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The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, says Nigeria remains the gateway to the black global community.

Sanwo-Olu said this at the ongoing 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market on Monday in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu said Akwaaba was one of Africa’s foremost platforms for tourism, travel, hospitality and cultural exchange.

She said Nigeria is a friendly and hospitable country with considerable tourism offerings for businesses and visitors.

She said stronger connections among tourism businesses and wider collaboration could help advance Nigeria’s tourism development.

“There’s a lot to offer. I think we are the gateway into the black global community.

“Having a travel market is very key because it connects.

“It connects different businesses within the tourism sector,” she said.

She called for greater cooperation across West Africa and Africa, saying the global South was looking toward the region.

She urged stakeholders to key into the wider vision and network being developed at the national level.

She also highlighted My City App as a platform where people could access information about tourism opportunities across Nigeria and Africa.

“People can key in to that and know what is available in Nigeria, all over Africa, but specifically in the different cities in Nigeria,” she said.

It was reported that Sanwo-Olu joined 15 chefs, including three young chefs trained under the Lagos Boy Child Initiative, in tasting Jollof rice.

Recall that the three boys won the Lagos Boy Child Initiative’s Cooking Competition and were given the chance to compete in the Jollof Rice War as part of Akwaaba’s focus on young culinary talents.

The event was also attended by representatives of the governors of Enugu and Akwa Ibom states, Dr Peter Mbah and Pastor Umo Eno.

The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of The Gambia, Abdoulie Jobe, was also among dignitaries at the event.

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A former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has described the death of a former national chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, as a monumental loss to Nigeria and the African business community.

George made the assertion in a statement issued on Monday, in which he said he worked closely with Tukur at the highest level of the PDP.

It was reported Tukur died on Saturday in Abuja, three days to his 91st birthday, and was buried on Sunday in Yola, Adamawa State.

George described the former governor of the defunct Gongola State and former Minister of Industry as “a confidant, a close ally and a patriotic stakeholder whose interests transcended geographical boundaries.”

The PDP chieftain said Tukur was a statesman of huge stature who contributed immensely to the political and economic development of Nigeria for several decades.

He said, “As the National Chairman of PDP from 2012 to 2014, I worked with him closely.

“He was a patriot who was always thinking of how Nigeria could sit comfortably in the comity of nations as an economic giant.

“I praise his contributions to African enterprise and investment through his leadership of the Africa Business Roundtable and the NEPAD Business Group.

According to him, as the General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from 1975 to 1982, Tukur expanded critical maritime hubs like Apapa Port and Tin Can Island.

“Your departure leaves an immense void not only within our party structure but across the entire political landscape.

“During your tenure, you were more than a leader; you were a peacemaker, a mentor, and a tireless organiser who listened to every member, from the grassroots to the national level.

“I take comfort in the enduring legacy of your selflessness and the strong foundation you built for us.

“I also extend my deepest condolences to your family, loved ones and the entire party faithful.

“It is a great pleasure that you ran a good race. No doubt, your passing has left a significant void that will be difficult to fill.

“Our great leader, I say you ran a good race and ended well. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Almighty God,” George said.

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The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has urged her successor,  Prof. Ayodeji Badejo,to lead with wisdom, patience and commitment.

Olatunji-Bello gave the advice on Sunday evening in Lagos at an event organised in her honour by the Centre for General Nigerian Studies, LASU.

The event had the theme: “More Prayer, More Commitment and Finishing Strong”.

It was aimed to celebrate Olatunji-Bello’s tenure as LASU Vice-Chancellor from 2021 to 2026.

It was reported that Badejo, a Professor of Guidance and Counselling, will assume duty on Sept. 20.

Olatunji-Bello urged the incoming vice-chancellor to ensure that every decision taken would benefit the institution, staff and students.

“She will have what we call, in the Bible, long-suffering. It is called patience,” she said.

“I pray fervently for her. She will do well. She will excel. She will take LASU to even greater heights.”

Olatunji-Bello expressed gratitude to God for guiding her administration and enabling it to record significant achievements.

She said she committed the university to God’s care from the beginning of her tenure.

“Every morning I enter LASU, I ask God to continue to take charge,” she said.

The vice-chancellor said she devoted time to pray for the university, its students and staff before attending to official duties.

She thanked the governing council, management, staff, students, her friends and family members for support throughout her tenure.

Olatunji-Bello said her administration took decisions through consultation, discussions and careful consideration of recommendations.

“When times were rough, it was Him that I called on,” she said.

She said her administration overcame several challenges, including students’ protests and difficulties surrounding computer-based examinations.

Olatunji-Bello said the challenges led to the development of alternative examination arrangements and conception of the university’s 2,000-seat Computer Test Centre.

The vice-chancellor also said a 3,000-seat auditorium for LASU had been included in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund budget.

She urged the university community to maintain its infrastructure and  facilities.

Olatunji-Bello said her administration constructed toilets across LASU campuses to improve students’ welfare, particularly that of female students.

She also highlighted staff recreational facilities and other welfare initiatives as measures to promote a conducive work environment.

Earlier, Prof. Adenike Boyo, a former LASU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), said Olatunji-Bello’s tenure demonstrated the importance of prayer, commitment and perseverance.

Boyo, who spoke on the theme of the celebration, said prayer, competence and discipline were essential for effective university leadership.

“Vision without prayer is ignorance. Prayer without commitment is a sentiment, and commitment without discipline to finish is incomplete,” she said.

She described Olatunji-Bello as a leader who retained her values, demonstrated attention to detail and remained committed to institutional development.

Boyo said the vice-chancellor’s leadership had contributed to infrastructure development, staff welfare, academic expansion and financial sustainability.

She commended Olatunji-Bello’s administration for establishing new faculties and introducing academic programmes in response to emerging educational needs.

The former deputy vice-chancellor urged Olatunji-Bello to remain prayerful and committed during the final days of her tenure.

She also encouraged the university community to uphold peace, research, integrity and service.

Boyo prayed that God would sustain Olatunji-Bello and bring her work to a successful completion.

Prof. Mubashiru Mohammed, Convener of the event and Director of Centre for General Nigerian Studies, LASU, thanked Olatunji-Bello for efforts to take LASU to greater heights.

The event brought together members of the university community, including principal officers, professors and directors.

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Dr Ayuba Wabba, immediate past President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has urged the Federal Government to establish Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations in all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the country.

Wabba made the call in an interview with our reporter in Lagos on Monday, saying the move would help cushion the impact of rising petrol prices on Nigerians.

It was reported that Dangote Petroleum Refinery on Sept. 10 increased its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) gantry price by N85 per litre, from N1,265 to N1,350, putting fresh pressure on petrol prices nationwide.

Wabba said although many Nigerians had embraced CNG as an alternative fuel, the lack of adequate filling stations across the country remained a major challenge.

He said establishing CNG dispensing stations in every LGA would make it easier for motorists to travel long distances without fear of running out of fuel.

“If people are transporting goods or services from one part of the country to another and the CNG finishes, where will they refill it?

“The Federal Government should establish dispensing stations for CNG in the 774 local governments so that if people are travelling from Lagos to Maiduguri or Port Harcourt, for instance, and they run short of CNG, they can refill their tanks.

“But at present, this is not the case,” he said.

Wabba, who said he owned a CNG-powered vehicle, noted that the current shortage of CNG stations could leave motorists stranded on long journeys.

“I have a CNG vehicle. If I’m travelling from here to Maiduguri now, in fact, I will be stranded on the road because if I fill 100kg, it will not take me to Jos.

“It will actually finish around the forest area in Jos. So, how do I now manage to get to Jos?

“These are the critical questions that require answers,” he said.

The former NLC president said having CNG stations in every council area would encourage more Nigerians to adopt the alternative fuel and make refuelling more convenient.

Wabba also expressed concern over the continued increase in the pump prices of petroleum products, saying it had exposed millions of Nigerians to the forces of the market.

“Energy security is very strategic in every country. Therefore, government needs to come up with a very quick response.

“Looking at the economic challenges facing Nigerians, this price fluctuation, or paying more again for PMS, will certainly push many more Nigerians into poverty and multidimensional poverty.

“In fact, the major trigger for pushing Nigerians into poverty is actually this fluctuation in the price of petroleum products, particularly PMS and diesel.

“Many Nigerians have to power their businesses, while many others have to transport goods and services from one part of the country to another.

“So, there is no way energy will not be a very central issue in the prosperity of Nigerians,” he said.

Wabba said every increase in the price of PMS translated into greater hardship for Nigerians and higher operating costs for businesses.

“With the adjustment in the price of petrol, hovering now around N1,400 in many places, it means more suffering for Nigerians, and it means businesses will suffer.

“It means families will go without having three meals on their table per day. In fact, some have reduced it even to one.

“So, the best way to respond to all of this is to holistically look at the value chain and the issue of refineries.

“The only refinery now is Dangote, so government and NNPC must find a way of giving him crude oil.

“When you supply him crude oil, I know as a matter of fact that a lot of hidden costs will actually be dropped,” he said.

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMet) has predicted rains and sunshine from Monday to Wednesday across the country.
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‎NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, anticipated sunny skies over the northern region on Monday with a few patches of clouds envisaged over the entire region.

‎The agency envisaged isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rains expected over parts of Taraba state during the afternoon and evening hours.

‎NiMet predicted cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine over the North central region throughout the forecast period.
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‎“For the southern region, a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is expected over the region with chances of thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
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‎”Later during the day, there are prospects of thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states,’’ it said.
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‎NiMet forecast sunny skies with a few patches of clouds over the entire northern region on Tuesday with prospects of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rains expected over parts of Taraba state later in the day.
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According to NiMet, a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is anticipated over the central region throughout the forecast period.

It predicted a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine over the southern region.
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‎NiMet envisaged thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo and Delta States later in the day.
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‎The agency predicted sunny skies on Wednesday with a few patches of clouds over the entire northern region throughout the forecast period.

According to NiMet, a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is anticipated over the North central region throughout the forecast period.
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‎It forecast cloudy atmosphere on southern region with intervals of sunshine over the region with prospects of thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers States later in the day.
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“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, the public should take adequate precaution and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.
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‘’Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.
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‎‘’Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,’’ the agency said
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‎According to it, temperatures are expected to remain high causing thermal discomfort while the public is advised to wear breathable clothing, stay in a well-ventilated environment and stay hydrated.
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NiMet advised the residents to stay informed through weather updates by visiting its website www.nimet.gov.ng.

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Gov. Ahmadu  Fintiri of Adamawa has declared Monday, a work-free day to honour the late Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, former Governor of the defunct Gongola State.

Tukur, a prominent elder statesman and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was buried in Yola on Sunday after funeral prayers at the Lamido’s Palace.

Fintiri, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Humwashi Wonosikou, said the declaration was to enable residents to pay their last respects to the deceased and reflect on his life and legacies.

The governor described the late Tukur as a statesman whose contributions to the growth and development of Adamawa and Nigeria would continue to be remembered.

He urged the people of the state to use the work-free day to pray for the peaceful repose of Tukur’s soul and seek God’s comfort for his family, friends and the people of Adamawa.

According to him, the work-free day is part of measures by the state government to honour the late statesman during the three-day mourning period declared in his memory.

Fintiri said all flags across the state would continue to fly at half-mast throughout the mourning period.

He, however, directed that essential services should continue to operate despite the declaration.

The late Tukur served as the third civilian governor of the defunct Gongola State and later held several prominent positions in Nigeria’s public and political spheres.

His burial in Yola on Sunday drew dignitaries, political associates, traditional rulers, family members and sympathisers who gathered to pay their final respects to the respected elder statesman.

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The Lagos State Government has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to increase its 2027 Hajj allocation to at least 2,500 slots.

The state said the increase was necessary to accommodate the growing number of intending pilgrims seeking to perform the annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

This is contained in a statement on Sunday by Mrs Sade Adebayo, the state’s Public Affairs Officer.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Layode, made the appeal during an engagement with NAHCON’s pre-2027 Hajj assessment team.

It was reported that the team was led by Mr Anofiu Elegushi, NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing.

Layode said the 1,224 slots allocated to Lagos for the 2027 pilgrimage were inadequate to meet the state’s demand.

He requested that NAHCON raise the allocation to a minimum of 2,500 pilgrims.

“Lagos has consistently performed well in Hajj operations,” Layode said, noting the state’s commitment to pilgrims’ welfare.

He recalled that Elegushi, his predecessor, airlifted 3,661 Lagos pilgrims during the 2023 Hajj before leaving office.

“Since I assumed office in 2024, we have sustained the tempo. We airlifted 1,600 pilgrims in 2026 and project not less than 2,000 intending pilgrims for 2027.

“I, therefore, appeal to NAHCON to reconsider Lagos and allocate additional slots to us,” the commissioner said.

Layode also raised concerns over the quality of services provided to Lagos pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj, particularly facilities at Arafat.

He described the tents and other facilities at the sacred site as substandard, saying they contributed to illnesses and complaints among pilgrims.

“The experience at Arafat was not satisfactory. The tents and facilities provided were below the standard expected for our pilgrims.

“This resulted in some cases of illness and complaints. We also had concerns with the aircraft deployed by Flynas,” Layode said.

He said the Flynas aircraft were insufficiently spacious and had inadequate restroom facilities, causing considerable discomfort for Lagos pilgrims.

The commissioner also appealed to NAHCON to approve clinic spaces in hotels occupied by state pilgrims during Hajj operations.

He said such clinics would enable state medical teams to provide first aid and treat minor ailments without putting additional pressure on NAHCON clinics.

According to him, the arrangement would also reduce unnecessary pressure on hospitals in Saudi Arabia by allowing state medical teams to handle minor cases.

Layode urged NAHCON to facilitate seamless transportation of drugs purchased by states for their pilgrims during Hajj operations.

He also appealed for the retention of the existing luggage allowance of two 23kg main bags and one 8kg hand luggage for the 2027 pilgrimage.

Earlier, Elegushi said the NAHCON team visited Lagos to brief the state on new developments in Hajj administration introduced by the Saudi Arabian Government.

He said the changes were aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, under which Hajj operations were increasingly becoming private-sector driven.

Elegushi said government would primarily focus on regulation and supervision under the emerging arrangement, particularly in aviation.

“Under the new arrangement, states are expected to establish companies that will operate as tour operators. This is part of the changes under Saudi Vision 2030,” he said.

He said individual states might struggle to operate effectively under the new model, urging South-West states to establish a joint private company.

“No single state can effectively do this alone, but the South-West states can come together and establish a joint private company,” he said.

Elegushi commended Lagos for its longstanding commitment to pilgrims’ welfare, describing the state as a pioneer in welfare-oriented Hajj services.

He said the tradition was initiated by President Bola Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos State Governor.

Elegushi urged the state government to sustain and improve the initiative in future Hajj operations.

He assured that NAHCON would continue engaging state governments and other stakeholders to ensure smoother and more efficient Hajj operations.

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Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has appointed three commissioners, aides and board members to strengthen his administration’s development agenda.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Malam Ibraheem Musa, on Thursday in Kaduna.

The statement said Ben Kure, Managing Director of Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC), was appointed Commissioner for Sports Development.

Amina Akilu Dalhat was appointed Commissioner for Special Duties I, while Abdullahi Garba Abbas became Commissioner for Special Duties II.

According to the statement, Dr Haliru Soba, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff, Administration.

The governor also appointed chairmen and members of key boards and agencies to strengthen service delivery and institutional reforms.

The statement named Alhaji Munir Jafaru as Chairman, Kaduna State Health Care Board and retired AVM Bashir Saidu as Chairman, Kaduna Vigilance Service Board.

Others are retired Justice Gideon Isa Kurada, Chairman, College of Education, Gidan Waya, and Esther Bago, Chairman, Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development.

Dr Yusuf Bature was appointed Chairman, Kaduna Hospital Supply Management Agency, while Engr. Namadi Musa heads Kaduna Rural Access Roads Authority.

The governor congratulated the appointees, saying they were selected based on proven records of excellence, integrity and dedication to service.

Sani urged them to bring fresh perspectives, reject complacency and align their responsibilities with his administration’s vision for a transformed and resilient Kaduna State.

He wished them divine guidance and success in their new assignments.

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