society
August24news.com Publisher, Ajagbe, Set to Present Best Driver and Best Conductor of The Year Awards By Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim
August24news.com Publisher, Ajagbe, Set to Present Best Driver and Best Conductor of The Year Awards
By Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim
SPONSORED by: Lagos State Government
As part of efforts to sanitize and project the image of the transportation system in Lagos State and ability to reward good deeds and eliminate the bad eggs among the drivers and conductors in the state, Lagos-based frontline journalist and publisher of Nigerian Online Newspaper, August24news.com, Mr. Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim is set to present the best driver and best conductor awards to deserving professionals in the state.
The competition is expected to start in January 2026 and end by December 2026 and it has been designed to be a yearly competition after the maiden edition.
The parameters and measures put in place to pick the Best Driver and Best Conductor in the state is through commuters’ commendations, score cards, online voting system by the general public, public opinions and other relevant methods.
Many drivers and conductors in Lagos State are known for their lackadastical attitudes, but there are still good ones among them, which is the reason we want to reward the good ones among them so that the wrong ones will emulate from the rewarded ones.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the convener of the Award and Publisher of August24news.com, Mr. Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim highlighted some of the marks expected in every drivers and conductors before winning the awards.
He said they must possess good characters, good dress sense, good driving skills, saying that drivers and conductors must charge their passengers reasonable transport fares, possess good communication skills and relate well with their passengers, they should avoid stoping at undesignated bus-stops, avoid handling our naira with care because the way they are mishandling our naira is one of the reason why our currency is fading and changing faces.
In addition, he said that they should avoid bribing officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other road transport officials because they want to have their ways, they must receive and welcome their passengers with smiles and greetings, avoid pushing and roughhandly their passengers into and outside the bus, they must not smoke and drink before or while on duity.
He said they should be able to help passengers with free ride if the person pleads with them and they should not fight passengers whose fare is not completed, they must not make calls while driving, they should sit properly and avoid hanging on the bus, avoid picking passengers at unapproved bus stops and his or her bus must be in good condition before plying Lagos roads.
On what would be the benefits of the winner, Ajagbe stated that the winner will go home with over dozen gifts which include, a brand new bus, a brand new private car, a duplex, free 20 liters of fuel daily for a month, twenty four million naira cash, brand ambassador contract, driving contract, tour of 10 notable places in the state, courtesy visit to 10 dignitaries in Lagos State, automatic employment for two of his children in Lagos State, 24 different native and English attires from a popular designer, 24 new tyres, an award plaque, conductor and driver belt, a befitting gala night and Letter of commendation from the Lagos State Government, adding that the best conductor will also get whatever the driver gets.
When asked about what prompted the idea, the publisher said that he had witnessed many ugly incidents among Lagos drivers and conductors, which he said made him think of a way to change the narrative and to rebrand the profession.
According to him, “we want to put them on the watch, we want to set an agenda for them, we want to curb thier lakadastical act and non-challantant attitude such as drinking and smoking while on duty as well as reward the best among them, eradicate the bad ones and also encourage others so that they can be emulated.
He added that there is no agency that monitors thier activities in the state, claiming that what the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and local governments does is just to collect fees and levies from them.
Speaking further, he said; “I have witnessed a situation where drivers and conductors beat passengers because of a mere 10 naira change during argument.
“I have witnessed, where drivers and conductors abused and insulted passengers which led to trauma. I have seen where a passenger was stranded, trekked home and even begged for transport fares simply because a wicked conductors took his change away. I have seen where people where properly dressed, clean and neat, unfortunately a public bus tore and dirty thier cloth. These are people who are set for their daily jobs, going for job interviews and attending social gathering.
He said that on numerous occasions, he had seen situations where conductors and drivers returned lost phones, gadgets, loads and even bags of money to their passengers, saying that “we must not shy away from the truth or be economical with the truth, the good ones are still living and must also be recognized and rewarded.”
“I have not seen when conductors give passengers free ride out of the 365 days in a year. Some of them are not friendly with their customers, they should be able to give back to the society or their passengers and they should be ready to partake in CSR. Anyone who does this will win the award of the year,” he said
When asked what his organisation stands to benefit from the awards, Ajagbe told newsmen that his target are numerous because “we want the best for Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole. We want them to be responsible and accountable to their passengers and the general public. We want commuters to get value for their money, We want them to be good ambassadors because foreigners and the international communities see their practice.
“We want to set an agenda for them, we want to change the narrative, we want to change the public orientation that public bus drivers and conductors are respected people and not bad people as people see them.
“Some of them are always the cause of accidents on our roads due to their lakadastical attitude. We want the government to put them on a good pedestal. We want them to put a stop to their hooliganism and fighting during the cause of their business.
“The NURTW and the local governments are levies collectors. We want the state government to mandate drivers and conductors to start wearing uniforms and have numbers to identify the erring ones among them,” he stated.
Speaking on the measure and yardstick to pick the best driver and best conductor among the thousands in the business, Ajagbe stated that members of the public will engage in voting after evaluating all the requirements.
The drivers and the conductors will also appeal to their passengers to vote for them via hard copy forms, sms text code and online voting.
Ajagbe said that all commercial buses drivers and conductors in Lagos State are eligible to participate in the competition because it is free, adding that no payment is required to participate in the competition once he or she is a registered member of the union in a specific garage attached to a route in Lagos State.
When asked if the project will fly and accepted by members of the public and even get sponsors, Ajagbe said that 90 percent of Lagosians ply public busses on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis to their various destination and they must have had one or two experiences with some of these drivers and conductors and they will be willing to share their positive or negative thoughts.
He stressed that the job is taking a new look and dimensions, particularly when it’s coming with rewards and that sponsors are always keen to assist creative ideas and concepts like this.
“We would work in hand with the Lagos state government, the state Ministry of Transportation, Lagos State Branch of the NURTW State, local government branch and Unit Chairmen, drivers and conductors association and other relevant agencies attached to transport business in Lagos state”. Ajagbe added.
Ajagbe revealed that the whooping sum of one billion naira (1.000,000,000) is proposed for the project and then called on the Lagos state government, the ministry of Transportation, corporate bodies, well meaning Nigerians to key into the idea and response promptly to the proposal sent to them as he can be contacted through; [email protected] for sponsorship and partnership to produce the best Driver and Best Conductor in Lagos State.
Commenting on the project, is former LAGOS State commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) stated that it is a laudable project that will add honour to the work of the commercial bus drivers and conductors in Lagos State as he kindly appealed to sponsors to fully support the project.
End#
society
Land grabbers invade FGC Kano…. Old Students
Land grabbers invade FGC Kano…. Old Students
The Federal Government College Kano Old Students Association (FGCKOSA)
wishes to formally draw the attention of the President of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to a deeply troubling
development involving the proposed concession of approximately 30 hectares of
land within Federal Government College Kano under a Public-Private Partnership
arrangement.
We state, with utmost concern, that this initiative represents a destruction of a
national educational legacy carefully built and handed over to the current
generation of leaders. Unity Schools were established as symbols of excellence,
integration, and nation-building. Any action that diminishes their integrity reflects
a troubling disregard for the power of education as a driver of national progress.
At a time when nations across the world are investing more in education
infrastructure and expanding capacity, it is deeply alarming that we are instead
dismantling and commercializing existing assets meant for learning. This
proposed development signals a shift away from long-term educational value
toward short-term commercial interests.
It is also important to note that the alumni community has, over the years,
collectively invested billions of naira in the development of the College—
consistently funding infrastructure, supporting academic programs, and
strengthening the institution without taking any portion of school land or
seeking anything in return. This record reflects a deep, selfless commitment to
the school’s growth and sustainability.
Furthermore, the alumni has formally established a dedicated foundation focused
on the perpetuation of the College and the advancement of academic
excellence, with plans to raise ₦5 billion at its official launch in June 2026. This
demonstrates that credible, mission-aligned funding alternatives already exist without compromising the intergrity of the school
Our objections are as follows:
1. Misuse of Educational Land for Commercial Gain:
The proposed project is fundamentally a residential and commercial real
estate venture. This constitutes a clear diversion of federally designated
educational land into private hands, undermining the original purpose for
which the land was acquired.
2. Threat to Student Safety and Academic Environment:
The introduction of a mixed-use estate sharing boundaries with the school
exposes students to avoidable risks and erodes the controlled, secure
environment required for effective learning.
3. Irreversible Damage to School Capacity and Future Growth:
The land identified for this project includes critical open spaces necessary
for recreation, expansion, and future development. Any project that
reduces the capacity of the school to grow, expand, and improve its
facilities cannot, in any form, be considered beneficial to the institution.
4. Fundamental Question of Necessity:
Why Federal Government College Kano land? Kano State is one of the
largest states in the country, with abundant land available for real estate
development. There is no justification for appropriating land from an
existing educational institution when alternatives clearly exist.
5. No Tangible Benefit to the School:
There is no scenario under which this land-swap PPP arrangement
benefits the school. On the contrary, all available evidence suggests that
the project is structured primarily for private commercial gain. We are
compelled to state that this raises serious concerns that the promoters
intend to rip off the government and the Nigerian people under the guise
of a PPP arrangement.
Your Excellency, this matter goes beyond a single institution. It raises a
fundamental question about our national priorities: whether we will protect and
strengthen our educational institutions, or allow them to be gradually eroded.
We therefore respectfully call on the President to:
• Immediately cancel the proposed PPP land concession;
• Protect the sanctity and integrity of Unity Schools nationwide
*Ensure that no action is taken that compromises the future of education
in Nigeria.
We also strongly advise members of the public to refrain from purchasing or
investing in any land or property associated with this scheme, as it is under
serious dispute and may be overturned, exposing buyers to financial loss.
FGCKOSA wishes to make it clear that we will not relent in pursuing all lawful and
legal avenues to overturn this illegal arrangement. We remain committed to
safeguarding the legacy of our institution and ensuring that it continues to serve
future generations.
Signed,
Shoyinka Shodunke
President
Federal Government College Kano Old Students Association (FGCKOSA)
society
Revival Atmosphere as Dominion City Launches Night of Glory 2026.
Revival Atmosphere as Dominion City Launches Night of Glory 2026.
Lagos – The atmosphere was charged with faith, worship, and expectancy as Dominion City’s Global Camp Meeting 2026 entered its peak with the first day of the “Night of Glory,” drawing thousands of worshippers to Lagos and Enugu in a powerful display of spiritual revival.
Held at the Golden Heart Place, Ajah, Lagos, the Friday evening gathering marked a significant moment in the ongoing six-day conference themed “Redigging the Wells of Our Fathers.” Participants from across Nigeria and beyond converged both physically and online, united by a shared hunger for divine encounter and transformation.
From the outset, the meeting was characterised by intense worship sessions led by gospel ministers, creating an atmosphere many attendees described as “tangible with God’s presence.” The night quickly transitioned into sessions of fervent prayers, prophetic ministrations, and teachings centred on restoration, healing, and spiritual awakening.
Presiding over the meeting, Dr. David Ogbueli, founder of Dominion City, charged participants to reconnect with foundational truths and spiritual disciplines necessary for personal and societal transformation. He emphasised that the “Night of Glory” was designed as a moment of divine visitation where destinies could be reshaped.
“As we redig the wells of our fathers, we are reconnecting with ancient graces and covenant realities that produce undeniable results,” he declared.
As the night unfolded, several remarkable testimonies were shared, reinforcing the theme of supernatural intervention. Among them was the case of a 14-year-old girl who was reportedly delivered from a seven-year struggle with pornography addiction, an experience that drew emotional reactions from the congregation.
Other testimonies included reported healing from cancer, recovery from a severe skin infection attributed to spiritual affliction, the healing of a heart-related condition, and three years of a non-menstrual period. Attendees also recounted instances of restored hearing and sight, with individuals testifying to improvements from partial deafness and blindness, among others.
Fathers of faith present were Barrister Emeka Nwankpa, Pastor Yemi Ayodele, Rev. Pade Tokun, Apostle Gbenga Adegbenro, Rev. Mike Adegbile, and others. Other Ministers present, including Pastor Dr. Charles Ndifon, Pastor Randy Mitchell, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and others, reinforced messages of faith and the power of God to intervene in human situations. They encouraged worshippers to remain steadfast and receptive, noting that miracles often spring from an atmosphere of unwavering belief.
Beyond the miraculous, the gathering also underscored a broader call to moral and spiritual renewal. Church leaders reiterated the need for believers to embody values that can positively influence society, especially in a time of perceived moral decline.
The “Night of Glory” is part of the larger Global Camp Meeting, which began on April 1 and will run through April 6, featuring daily teachings, leadership sessions, and specialized programmes for youths and families.
Organisers say expectations remain high for the second night, with many believing that the wave of miracles and transformation witnessed on the first night is only the beginning.
For many attendees, however, the message was clear beyond the signs and wonders; the true essence of the gathering lies in a renewed commitment to live transformed lives and impact society. //END.//
society
Easter: Obasa Urges Christians To Embrace Hope, Unity, Renewal
Easter: Obasa Urges Christians To Embrace Hope, Unity, Renewal
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated Christian faithful in Lagos and across Nigeria on the celebration of Easter, urging them to draw strength from the lessons of Christ’s resurrection.
In his Easter message, released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Obasa described the season as a reminder of victory over despair, renewal after trials, and the triumph of light over darkness. He noted that just as Christ overcame death, Nigeria can overcome its current challenges if citizens remain steadfast, prayerful, and committed to unity.
“Easter is a season of hope and renewal. As a nation, we face economic pressures and security concerns, but the resurrection teaches us that no situation is beyond redemption. Let us roll away the stones of division and despair, and work together for peace, justice, and prosperity,” the Speaker said.
He called on Lagosians to continue to show love and compassion to one another, stressing that collective effort is key to building a stronger Lagos and a better Nigeria.
Obasa prayed that the joy of Easter would fill homes with renewed faith and guide both leaders and citizens toward a brighter future.
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