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Just In: Lagos Assembly Pleads With Youth Over Planned Protest

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Just In: Lagos Assembly Pleads With Youth Over Planned Protest

 

– asks Sanwo-Olu to organise stakeholders’ meeting

 

 

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday held a plenary session calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to take major steps to avert the planned nationwide protest in the State.

 

 

The lawmakers, in a ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ brought by Majority Leader Noheem Adams, noted the devastation caused by the EndSARS protest of 2020 in Lagos and urged the governor to organise town hall meetings with major stakeholders to fashion out ways to calm the youth and those who plan to support proposed protest.

One of the meetings, according to the motion of the House, should be held between the governor and elected political leaders including senators, members of the House of Representatives and state lawmakers while a second meeting should be held with traditional rulers, religious leaders, heads of market, those in the transport sectors and related stakeholders.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said it was necessary for state governments to do the needful to calm frayed nerves and ensure protection of lives and property.

Dr. Obasa said Lagos was still grappling with the impact of the EndSARS protest just as he appealed to the youth to be patient with the government of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu that is making effort to see a better Nigeria that would benefit the citizens.

The Speaker noted that Kenya is currently in a terrible situation adding that the crises in Sudan and Syria started in the same manner.

He commended the commissioner of police in Lagos, Adegoke Fayoade, for meeting with community heads over the planned protest.

Obasa called for an urgent meeting with all leaders, including religious, traditional and related organisations in the state for discussion that would help dissuade the youth from engaging in the protest.

Earlier in his motion, Hon. Adams (Eti-Osa 1) drew the attention of his colleagues to the planned protest.

“I want to plead with our people to shelve this protest,” he said noting that President Tinubu had shown that he is ready to listen to the citizens, especially as he has raised the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.

On his part, Hon. Kehinde Joseph expressed worry that the proposed protesters do not have leaders who can be discussed with.

He urged for patience stressing that whatever is happening in the country “affects us all.”

Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh said President Tinubu understands the problem in Nigeria and was taking the right steps against the country’s collapse.

He also urged Nigerians to start focusing on governors because federal allocations to states have grown under the President.

Other lawmakers who spoke during the debates urged parents to persuade their wards from joining the protest or allowing themselves to be used to commit crimes.

 

Just In: Lagos Assembly Pleads With Youth Over Planned Protest

 

 

Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

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DISU’S APPOINTMENT SIGNALS RENEWED MOMENTUM FOR POLICE REFORM – MOGAJI

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DISU’S APPOINTMENT SIGNALS RENEWED MOMENTUM FOR POLICE REFORM – MOGAJI

 

The Nigeria Police Force Liaison and Consultant to the United States Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Mogaji Busayo, has congratulated the Inspector General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

 

Describing the appointment as timely and strategic, Mr. Busayo stated that IGP Disu’s extensive background in operations and administration aligns with the present needs of the Nigeria Police Force. He noted that the President’s characterization of the IGP as an operational police officer is both a recognition of his field expertise and a clear mandate to strengthen operational readiness nationwide. According to him, this also calls for deeper collaboration between the Force and key stakeholders to enhance efficiency, intelligence-led policing, and public trust.

 

Mr. Busayo further described the recent inauguration of the State Police Implementation Committee by IGP Disu as a significant step toward structural reform and decentralized operational effectiveness. He said the initiative demonstrates proactive leadership aimed at repositioning the Force to respond more effectively to evolving security challenges.

 

Recalling previous engagements with the IGP, including collaborative efforts on the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) supported by the United States Government, Mr. Busayo emphasized that reform-driven partnerships remain critical to advancing capacity development, specialized training, modern equipment acquisition, and institutional strengthening.

 

He reaffirmed his commitment to mobilizing credible local and international partners to support initiatives that will enhance professionalism, accountability, and service delivery across commands, expressing optimism that under IGP Disu’s leadership, the Nigeria Police Force will record measurable progress in reform and operational efficiency.

 

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Zenith Bank Plc Hosts 2026 International Women’s Day Seminar with Bold Call to Action

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Zenith Bank Plc Hosts 2026 International Women’s Day Seminar with Bold Call to Action:

“Take It, You Own It,” Aligned with Global Theme “Give to Gain”

Zenith Bank Plc will commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day with a renewed call to purposeful action, leadership, and ownership. As part of activities marking this global celebration, the Bank will host its annual International Women’s Day (IWD) Seminar on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the The Civic Centre.

Aligned with the global theme, “Give to Gain,” which underscores the belief that sustainable progress is achieved when individuals and institutions intentionally invest in women, Zenith Bank’s 2026 IWD Seminar is themed “Take It, You Own It.” The theme reflects the Bank’s conviction that while institutions must give by creating enabling environments and equitable systems, women must also step forward to claim space, own their value, and lead with confidence. It is both an affirmation and a challenge—embrace opportunity, empower yourself and others, and take ownership of your growth journey.

Building on the success of previous editions, including the 2025 seminar themed “Winning On All Fronts,” the 2026 programme is designed to deepen meaningful engagement around women’s empowerment, leadership, and sustainable impact. Over the years, Zenith Bank’s International Women’s Day initiatives have convened women leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging talents for dynamic dialogue, inspiration, and shared learning on gender equity, professional growth, and inclusive opportunity.

More than a commemorative gathering, the 2026 seminar is positioned as a convergence of influence, insight, and inspiration, bringing together accomplished women and progressive leaders across business, governance, creative industries, technology, and social impact.

Speaking ahead of the seminar, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Adaora Umeoji, OON, who will deliver the welcome address, said:

“International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress requires intentionality. ‘Give to Gain’ speaks to the responsibility institutions have to create real opportunities, while our theme, ‘Take It, You Own It,’ challenges women to step forward boldly and lead. At Zenith Bank, we are deliberate about building environments where women are supported to grow, thrive, and shape outcomes—not only within our institution but across the communities and industries we serve.”

The seminar will feature sessions focused on leadership insight, professional empowerment, wellbeing, and collaboration, offering participants opportunities to engage deeply with thought leadership and practical strategies for advancing equity.

With a carefully curated programme comprising keynote addresses, panel discussions, interactive Q&A sessions, and creative interludes, Zenith Bank’s 2026 International Women’s Day Seminar is poised to serve as a catalyst for meaningful action.

Through its alignment with “Give to Gain” and its bold seminar theme, “Take It, You Own It,” Zenith Bank reaffirms its belief that when institutions give intentionally and women lead confidently, entire ecosystems rise. As conversations around inclusion continue to shape the future of business and society, the Bank remains steadfast in its mission to create platforms where women’s potential is recognised, amplified, and fully owned.

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Stakeholders Petitions Tinubu Over Alleged Diversion Of 50 FG-Donated CNG Buses, Accuses Minister, Aide, Ex-NANS Leaders Of Criminal Infiltration

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Stakeholders Petitions Tinubu Over Alleged Diversion Of 50 FG-Donated CNG Buses, Accuses Minister, Aide, Ex-NANS Leaders Of Criminal Infiltration

 

A group of concerned stakeholders within Nigeria’s student movement has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging large-scale corruption, diversion of public assets and criminal infiltration within the leadership structures of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

In a letter obtained by SaharaReporters on Wednesday the group accused the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Asefon Sunday Dayo, and two former NANS leaders — Akinteye Babatunde (popularly known as Babtee) and Lucky Emonefe — of misappropriating federal government interventions meant for Nigerian students.

The petitioners alleged that about 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses donated by the Federal Government to ease transportation challenges on tertiary campuses were diverted, shared among individuals, and in some cases sold.

According to the letter, the buses were allegedly retained for private commercial arrangements or disposed of outright, rather than deployed to campuses as intended. The group claimed that only a handful of the vehicles are traceable within student communities, while others are unaccounted for.

They called on the President to order an immediate audit to determine the total number and current location of the buses and to retrieve any found to have been wrongfully diverted.

Beyond the buses, the petition accused the same officials and former student leaders of diverting funds raised for NANS conventions and allegedly selling government-facilitated employment opportunities meant for former student leaders.

The group alleged that monies sourced in the name of organising student conventions were mismanaged, leaving delegates stranded without accommodation and logistics support despite substantial funds reportedly being mobilised.

It further claimed that employment slots facilitated through government channels were either sold for millions of naira or allocated to associates with no background in student activism, thereby creating resentment within the student body.

The letter also raised concerns over the alleged sale of food palliatives meant for indigent students during festive and fasting periods.

In a more explosive claim, the petitioners accused one of the aspirants for the 2026 NANS presidency, Akinteye Babatunde, of alleged involvement in an international cyber fraud network, commonly referred to in Nigeria as “yahoo yahoo.”

They alleged that individuals linked to the aspirant use NANS-branded number plates on luxury vehicles to evade scrutiny from security agencies.

The group warned that invoking the name of the President and his son, Seyi Tinubu, in internal NANS politics could damage the Presidency’s image if not addressed.

They alleged that some actors within the student movement frequently claim endorsement from the Presidency to influence convention outcomes and suppress opposition candidates.

The petitioners urged President Tinubu to direct anti-corruption and security agencies to: Conduct a full audit of all CNG buses donated to NANS; Investigate the allocation of government employment opportunities linked to student leaders; Probe allegations of diversion of convention funds; Examine claims of cybercrime involvement among aspirants to NANS leadership; and Ensure that individuals with alleged criminal antecedents are not endorsed or shielded by state actors.

They argued that the student movement, once known for its radical activism during the military era, is now facing what they described as “a crisis of credibility,” warning that failure to act could deepen distrust among Nigeria’s over 40 million students.

The letter framed the controversy as a broader struggle over the future of student unionism in Nigeria, urging the President to distance his administration from any individual accused of exploiting government goodwill for personal gain.

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