NULASS Evacuates 236 Lagos Students from Volatile Jos Crisis Zone

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Yhe Lagos State Government and the National Union of Lagos State Students (NULASS) have successfully evacuated 236 students from Jos, Plateau State. The emergency move follows a week of escalating violence and communal clashes that left many residents trapped under a tense dusk-to-dawn curfew.

The rescue mission was triggered by a chilling distress call received on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. A student in Jos reportedly reached out to student leaders with a desperate plea: "Ejooor oh. I wanna live and also my people oh. Jos is hot now Sir." 

Responding to the imminent danger, NULASS National President, Comrade Hafiz Olufowobi, immediately established a five-member emergency response committee. Led by the Vice President II (Diaspora), Comrade Oluwadarasimi Lawal, the team worked around the clock to coordinate with the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, Mr. Olawale Samuel Kappo.

While the University of Jos (UNIJOS) Dean of Student Affairs provided a database of over 600 Lagos indigenes and residents, the chaotic security situation made full registration difficult. Despite communication disruptions and widespread panic, 236 students were successfully processed through a digital platform for immediate evacuation.

The operation was a feat of inter-state coordination:  The Lagos State Government provided a fleet of buses and financial stipends for the journey. Armed officers from the Plateau State Police Command provided a tactical escort to lead the convoy out of volatile areas like Angwan Rukuba. The students departed Jos under heavy guard and arrived safely in Lagos on Sunday evening, April 5, 2026.

Upon their arrival, the students were received by high-ranking officials, including the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, and the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kasali Adeniran. 

Comrade Olufowobi lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his swift intervention, noting that the administration’s "pro-student" stance saved lives. "This operation proves that the safety of our citizens, especially our students in the diaspora, remains a top priority," the NULASS President stated.

As of today, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the Plateau State Government has announced a slight relaxation of the curfew in Jos North, allowing movement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. However, other states including Cross River and Delta have also begun evacuating their indigenes as the security situation remains "calm but tense."

Badagry 2027: Yegovodu Group Rallies Support for Sesi Whingan, Bonu Solomon to Sustain Growth

By: Manoah Kikekon

BADAGRY, LAGOS — A prominent socio-political youth organization, Yegovodu, has officially endorsed the re-election bids of Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan and Hon. Bonu Solomon for the 2027 general elections. The group cited the "visible and record-breaking" performance of the two lawmakers as the primary reason for their stance, urging residents not to disrupt the current momentum of development in the division.

During a press conference held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the DOOKE Development Centre in Badagry, the group's Coordinator, Mr. Iroko Olufemi, delivered a compelling address titled "Badagry Must Not Abandon Progress."

Explaining the philosophy behind the group’s name, Olufemi noted that "Yegovodu" translates to "let us do it again." He argued that Badagry is currently at a critical crossroads where stability is far more valuable than starting from scratch with untested leadership.

"When a people can point to real change in their lives, the question is simple: do we start all over again or do we continue what is already working?" Olufemi asked.

The group highlighted the achievements of Hon. Sesi Whingan, who represents the Badagry Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Key highlights of his two-and-a-half-year tenure include: 

Education & Legislation: Advocating for the establishment of the Badagry University of Technology and strengthening the Nigerian French Language Village.

Human Capital: The "Badagry 1,000 Tech Talents Project", which has already begun equipping hundreds of youths with digital skills.

Infrastructure: The installation of over 321 solar-powered street lights and the construction of mini-bridges linking isolated communities like Isalu and Iyaafin.

Welfare: Providing relief to over 5,000 households and 1,200 flood victims, alongside distribution of agricultural inputs to local farmers.

Turning to Hon. Bonu Solomon, the representative for Badagry Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, the group praised his grassroots accessibility. His scorecard includes:

Employment & Empowerment: Securing state civil service jobs for residents and launching the Badagry Entrepreneurship Summit to create local millionaires.

Infrastructure: Facilitating the rehabilitation of the Gbaji-Seme and Owode-Apa roads, and securing BRT access to improve transportation for Badagry residents.

Education: Sustaining bursary and scholarship schemes for students and facilitating the ongoing development of the Ajido Youth Centre.

Mr. Olufemi also referenced a recent speech by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, at the APC National Convention in March 2026. Abbas had warned that the constant turnover of lawmakers weakens institutional memory and wastes public resources on retraining. The Yegovodu group echoed this, insisting that keeping performing lawmakers in office is essential for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing reforms.

In a surprise appearance at the event, Hon. Sesi Whingan thanked the group for their support while providing clarity on pending projects. He explained that while the 2024 budget projects are largely visible, those captured in the 2025 and 2026 budgets are awaiting the release of federal funds.

"My passion for the development of Badagry is doubling by the day," Whingan stated, assuring constituents that once the funding is released, the division will witness a "massive wave" of new developmental projects.

"Bring Out the Payroll": Dismissed Soldier 'Soja Boi' Tenders Bank Receipts to Challenge Army Pay Claims

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — The ongoing war of words between the Nigerian Army and dismissed soldier Rotimi Olamilekan , popularly known as Soja Boi, escalated on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. In a bold move, the former Lance Corporal released bank transaction alerts to the public, challenging military authorities to disprove his claims regarding poor remuneration and the self-funding of combat gear.

The development follows an official statement by the Nigerian Army which labeled Olamilekan’s earlier allegations as "false and misleading." Unfazed, the former soldier (service number 18NA/77/1009) took to social media to provide what he calls "irrefutable evidence."

In a viral video, Olamilekan displayed three specific transaction alerts from his time in service to illustrate the financial reality of a Nigerian soldier.

Monthly Salary: A credit of N112,061.59 dated February 2, 2026, with the narration “NIC-ARMY AC.”

Grumbling Allowance: A N20,000 payment dated February 4, 2026, via a CBN RTGS inflow.

Operational Allowance: A N45,000 credit from November 2025, which he claimed is only paid to personnel in active combat zones like Maiduguri.

"If you are doing barracks duty, you are only entitled to your salary and that N20,000," Olamilekan stated. He further noted that while some claim the N20,000 allowance has been increased, he could only speak to the figures reflected in his personal records.

Beyond the pay, Soja Boi doubled down on his claim that soldiers are frequently forced to dip into their modest earnings to stay safe on the front lines. He alleged that essential protective equipment, such as helmets and fragmentation jackets, are often purchased privately by personnel.

“I am not trying to spoil the Nigerian Army’s image,” Olamilekan clarified. “But I am just speaking the facts. Call your brother, call your sister in the military, and ask them if I am lying.”

He concluded with a direct challenge to the military high command: “If they say I am lying, they should bring out their payroll. How much are they paying soldiers?”

The Nigerian Army, through its Acting Director of Public Relations, Appolonia Anaele, has maintained that these claims are baseless. The military insists that its logistics system provides all necessary uniforms, kits, and arms to personnel. 

While the Army acknowledged that some soldiers might "supplement" their kits with personal purchases, it described such actions as strictly voluntary and not a result of any systemic failure in the supply chain.

While the first receipt shown by Olamilekan carries a narration linked to the Army, the other two totalling N65,000 originated from sources like "Skystone Finance" and general CBN inflows, which do not explicitly name the Army as the payer. 

Sanwo-Olu Launches Free E-Learning & Academic Tools for Lagos Schools

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Lagos State is entering a new era of educational excellence as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially launched an advanced e-learning platform and a massive distribution of free academic materials for public school students.

This landmark move marks a significant milestone in the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) initiative, aimed at bridging the digital divide in Nigeria’s commercial nerve center.

The latest phase of the HOPE initiative focuses on foundational learning. The Governor announced the provision of free literacy and numeracy books for all pupils in Primary 1–6, alongside specialized science, literacy, and numeracy materials for Junior Secondary School (JSS 1–3) students. 

By integrating digital education with physical resources, the Lagos State Government (LASG) is ensuring that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has the tools required for global competitiveness.

"Investments in these sectors are not only made, but are efficiently managed, transparently tracked, and translated into real benefits for citizens." Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Introduced in 2025, the HOPE initiative is a World Bank-supported reform strategy designed to fix structural gaps in three critical areas: 1.  Education: Construction of over 1,000 classrooms, digital platform expansion, and the recruitment of thousands of highly trained teachers.

2.  Primary Healthcare: The rehabilitation of over 330 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and the flagship development of the Massey Children’s Hospital for specialized pediatric care.

3.  Governance (HOPE-GOV): Enhancing fiscal transparency, budget credibility, and accountability at both state and local government levels.

The launch, held at the Lagos House in Marina, drew praise from international development partners. Akin Onimole, representing the World Bank, highlighted that independent audits confirmed "quality delivery" in the state’s procurement and execution standards. 

Similarly, Celine Lafoucriere of UNICEF described the progress in Lagos as a "powerful testament" to how political will can drive transformative governance. The success of the Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle.a massive facility housing 36 schools was cited by Hon. Olumoh Saad Lukman as a prime example of this transformation.

Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, emphasized that the state’s focus on human capital is a strategic move for long-term economic stability. By investing in the health and education of its youth today, Lagos is securing its position as a leading megacity capable of sustaining growth through a skilled and healthy workforce.

Ojo Stakeholders Pen Open Letter Rejecting Hon. Seyi Sowunmi Over "Mediocre Representation"

By: Manoah Kikekon 

OJO, LAGOS —  The concerned stakeholders within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) released an open letter addressed to the sitting House of Representatives member, Hon. Seyi Sowunmi. 

The letter, which serves as a formal "rejection notice," released Monday, April 6, 2026, accuses the lawmaker of gross incompetence, financial misappropriation, and a total disconnect from the people he represents.

The letter, authored by a coalition of concerned political stakeholders in Ojo LGA, began by revisiting the controversial 2023 election cycle. According to the stakeholders, Sowunmi was a ghost candidate during the campaigns. They allege that he never purchased a nomination form, participated in rallies, or attended ward meetings, claiming that the Labour Party (LP) actually campaigned for Hon. Ifeanyi Ukachukwu at the time. 

"By divine providence, your name was announced by INEC to our chagrin and bewilderment," the letter reads. It further alleges that Sowunmi showed his "true colors" immediately after his inauguration by ignoring Ojo residents and instead sponsoring guests from Ifako-Ijaiye his alleged place of birth to attend his swearing-in ceremony in Abuja.

Perhaps the most damaging portion of the open letter focuses on the lawmaker's performance and use of public funds. The stakeholders have challenged Hon. Sowunmi to present a verifiable scorecard of his three years in office, claiming he has failed to deliver the "dividends of democracy" to the constituency.

"In the last three years, you have collected about N14.4 billion in constituency allowance meant for Ojo people, yet without any impactful project. You have not tarred a kilometer of any road or street in Ojo, nor provided genuine empowerment."

The group further questioned the lawmaker's local roots, asserting that he lacks a legitimate political ward in Ojo. They claim that chairmen of both Ijanikin and Ojo Town wards have issued written disclaimers stating that Sowunmi is not a registered member of their respective jurisdictions.

The letter details a tumultuous political journey for Sowunmi, who recently defected to the ADC. The stakeholders dismissed his claims that Peter Obi promised automatic tickets to incumbents as "fallacious." They reminded the public that Sowunmi was suspended from the Labour Party in 2024 for alleged anti-party activities and gross misconduct after refusing to appear before a disciplinary committee.

The stakeholders accused him of practicing "divide and rule" politics, claiming he has consistently ignored the party loyalists who defended his mandate in 2023 in favor of a "self-aggrandizement" agenda.

As the 2027 election cycle approaches, the "Concerned Political Stakeholders" have warned other political blocs including members of the APC, PDP, and YPP forming coalitions to be wary of the lawmaker’s "antics."

OJo ADC Members Hospitalized as Thugs Allegedly Linked to Seyi Sowunmi Attack Protesters

By: Manoah Kikekon

LAGOS, NIGERIA — What began as a peaceful demonstration by members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ojo turned into a bloody confrontation on Thursday. Protesters, who had gathered to voice their opposition to the alleged imposition of Seyi Sowunmi as the party’s 2027 House of Representatives candidate, were violently ambushed by armed hoodlums, leaving several participants severely injured.

The demonstration started early Thursday morning, with party members carrying placards and chanting slogans demanding a transparent primary process for the Ojo Federal Constituency. 

However, the atmosphere shifted as the group began their procession toward the party’s Secretariat. Witnesses reported seeing a group of men, identified by locals as loyalists to the embattled candidate, hovering near the fringes of the crowd before launching a coordinated assault.

Speaking on the traumatic turn of events, a prominent party stakeholder, Comrade Nosiru Alanis, detailed how the peace was shattered. 

Related News:

Ojo ADC Members Protest "Imposition" of Seyi Sowunmi for 2027 House of Reps Seat

“When the protest started, we saw some guys coming around who were identified as Seyi’s boys, but they couldn't come to where we were initially. Then we decided to move to the party Secretariat. As we were moving, the guys attacked, injured three of us, and stole our valuable items, including phones and money.”

The attackers reportedly used various weapons to disperse the crowd, causing a stampede that sent residents and shop owners in the Ojo area scurrying for safety.

The brutality of the attack left three members with significant injuries. The victims have been identified as Pastor Yemi Ayeni, Emmanuel, and Femi. They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment for wounds sustained during the melee. Beyond the physical injuries, protesters lamented the loss of personal property, alleging that the thugs systematically robbed them during the confusion.

The incident has been officially reported to the Nigeria Police Force in Ojo. Law enforcement officers have reportedly visited the scene to gather evidence and are expected to invite individuals mentioned in the petition for questioning. The ADC leadership in the local government has vowed to pursue the matter legally, insisting that internal party grievances should never result in bloodshed or the use of non-state actors to silence dissent.

As of the time of this report, the allegations against Seyi Sowunmi remain unaddressed by his camp. Multiple attempts were made to reach out to him for his response to the claims that his "boys" orchestrated the attack, but all calls and messages remained unanswered.

Badagry Ward I Launches Mandate Explorers to Champion Inclusion and Infrastructure Development

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY — In a strategic move to strengthen the grassroots base of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Mandate Explorers Group (MEG) was officially inaugurated on Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Pota, Badagry. 

The group, with over a thousand members comprised of party loyalists from communities which made up Ward I (Erekiti, Iragon, Iragbo, Javie, Ikoga, Igborosun, Pota) aims to tackle years of perceived systemic neglect and mobilize massive support for the "Renewed Hope" agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The pioneer of the group, Elijah Kappo, emphasized during the launch that the formation of MEG is not an attempt to create a factional party but a necessary platform to harmonize the voices of Ward I residents. He highlighted the dire state of local infrastructure, specifically pointing to the deteriorating road networks that have hindered economic activities in the area.

"Mandate Explorers Group was born because the people of Ward I are complaining of neglect and poor governance. The two major roads in this area are in bad condition," Kappo stated. "We have brought the people together under the flag of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that giving the President a second chance will bring direct benefits to us here. We are harmonizing ourselves so the government can finally attend to our challenges."

.Ajadi Omotayosi, the Supervisor for Chieftaincy Affairs in Badagry Local Government, expressed his astonishment at the large turnout. He noted that while the ward has consistently participated in politics, the tangible dividends of democracy have been scarce. He specifically called on the Federal Government to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Mowo-Ikoga and Erekiti-to-Ikoga roads.

"I am overwhelmed with the kind of crowd I saw today, and I will definitely relate what I have seen to my chairman," Omotayosi remarked. "We are pleading with the Federal Government to improve our road networks. This group is for the progress of the APC towards 2027, ensuring that President Tinubu emerges for a second term. However, the people must realize that their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) is the only tool that can make their voice count."

Gbolajobi Amoke, the Woman Leader of the Mandate Explorers Group, expressed her optimism about the group's potential to correct past administrative oversights. She urged members to remain steadfast within the APC rather than defecting to opposition parties.

"I am so happy for this group because there are many things happening that need to be corrected," Amoke said. "The 2027 victory for President Tinubu is sure, but we need to stand firm with our voters cards. There is no need to run from one party to another; staying united here is what will ultimately benefit all of us in Ward I."

The inauguration concluded with a grassroots sensitization drive, as leaders urged residents to participate in upcoming voter registration exercises. By positioning itself as a bridge between the local populace and the national leadership, the Mandate Explorers Group seeks to transform Ward I from a neglected corridor into a focal point of the APC's 2027 strategy in Lagos State.