Business

Lagos Moves To Redevelop Tolu School Complex In Ajegunle, Lists Benefits

Published

2 years ago

February 9, 2024

Lagos Moves To Redevelop Tolu School Complex In Ajegunle, Lists Benefits

As parts of the move to improve on the teaching and learning process for pupils, the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS), in Lagos State, has been mandated by the Lagos state government to revamp the densely populated Tolu School Complex in Ajegunle.

The committee is to ensure that the entire complex is redesigned in a manner that the building appears more befitting and appealing as well as become cynosure of all eyes to improve teaching and learning in the affected schools.

Recognising the enormity of the job given to the committee, its Chairman, who spoke with some journalists on Thursday in Ikeja, said the move was very much necessary considering the need to put Education system in good shape in the state.

From his body language and submission, the SCRPS is much interested in addressing the infrastructural decay in the public school and, as a result, intervened heavily following the mandate it got from the state government.

It is saddened to know that the entire school complex, which covers an expanse of approximately 11.73 hectares of land, houses 36 schools and all are in bad condition. More heart-rending is that fact that majority of the buildings are with blown off roofs, cracked walls, broken window panes, abandoned toilets which encouraged open defecation by the students, just to mention a few.

It is pleasing to know that the Tolu School Complex was established in 1981 during Alhaji Lateef kayode Jakande administration, and the Mass Education Policy, at that time, necessitated the reclamation of the parcel of land from the lagoon, in order to accommodate the teeming population in that area, who must have access to education.

The successive administration under the leadership of Air Commodore Gbolahan Mudashiru, who was the Governor of Lagos state from 1984-1986, continued from where his predecessor stopped, by upgrading the existing Jakande blocks to standard ones and more schools were added to the ever growing community.

To continue on the historical background of the Tolu School Complex, the facility has been in existence for over four decades and the high level of usage without proper maintenance in place have resulted to their different levels of infrastructural decay. But as things stand now, the Lagos State government is hell bent in making immediate intervention, to practically rehabilitate those that need rehabilitation, demolish and re-develop as the case may require.

Haleem Smith had, in his address, revealed how several reconnaissance and assessment visits to the Tolu school complex have been done by the SCRPS officials and various problems were identified. This obviously is part of the move the Committee has made.

Some of the problems that were encountered include the population of students being on the higher side that the available classrooms, which are not even conducive for learning. So, the pressing need, at that instance, becomes erecting additional classroom blocks.

Also, the existing blocks require urgent rehabilitation as the blocks are in various stages of dilapidation. Some other problems identified include lack of recreational facilities, laboratories, teachers and principals’ offices and toilets, non-clearly defined boundaries within the schools, which encourages inter-school scuffles.

Others include inadequate access roads within the complex, recurrent issue of flooding, security issues in form of school break-ins and theft, non-availability of ICT infrastructure within the complex and lack of perimeter fencing-allowing incessant activities of miscreants within the area are some of the challenges faced at the complex.

Having identified the major problems, the execution and management of the project will be a lot easier as the project has been divided into six lots, that is Lots A, B, C, D, E, F so as to get the work done without much encumbrances.

Smith explained that the Committee has proposed, amongst others, the construction of additional 13nos 15 and 18 Classroom blocks with offices and toilets in some of the schools having shortage of classrooms, renovation of identified dilapidated classroom blocks, construction of perimeter fences and gate houses, construction of new inner roads and drainages, rehabilitation of existing access roads and the construction of health-care center.

For this reason, He assured that the committee will make efforts to construct a fire service station in the complex to mitigate against any fire outbreak; a multi-purpose sports complex; electrical works-solar powered floodlight and other needed infrastructure.

Also, an ICT hub, central laboratory and arts/creativity blocks under private sponsorship arrangement, will also be established while all of these will be maintained by the facility management office which, at the end, will make Tolu School Complex become an ‘Education City’.

Let it also be known that some other the benefits attached to the redevelopment of the school complex include bringing succor to the educational needs of the growing population of that area; catalyst for commerce as more businesses will start springing up and more importantly; help build capacity in the area of Science, Technology, Sports and Academics due to the state-of-the-arts structure that will begin to spring up.

Business

ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative

Published

22 hours ago

April 25, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ADVAN Earns Global Recognition As WFA President’s Award Winner For “Project Freedom”

The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has been recognised on the global stage as a recipient of the prestigious WFA President’s Award, presented by the World Federation of Advertisers during its Global Marketer Week in Stockholm. The recognition places ADVAN among a select group of leading industry associations worldwide acknowledged for driving meaningful impact in marketing and society.

The WFA President’s Awards, established in 2010, celebrate national industry associations whose initiatives advance the marketer’s agenda and contribute to positive change. This year’s honours were awarded following a rigorous selection process involving 38 submissions from associations across the WFA’s global network, with winners chosen for their measurable impact and potential for replication across markets.

ADVAN’s recognition comes through its advocacy initiative, Project Freedom, a bold and strategic effort focused on addressing the challenges of stifling, non–data-driven regulations affecting businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. The initiative underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking while championing the constitutional right to freedom of commerce.

Through Project Freedom, ADVAN has taken a proactive leadership role in engaging key stakeholders and shaping conversations around fair, balanced, and transparent regulation. The initiative reflects a shift toward constructive dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that regulatory frameworks support innovation, protect consumer interests, and enable sustainable business growth.

By earning this global recognition, ADVAN reinforces the growing influence of African marketing institutions in shaping international discourse. Its work highlights how local advocacy, when rooted in data and guided by clear principles, can deliver impact not just within national borders but across the global marketing ecosystem.

The award also affirms ADVAN’s commitment to strengthening self-regulation within the industry, fostering accountability, and promoting standards that align with global best practices while remaining relevant to local realities.

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, ADVAN’s recognition by the World Federation of Advertisers signals a strong endorsement of its leadership and vision. It positions the association as a key voice in advancing responsible marketing, advocating for enabling policies, and ensuring that businesses can operate in an environment that supports both innovation and economic freedom.

Business

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

***PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status**

To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.

UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.

In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.

Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.

Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.

Thank you.

Business

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

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About Laffmattazz

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.