OSUN 2026: SIMTOP Leads Marine Journalists in Support for APC Governorship Candidate Oyebamiji

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

OSOGBO, NIGERIA – The National President of the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN), Comrade Tope Fajemirokun (SIMTOP), led a delegation of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria on a solidarity visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.

The strategic visit, aimed at endorsing and supporting Oyebamiji's vision, was held in Osogbo in recognition of the APC candidate's sterling accomplishments during his tenure as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

During the interactive session, Asiwaju Oyebamiji unveiled his comprehensive economic blueprint titled A Pact for Growth, Inclusion and Lasting Development. The ambitious roadmap is specifically designed to transform Osun State into a flourishing investment, industrial, and tourism powerhouse by leveraging private sector-driven growth and resuscitating abandoned strategic assets.

Among the cornerstone projects highlighted in the development agenda are the revival of the Dagbolu Dry Port, the Osun Free Trade Zone, the Ido-Osun Airport, the Osun-Osogbo Grove, and the Oba Hills National Park. Oyebamiji emphasized that unlocking these dormant economic drivers will drastically improve trade facilitation, revolutionize logistics, and position Osun as a competitive export hub.

"We will resuscitate strategic economic assets that have the capacity to transform Osun's economy, stimulate private sector investment and create wealth for our people," Oyebamiji declared passionately to the gathering of journalists and marine stakeholders.

Beyond infrastructural revival, the APC flag bearer promised robust social intervention schemes aimed at cushioning vulnerable residents against economic hardships. He also gave firm assurances regarding the prompt payment of workers' salaries, improved working conditions, and the restoration of absolute dignity to the state's public service.

To tackle unemployment head-on, Oyebamiji outlined plans for public works initiatives and targeted enterprise support. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are set to benefit immensely through enhanced access to microcredit facilities, specialized grants, and structured business development services designed to foster long-term sustainability.

Furthermore, his administration intends to modernize the educational sector, expand vocational training, upgrade healthcare facilities to achieve universal health coverage, and reposition the Osun State Investment Promotion Agency to drastically improve the ease of doing business.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, WABOTAN National President Comrade Tope Fajemirokun lauded Oyebamiji’s impressive track record as a high-performing public administrator. Fajemirokun expressed absolute confidence that the innovative leadership style and administrative excellence Oyebamiji displayed at NIWA will be seamlessly replicated in Osun State.

The WABOTAN leader further noted that Osun possesses immense, largely untapped potential to become a leading player in Nigeria's marine and blue economy. He stressed that through strategic public-private partnerships, vital tourism assets such as the Osun-Osogbo Grove and the Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls can be aggressively harnessed to generate massive employment and drive sustainable economic growth across the region.

RAK Angels, Clinch to Medals at National Softball Championship in Kwara

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – The Real Act of Kindness (RAK) Angels Baseball and Softball team has returned home in triumph after securing a third-place at the highly competitive Monimak Softball Championship held in Kwara State.

Arriving back in Badagry on Saturday, August 1, 2026, the team was met with celebration following their stellar performance among 13 elite clubs from across the country. Team members and officials were quick to dedicate their latest laurel to their sole benefactor, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, the pioneer of the RAK Development Foundation, and the grand patron of the team whose financial and moral backing has sustained the club since its inception.

Reflecting on the grueling tournament which began on July 27, the Head Coach of the RAK Angels, Hunvio Paul Mauzonsu, praised the resilience and grit of his players, noting that the journey to the podium was filled with intense challenges.

"We went on July 27th and came back this morning. At the end of the tournament, we came third out of 13 clubs that competed," Coach Mauzonsu told journalists. Highlighting the toughest hurdle of the competition, he pointed to the fierce Lagos derby against a formidable side from Mushin: "When you hear about a derby match, you will know it's going to be a tough one. Our players came from 6:1 down to eventually win at 7:6 through the effort of the players and the entire crew."

Coach Mauzonsu highlighted that all team members are homegrown talents recruited from various schools across Badagry. He added that the team has now participated in seven major tournaments, consistently returning home with medals since the club was founded in 2022 under Hon. Ogunlende’s sponsorship. He also called on parents to encourage their children to embrace sports as a powerful tool for confidence-building and youth engagement.

Echoing the coach's sentiments, the team captain, Oluwafemi Rejoice, emphasized the valuable lessons learned on the field.

"The tournament taught us various things, which include teamwork and the determination to win," Rejoice said. "We want to appreciate Hon. Ogunlende for his continuous support; without him, we wouldn't be part of the tournament. We so much appreciate it."

Team Manager Abdelrahman Bolanle shed light on the physical toll the championship took on the players, noting that several athletes sustained injuries in their fierce bid to bring home silverware.

"This game was a very tough game, as you can see that most of them are injured in the course of making sure they go home with something reasonable," Bolanle stated. 

"Most importantly, we need to thank Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende because without him, we couldn't come home with this we might not be able to attend at all. People are already getting to know RAK Angels, which is already going globally. There is a lot most people don't know about softball, as its players are the highest-paid, even more than football."

For first-base player Abubo Abigirl, the victory was a testament to teamwork bolstered by reliable backing.

"This tournament was tough for us, but with the support of RAK, it was easy for us," Abigirl remarked. "That is why all I'll say is thank you, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende."

 

Volleyball Federation President Nimrod Lauds Customs Boss Adeniyi for Investment in the Sport

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Nimrod Lauds and CGC Adewale Adeniyi 

ABUJA, NIGERIA – The President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod, has heaped high praise on the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), CGC Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his visionary leadership and continuous financial backing of volleyball development in Nigeria.

The commendation follows a historic continental triumph on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, where the Nigerian U-18 Boys' Volleyball team clinched the championship title after a thrilling victory over Egypt in Alexandria.

Engineer Nimrod, who also heads the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, highlighted the profound impact the Customs boss has had on the sport since assuming office. Under CGC Adeniyi’s leadership, the NCS has heavily invested in local leagues, driving a surge in competitiveness and providing elite players with a formidable platform to hone their skills.

"I want to thank the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of CGC Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for the tremendous support it has given the Nigeria Volleyball Federation," Nimrod stated following the team's continental success. "We will continue to seek the support of the Nigeria Customs Service in the years ahead because the Comptroller-General has remained one of the federation's strongest pillars."

Beyond funding tournaments and national team preparations, the NVBF President specifically commended the Customs Comptroller-General for prioritizing the economic welfare of athletes. Through strategic recruitment initiatives, the NCS has integrated numerous talented volleyball players into its workforce, offering them financial security and post-athletic career stability.

"It has been brought to my attention that a significant number of volleyball players have been employed by the Nigeria Customs Service," Nimrod noted. "The Nigeria Volleyball Federation is delighted with this development, and we look forward to sustaining and strengthening our partnership with the Service for the continued growth of volleyball in Nigeria."

LAWMA Commissions Rehabilitated Road and Platforms at Olusosun Dumpsite

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

OJOTA, LAGOS – In a step toward streamlining waste management operations across the metropolis, the Lagos State Government has commissioned a newly rehabilitated Road E and modern disposal platforms at the Olusosun Disposal Facility in Ojota.

The infrastructure upgrade, spearheaded by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), is designed to tackle operational bottlenecks, accelerate truck turnaround times, and significantly enhance the efficiency of municipal waste evacuation across the state.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, explained that the project was initiated to counteract the disruptions caused by recent heavy downpours, which had previously slowed the movement of compactor trucks navigating the site.

According to Dr. Gbadegesin, the newly paved road and expanded disposal platforms will enable multiple waste vehicles to discharge simultaneously, easing traffic congestion within the facility.

"This project represents another important milestone in our commitment to building a more efficient and resilient waste management system for Lagos," Dr. Gbadegesin stated. "By improving access to the disposal facility and expanding operational capacity, we are addressing immediate challenges while laying the foundation for long-term improvements in waste evacuation across the state."

The successful completion of the road project was made possible through a strategic Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Zoomlion Nigeria Limited. Dr. Gbadegesin commended the firm, noting that the partnership has evolved into a robust technical collaboration focused on engineering modern waste infrastructure.

The Managing Director of Zoomlion Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Habiba Abubakar, revealed that the project was completed in just 26 days well ahead of schedule marking the first phase of a broader commitment to optimizing Lagos' waste transfer and disposal systems.

Furthermore, LAWMA disclosed that Zoomlion is actively constructing modern Transfer Loading Stations at Olusosun and Solous III, each engineered to process an impressive 2,500 metric tonnes of waste daily.

The intervention has drawn widespread praise from key private sector players, including Dr. Olugbenga Adebola, President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN). Dr. Adebola noted that improved access at the dumpsite directly alleviates the logistical hurdles faced by Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators.

"The rehabilitated road and the additional disposal platforms would reduce operational bottlenecks faced by PSP operators, improve turnaround time for compactor trucks and ultimately enhance waste evacuation across the State," Adebola remarked.Manoah Kikekon 

LAWMA Commissions Rehabilitated Road and Platforms at Olusosun Dumpsite

OJOTA, LAGOS – In a step toward streamlining waste management operations across the metropolis, the Lagos State Government has commissioned a newly rehabilitated Road E and modern disposal platforms at the Olusosun Disposal Facility in Ojota.

The infrastructure upgrade, spearheaded by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), is designed to tackle operational bottlenecks, accelerate truck turnaround times, and significantly enhance the efficiency of municipal waste evacuation across the state.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, explained that the project was initiated to counteract the disruptions caused by recent heavy downpours, which had previously slowed the movement of compactor trucks navigating the site.

According to Dr. Gbadegesin, the newly paved road and expanded disposal platforms will enable multiple waste vehicles to discharge simultaneously, easing traffic congestion within the facility.

"This project represents another important milestone in our commitment to building a more efficient and resilient waste management system for Lagos," Dr. Gbadegesin stated. "By improving access to the disposal facility and expanding operational capacity, we are addressing immediate challenges while laying the foundation for long-term improvements in waste evacuation across the state."

The successful completion of the road project was made possible through a strategic Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Zoomlion Nigeria Limited. Dr. Gbadegesin commended the firm, noting that the partnership has evolved into a robust technical collaboration focused on engineering modern waste infrastructure.

The Managing Director of Zoomlion Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Habiba Abubakar, revealed that the project was completed in just 26 days well ahead of schedule marking the first phase of a broader commitment to optimizing Lagos' waste transfer and disposal systems.

Furthermore, LAWMA disclosed that Zoomlion is actively constructing modern Transfer Loading Stations at Olusosun and Solous III, each engineered to process an impressive 2,500 metric tonnes of waste daily.

The intervention has drawn widespread praise from key private sector players, including Dr. Olugbenga Adebola, President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN). Dr. Adebola noted that improved access at the dumpsite directly alleviates the logistical hurdles faced by Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators.

"The rehabilitated road and the additional disposal platforms would reduce operational bottlenecks faced by PSP operators, improve turnaround time for compactor trucks and ultimately enhance waste evacuation across the State," Adebola remarked.

1 Year in office: Hon. Rauf Yemaren Highlights Milestones in Badagry West LCDA

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Hon. Ibrahim Rauf Yemaren 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – Marking a significant milestone in grassroots governance, the Executive Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren (RIKAY), has celebrated his first 365 days in office. 

Reflecting on a year defined by purposeful leadership and structural development, the Chairman expressed profound gratitude to residents for their unwavering support in building a more prosperous community.

Reflecting on the journey, Hon. Yemaren noted that his administration’s blueprint was anchored on practical, people-oriented programmes. "Together, we have laid a solid foundation for sustainable development and demonstrated that when leadership is driven by vision, accountability and compassion, meaningful progress is inevitable," the Chairman stated.

Over the past year, Badagry West LCDA witnessed a flurry of infrastructural and educational interventions designed to uplift rural and border communities. Key projects initiated or executed within the first 365 days include:

ICT & Health Development: Construction of a modern Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre at Ganyingbo Topa and a modern Primary Health Care Centre at Asheri.

School Security: Delivery of model perimeter fencing projects at Methodist Primary School, Sawa, and L.A. Primary School, Apa.

Access to Learning: Sustained distribution of free GCE and JAMB forms, free holiday coaching, and specialized CBT training for students.

Roads & Mobility: Ongoing work on Gedu Road Phase I with drainage systems, grading and sand-filling of over 50 inner roads across the five wards, and strategic environmental interventions at the Gbaji International Link Bridge.

In the health sector, the administration upgraded Primary Health Centres with modern medical equipment, delivery beds, and sustained routine immunization campaigns, alongside successful polio eradication drives. Access to clean water was also boosted with a completed solar-powered borehole project in Akoko Community.

Recognizing security as the bedrock of community growth, the council renovated the Suntan Beach Police Post and institutionalized regular peace and security meetings, fostering tight collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, Immigration, NSCDC, FRSC, and traditional security institutions like the Zangbeto framework.

Social intervention programmes touched thousands of lives through food palliative distributions to over 10,000 residents, monthly support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), sanitary pad distribution to teenage girls by the Office of the First Lady and WAPA, and robust economic empowerment initiatives that equipped artisans with working tools, deep freezers, sewing machines, and cash grants.

As a strategic coastal and border hub, Badagry West advanced its cultural footprint through active participation in World Tourism Day, Isese Day, the Badagry Diaspora Festival, and regional cross-border cooperation meetings under ABeGIEF. Governance was further strengthened through administrative capacity-building retreats and the provision of official utility vehicles to key executive and management functionaries.

Looking ahead to his second year in office, Hon. Yemaren announced plans to fast-track the proposed International Market at Gbaji Junction and establish a new public primary school within the Seme International Border corridor to serve growing populations.

"The foundation has been laid. The vision is clear. The journey continues, and together, the best is yet to come," Hon. Yemaren concluded.

"They’re Going to Get a Beating": Trump to Iran

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Donald Trump 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has issued a fierce warning to Tehran, vowing that the United States will hit back hard following a renewed wave of Iranian missile attacks targeting American military assets in the Middle East.

The escalation abruptly shatters a brief lull in fighting that had previously sparked cautious optimism for peace negotiations. The renewed hostilities sent shockwaves through global markets, driving oil prices up by approximately five percent over mounting fears of prolonged supply disruptions.

Renewed Missile Strikes and Regional Escalation

The friction reignited after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a barrage of ballistic missiles from Iran targeting U.S. forces stationed in Jordan. Although regional air defenses successfully intercepted the incoming projectiles, the surprise assault shattered a fragile multi-day ceasefire.

Speaking in a phone interview with Fox News, a furious President Trump pulled no punches regarding Washington's upcoming response.

“We’ll be hitting them hard. They’re going to get a beating,” Trump told the network, emphasizing his stance by stating that the U.S. intends to deliver a severe blow to the Islamic Republic. He further branded Iran-backed militant factions as "a cancer on the world".

Joint U.S.-Saudi Action in Iraq

The latest exchange follows coordinated military action earlier in the week. For the first time since the onset of the broader conflict, Saudi Arabia joined forces with the United States to launch precision airstrikes against militant infrastructure in Iraq.

The joint operation was mounted in direct response to persistent drone attacks targeting Saudi crude oil facilities, which Riyadh blamed on Tehran-backed proxy networks. Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi alliance reported that at least 20 of its members were killed across multiple provinces, drawing sharp official condemnation from Baghdad over what it termed a violation of national sovereignty.

Despite the military flare-up, President Trump noted that backchannel communications and low-level diplomatic tracks remain open, though he signaled that kinetic force will dictate the immediate path forward.

Global Energy Markets React

The collapse of the temporary truce has immediately reverberated across international shipping and energy corridors. Tensions continue to center heavily around the critical Strait of Hormuz, where the IRGC maintains an aggressive posture, alongside shifting maritime security dynamics in the Red Sea as regional proxy groups align with Tehran's strategic leverage objectives.

PBAT-KOH Door-to-Door Movement Inaugurates Lagos Executives to Drive 2027 Grassroots Mobilization

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (PBAT-KOH) Door-to-Door Movement officially inaugurated its Lagos State executive members on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

The inauguration ceremony, held in Festac Town, Lagos, brought together key political stakeholders, grassroots organizers, and supporters. 

During the event, 30 newly appointed executive members formally took their oaths of office and were presented with certificates of appointment, signaling the official kick-off of the group's statewide mobilization campaign.

Addressing the gathering, the Lagos State Coordinator of the PBAT-KOH Door-to-Door Movement, John Ogun, emphasized that the organization is built on a foundation of shared political vision and collective growth.

"The motto of our group is 'We grow together, we win together,'” Ogun stated. He called on residents across the state to join the movement to ensure the resounding re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the continued progressive governance of Lagos State come 2027.

Shedding more light on the group's strategic approach, the Youth Director and Spokesperson for the movement, David Sunday Aladeotan, noted that the initiative is designed to reach the deepest corners of the electorate, with a specific focus on newly registered voters.

"The objective of this movement is to mobilize with extraordinary political strategy for the re-election of President Tinubu and Lagos governorship candidate Obafemi Hamzat," Aladeotan explained. 

"They have been inaugurated to begin their awareness strategy in the grassroots. This movement is for the grassroots; so we have inaugurated our State Excos and LCDA coordinators today to start the grassroots mobilization, and part of our strategy is that we want to target the newly registered voters."

Aladeotan pointed to several landmark achievements of the current administration as justification for renewed public support. He cited the sustained structural impacts of the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), aggressive debt recovery measures, the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the monumental Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, and the recent increments in Local Government Area allocations as clear testimonies of effective leadership.

Following the inauguration, the leadership and members of the movement paid a courtesy visit to the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Secretariat. There, official merchandise and a certificate of recognition were presented to the Executive Chairman, Hon. Lanre Sanusi.

The Vice Chairman of the council, Ashara Morin Chika, who received the delegation on behalf of the chairman, expressed profound appreciation for the group's efforts. Assuring the movement of the local government's backing, she noted that the chairman remains fully dedicated to ensuring that President Tinubu and the progressive agenda record a landslide victory in 2027.