society
LEKKI TOLL PLAZA: CNN FACES TEST OF INTEGRITY BY SAMUEL OMOJOYE
Later at a press briefing, apparently after having some intel, the Governor announced that there were no fatalities. Note also that the army had already tweeted “fake news” earlier in the day when the social media was awash with videos of soldiers in an armoured tank, shooting sporadically in a direction and scores of videos of bodies with body parts littering the ground had been spread as victims of Lekki massacre.
A certain DJ Switch has released several videos, one LIVE, in which she claims that the military were killing protesters and that a lot of people had died and they were trying to remove a bullet from one person’s leg. She was relaying these events, but not showing a single footage of the most important videos, A. Of dead bodies, B. Of the soldiers shooting at people, C. Of blood stain on the floor, D. Of the process/procedure when the bullet was removed, E. When soldiers were carrying the bodies, F. When DJ Switch and her people were carrying bodies and dumping them in front of the soldiers (as she claimed). Rather, she was verbalising the narrative she wanted to drive even though that was not what was happening. Then her second video showed her talking to a friend and, all of a sudden, she started running and asking imaginary people to bend down and hold their flags. His friend on then said “daaaamn” after which he covered his face as if he had just witnessed something gruesome. That, no doubt, was mere acting and a bad one at that. DJ Switch gave an impression that the army or police were still shooting protesters at Lekki even in the morning. Then she said “they shot all night”. Then she did another video where she apologised for not being online for some time. She then proceeded to reminisce about the fateful night and, at that point, she started to address the issue of numbers.
Now let’s go to the facts. Till today, there are no relatives who have come forward that their family members are missing. A woman in London claimed her son was killed at the Lekki Toll Plaza, but it turned out that she was lying. He died in a motorcycle accident. Also pictures that were touted as victims of the Lekki massacre turned out to be pictures of people who had died in separate circumstances – one from a bike accident and the other a stab wound victim. Those found in the hospitals who got injured from Lekki were as a result of stampede, and the injuries ranged from broken bones, cuts, bruises and slash wounds. No record of death as a result of gunshot wounds from the Army’s weapons, but the social media was awash with people in hospital, who claimed that they were shot by soldiers at the toll plaza.
In reality, there was chaos in nearby Ajah-Badore where gangs were fighting. Some policemen and many innocent citizens died. To make matters worse, because of the lie by DJ Switch about a massacre, a lot of angry protesters came out of their homes and in their bid to retaliate by killing police officers or burning police stations, many people got shot by policemen and a lot of lives were lost. DJ Switch, who was seemingly defiant in the eyes of death, now suddenly disappeared, rather than bring her evidence to the commission of enquiry to help this investigation. Now she’s trying to seek asylum under the guise of running for her life, but when she was confronted with gunshots by the army, she didn’t run away? Isn’t that a cue to show that this woman is an anarchist or a pathological liar? She was probably trying to trend or perhaps there is a more sinister angle into this.
Regarding the shameful way some media houses covered this story, NBC has to keep an eye on such media houses, who have a responsibility to show that they are worthy of their licences. Many of them showed unverified social media footages as “live”, thereby misleading the audience. One newspaper wrote a piece titled “Sanwo-Olu finally admits inviting the military”. At no time did Governor Sanwo-Olu deny inviting the military. He said the military does not take orders from him. It was his interview with Becky Anderson on CNN (days after speaking with the BBC where he confirmed that he sought military help, following the anarchy that had seized many parts of the state) that people saw and decided the governor “finally admitted”. I suppose this is the same report that the army read for them to have said they were not happy the Governor denied inviting them.
CNN, unprofessionally, did a package in which it attached social media videos to what could have been an educational piece of journalism. A satellite image showed the army leaving their base in two pick-up vans. It showed them fire into the sky, but sadly the unverified social media videos attached to that package ruined it. It reeks of prejudice and bias. CNN is desperate to show that the Nigerian government massacred young people and, sadly, they neglected their ethos. There was an image of an old man in native attire covered in blood. That man must have a relative somewhere. Did the soldiers take his body away? If he is dead, who was he? He must have friends or family members.
One important question to ask is why the satellite image which showed the army drive to the toll gate couldn’t show the army picking up bodies or dropping them somewhere. There should be an image showing people on the floor, dead as a result of a massacre. Some observers have said that the Federal Government should not have confronted CNN. I disagree. What Nigeria has done through the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, is within its rights. CNN has a duty to investigate its reports thoroughly and present such reports with facts and figures, not mere eyewitness accounts and doubtful social media videos that have failed the simple test of integrity. CNN must substantiate its claims, not repeating the offence.
Omojoye wrote in from Palmgroove, Lagos.
An Army Invasion Is Arising — Lagos State, Get Ready!!!
Over 1,000 Young Warriors Expected to Gather for Spiritual Awakening
Lagos Set for Massive Youth Revival: “Army Arise”
By Miracle Oyewale
Lagos State is about to experience a spiritual awakening — a revival like never before! This movement is known for spreading the Gospel through powerful worship, praise, healing, and miracles, as well as kingdom impact across various states in Nigeria. The convener of the Jesus Must Be Seen Movement, Ayomide Adetoro, is hosting a dynamic gathering for young people titled “Army Arise”.
What is Army Arise?
Army Arise is an evangelical and revival gathering of youths — a meeting of kingdom warriors stirred for revival, shift, and impact. It’s not just another youth program; it’s a divine call for the young generation to take their place in God’s agenda.
This powerful revival meeting will feature inspiring guests, including:
Apostle Afolabi Samuel Peniel
He is a passionate and devoted Christian leader and pastor whose ministry continues to have a profound impact on lives. Born in Lagos and rooted in Kwara, Apostle Afolabi combines deep Apostolic insight with deep spiritual heritage. He holds a degree in Information Systems from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).
Faith Owolabi Elvis
She is a Nigerian gospel artist celebrated for her soulful voice and prophetic worship style. She blends indigenous psalm-chanting with contemporary worship, creating a powerful, spirit-filled atmosphere through prophetic chants, spontaneous worship, and deeply moving medleys.
This gathering transcends the presence of esteemed guests; its true focus is on the transformative work God is set to accomplish. It’s more than just a meeting; it’s a crucial evangelical assembly for the young people of Lagos.
It’s time for the youths to rise and claim their spiritual territory! Lagos is poised to experience something truly immense and significant.
Event Details
Venue: CHARIS EVENT CENTRE, Etal Avenue, Oregun Road, Behind Etal Hotel/NNPC, Ikeja, Lagos.
Date: 23rd August, 2025
Time: 9 AM – 2 PM: Power Session
2 PM – 5 PM: Evangelical Movement
Register here: https://tix.africa/discover/army-arise
📞 For More Information, Sponsorship, and Partnership:
Call: 09041109499
Email: [email protected]
Are you ready to burn?
This is not just a gathering — it’s a movement, a sound, a call to battle.
Travail… the army is rising.
Lagos State Railway Corporation, Energy Corporation Bills Scale Second Reading
The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday took a significant step toward enhancing the State’s transportation and energy sectors, as two crucial bills – The Lagos State Railway Corporation Bill and The Ibile Energy Corporation Bill – scaled second reading during plenary.
Leading the debate on the railway bill, the Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Adams, sponsor of the bill for a ‘Law to Establish The Lagos State Railway Corporation, To Improve Railway Transportation System and For Connected Purposes’, stated that the proposed legislation would make history in the State’s transportation development.
He referenced the Fifth Alteration No. 65 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which moves railway transportation from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List, thereby empowering states to legislate on the matter.
If passed, Lagos would become the first state in Nigeria to establish a Railway Corporation.
Hon. Adams highlighted the objectives and structure of the private-member bill, noting that Section 2 emphasizes the provision of effective and reliable railway services across Lagos State.
He added that Section 4 establishes a Governing Board tasked with overseeing the Corporation’s operations, while Sections 5 to 14 elaborate on the board’s powers, roles, and responsibilities.
The bill also outlines the Corporation’s powers in planning, infrastructure development, funding strategies, and ensuring transparency and accountability through proper auditing processes.
“This bill will set a standard comparable to global best practices.
“With South Africa leading in Africa with a 20,926 km railway network and Nigeria currently at 3,798 km, Lagos – as Africa’s second-largest city economy after Cairo – must take the lead in innovative rail transport solutions,” Hon. Adams said.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, while commending the sponsor and reiterating the essence of the bill, noted that the global trend is toward deregulation and privatization of public corporations.
“Governments are embracing partnerships and privatization to enhance efficiency. We must consider aligning with that trend,” he advised.
The bill was subsequently committed to the House Committee on Transportation, with a directive to report back in two weeks.
The Speaker also committed the Energy Corporation bill to the Committee on Energy with a mandate to report back to the House in two weeks.
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