LASU Law President Awumenu-Fisher Appointed Deputy Director of Legal for E-KOH Initiative

By: Manoah Kikekon

Emmanuel Awumenu-Fisher 

The President of the Law Students' Society at the Lagos State University (LASU), Emmanuel Sewanu Awumenu-Fisher, has been named the Lagos State Deputy Director of Legal for the Elect Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (E-KOH) Initiative. This strategic appointment marks a significant milestone in the movement’s efforts to bolster its legal and administrative framework ahead of the 2027 Lagos gubernatorial race.

The E-KOH Initiative, which is actively mobilizing support for the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as the consensus gubernatorial candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), formalized the appointment via a letter dated July 3, 2026. The appointment was jointly signed by the Convener and Director-General, Comrade Badmus Olawale (Liberty), and the General Secretary, Hon. Esther Ojo.

As the new Deputy Director of Legal, Awumenu-Fisher is expected to play a pivotal role in the initiative's operational success. His mandate includes providing legal guidance, drafting and vetting official documents, ensuring full compliance with electoral regulations, and resolving internal disputes.

"I am profoundly honoured to formally accept my appointment as Deputy Director of Legal of the Elect Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (E-KOH) Initiative," Awumenu-Fisher stated upon his acceptance. He expressed deep gratitude to the organization’s leadership for their confidence in his potential, promising to bring integrity, professionalism, and excellence to the role.

Political observers view this appointment as a reflection of the growing influence of youth and student leaders in the Nigerian political landscape. By tapping into the expertise of a law student leader, the E-KOH Initiative aims to align its campaign strategies with legal precision and policy-driven advocacy.

"This appointment is not merely a recognition of past efforts; it is a call to greater responsibility," the LASU Law President noted. "By the grace of God, I will discharge this trust with integrity, excellence, and an unrelenting commitment to service. The work continues."

ACPN Pushes for FG Integration of NHIA to Fast-Track Universal Health Coverage

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has officially urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to integrate registered community pharmacists into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme. The association argues that this reform is a critical, transformative step toward expanding affordable healthcare, ensuring medicine safety, and accelerating Nigeria’s path to Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

During a press briefing to unveil the 45th Annual International Scientific Conference, ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, highlighted that community pharmacies serve as the primary point of contact for nearly 80% of Nigerians. By integrating these pharmacies into the national health insurance framework, the government could significantly reduce patient travel times and out-of-pocket costs while bringing essential services closer to underserved populations.

"Most Nigerians live closer to a community pharmacy than to a major hospital," Pharm. Ezeh noted. "Integrating community pharmacists into the NHIA means healthcare becomes available right where people live, reducing travel time, lowering healthcare costs, and improving timely access to quality medicines".

The association’s call for reform coincides with its upcoming 45th Annual International Scientific Conference, themed "Unity 2026: From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact – Managing Complex Political Systems". Scheduled for July 27 to August 1, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, the event aims to translate professional recommendations into implementable policies.

Key highlights of the conference include:

Awareness Walk: A kickoff event on July 27 themed "Health Insurance for All: Leaving No One Behind," to be led by NHIA Director-General Dr. Kelechi Ohiri.

Strategic Discussions: Expert-led sessions focusing on leveraging NHIA–community pharmacist collaboration and strengthening primary healthcare delivery.

High-Level Engagement: The conference expects participation from prominent leaders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Coordinating Minister of Health Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.

Beyond healthcare access, the ACPN is using the conference to advocate for stronger medicine quality assurance. Pharm. Ezeh warned the public against patronizing unlicensed medicine vendors, which contributes to the proliferation of substandard and falsified products. He emphasized that directing healthcare financing through regulated pharmaceutical outlets would create a safer environment for patients and effectively combat the spread of counterfeit drugs.

The ACPN maintains that community pharmacists are an "underutilized national healthcare asset". By formalizing their role within the NHIA, the government can maximize existing infrastructure to deliver immediate healthcare improvements without the need for massive new capital investments.

ActionAid, HUFFPED Gift Boats, Engine and Life Jackets to Ojogun Island in Badagry

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

ActionAid Nigeria and the Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development (HUFFPED),  donated a boat, engine and life jackets to Ojogun Island in Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), in Badagry, Lagos State  aimed at easing the movement of students, traders, and patients. 

The commissioning and official handover held on Thursday 16 July 2026 in the community, For over 100 years of the communities existence, the Island’s residents have grappled with the high cost and safety risks of water transportation. The new initiative seeks to provide a safer alternative for school children, teachers, and those seeking urgent medical care on the mainland.

Mr. Kehinde Arowosegbe, the Partnership and Local Rights Specialist for ActionAid Nigeria, who represented Actionaid Country Director is Andrew Mamedu organization’s Country Director, Dr. Andrew Mamed, explained that the intervention was born out of a deep concern for the community’s prolonged suffering.

"The many years of suffering of the people in this community prompted this," Arowosegbe said. "It has been difficult for residents to access the mainland during emergencies. Oftentimes, a woman in labour requires extra effort because they can access medical care, and teachers are often unable to come to school and they most go to school, some arrive late while some do not stay. This intervention is here to bridge transportation gap hence, it is now community property. However there will be time to time monitoring by the people and ActionAid maintenance team.

Henry Adenigba, the Executive Director of Programs at HUFFPED, added that the donation is part of a broader commitment to supporting underserved riverine communities, including Aivoji, Akoko, Iragbo, and Pashi. "This is a laudable one which will provide succour to the entire community," Adenigba noted.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Executive Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, who lauded the partnership and promised to scale up the intervention.

"I know the community still needs more support, and as a local government, we are also going to donate two engine boats and life jackets, with provisions for divers to accompany them," the Chairman announced. 

He emphasized that the community would be responsible for managing the boats, with priority given to teachers and health personnel. "The people have to make sure they maintain this boat as it is important to their survival," he added, while also calling on other NGOs to partner with the council to further support local development.

The impact of the donation was immediately felt by the residents, who have long endured the dangers of unreliable water travel. Lukmon Asuramu, a community leader, described the intervention as a "great relief," and promised that the community would ensure the facilities are properly maintained.

Funmi Ewumi the Woman leader in a harrowing reflection on the past struggles of the community. "We are happy as women because we've lost several children to the lack of boats to take them to the hospital when they are sick," she said. "Just three days ago, a pregnant woman lost her baby because there was no means to take her to the hospital in time. We are really happy and grateful for this."

According to the project coordinator, Adebowale Keinde, "the intervention is expected to ease the long-standing transportation challenges faced by residents, providing safer and more reliable access to schools, healthcare services, markets, and other socio-economic opportunities inline line with the projet baseline findings."

The commissioning was led by the Executive Chairman of Olorunda LCDA and attended by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District V, the P&LRP Specialist, ActionAid Nigeria, the Executive Director of HUFFPED, alongside community leaders, women, youth, and other stakeholders.

Badagry Chairman Empowers 200 Persons with Disabilities, Commissions New Secretariat

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – The Badagry Local Government has taken step toward fostering an inclusive society with the empowerment of 200 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the official handing over of a dedicated offive within the secretariat for the association.

The initiative, held on Thursday at the Council Secretariat, marked the sixth edition of the "Renewed Hope Asiwaju Cash Support Programme." This latest installment was exclusively dedicated to the disability community, reinforcing the administration’s pledge to ensure that vulnerable groups remain at the heart of local governance.

During the handover ceremony, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, underscored his administration's resolve to dismantle barriers for those living with disabilities. He described the PWD community as "special people" who deserve not only care and support but also the infrastructure required to participate actively in community life.

"My administration remains committed to implementing policies and programmes that cater to the needs of every segment of society without discrimination," Hon. Hunpe stated. "By providing a permanent secretariat, we are moving beyond temporary support to ensure their welfare, dignity, and active participation in governance are institutionalized."

The event drew praise from local leaders and administrators who lauded the Chairman’s focus on the "Renewed Hope" agenda.

Hon. Bankole Mautin Asokere, Leader of the Legislative Arm, and Mrs. Avoseh-Akwe Senami Oluwakemi, the Council Manager, were joined by APC Badagry LGA Apex Leader Chief Moses Zannu Ogunbiyi and LGA Chairman Hon. Gafar Muritala Meyon in celebrating the milestone.

The stakeholders described the dual achievement of cash empowerment and the provision of a physical office as a "practical demonstration of a people-centred administration," urging beneficiaries to use the financial support to stabilize their households and grow their micro-enterprises.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Special Adviser on People with Disability, Mr. Sejuro Ekundayo, expressed profound gratitude for the support. He noted that the gestures were unprecedented and had instilled a renewed sense of belonging within the disability community.

"This empowerment and the handover of the secretariat have strengthened our confidence and given us a greater sense of inclusion," Ekundayo remarked. He pledged the association's continued cooperation with the local government to help build a more progressive and accessible Badagry.

Lagos Government Defends Makoko Waterfront Reclamation Project

By: Manoah Kikekon

The Lagos State Government has formally defended the ongoing reclamation work at the Makoko Waterfront, situated near the Ebute Meta/Lagos Island interchange, asserting that the project has received all necessary statutory approvals.

Addressing public concerns during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Alebiosu, confirmed that the project is being executed by FBT Coral. According to the Commissioner, the developer complied with all regulatory requirements before commencing work.

"The reclamation work you see in Makoko around the Third Mainland Bridge is being handled by FBT Coral. They got approval from the Federal Government and also obtained the necessary clearance from the Lagos State Government," Alebiosu stated.

He further clarified the following points regarding the project’s regulatory status: Regulatory Oversight: The project underwent a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and secured the required drainage clearance.

Suspension and Review: The Lagos State Government previously suspended the project for approximately one year to ensure the developer obtained additional clearances from the Federal Ministry of Works.

Operational Integrity: Following an assessment by a government-constituted committee, the developer was cleared to resume operations after investigations confirmed they were not dredging near the Third Mainland Bridge, but were instead pumping sand from locations several kilometres away.

Alebiosu emphasized that the project was reviewed by all relevant regulatory agencies, stating, "Every relevant agency came together, assessed the project and agreed it could proceed. It is therefore not my place to describe it as an illegal development".

The Commissioner’s remarks come amidst heightened state efforts to curb illegal dredging and unauthorized land reclamation, which have been linked to persistent flooding in Lagos.

Alebiosu reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal dredging, noting that his ministry has not issued any new dredging permits during his tenure. He highlighted that bathymetric surveys indicate a rapid depletion of sand deposits in Lagos waterways, with operators now forced to travel up to 14 kilometres offshore to source material, compared to the previous three-kilometre distance.

"That tells us we are gradually running out of sand, and everyone must join hands to tackle illegal dredging," the Commissioner warned, urging residents to avoid supporting such activities, which threaten the state's ecological stability.

Badagry Local Government Commemorates Tree Planting Day to Combat Climate Change

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a move to mitigate the effects of climate change and enhance the beauty of the historic town, the Badagry Local Government on Tuesday joined the Lagos State Government in commemorating the 2026 Tree Planting Day.

The event, held at Comprehensive High School, Ajara, served as a rallying cry for residents to embrace environmental stewardship as a vital tool for community survival.

Under the theme, "Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility," the ceremony brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, students, and environmental experts. The gathering underscored a shared urgency to address rising temperatures and urban flooding through nature-based solutions.

Representing Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, whose goodwill message was delivered by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, emphasized that environmental sustainability is no longer optional.

In his address, the Governor highlighted the state’s aggressive reforestation progress. "Lagos State has already planted 13,401 trees, representing 67 percent of its target of 20,000 trees for 2026," he revealed. He further added that the remaining balance would be successfully planted during the current rainy season to ensure optimal growth for the saplings.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab represented by Mr. Oladimeji Babajide explained that the state has designated all Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas as "Tree Custodians." This policy mandates local authorities to actively nurture and protect every tree planted within their respective jurisdictions.

"Every tree planted represents an investment in cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future," the Commissioner noted.

Echoing this commitment, Vice Chairman Hon. Akeem Adeyemi reaffirmed Badagry’s dedication to environmental management. He cited ongoing beautification projects at the iconic Badagry Roundabout and the enforcement of executive orders against unauthorized structures as proof of the council's resolve to reclaim and preserve the town’s landscape.

While the mood was celebratory, the event also provided a platform for critical feedback on the drivers of deforestation. White Cap Chief Anthony Ajose, the Finhento of Badagry, issued a poignant appeal to the government to address the root causes of tree felling in the community.

"I am using this opportunity to plead with the government to reduce the cost of cooking gas and kerosene so as to discourage the felling of trees for the purpose of firewood, as this is the major reason why people are cutting down trees," Chief Ajose stated.

Federal Government Opens Applications for Free CAC Registration for 250,000 MSMEs

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

In a significant boost for Nigeria’s small business sector, the Federal Government has officially opened applications for its ambitious program to provide free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration for 250,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Approved by President Bola Tinubu, the initiative is a collaboration between the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). By covering the statutory registration fees—an investment of approximately ₦3 billion—the government aims to remove the financial and bureaucratic barriers that often keep small businesses in the informal sector, thereby enabling them to access finance, grants, and better market opportunities.

Why Formalize?

Beyond the free registration, the program is designed to integrate entrepreneurs into Nigeria's formal regulatory and banking ecosystem. Beneficiaries will gain access to:

Technical Training: Capacity-building programs to help businesses scale.

Business Support: Access to grants, insurance, and professional consulting.

Market Linkages: Opportunities to connect with broader markets and improve business sustainability.

"This drive is about breaking down the barriers that keep too many of our small businesses informal," noted CAC Registrar-General Hussaini Ishaq Magaji. SMEDAN Director-General Charles Odii added that the initiative is a practical step toward reducing the business collapse rate in Nigeria by providing "continuous aftercare" to registered enterprises.

How to Apply

Business owners interested in taking advantage of this scheme can follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the Portal: Go to the official SMEDAN registration portal at [portal.smedan.gov.ng](https://portal.smedan.gov.ng).

2. Create an Account: Sign up using your personal details, including your full name, email address, phone number, and a secure password.

3. Complete the Form: Fill out the MSME registration form with accurate information regarding your business sector, address, and staff strength.

4. Declare CAC Status: When the form asks whether your business already has a CAC registration number, select “No”.

5. Submit: Review your information for accuracy and submit your application.

6. Await Confirmation: If your application is successful, you will be contacted by SMEDAN with the next steps to finalize your free CAC business name registration.

Important Note for Existing SMEDAN Users:

If your business is already registered on the SMEDAN database but does not yet have a CAC registration, you automatically qualify for the program. You do not need to re-register; simply ensure your contact details on the portal are up to date so you can be reached for the next phase of the certification process.

As this program is being offered on a first-come, first-served basis, eligible business owners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure one of the 250,000 available slots.