Caliphate Airline, Announced as Official Partner of Eko Sports Tourism Fiesta 2026

By: Manoah Kikekon

LAGOS, NIGERIA — The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), Lagos State Chapter, has officially unveiled Caliphate Airline as the Official Airline partner for the upcoming Eko Sports Tourism Fiesta 2026 (ESTF 2026).

The sponsorship deal was announced on Monday this positions the emerging carrier at the heart of Lagos’ sports-tourism ecosystem as final preparations get underway for the maiden edition of the multi-sport festival.

The strategic collaboration aims to build a robust bridge connecting sports, tourism, corporate aviation, and youth entertainment across Nigeria. By bringing together sports enthusiasts, industry professionals, government bodies, and young talent, the partnership seeks to showcase destination Lagos as a premier sports-tourism hub in West Africa.

As Caliphate Airline expands its presence within the domestic aviation landscape, its alignment with ESTF 2026 reflects a growing commitment among corporate leaders to support community development and domestic travel through recreational sports.

Highlighting the vision behind the alliance, the leadership of ATPN Lagos Chapter stated, "This exciting partnership represents a significant step towards strengthening the connection between sports, tourism, aviation, and entertainment, while creating opportunities for collaboration among tourism practitioners, sports enthusiasts, corporate organisations, government agencies, and young people."

The Two Days of Competition, Connection, and Celebration is Scheduled to hold from 26th to 27th November 2026 at the iconic Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, the Eko Sports Tourism Fiesta will feature a diverse lineup of competitive and interactive games. Attendees can look forward to thrilling fixtures in football, PlayStation e-sports, Scrabble, table tennis, and several other recreational activities designed for all age groups.

Anchored on the theme "COMPETE! CONNECT!! CELEBRATE!!!", the festival promises two days of intense sporting action, professional networking, and culture-rich leisure.

Reflecting on the overarching goal of the fiesta, event organizers added that, "Together, we are bringing tourism practitioners, sports communities, institutions, corporate organisations, and the public together for two days of sporting excitement, networking, tourism promotion, and celebration.

ATPN Lagos Chapter warmly welcomes Caliphate Airline on board as our Official Airline Sponsor as we work together to elevate sports tourism and showcase the vibrancy of Lagos State."

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Nigeria Customs, EFCC Join Forces to Tackle Crimes

By: Manoah Kikekon 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have pledged to strengthen inter-agency collaboration to tackle economic and financial crimes, smuggling, illicit financial flows, and the impersonation of public officers.

The strategic commitment was made on 30 October 2026 during an executive engagement between the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, Deputy Comptroller (DC) Nkeiruka Nwala, and the EFCC Uyo Zonal Directorate leadership.

Speaking during the visit, DC Nwala stressed the necessity of sustained cooperation between both anti-graft and security bodies. She pointed to intelligence sharing, timely information exchange, and joint coordinated operations as vital mechanisms to confront emerging economic and security threats across regional corridors.

“The Command is ready to deepen collaboration with the EFCC in promoting transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the discharge of our statutory responsibilities,” Nwala affirmed.

Responding to the delegation, the Uyo Zonal Director of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Oshodi Johnson, welcomed the team and underscored the value of inter-agency synergy.

Addressing digital security concerns, Johnson warned Customs officers against the careless use of social media platforms, noting that fraudsters increasingly exploit digital channels to impersonate public officials using stolen names, ranks, photographs, and designations.

“Officers must protect their professional identities, exercise caution when sharing information online, and remain vigilant against fraudulent accounts,” Johnson stated. “Responsible digital conduct is essential to safeguarding both personal security and the institutional reputation of the Nigeria Customs Service.”

Stolen Phone Traced to Ekiti Governor’s Lodge Following Ambush: Sowore

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) leader Omoyele Sowore has alleged that a mobile device forcibly taken from a member of his entourage during a violent assault in Ekiti State was tracked directly to the Ekiti State Governor’s Lodge.

Sowore disclosed the claim in a formal statement on Sunday, raising serious questions about high-level involvement in the attack that occurred in Ado-Ekiti over the weekend.

“One of the phones stolen from a member of our team during Friday’s brutal attack in Ado-Ekiti has now been traced to the Governor’s Lodge in Ekiti State,” Sowore stated.

The political activist further accused security agencies specifically the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) of suppressing crucial evidence gathered from the scene of the violence.

Demanding full transparency, Sowore insisted on the immediate public disclosure of surveillance recordings. “The police and the DSS must immediately release the CCTV footage from Tawakalitu Restaurant to the public. You cannot bury the evidence.”

The confrontation broke out on Friday shortly after Sowore completed a broadcast interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti, where he and his delegation were ambushed by unidentified assailants.

While the Ekiti State Police Command issued a statement confirming the incident, law enforcement officials maintained that officers intervened to rescue Sowore from suspected political thugs, disputing early reports hinting at an attempted abduction.

However, civil rights group Take It Back Movement* denounced the assault in a separate statement, accusing police authorities of downplaying the severity and intent of the violence targeted at the activist's team.

Addressing public concern over the security breach, the state police command announced on Saturday that 11 individuals connected to the violence had been apprehended.

According to police spokesperson statements, the suspects remain in custody as investigators work to determine their respective levels of involvement, uncover potential political links, and identify accomplices still at large. Law enforcement authorities added that further findings will be released as the investigation progresses.

Badagry APC Names Mobolaji Ogunlende Campaign DG, Inaugurates Over 420-Member Council for 2027 Elections

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Badagry Federal Constituency has officially appointed Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, as the Director-General of its Campaign Council.

The announcement was made during the grand inauguration of over 420 campaign council members at an open arena adjacent to the Chief Akinsanya Sunny Ajose Housing Estate, opposite the Nigeria French Language Village in Badagry. The newly formed campaign machinery draws representation across Badagry Local Government, Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), and Badagry West LCDA.

To ensure seamless coordination across the federal constituency, three Deputy Directors-General were appointed to assist Ogunlende, Mr. Yahaya Lateef (Lagos State Civil Service Commission), Mr. Aihaji Williams (former Lagos State House of Assembly aspirant for Badagry Constituency I), Alhaji Adeniyi Balogun (former chairmanship aspirant in Olorunda LCDA)

The Campaign Council is tasked with driving grassroots mobilization for key APC candidates, including the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat alongside his running mate Princess Damilola Sonayon James, and Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule for Lagos West Senatorial District.

On the legislative front, the team will champion campaigns for, Hon. Onilude Segun Adeniran (Badagry Federal Constituency), Hon. Gbenu Henugbe Joseph (Badagry Constituency I, Lagos State House of Assembly), Hon. Oladunjoye Yusuf Olatunde** (Badagry Constituency II, Lagos State House of Assembly)

Speaking at the event, Hon. Fatai Adekunle Ayoola, Director-General of the Lagos West APC Campaign Council, acknowledged Badagry’s performance in previous polls while issuing a strong charge for 2027.

Ayoola pointed out a critical gap during the 2023 elections: out of over 250,000 registered voters in Badagry, fewer than 50,000 cast their ballots. He challenged the newly inaugurated council to embark on aggressive door-to-door campaigns to triple the vote tally. He noted that the political influence Badagry currently enjoys including producing the state’s deputy governorship candidate is a direct benefit of its electoral strength, which can yield even greater political rewards if voter participation increases.

Accepting the responsibility, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende reinforced the call for maximum grassroots engagement across all three council areas to deliver a decisive victory for the ruling party.

The newly formed council also integrates key federal, state, and local political figures, including, Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan (Member, House of Representatives Badagry Federal Constituency), Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu (Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Badagry Constituency I), Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode (Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs), Hon. Babatunde Hunpe (Executive Chairman, Badagry Local Government), Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon (Chairman, Olorunda LCDA), Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren (Chairman, Badagry West LCDA)

The inauguration sets the stage for intensive, synchronized political activities across the constituency as the APC prepares its machinery for the 2027 polls.

2027: Badagry Federation APC Inaugurates Campaign Council Ahead 2027 Elections

By: Saheed Jinodu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Badagry Federation has officially inaugurated its Campaign Council, with party leaders expressing strong confidence in their ability to improve the party’s electoral performance in forthcoming elections across Lagos State.

The inauguration took place on Thursday in Badagry, drawing key political stakeholders, local leaders, and party faithful from across the three local council areas comprising the federation: Badagry Local Government, Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), and Olorunda LCDA.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe Adande, described the inauguration as an important step towards strengthening the party’s campaign structure and mobilising support at the grassroots.

Hon. Hunpe expressed optimism about the party’s prospects, attributing the renewed enthusiasm among members to the emergence of Princess Damilola James as a deputy governorship aspirant. He noted that the development had further encouraged party members to demonstrate their total support through the ballot box.

“Badagry Federation came second previously, but this time around, we are aiming for the first position,” Hunpe stated.

He added that the people of Badagry were proud of the opportunity presented by the deputy governorship aspiration, noting that the community hoped to reciprocate the gesture through massive voter turnout and increased electoral support for the party.

The council chairman also emphasized the vital need for infrastructural development and economic growth in Badagry, highlighting the region's strategic importance to the overall progress of Lagos State.

“Badagry is the new Lagos, and we are proud of our daughter. We want our people to develop because when they develop, our economic activities will also improve,” he said.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Samson Kumayon Ajose, stated that the inauguration demonstrated the federation’s total commitment to mobilising party members and supporters ahead of the polls.

Hon. Ajose expressed confidence that the party would record superior electoral results compared to past performances.

“Badagry Federation is telling the entire Lagos State that we are going to mobilise our members to come out in large numbers to vote for the party,” Ajose asserted.

He added that the federation intended to demonstrate deep appreciation for the recognition given to the zone through active political participation. Furthermore, Ajose called for greater investment in Badagry’s rich tourism and cultural potential, urging both state and federal governments to support strategic infrastructure initiatives.

“Investment in Badagry's tourism, culture, and infrastructure could contribute significantly to the economic growth of Lagos State,” he noted.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, Hon. Rauf Rikay, reaffirmed his unalloyed support for the APC leadership and highlighted the economic policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Rikay referenced President Tinubu’s transformative tenure as governor of Lagos State, particularly his revenue-generation strategies, while appealing to Nigerians to exercise patience during the implementation of current national economic reforms.

“I want to assure us that it is a gradual process. Since Asiwaju has fought to remove the subsidy, everything will definitely come back to its rightful position,” Rikay stated.

Speaking from the perspective of Badagry West, a crucial international border region, Rikay acknowledged the economic challenges faced by residents and reiterated the need for patience while the national economy stabilizes.

The campaign council inauguration attracted an array of top political officeholders, community leaders, and party dignitaries, including, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende (Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development), the Chairman Badagry Federation APC Campaign Council, Hon. Avoseh Suuru Hodewu, Hon. Joseph Gbenu, Hon. Onilude, Hon. Oluwaseun Sesi Whigan, Hon. Solomon Saanu Bonu, and Hon. Akeem (Vice Chairman)

The inauguration successfully united APC leaders and supporters across the Badagry Federation, marking a major milestone in the party's strategic preparation to consolidate its grassroots support base ahead of upcoming electoral contests.

NYCN Lagos West Hosts 2026 Retreat on Grassroots Transformation for Youth Leaders

 By: Manoah Kikekon

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos West Senatorial District, has held its Retreat Management Meeting & Leadership Expedition 2026, centered on the theme: "From Leadership to Impact: Empowering NYCN Coordinators for Grassroots Transformation."

The strategic event took place on Wednesday, 28th October 2026, in Ikotun-Igando LCDA, Lagos State.

The retreat commenced with an inspection of the Salvation Army Quarter-Guard parade by Comrade Aladeotan David Sunday, the Vice Chairman of NYCN Lagos West.

Speaking on the vision behind the gathering, Aladeotan emphasized the need to pivot from ceremonial gatherings toward sustainable grassroots initiatives.

"The purpose of this retreat is to engage the Coordinators who are Management members of NYCN Lagos West Senatorial District, to start creative grassroots mobilization and look beyond ceremonial activities to impactful activities," Aladeotan declared.

"NYCN Lagos West Coordinators should begin to look beyond ceremonial programmes for impactful projects that are sustainable enough even after leaving office, while also looking beyond local government for sponsorship and support of youth development programmes. We the youths need to continue to do our best to contribute to the development of Nigeria without giving excuses, especially considering the financial crisis and unemployment facing the nation."

Hon. Lasisi Akinsanya, the Executive Chairman of Ikotun-Igando LCDA, commended the organizers for the initiative and urged young leaders to step into strategic governance roles.

"My advice to the youths is that they must be prepared to take their position in the scheme of things. The youths of any nation are the bedrock of development; if any nation ignores the youths, that nation does so at its own peril, and that is why I don't joke with anything related to the youths."

During the event, Mojisola Badmos, Secretary to Ikotun-Igando LCDA, was officially decorated as a Patron of NYCN Lagos West. Expressing her gratitude, she said, "I am overwhelmed because I was not prepared for this; I actually just came to support them as usual. I never knew this was coming, and I appreciate them. As a patron, they should be ready to work hard, be more proactive, more productive, and more impactful to society."

She Further said, "They should be ready to take the NYCN to greater heights. For me, the reward for hard work is more work, and I believe in service to the nation. I have the vision and mission to always impact my community positively wherever I find myself. The youths should be ready to make an impact and take the mantle."

Delivering the keynote address, Olajumoke Bolaji Bayode broke down the acronym IMPACT as a roadmap for youth coordinators:

I — Integrity: As a youth coordinator, integrity is key.

M — Mobilization: As a youth coordinator, you must be able to mobilize.

P — Purpose: Whatever anyone is doing in this life, they should have a purpose for it.

A — Accountability: Whatever you do, you should be able to account for it.

C — Collaboration: We should be able to collaborate with each other in whatever we are doing.

T — Transformation: That is when you transform everyone around you into what you want as a leader. Leaving here, I believe that you should make use of this IMPACT on everybody in your environment. Every Nigerian should believe and behave like their own boss; you don't always have to work for people."

Comr. Tijani Saheed, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Lagos State Governor on Wealth Creation, commended the leadership of the Lagos West Senatorial District for executing the project successfully.

"While I was the Organising Secretary, we tried something of this nature but couldn't achieve it, but today I'm happy that we have capable hands that took over from us and are doing well, led by David Aladeotan. The best thing you can do is to continue to encourage young people, particularly the apex body of all youth organizations at the local government and state levels.

As a coordinator, you must make yourself indispensable to the leadership of your local government. If that is done, there is virtually nothing they want to do that they won't call on you for. If a coordinator is active, the local government chairman will know that without working with such a youth leader, it will be difficult to get the support of the youths."

Representing Mrs. Maria Rauf, the Chairperson of Badagry West LCDA who was also decorated as an NYCN Lagos West Patron Mrs. Onifade Nimota reiterated her principal’s commitment to youth development, "My principal really appreciates the efforts of the youth council. She has been supporting the youths and is ready to continue doing so to further encourage them to do better."

Offering a vote of thanks on behalf of all participating coordinators, Comrade Sulaimon Azeez, the NYCN Coordinator for Ojokoro LCDA, noted, "We have learnt a lot from this retreat on how to empower the youths in our local governments, engage them more, and comport ourselves morally to deliver good results. I commend the Lagos West Vice Chairman for putting this laudable programme together."

CityMood Badagry CEO Sewhude Akande Rejects APC's Appointment

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Abolaji Sewhude Akande, and APC

Abolaji Sewhude Akande (PhD, HC), Publisher of CityMood, has rejected his nomination as a member of the Badagry Federation APC Campaign Council following its inauguration on Thursday, 29th October 2026.

This was disclosed in a statement released by Akonde today after the appointment was announced.

Akonde said: "I wish to respectfully clarify my position following the publication of my name and its announcement as a member of the Badagry Federation APC Campaign Council at its inauguration on Thursday, 29th October 2026."

"I was neither informed nor consulted before my name was included in the list. I am neither a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) nor any other political party, and I have not accepted the appointment as announced," he continue.

"As the Publisher of CityMood, I consider professional independence, public trust, and responsible journalism important to my work. I believe it is necessary to clarify this position to avoid any misunderstanding about my personal political affiliation and the editorial independence of the publication."

"In view of these considerations, I respectfully decline the appointment as announced. This decision is not intended to express hostility towards the party or its members, and it does not foreclose the possibility of future engagements or professional relationships where appropriate."

"I sincerely appreciate the Director-General of the Campaign Council, my dear friend and brother, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, as well as Dr. Sewedo Samuel, Chairman of the committee to which I was assigned. I hold both gentlemen in high regard and appreciate the goodwill that may have informed my inclusion."

"I remain committed to the development of Badagry and to promoting issues that advance the interests of our community, while upholding the professional values that guide my work," he added.