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.

Stakeholders Demand Urgent Expansion of Health Insurance as Millions Face Medical Poverty

 By: Manoah Kikekon

IKEJA, LAGOS – In a passionate call to action, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and pharmaceutical stakeholders have warned that millions of Nigerians remain just one illness away from financial ruin due to over-reliance on out-of-pocket healthcare spending.

The urgent appeal was made during the 2026 Public Lecture and Mid-Year Meeting of the Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (BOF-PSN), held at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos. Gathering under the theme “Insurance-Based Healthcare Financing: Key to Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria,” experts emphasized that comprehensive health insurance must be treated as a fundamental pillar of national development rather than an exclusive privilege.

Opening the discourse, the Chairman of the Board of Fellows, Pharm. Uchenna Uzoma Apakama, revealed that only between 5% and 8% of Nigerians currently enjoy health insurance coverage. This leaves an estimated 130 million citizens primarily traders, artisans, transport workers, and market women—vulnerable to catastrophic medical expenses.

“The country's low insurance penetration has continued to fuel poverty, as families are forced to finance healthcare from personal savings whenever illness strikes,” Apakama stated. He further noted that despite two decades of health insurance initiatives, Nigeria's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) index remains stagnant at around 40, with over 70% of total health expenditure paid directly out of pocket.

Challenging the societal tendency to prioritize material assets over human life, former Minister of Health Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, who chaired the event, delivered a striking analogy.

“Begin placing the same value on your health as you do on your material possessions,” Adelusi-Adeluyi urged, questioning why citizens willingly insure luxury cars and properties while neglecting health security until a medical crisis strikes. He called upon pharmacists to spearhead nationwide advocacy, establishing the profession as the frontline of public health education and reform.

Addressing policy gaps, representatives of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) stressed that achieving UHC requires dismantling financial bottlenecks. Speaking on behalf of the NHIA Director-General, Pharm. Femi Adeoye highlighted that the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda is actively leveraging digital innovation and improved provider accreditation to streamline insurance enrollment.

A major milestone of the event was the unveiling of innovative social health insurance frameworks designed to capture the informal economy. Dr. Lekan Ewenla, Managing Director of Ultimate Health HMO, introduced the *U-Health GIFSHIP* (Group, Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Programme) package, tailored specifically for small business owners, artisans, and rural workers.

“Our goal is not simply to sell health insurance, but to make quality healthcare more affordable, more accessible, and more equitable for every Nigerian,” Ewenla explained.

Stakeholders concluded the meeting with a multi-sectoral action plan, urging:

Legislative Support: Members of the National Assembly to channel part of their constituency intervention funds into health insurance premiums for vulnerable constituents.

Data Integration: Merging National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) into health databases to optimize tracking and enrollment.

Community Integration: Positioning community pharmacies as frontline health-financing touchpoints to bridge accessibility gaps in remote areas.

NYCN Badagry Commemorates World Youth Skills Day With Visit to Skills Acquisition Centres

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a vibrant celebration of the 2026 World Youth Skills Day, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Badagry Local Chapter, paid an inspiring visit to various Skill Acquisition Centres across the local government area. The visit served as a rallying cry for the importance of vocational training in fostering self-reliance, economic growth, and lasting peace within the community.

Observed annually on July 15th, World Youth Skills Day highlights the critical need to equip young people with the practical tools necessary for entrepreneurship and sustainable development. The NYCN delegation, led by Gbowe Gabriel the Badagry Chapter Coordinator, toured several facilities where local youths are honing their crafts in diverse trades, including fashion design, catering, ceramic arts, hairdressing, and ICT.

The atmosphere at the centers was one of focused ambition. Observers noted that the trainees demonstrated a high level of dedication, viewing their vocational pursuits as more than just a job, but as a pathway to professional independence.

"The visit aimed at recognizing the role of vocational training in tackling youth unemployment and preparing young people for self-reliance and nation-building," Gbowe Gabriel stated during the tour. "We interacted with the instructors and students, and we saw a strong commitment to learning and a determination to build careers with their hands and minds."

With the 2026 global theme, "Youth Skills for Peace and Development," the delegation emphasized the transformative power of vocational education. Gabriel noted that when young people are gainfully employed and equipped with the right skills, they become less susceptible to social vices and more prone to innovation.

"This year’s theme reminds us that when youths are skilled, they are not only employable, they become agents of peace, innovation, and economic growth in their communities," he added.

The NYCN lauded the current administration for its investment in youth development, specifically acknowledging the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe. The Council noted that the Chairman’s vision in providing well-equipped and conducive learning environments has been a game-changer for the local centers.

Looking forward, the NYCN is advocating for sustained funding, the provision of modern tools, and enhanced mentorship programs. They argue that with increased support, Badagry’s skill acquisition centers have the potential to produce a new generation of artisans and entrepreneurs capable of driving economic development not just in Badagry, but throughout Lagos State and beyond.

NSCDC Badagry Cracks Down on School Vandalism, Two Remanded

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Badagry Division, has taken a firm stance against the destruction of public education facilities, following the successful arraignment of seven individuals accused of vandalizing the State High School, Ibereko.

The suspects were apprehended last Tuesday after operatives uncovered a scheme involving the systematic destruction of electrical cables and the removal of valuable aluminum materials from the school premises. According to investigators, the stolen items were being sold to a local scrap dealer, stripping the school of vital infrastructure.

During the court proceedings, the presiding magistrate delivered a ruling that balanced the need for accountability with the requirements of juvenile justice. Five juvenile defendants Lawal Habeeb (17), Oduwaye Stephen (15), Abayomi Ademiju (17), Idowu Muyiwa (16), and Odu Joshua (15)—were granted bail. The court stipulated that their release is contingent upon the presence of biological parents as sureties, alongside valid identification and recent documentation.

To ensure the safety and rehabilitation of the minors, the court ordered that any juvenile unable to meet these strict bail conditions be remanded at the Juvenile Correctional Centre in Oregun until compliance is achieved.

In a harsher turn for the adult defendants, the court denied bail to Saniola Nofiu (19) and Kasiru Usman (19). Both individuals have been remanded at the Badagry Custodial Centre, where they will remain pending the determination of the case. The hearing has been adjourned until August 6 and 7, 2026.

The Lagos State Command of the NSCDC used the occasion to reinforce its mandate regarding the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI). The Corps issued a stern warning that the vandalism of educational institutions which are vital to the future of the nation’s youth will be met with the full force of the law.

"The Command reiterates its commitment to the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, particularly public educational facilities," an official statement noted. "We warn that anyone involved in vandalizing government property will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law."

The NSCDC is also calling on parents, school authorities, and local community leaders to tighten supervision of young people. By fostering a culture of ownership and responsibility.