Distinct Media

  The appointment of renowned security expert and seasoned grassroots politician, Mr. Abayomi Fagbenro popularly known as “Bibiire,” as Special Adviser on Security to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has been described as a perfect decision capable of further strengthening the security framework of the state. Honourable Yusuf Oladeni Adebisi, Deputy Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the appointment of Bibiire is a clear case of putting a round peg in a round hole, considering his vast experience in security matters, grassroots mobilization, and community relations. According to Hon. Adebisi, the people of Oyo State can now sleep with their “two eyes closed,” knowing fully well that a tested and trusted hand has been saddled with the responsibility of complementing the giant strides of Governor Makinde in the protection of lives and property across the state. He noted that Abayomi Fagbenro’s wealth of experience, strategic thinking, and deep under...

  Babatunde Olaniyi Loye has reaffirmed his commitment to the growth and unity of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as preparations intensify ahead of the forthcoming senatorial election in Osun East. Speaking passionately to party loyalists and supporters, the respected political figure expressed confidence in the strength and stability of the party despite challenges confronting the nation’s political space. According to him, every season comes with its own trials and opportunities, stressing that while some people may focus on disappointments, he remains optimistic about the future of the ADC and the possibilities ahead. He described the party as “firm, solid, and intact,” assuring members that the structure of the ADC remains strong and capable of delivering victory at the polls. Babatunde Olaniyi Loye further reminded party members that political success goes beyond popularity or public fame, emphasizing that elections are won through grassroots mobilization and strategic ...

  The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), has convened the IMPACT Project Review Meeting with national and state stakeholders to assess progress and strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC) systems across participating states in Nigeria. The high-level meeting brought together officials from the NPHCDA, the World Bank, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), State Ministries of Health, State Primary Health Care Boards, project managers, and accountants to evaluate implementation activities, review financial and contractual commitments, and develop strategies for sustainable PHC delivery nationwide. In his keynote address titled “Strengthening PHC: A Critical Determinant for Achieving UHC,” the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stressed the importance of sustained investment in primary healthcare infrastructure and modernization. Abayomi highlighted Lagos State’s introduction of purpo...

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  The Lagos State Government has unveiled a landmark 10-year Primary Health Care Financing Compact aimed at strengthening and sustaining healthcare delivery across the state. The historic agreement, known as the Lagos State Primary Health Care Compact 2026, was officially signed on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, during a two-day retreat on the 10-Year Plan for Primary Health Care Financing held in Lakowe. The initiative, spearheaded by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), brought together representatives of the state government, the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs), and the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in a unified commitment to sustainable healthcare financing and improved service delivery. The retreat was organised by the LSPHCB in collaboration with Conference 57, the World Bank-funded IMPACT Programme, Engender, and other development partners. It served as a strategic platform for policy dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and conse...

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  The Lagos State Government has declared that mandatory health insurance and stronger public-private partnerships will remain central to its healthcare financing reforms as it seeks to bridge an estimated N100 billion gap between current health sector funding and projected healthcare needs. Speaking on Tuesday at the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, said the state was intensifying efforts to expand health insurance coverage, improve healthcare infrastructure and position Lagos as a leading medical tourism destination in Africa. Abayomi said the state had made significant progress through the Ilera-Eko health insurance scheme but acknowledged that Lagos still had a long way to go in achieving universal health coverage. He lamented that about 77 per cent of healthcare spending in Nigeria currently comes directly from citizens’ pockets, while only two per cent...

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  The leadership of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC New Era) has declared that peace and unity have been fully restored within the organisation following recent internal misunderstandings. This was made known during a press conference held at the organisation’s secretariat in Lagos, where leaders and stakeholders reassured members that all issues affecting the group had been amicably resolved. Speaking on behalf of the leadership and concerned stakeholders, the Chairman of the Council of Elders, Comrade Akanda Monsure, said the Congress remains united and committed to its core objectives despite the recent disagreements. According to him, misunderstandings are inevitable in every human organisation, whether within families, political parties, or large associations, stressing that differences in opinions and orientations often lead to occasional disputes. He apologised to members for the tension and anxiety caused by the incident and commended the maturity...

Aviation business, not only in Nigeria, is generally known to be a capital intensive one and strictly guided by international regulations as prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The ICAO recommended standards and Practices are to be referred to when dealing in aviation business, therefore, Nigeria being a signatory to ICAO should uphold international civil aviation stall ndards and fulfill its obligations under the Convention on International Civil Aviation. Numerous challenges, including high operating cost; fluctuating exchange rates; difficulties in aircraft repossession; perceived high-risk environment for international financiers and lessors, leading to stringent financing terms or reluctance to engage with Nigerian airlines, have really overwhelmed the sector. Experts say international lessors often perceive Nigeria as a high-risk country due to factors like currency fluctuations and difficulties in aircraft repossession, making it harder for airlin...

  The Borokinni of Ilishan Remo, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing KOF, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Olofin of Ilisan Remo, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Barr. Michael Olufemi Mojeed Sonuga Daniyan II, as the revered monarch celebrates his 86th birthday anniversary. In a statement released to commemorate the royal father’s birthday, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing described the monarch as a symbol of peace, wisdom, progress, and exemplary royal leadership, whose reign has continued to bring honor and development to Ilisan Remo. According to him, since ascending the revered throne of his forefathers, the Olofin has consistently demonstrated purposeful leadership and unwavering commitment to the unity, growth, and cultural advancement of the kingdom, while fostering peace and harmony among the people. He further noted that the monarch’s reign has inspired pride and confidence among indigenes of Ilisan Remo both at home and in the diaspora, adding that Kabiyesi’s dedication to...

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  The Lagos State Government has highlighted significant achievements recorded in the transportation sector under the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu as the state marks the third anniversary of his second term in office. Speaking at the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the administration has continued to reposition Lagos as a modern megacity through strategic investments in rail, road, water transportation, traffic management, and sustainable mobility initiatives. Osiyemi stated that the government has intensified efforts to reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity through several ongoing and completed transport projects across the state. Among the key achievements highlighted was the expansion of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit system, particularly the ongoing Blue Line Phase II project from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko. He also noted increased operations on the Red Line Rail...

 Press Release * * *Lagos, Nigeria – May 7, 2026* – Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital retail and commercial bank, has been honoured with the Private Sector Champion Award at the 2026 Jobberman Partners’ Convening held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, in recognition of the Bank’s outstanding and stellar contributions to youth employment, talent development, and workforce empowerment across Nigeria. The award recognises private sector organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership in advancing youth employability through impactful recruitment initiatives, graduate trainee programmes, executive hiring support, candidate assessment programmes, and strategic partnerships that create sustainable career opportunities for young Nigerians. Organised by Jobberman, Nigeria’s leading recruitment and career development platform, the annual convening brought together key stakeholders from the private sector, development organisations, and indus...

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  The Onikotun of Ikotun Land, Oba Azeez Gbadabiu Isola, has installed several prominent sons of the community as White Cap Chiefs as part of activities marking his 25th anniversary on the throne. The colourful ceremony took place at the palace in Ikotun, where traditional rulers, chiefs, family members, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the monarch’s silver jubilee on the throne of his forefathers. Speaking shortly after his installation, one of the newly installed chiefs, High Chief Balogun Rabiu Hassan, expressed joy and appreciation for the honour bestowed on him by the monarch. He described the occasion as a memorable moment in his life and pledged his commitment towards the growth and development of Ikotun Land. “I am very happy today to be installed as one of the White Cap Chiefs of Ikotun Land. I promise to put in more effort to contribute to the progress and development of our community,” he said. High Chief Hassan also used the opportunity t...

  Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yaba, Ebute Metta West and Ebute Metta East have endorsed Abdulakeem Omolaja Animashahun ahead of the party’s primary election for the Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency seat, while calling on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure zoning and equitable representation within the constituency. The endorsement was made during the official flag-off of Animashahun’s campaign, which attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, community stakeholders and supporters from across Lagos Mainland. At the event, stakeholders decried what they described as the 27-year political marginalisation of Ebute Metta West, insisting that fairness, inclusiveness and justice should guide the emergence of the APC candidate for the House of Representatives seat. They also reaffirmed their loyalty to President Tinubu and pledged support for his second-term bid ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking during the gathering, Dr. Segun Oshile reflected on his...

  Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yaba, Ebute Metta West and Ebute Metta East have called on Oluremi Tinubu to support efforts aimed at ending what they described as the long-standing political marginalisation of Ebute Metta West by backing the aspiration of Abdulakeem Omolaja Animashahun for the Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency seat. The appeal was made during the official flag-off of Animashahun’s campaign, which attracted party leaders, community stakeholders, grassroots mobilisers and supporters from across the constituency. According to the stakeholders, Oluremi Tinubu, who previously represented Lagos Central Senatorial District, possesses a deep understanding of the political structure and history of the constituency and is well-positioned to promote fairness, inclusiveness and equitable representation in Lagos Mainland politics. The party faithful alleged that Ebute Metta West has suffered political marginalisation for about 27 years, stressing the...

  A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kosofe Local Government has strongly condemned the recent political endorsement reportedly made by the Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Mustapha Sego, concerning representation in Kosofe Constituency 2. In a press release dated Friday, May 8, 2026, the coalition described the endorsement as inappropriate, unacceptable, and an attempt to impose external influence on the democratic choices of the people of the constituency. The group stated that representation in Kosofe Constituency 2 must remain the exclusive decision of residents and stakeholders within the community, guided by democratic principles, credible leadership evaluation, and the free will of the electorate. According to the coalition, the circumstances surrounding the endorsement raise concerns about political interference, coercive influence, and attempts to undermine the autonomy of the constituency. “Kosofe Const...

  LAGOS.08.05.2026.  As part of efforts to promote SMEs and strengthen support for operators in the informal sector, Unity Bank has continued to empower small-scale traders and shop owners across Nigeria through its initiative called Shop Collateralised Facility, SHOCOF. SHOCOF is an innovative loan product, and Unity Bank has disbursed over N500 million to beneficiaries, significantly improving access to financing, and further driving financial inclusion.  Originally introduced as a targeted intervention for traders in Southeast Nigeria, SHOCOF quickly gained traction and broad acceptance for its flexibility and tailored structure, prompting the Bank to expand the product nationwide. Under the initiative, eligible customers can use their shops as collateral to access financing. The product simplifies access to credit by leveraging the commercial value and stability associated with fixed business locations, enabling traders to secure funds without the stringent collateral...

  Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), has funded critical support for the JKS Special Needs Academy in Abuja to ensure continued shelter and care for vulnerable children.   The intervention was facilitated by a group of the bank’s newly recruited employees known as Team Valorem, as part of their induction activities. Through the FHHP, employees are empowered to actively contribute to social development by dedicating their time, resources and skills to impactful projects. Projects executed under the initiative are employee-driven, with teams encouraged to identify causes, contribute fifty percent of the project funding, while the bank matches the contribution. Speaking during the outreach, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, highlighted that the initiative aligns with the Bank’s CSR pillars focused on health & social welfare, and youth empowerment. “This...

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, has described the visit of governorship aspirant Dr. Samuel Ajose to the party secretariat as a family meeting, reaffirming that the APC remains open and fair to all aspirants ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Dr. Ajose, alongside members of the SMA Movement, paid a strategic visit to the APC state secretariat where discussions centered on his ambition to contest the governorship position in 2027. Addressing journalists after the meeting, Pastor Ojelabi said Dr. Ajose formally informed the party leadership of his intention to join the race for the state’s top seat and also shared his vision for Lagos State. According to him, the APC leadership welcomed the aspiration and assured him of a level playing field for all contestants, irrespective of the mode of primary election eventually adopted by the party. “Dr. Samuel Ajose came on a family visi...

  A member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Deputy Chief Whip, Yusuf Oladeni Adebisi, has formally resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), citing unresolved internal crisis within the party. In a resignation letter addressed to the Ward Chairman of the PDP, Ward 6, Ibadan Southwest Local Government Area of Oyo State, the lawmaker stated that his decision to leave the party was taken after careful consideration of the lingering challenges affecting the party’s internal structure and operations. Hon. Adebisi explained that the prolonged crisis within the PDP had made it difficult for him to continue his political activities under the platform of the party. Despite his resignation, the lawmaker expressed appreciation to the PDP for the opportunity given to him to serve the people as a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly. He also thanked the leadership, members, and supporters of the party for their cooperation and support during his time in office. The Deputy Ch...

  A House of Representatives aspirant for Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency, Prince Abdulhakeem Animashahun, has intensified calls for the zoning of the party’s ticket to Ebute Metta West ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that fairness, equity, and security considerations demand a shift in political representation within the constituency. Animashahun made the appeal during a live interaction , where he outlined what he described as decades of imbalance in the distribution of the House of Representatives seat between the two major blocs in Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency. According to him, Constituency II has dominated the seat for a disproportionate period, holding it for about 20 out of the last 27 years, while Constituency I has only had approximately eight years of representation since 1999. He explained that the initial tenure from 1999 to 2007 was held by a representative from Constituency II, who later moved to Constituency I, further complicating the zoning ...

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has revealed that Nigeria generated more than ₦60 trillion in federal revenues between 2023 and 2025, raising concerns over why the country continues to rely heavily on borrowing to fund basic services. Agbakoba criticized what he described as systemic failures in revenue management, arguing that funds are not reaching the Federation Account as required by the Constitution. According to him, significant portions of national income are either withheld or diverted before they are officially accounted for. He pointed to an ongoing Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) investigation into alleged under-remittances by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), estimated at $42.37 billion (about ₦12.91 trillion) between 2011 and 2017. In 2025 alone, he noted that ₦14.94 trillion—nearly 40% of total federation revenues—was deducted before reaching FAAC. Similarly,...

  The Saheed Adesegun Bankole (SAB) Campaign Team in Lagos has distanced itself from reports endorsing the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Noheem Babatunde Adams, as a consensus candidate for Eti-Osa Constituency I ahead of the 2027 elections. A statement signed by the Head of SAB campaign team, Mr olajide Suliaman in response to the publication said the party had not approved any endorsement, noting that the process for selecting candidates had yet to commence. According to the statement, a letter dated March 23, 2026, was submitted to the APC State Secretariat indicating the endorsement.  It, however, clarified that the secretariat did not accept the communication, stressing that the party’s National Secretariat had not released a timetable or guidelines for the conduct of primaries. The party maintained that, in the absence of official directives, any endorsement at this stage remains premature and without procedural effect. The statement also emphasis...

  * * The Oyo State Government has introduced a daily environmental sanitation monitoring and enforcement system as part of efforts to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment across the state. The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, disclosed this during a press briefing held in the Ministry’s conference room to mark his first 100 days in office. Hon. Aderinto explained that the Ministry has shifted from the traditional monthly environmental sanitation exercise to a more proactive system that encourages residents to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness on a daily basis.  He noted that this approach is being reinforced by continuous monitoring and enforcement by environmental health officers “We are now enforcing daily environmental sanitation. Our officers are on the field every day to ensure compliance cleanliness must become a daily responsibility,” he stated. To strengthen operations, the Commissioner disclosed that the M...

  The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos has distanced itself from reports endorsing the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Noheem Babatunde Adams, as a consensus candidate for Eti-Osa Constituency I ahead of the 2027 elections. A statement issued by the Head of Saheed Adesegun Bankole (SAB) campaign team, by Jidda Saisu in response to the publication said the party had not approved any endorsement, noting that the process for selecting candidates had yet to commence. According to the statement, a letter dated March 23, 2026, was submitted to the APC State Secretariat indicating the endorsement.  It, however, clarified that the secretariat did not accept the communication, stressing that the party’s National Secretariat had not released a timetable or guidelines for the conduct of primaries. The party maintained that, in the absence of official directives, any endorsement at this stage remains premature and without procedural effect. The statement also...

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  Leaders of the ruling party in Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have been called upon to remain united and uphold their earlier consensus in support of Hon. Abiodun Faleke, following reports that some members have allegedly purchased nomination forms to contest against him. In a statement released on Monday, the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, expressed strong dissatisfaction over what he described as the actions of “unserious elements” within the party who are attempting to disrupt the agreed position. Ayinde said the development came as a surprise and urged party leaders to stay focused, emphasizing the need to maintain the initial agreement to the consensus candidate. He highlighted Hon. Abiodun Faleke’s track record, particularly his empowerment initiatives across Ikeja Federal Constituency, describing them as second to none because it has helped all and sundry. The statement called on stakeholders to...