Lagos State Government to Digitise Child Adoption and Guardianship Services

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Mobolaji Ogunlende 

LAGOS, NIGERIA – In a major leap forward for social welfare administration, the Lagos State Government has announced plans to move its child care, adoption, guardianship, and fostering services entirely online.

The initiative aims to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, reduce processing times, and bring unprecedented transparency to the state's child welfare system. The announcement was made by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, during a strategic stakeholders' meeting held in Lagos alongside key development partners, including Better Evidence for Better Care (BEB).

According to Commissioner Ogunlende, the digital transformation journey began following high-level discussions initiated when he attended the U.S.–Africa Summit in Dallas as part of the Lagos State delegation. These ongoing diplomatic and technical engagements have now culminated in a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with BEB to build and support a robust digital infrastructure for the state's child care sector.

"Since that initial engagement, we have continued discussions and collaboration, which have now led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to support the digitalisation of our child care system," Ogunlende stated.

For decades, prospective parents navigating adoption, legal guardianship, and foster care in Nigeria's commercial capital have faced extensive paperwork, prolonged waiting periods, and complex tracking procedures. The new digital portal is designed to completely overhaul this experience.

The automated system will significantly improve institutional record-keeping, accelerate verification processes, and make applications more accessible to eligible families. By leveraging technology, the ministry hopes to safeguard vulnerable children while easing the journey for prospective parents.

"We remain committed to embracing innovation and building systems that place the best interests, safety and wellbeing of every child at the centre of our policies and programmes," Ogunlende emphasized.

APC Badagry Federation Sets Up Reconciliation Committee Ahead 2027

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a strategic move to fortify its political base and guarantee massive electoral victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Badagry Federation has inaugurated a 16-member Reconciliation Committee.

The high-stakes initiative was officially set into motion following a crucial pre-reconciliation meeting held on Sunday, July 20, 2026, at the legislative chambers of the Badagry Local Government Secretariat. The gathering brought together the executive chairmen, party leaders, and stakeholders from all factions across the Badagry division to mend fences and build a unified front.

The newly formed committee is tasked with reaching out to aggrieved members, resolving lingering internal disputes, and harmonizing interests across Badagry Local Government, Badagry West LCDA, and Olorunda LCDA. Party leaders emphasized that absolute unity is non-negotiable if Badagry is to deliver unprecedented, block votes for the ruling party in the upcoming general elections.

Speaking at the inauguration, stakeholders underscored the importance of grassroots solidarity. The unveiling was heavily backed by the executive chairmen of the region: Hon. Babatunde Hunpe (Badagry Local Government), Hon. Ibrahim Rauf Kayode Yemaren (Badagry West LCDA), and Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon (Olorunda LCDA).

To steer the reconciliation process effectively, the party appointed seasoned administrators and loyal party stalwarts to lead the 16-member body: Alhaji Abu Akilapa – Chairman, Chief Fredrick Ajaneson – Vice Chairman, and Mr. Charles Krape Sewedo – Secretary

The remaining positions are filled by respected senior party leaders, former aspirants, and public office holders carefully selected from across the entire Badagry Federation to ensure balanced representation and transparent mediation.

The APC Badagry Federation aims to project a formidable, cohesive structure capable of dominating the polls and securing substantial numbers for President Tinubu and all Lagos State APC candidates in 2027.

NSCDC Busts Ponzi Admission Ring in Badagry, Rescues 106 Youths

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – In what has been described as a major security breakthrough, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Badagry Area Command, has uncovered an alleged fake, Ponzi-like university operating out of an unassuming three-bedroom apartment in the Ilado area of Olorunda Local Council Development Area.

The early-morning raid resulted in the rescue of 106 young people aged 19 to 24 who had been lured to Badagry from various Nigerian states and neighboring West African countries under the false promise of foreign university admissions. The alleged proprietor of the illegal outfit has been arrested and is currently aiding investigators.

Investigations revealed that the establishment had no official name, no signboard, no physical campus, and no legal accreditation. Instead, it operated strictly online as a supposed distance-learning center affiliated with a foreign institution.

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Victims reported paying substantial fees, ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦1.5 million domestically, while foreign nationals recounted paying between $400 and $500 US dollars. Rather than focusing on academics, the operation relied on a multi-level marketing or Ponzi structure. Students were incentivized with commissions to recruit additional peers, transforming the scheme into a recruitment loop where participants also peddled unidentified online products for commissions.

Speaking exclusively on the operation, the Badagry Area Commander of the NSCDC, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola, expressed shock at the nature of the deception and the lack of awareness among parents.

"We got reliable intelligence about the activities going on there. Our officers monitored the place for days before moving in. We have arrested the proprietor, who is assisting with our investigation, while the students have been taken into our protective custody," Ekunola stated.

He added, "We have started contacting their families. One parent told us her child informed the family that he came to Badagry to learn a trade, not to attend a university. That shows many of these parents were completely unaware."

The rescued youths were found crowded inside the residential apartment, many of them visibly disoriented. Preliminary findings showed that the victims hailed from various parts of Nigeria including Kogi, Oyo, and several northern states as well as neighboring nations like Niger, Cameroon, and Togo.

One of the victims confessed that after paying his $400 fee, he went as far as convincing his own brother in Kogi State to enroll, subsequently earning referral commissions before the intervention of the security operatives.

The NSCDC has assured the public that every rescued youth will undergo thorough profiling before being safely reunited with their families and guardians. Furthermore, the command has vowed to track down any collaborators and ensure that those found culpable face the full weight of the law.

CGC Adeniyi Charges Deputy Comptrollers to Embrace Innovation and Lead the Future of Nigeria Customs

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

IKEJA, LAGOS – In a push for modernization and institutional excellence, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has challenged Deputy Comptrollers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to spearhead innovation and prove their readiness to assume the highest leadership roles within the agency.

The charge was delivered on Thursday, July 16, 2026, during the closing ceremony of the intensive Strategic Refresher Course for Deputy Comptrollers, held at the Nigeria Customs pTraining College in Ikeja, Lagos.

Addressing the senior officers, CGC Adeniyi emphasized that modern customs administrations worldwide are rapidly evolving through digital transformation, advanced technologies, and structural reforms. He noted that continuous learning and adaptability are no longer optional for leadership personnel.

“You must put yourself ahead of all these developments. This is why we are investing a lot in building your capacity locally and internationally. You must demonstrate capacity, you must demonstrate readiness that you're ready to take on the leadership of the service,” Adeniyi stated.

The Customs boss further explained that true productivity and leadership effectiveness within the service are measured over time through rigorous performance management frameworks, rather than treated as isolated achievements.

Reinforcing the CGC's message, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone 'A', Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, called on the senior officers to act as exemplary models of discipline, integrity, and operational efficiency.

“As senior officers and true ambassadors of the NCS, you are now better positioned to set standards of discipline and professionalism, led by personal example, manage public perceptions through transparency and fairness, and make sound decisions during operational challenges and crises,” Babandede remarked.

Adding to the discourse, the Acting Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller Saulawa Sanusi, underscored the critical role of compliance and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in achieving the service's overarching goals. He revealed that the Customs Police Unit is actively strengthening compliance protocols through continuous engagement and training.

“The service has a standard operating procedure in virtually whatever we do. So for us to achieve that optimally, we need to keep reminding the officers, keep teaching them over and over again. Of course, you cannot achieve it overnight. You keep repeating the procedure until when the compliance level can now be said to be on the high level,” Sanusi noted.

Dr. Hamzat Reveals How Princess Damilola Sonayon James Became His 2027 Running Mate

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and Princess Damilola Sonayon James 

IKOYI, LAGOS – In a surprising and candid revelation, Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has disclosed that he had never met nor possessed the phone number of Princess Damilola Sonayon James prior to her emergence as his running mate.

Dr. Hamzat made the disclosure during the public presentation of Who Is She? held on Thursday at the Syrian Club Event Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos. He offered attendees a rare behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous, merit-based consultation process that led to the selection of the Badagry-born politician as the APC deputy governorship candidate for the upcoming 2027 elections.

According to Dr. Hamzat, the process began when he suggested to party leadership that the next deputy governorship ticket should intentionally spotlight a young female leader. This proposal received immediate backing from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

"The President called me and said, 'You guys go and sort it out.' I said, 'Sir, I think it should be a female.' He said, 'It's okay.' I also said it should be young, and he agreed," Dr. Hamzat recounted to the audience.

Geopolitical balancing also played a critical role in narrowing down the search. Because Dr. Hamzat hails from Lagos East and the incumbent Governor is from Lagos Central, the slot was constitutionally and strategically zoned to Lagos West, paving the way for a candidate from the Badagry division.

Despite the extensive regional search, Dr. Hamzat emphasized that Princess Damilola—who serves as the APC Deputy Woman Leader in Lagos State—was chosen entirely on the strength of her track record, bypassing any criteria of personal acquaintance.

"Until Damilola was chosen, I didn't know her phone number. I got her phone number from somebody," Dr. Hamzat revealed.

He underscored that her selection was a testament to her extensive grassroots mobilization and unwavering commitment to community development. "The important thing is that she's been very active in the community. She's been doing great things," he added.

Dr. Hamzat used the platform to inspire the younger generation, particularly young women, urging them to look past pessimistic media narratives and focus on value-driven participation in society.

"Our young ladies, when you listen to television, you hear all sorts of negative things about this country. Don't believe it. Opportunities still exist for those willing to contribute positively to society," he advised.

Echoing these sentiments, Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, praised the ticket, describing the pairing of Dr. Hamzat and Princess Damilola Sonayon James as a dynamic blend of governance experience, political innovation, and deep-rooted connection to the grassroots. With the 2027 elections drawing closer, the APC ticket is positioning itself to champion inclusive growth and effective leadership across Lagos State.

Dr. Samuel Ajose Spearheads APC Reconciliation Drive in Badagry Ahead of 2027

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a strategic move to fortify the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the upcoming 2027 general elections, former Lagos State governorship aspirant Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose (SMA) has initiated a comprehensive peace and reconciliation process among aggrieved party factions across the Badagry Federation.

The crucial pre-reconciliation meeting was held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the Mato Club of Fams Embassy Hotel and Suites in Ibereko, Badagry. The gathering brought together a cross-section of political officeholders, party leaders, and stakeholders from Badagry Local Government, Olorunda LCDA, and Badagry-West LCDA to mend internal divisions that have lingered since the party's last primary elections.

Political tensions and competing interest groups had threatened to fracture the local structure managed by the Hon. Muritala Garfar Meyon-led executive. Recognizing the threat this poses to securing massive votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates in 2027, Dr. Ajose stepped forward to broker unity.

Addressing the stakeholders, Dr. Ajose emphasized that personal and factional differences must be set aside for the collective progress of the party. He noted that a united front is non-negotiable if Badagry is to deliver an unprecedented number of votes in the next electoral cycle.

“We must be united and progressive in thought and action to deliver unprecedented votes come the 2027 general elections,” Dr. Ajose stated during the address, urging leaders to prioritize grassroots cohesion and party supremacy.

Following hours of open deliberation and candid airings of grievances, the forum unanimously nominated veteran administrator and two-time former commissioner Hon. Olarewaju Saka-Shenayon a close ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to head the newly formed reconciliation committee.

To ensure balanced representation across the federation, Alhaja Adesina was selected as the committee’s Secretary, representing Olorunda LCDA, while Chief Oke was appointed as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) representing Badagry-West LCDA.

While the meeting recorded a massive turnout of key stakeholders and party faithful, notable absentees included the three council chairmen in the Badagry Federation, apex leaders Chief Olatunde Joseph (Olorunda LCDA) and Joseph Bamgbose (Badagry-West LCDA), as well as the House of Representatives member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan. Observers note that engaging these key figures will be a critical next step for the newly instituted committee to ensure total alignment.

The initiative has been widely commended by grassroots members as a timely and necessary intervention. As the committee commences its assignment, the overarching goal remains clear: to build a formidable, cohesive APC family capable of securing a sweeping victory in Badagry come 2027.

Dominican University Celebrates Peter Obi at 65, Hails Transformational Leadership and Passion for Education

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Peter Obi 

IBADAN, NIGERIA – The academic community of Dominican University, Ibadan, has joined millions of well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond to celebrate the former Governor of Anambra State and Pro-Chancellor of the institution, Mr. Peter Obi, CON, as he marks his 65th birthday.

In a glowing tribute, the university lauded Obi for his exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to human capital development, and lifelong advocacy for quality education as the ultimate catalyst for national transformation.

In an official goodwill message issued on Sunday, the Vice-Chancellor of Dominican University, Prof. Jacinta A. Opara, described Obi as an outstanding statesman whose consistent investments in education continue to shape the aspirations of the younger generation.

"As a university founded a decade ago on the rich eight-hundred-year educational heritage of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), we remain profoundly grateful for your visionary leadership, generous support, and invaluable contributions as our Pro-Chancellor," Prof. Opara stated.

The institution noted that throughout his tenure in public service and private life, Obi has maintained an unyielding focus on education, youth empowerment, and good governance, proving time and again that institutional progress is deeply rooted in accessible and high-quality learning.

Reflecting on his role at the helm of the institution, Dominican University praised Obi's transformational impact on its academic development. Under his guidance, the university has continuously advanced its mission of fostering academic rigor while producing morally upright and globally competitive graduates.

The university community credited his pragmatic approach and philanthropic spirit with accelerating institutional growth, reinforcing the belief that private-public synergy is vital for the future of tertiary education in Nigeria.

As the revered political figure and statesman reaches the milestone age of 65, the university community offered heartfelt prayers for his continued well-being.

"We pray that Almighty God will bless you with sound health, greater wisdom, renewed strength, and divine guidance as you continue to champion the cause of hope, human dignity, good governance, and national development," the statement read.