sanwo-Olu’s second year of second term in office.

The special adviser highlighted some  landmark achievements of the Sanwo-Olu administration under its THEMES Plus Agenda.

Daramola said that the administration had inaugurated 61 roads, covering 56.52km, and five bridges in the past one year.

“In addition, work is ongoing on 147 roads and bridges. Key completed projects include the reconstructed Abiola-Onijemo Link Road and Bridge in Ifako-Ijaiye, roads in Ikoyi and Victoria Island,” he said.

The adviser said that there were also major road rehabilitation works across Ikeja, Lagos Mainland, Kosofe, Amuwo Odofin, and Badagry.

“Major ongoing initiatives include the Ojota Opebi Link Bridge, the 47.88km Eti-Osa Lekki-Epe Expressway, and the Lagos-Badagry Expressway expansion now upgraded to 10 lanes, with BRT corridors and light rail infrastructure.

“The Omu Creek Bridge in Ibeju-Lekki and several road networks in Alimosho, Epe, and Ikorodu are also in progress,” he said.

He said that the Lagos State Public Works Corporation had continued to ensure that roads are repaired on time.

“Routine road maintenance continues across 1,177 roads. Furthermore, $22 million in foreign direct investment has been secured for fibre-optic duct installations, expanding the 3,000km infrastructure by an additional 2,700km,” he said.

The official gave the assurance that all ongoing infrastructure projects  in the state would be completed before the end of the Sanwo-Olu administration.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive megacity.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, Dr Adekunle Olayinka,  said that the state’s Multi-Agency Complex and the Lagos Revenue House, located near the state secretariat at Alausa, Ikeja, were over 70 per cent completed and would be delivered by September.

“The Multi-Agency Complex, built on 2.01 hectares, consists of three blocks: Block B (8 floors), Blocks A and C (5 floors each), all with penthouses for conferencing, parking spaces on the first two floors, and a modern office spaces above.

“Additional features include elevators, canteens, air conditioning systems.

“The Lagos Revenue House (formerly Elephant House) will serve as a central hub for all revenue and tax collection agencies, including the Lagos Inland Revenue Service.

“This consolidation is expected to improve operational efficiency and revenue generation,” Olayinka said.

He said that the state’s Office of Works had delivered eight new public buildings and was working on 28 others.

“These include the New Massey Children’s Hospital, a 1,500-bed psychiatric hospital and rehabilitation centre at Ketu-Ejirin; new academic facilities at LASU, LASUSTECH, and LASUED, and the E-GIS Headquarters at Alausa.

“Renovation of police facilities and construction of community halls are also ongoing to improve safety and community engagement.

“We are convinced that the future of any meaningful infrastructure delivery should be private-sector driven.

“Lagos remains open to collaborations in transportation, public infrastructure and tourism.”

He said that in spite of challenges such as flooding, rising construction costs, and infrastructure abuse, the administration would continue to deliver transformative projects that connect communities and enhance livelihoods. (NAN)(www.nananews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Ijeoma Popoola

Lagos CJ decries difficulty in enforcing ECOWAS Court judgments

Lagos CJ decries difficulty in enforcing ECOWAS Court judgments

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By Mark Longyen

The Chief Judge (CJ) of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has decried the difficulty of enforcing the judgments of ECOWAS Court in sovereign states with diverse political climates.

Alogba made this known when ECOWAS Court President, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos, a statement issued on Thursday by ECOWAS Court’s spokesman, Felicien Hounkanrin, said.

Hounkanrin said that Alogba lauded the ECOWAS Court for its high standards of jurisprudence and its commitment to justice in the sub-region.

He said that the CJ acknowledged ECOWAS Court’s achievements, and stressed the need for continued collaboration and exchange between national and regional judicial bodies.

Alogba, however, emphasised that international charters must be respected once they were ratified by member states.

“The existence of judicial bodies like the ECOWAS Court play a vital role in ensuring legal accountability and curbing impunity, even when direct enforcement mechanisms are limited,” Alogba said.

Responding, Justice Gonçalves, who was accompanied by the court’s Vice President, Justice Sengu Koroma and the Chief Registrar, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, appreciated the CJ for the warm welcome and institutional support.

He explained that the visit was part of the court’s sensitisation campaign and preparations for its upcoming external court sessions scheduled to take place from May 5-7, and May 8-16, respectively, in Lagos.

The court’s president added that the events aimed at increasing public awareness about the court’s role, as well as improving access to regional justice.

He said the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from ECOWAS had reduced the number of the court’s participating states from 15 to 12, describing the development as regrettable.

While affirming the court’s continued commitment to its mandate, Gonçalves outlined its core jurisdiction as human rights protection, which represented over 80 per cent of its caseload.

The president listed the court’s other mandates as the interpretation and application of ECOWAS legal instruments, disputes involving community civil servants, and advisory legal opinions to ECOWAS institutions.(NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Waste: Coca-Cola unveils packaging hub for collection

Waste: Coca-Cola unveils packaging hub for collection

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By Rukayat Moisemhe
The Coca-Cola System in Nigeria, comprising of Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd. and its authorised bottler, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), has unveiled a state-of-the-art packaging collection hub in Lagos to tackle waste collection.

During the inauguration on Friday in Lagos, Zoran Bogdanovic, Chief Executive Officer, Coca-Cola said that the facility would reduce waste by collecting and recycling its packaging in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facility is a landmark initiative in Nigeria’s plastics recycling infrastructure.

It has the capacity to process up to 13,000 metric tonnes (MT) of plastic bottles annually.

Bogdanovic said that by investing in the hub, the company was supporting local communities, creating jobs and demonstrating its commitment to building a more sustainable future.

He said that the investment underscored its global goal to help reduce packaging waste and emissions.

He said that this could be achieved using 35 per cent to 40 per cent recycled materials in primary packaging of plastic, glass and aluminium.

He added that it would also increase the recycled plastic use to 35 per cent globally.

“We are proud to partner with the Nigerian government in addressing the critical challenge of waste management while fostering economic growth,” he said.

In her remarks, Luisa Ortega, Coca-Cola Company’s Africa Operating Unit President, said that for nearly 75 years, the Coca-Cola System was honoured to be part of communities in Nigeria.

Ortega said that the company would continue to expand its design innovations, explore new collection models and improve existing ones.

She said that the company would invest in local infrastructure like the hub, and engage with communities to help create a better future.

“In addition to supporting the Coca-Cola System’s sustainability initiatives, the hub aims to serve as a comprehensive solution for plastic waste management.

“It seeks to facilitate PET collection, process materials into clean PET bales, and enable recycled polyethylene (rPET) production through third-party partnerships.

“This will help contribute to cleaner communities and driving collective action to help reduce packaging waste.

“The vision is to scale the model once its success is demonstrated,” she said.

The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, described the launch as a significant step in the country’s commitment to sustainability, economic growth, and environmental responsibility.

Oduwole commended Coca-Cola System for its vision and investment in the project.

She said that the commitment to Nigeria’s economy, environmental sustainability, and community development aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s broader vision for a prosperous and self-sustaining nation.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that the new facility was a symbol of progress and a tangible demonstration of the kind of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) needed in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Special Adviser on Circular Economy, Mrs Titilayo Oshodi, said that the NBC had demonstrated its commitment to doing business beyond profit and playing a broader role in society through this project.

He said that the hub would serve as a critical centre for collecting, sorting, and recycling PET plastics, which would significantly reduce plastic pollution in the environment.

Also, Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, described the development as a bold step that would redefine Nigeria’s industrial landscape.

He said that the inaguration meant that manufacturing had met with sustainability and industry, leading to output and impact.

“Establishing this hub by the Coca-Cola System, comprising Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and its bottling partner, Nigerian Bottling Company, marks an important moment in our national industrial journey.

“It demonstrates what happens when industries rise beyond profit and embrace responsibility to the environment for job creation,” Enoh said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Lagos school suspends teacher seen in video abusing toddler

Lagos school suspends teacher seen in video abusing toddler

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By Deborah Akpede

The Christ Mitots School in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has suspended a 45-year-old teacher, Stella Nwadigo, seen in a video abusing a three-year-old pupil for his inability to write numbers.

The school confirmed the suspension in a statement issued by its management on Thursday.

A two-minute video which went viral on Wednesday had shown the teacher slapping the toddler for not learning number writing fast.

The video attracted public condemnation, which led to the teacher’s arrest.

In the statement, the school condemned the teacher’s action, describing it as unacceptable.

“We are aware of a deeply troubling incident involving a teacher engaging in physical discipline of a student in a manner that is completely unacceptable.

“As an institution that is deeply committed to fostering a culture of respect, care and dignity, we are horrified by this incident and wish to make it clear that such actions will not be tolerated.

“In response, the teacher involved has been suspended indefinitely, while a thorough investigation is being conducted,” it said.

The school said that its immediate and decisive action reflected its zero-tolerance for misconduct and its obligation to safeguard every child under its care.

“As such, we have an open door policy to provide students, parents and guardians with a safe space to voice any concerns without fear,” it said.

The school said it had apologised to the pupil and his family.

“We have reached out to them to express our regret.

“We ask for the public’s patience and understanding as we work to address this matter responsibly and comprehensively.

“We will be organising mandatory training sessions for teachers to reinforce child protection protocols, emphasise positive disciplinary practices, and cultivate greater sensitivity in interactions with students, ” it added.

According to the school, it has also introduced a whistle-blowing system to encourage prompt reporting of inappropriate behaviour. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng.)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Ijeoma Popoola

Play on Herbert Wigwe to be staged in Lagos Dec. 23

Play on Herbert Wigwe to be staged in Lagos Dec. 23

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By Peter Amine

A play on Herbert Wigwe, the late Managing Director of Access Bank, is to be staged in Lagos on Dec. 23.

The play produced by the Duke of Shomolu Foundation, is to celebrate the late entrepreneur and development banker who died in a helicopter crash in the U.S.

“It is a powerful and evocative tribute to an icon; it is to be held at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre,” Mrs Mofoluwake Edgar, Managing Director of the foundation, said in a statement in Lagos on Saturday.

“Herbert, written by renowned columnist Joseph Edgar, brings to life the remarkable legacy of a man who profoundly impacted Nigeria’s arts and culture sector.

“Through a vibrant ensemble of monologues and storytelling, the play pays homage to Herbert Wigwe’s extraordinary contributions.

“During his influential career, Herbert Wigwe was a pivotal force behind transformative initiatives in the arts, supporting ventures in film, fine art, theatre and music.

“His leadership within the bankers’ committee played a significant role in the renovation of the National Theatre, a landmark project that redefined Nigeria’s entertainment infrastructure,” the statement said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Wigwe, the co-founder of Access Bank, one of the largest banks in Nigeria, was among six people killed in a helicopter crash in California.

Wigwe, his wife, son, and a former president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, were all killed in the crash.

President Bola Tinubu, while reacting to the death of Wigwe, had described it as an “overwhelming tragedy”.

The chartered helicopter was on its way from Palm Springs to Boulder City in Nevada when it went down about 96km (60 miles) from Las Vegas.

According to Nigerian media, the 57-year-old banker was on his way to Las Vegas when the incident happened.

According to the San Bernardino county sheriff’s department, the crash site was near Nipton, on the edge of the Mojave Desert Preserve.

The weather was said to be poor, with reports of rain and snow showers in the area.

Wigwe founded Access Bank in 1989. It became the largest bank in Nigeria in 2018 after it acquired its main competitor, Diamond Bank.

In recent years, Wigwe had been working to expand across the continent, acquiring banks in countries including Kenya, South Africa and Botswana.

He was planning to open a new banking service in Asia in the first quarter of 2024.

Wigwe was in the process of starting his own educational institute, Wigwe University. It was set to launch in September 2024, in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region, where he was from. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Lagos Security Trust Fund postpones 18th Annual Town Hall Meeting

Lagos Security Trust Fund postpones 18th Annual Town Hall Meeting

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By Peter Amine

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), has postponed the proposed Town Hall Meeting with Gov. Babatunde Sanwo-Olu earlier scheduled to hold on Thursday, Nov. 28.

A statement by Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun, its Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, said that the meeting, which would focus on security, is now to hold on Dec. 18.

The statement was issued on Tuesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the meeting has “Data & Technology-Driven Security: The way forward”, as its theme.

 

 

Balogun said that the venue of the event – Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos – had also been changed to Lagos House at Ikeja, with the event scheduled to start  at 11 a.m.

“The postponement is due to exigencies beyond our immediate control,” Balogun explained.

He urged invitees and members of the general public to kindly accept the apologies and regretted the inconvenience it might cause.

“We count on your usual support and cooperation as we look forward to the new date,” Balogun said.(NAN)
Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Queen Oronsen’s epic story set for stage in Lagos

Queen Oronsen’s epic story set for stage in Lagos

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By Taiye Olayemi

Nollywood actress, Damipe Adekoya, has revealed plans to bring the extraordinary life of legendary Queen Moore Oronsen to the stage, to celebrate African women’s resilience and hardworking nature.

Adekoya, the Chief Executive Officer of Zevicar Productions, disclosed this at a news conference in Lagos.

She said the play, put together to depict the life and times of the legendary queen, is entitled “Moore Oronsen (The Mystical Queen)”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Queen Oronsen is a deity from Yoruba mythology, who was the spouse of Olowo Rerengejen, the traditional ruler of Owo Kingdom in Ondo state, over 600 years ago.

The annual Igogo Festival in Owo is celebrated in her honour annually in September.

Adekoya noted that the play would be staged five times from Feb. 22, 2025 to Feb 23, 2025, at the Alliance Francaise, Ikoyi, Lagos.

According to her, the play will highlight the African women’s legendary nature of hard work, and how their important roles in the community are being passed down through generations.

She said this was meant to take people down memory lane, to bring history alive and celebrate the legend who is still being worshipped in Owo.

Adekoya said that the theatrical experience would honour Queen Oronsen’s historical legacy, shedding light on her remarkable journey and unwavering dedication to success.

“I am someone who loves stories that talk about women in general and in my research as a writer, I found out that we rarely hear the history of the majority of our female legends.

“We just hear bits and pieces of stories about them.

“This is a deliberate effort to reinforce Queen Moore Oronsen’s historical legacy, I have tried doing this three times right from 2012, I am glad this is gaining traction.

“This is an attempt to start telling stories about women in general. I am the voice of the African woman.

“I want to project women in general. As a girl’s girl, a woman’s woman, I like to always project what a woman is, whether emotionally, financially, or anything,” she said.

Making reference to how the love story between Queen Oronsen and her husband, Olowo Rerengejen, led to war, Adekoya said Africans could draw inspiration from such intriguing story.

According to her, the play production will delve into Queen Oronsen’s struggles, triumphs, and visionary leadership, showcasing her unwavering commitment to her community.

“The play is aimed at educating audiences about Queen Oronsen’s remarkable legacy, inspire dialogue about women’s contributions to history, foster a sense of community and shared heritage as well as empower women and girls through Queen Oronsen’s story.

“Queen Oronsen’s legacy is a testament to the strength and resilience of women. This production is a tribute to her courage and a celebration of the unbreakable spirit that defines women.

“I want to encourage women to always be at the forefront of success as exemplified by Queen Oronsen,” she said.

Also speaking, Emmanuel Adejumo, the Artistic Director for the play, said Africans should watch out for how the famous Odudu dance peculiar with Owo people in Ondo State would be transformed.

Adejumo said there would be a display of modern and traditional ways of rendering the dance in the course of presenting the play.

Oluwasegun Adeyemi, the Choreographer for the production, assured that he will seamlessly integrate contemporary and traditional dance techniques to create distinctive and captivating dance styles tailored specifically for the play. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Police confirm death of woman in Lagos hotel

Police confirm death of woman in Lagos hotel

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By Deborah Akpede

The police command in Lagos has confirmed the death of a young woman, whose identity is unknown, in a hotel at the Dopemu area of the state.

The spokesman of the command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to journalists on Sunday in Lagos.

He said the incident occurred about 9:30 p.m. on Friday.

Hundeyin said the manager of the hotel reported the case to the Dopemu Police Division.

“The manager of the hotel reported that a man walked into the hotel with a lady to have a short rest.

“The identities of the man and the lady were,  however, not taken by the hotel.

“He stated further that after an hour, the lady rushed out claiming she was feeling hot. The manager said that he gave her cold water to drink but the lady was still not feeling well.

“The lady was later rushed to a hospital on Dopemu Road where she gave up the ghost while the man that brought her to the hotel absconded, ” Hundeyin said.

He said the police detained the manager of the hotel to faciltate investigation, adding that the corpse of the lady had been deposited at the Lagos Mainland General Hospital mortuary.

According to him, investigation is on to unravel the cause of the death and trace the identity of the deceased as well as apprehend the fleeing lover. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Ijeoma Popool

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