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 The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, has selected 50 local chefs to participate in the maiden edition of its Eko Flavours Competition. The Eko Flavours Project is a culinary platform for food vendors and chefs to showcase their talents and interact with food enthusiasts, starting with the shopping process at an organised market. The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abiola Olusanya, said at a news conference on Thursday in Ikeja that over 150 applications were submitted for the competition. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that out of the over 150 applications submitted, 70 made the cut, but 50 were selected based on the one-minute video submitted. “We want to build a culture of eating healthy and to see how best we can maintain a good diet. The contest is designed to be a culinary platform for food vendors and chefs to showcase their talents and interact with food enthusiasts. “The Eko Flavours Project is a transformativ...

 Victor Osimhen has reportedly agreed to join Chelsea on a €350,000 weekly pay, taking a major step closer to realising his dream Premier League move. This is €150,000 short of the €500,000 per week initially demanded by the Napoli striker, who had to settle for the sum, with the summer transfer window closing in the next 48 hours. This is a confirmation of earlier reports in Italy, which suggested that the protracted transfer talks between Chelsea and Napoli were nearing their conclusion, with Napoli reportedly accepting the London club’s offer to sign the Nigerian striker. Meanwhile, Al Ahli have taken their desperation to sign Osimhen to another dimension on Thursday, with Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reporting that the management of the Saudi Pro League giants were set to travel to Italy to facilitate the transfer of the Napoli striker Chelsea are likely to add a new striker to their ranks one way or another at this stage, which will be one of Osimhen, Jhon Duran, and ...

 The National Youth Service Corps has said polytechnic graduates or holders of the Higher National Diploma without evidence of undertaking the mandatory 12-month industrial training will not be registered at the NYSC orientation camp to participate in the national youth service. The acting Director of Press and Public Relations, NYSC, Mrs Caroline Lembu, who spoke to The PUNCH on Thursday, explained that a certificate of industrial training is one of the requirements for polytechnic graduates to participate in the one-year national youth service. The NYSC had recently introduced a new policy, requiring graduates of polytechnics and monotechnics to present an IT certification, as part of requirements for the national service, particularly for participation in the camp activities. The NYSC Coordinator in Lagos State, Mrs Yetunde Baderinwa, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, on August 3, 2024, where she explained that the corps members “must undergo t...

 Olena Semykina, the owner of a village shop in east Ukraine, voted for President Volodymyr Zelensky five and a half years ago, hoping the fresh-faced political newcomer would end the fighting unleashed by Russian proxy forces in 2014. The screech of an artillery shell over her leafy village in the war-battered Donetsk region and the plumes of dark smoke billowing on the horizon suggested that her hopes for his first term had fallen short. “We expected the war to end, like he promised. But the war hasn’t ended. There’s even more fighting. It seems to me that it’s become even more intense,” the 43-year-old told AFP in the village of Kleban-Byk, where invading Russian forces are fast approaching. Across the industrial Donetsk region, some war-fatigued residents, like Olena, who voted for Zelensky in 2019, have lost faith in the 46-year-old leader as Russia’s invasion grinds through its third year. The former comedian won respect internationally and drew comparisons with Winston Churc...

 Nigerian Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has turned down a move to join Chelsea Football Club. According to Skysport in Italy, the Nigerian forward would prefer a move to join Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli in a four-year deal with his former employers; Napoli expected to earn £67.3m (€80m) plus add-ons for the Nigeria international. Recall that Osimhen had reportedly agreed to join Chelsea on a €350,000 weekly pay, taking a major step closer to realising his dream Premier League move, but some significant news regarding the Chelsea target reveals that Osimhen would rather ply his trade in the Saudi Pro League.

 In a bid to restore sanity and cleanliness to the streets of Lagos, operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps have arrested 12 miscreants following surveillance operations in several areas of Lagos state. The move comes after concerned citizens reported the menace and nuisance caused by miscreants and destitute. This was made known by the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on X.com on Friday. Wahab wrote, “Acting on reports received from concerned citizens on the menace and nuisance caused by miscreants and destitute, the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps #LAGESCOfficial (KAI) yesterday, deployed surveillance teams in some of the areas reported. “Falomo in Ikoyi, Adeola Odeku and Sanusi Fafunwa in Victoria Island, Chisco, Ikate and Marwa, along Lekki-Ajah expressway, were monitored, leading to the arrest of 12 suspects; 10 adults and 2 minors. “The suspects will be arraigned in a court of competent jurisdiction.”

 A 32-year-old man named Olúwaṣeun Shorinola has taken his life in the Kémta area of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, PUNCH Online reports. The Ogun State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed this to our correspondent via electronic message on Thursday. PUNCH Online gathered that the incident occurred at about 10 pm on Wednesday. The command’s spokesperson informed our correspondent that the deceased’s wife found him hanging from a wall. Odutola said, “On August 28, 2024, Temitope Oguntade reported at the Kémta Police Division that she received a call from Tajudeen Aremu that her immediate brother was found dead by his wife. A team of policemen was dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, Shorinola was found dead, with his body hanging against the wall, which shows that the man committed suicide. The body was brought down. “The family insisted that they wanted to take the body away for burial instead of taking it to the mortuary for autopsy. We are mo...

 Fire gutted part of a three-storey building at the Lagos State Government Staff Quarters in Odunsanmi Street, off Wempco Road in the Ogba area of the state. The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed this in a statement on Friday. Oke-Osanyintolu said that LASEMA received distress calls through the 767 and 112 toll-free emergency lines at about 2.39 am. He said that the agency activated its response team from the Alausa command and control centre. “Upon immediate response, it was confirmed that one of the two-bedrooms in Flat 5, of Block 21, a two-winged, three-story building of 16 two-bedroom flats, was engulfed. Investigation conducted by the agency’s response team revealed that the fire originated from the children’s room as a result of a power surge. “The prompt and coordinated efforts of the agency, Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, ensured the fire was contained,” Oke-Osanyintolu said. He...

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, on Thursday, said the Offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Secretary to State Governments were not a creation of the law. He stated that Sections 171(1)(2) and 208 of the 1999 Constitution only specified the SGF and the SSGs as officers whom the President and governors have the authority to appoint to exercise their executive powers. Speaking at the first meeting of the Forum of the SGF and SSGs, Anyim, who was also a former Senate President, wondered if the omission from the Constitution was deliberate or an oversight. He said, “The office of SGF/SSG is not a creation of law. Section 171(1)(2) and 208 of the Constitution only mentioned the SGF/SSG as officers the President/governor has powers to appoint in the exercise of his executive powers. “First Schedule, Part 2, Paragraph 10 and Section 209 of the Constitution only mentioned the offices of SGF and SSG as offices subj...

 A joint committee of the Economic Community of West African States has called for the abolition of the residence permit system, which they argue is obstructing the free movement of citizens across the region. The joint committee made this call on Thursday to member states and the ECOWAS Commission in their draft report at the end of their delocalised sittings in Banjul, The Gambia. The joint committee, which includes representatives from Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Political Affairs, Peace, Security, and Trade Customs, stated that the residence permit system, initially introduced under the ECOWAS Treaty of 1975, no longer serves its intended purpose. The system, known as the ECOWAS Residence Permit or Residence Card, was designed to allow citizens to reside in another member state for extended periods for business, employment, or personal reasons. However, the committee now argues that the permit system contradicts the fundamental ...

 President Bola Tinubu encouraged the newly appointed Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Jose Areias, to make the creation of direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil a top priority. While receiving the Letter of Credence from the Brazilian Ambassador, President Tinubu reaffirmed his February discussions with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva regarding the issue during the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Thursday, President Tinubu emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Brazil. The President, as contained in the statement, also welcomed Brazil’s leadership of the G20 in 2024, expressing a desire to collaborate closely on global issues of mutual interest. ‘’We have a long history of bilateral and cultural relations with Brazil. You must see Nigeria as your second home and explore the abundant economic opportunities in the country. ‘’I hav...

  The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Thursday, assured Nigerians that the Army was on a victory path in the ongoing war against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping in the country. This was as the Defence Headquarters said a total of 1,166 terrorists were killed in the operations conducted in August. Lagbaja, speaking in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, at the closing session of the Chief of Army combined 2nd and 3rd Quarters Conference 2024 on Thursday, said though the challenges of insecurity in the country were daunting, the military would achieve a clean victory soonest. “I must say that the feedback from the various commanders is encouraging. They show that the prevailing security challenges facing our dear nation, though daunting, are surmountable and that we are indeed on the right path to victory. “I assure Nigerians of the Nigerian Army’s resolve to continue to collaborate with its sister services and other security agencies to ensure security of lives an...

  The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Disability Affairs, has urged stakeholders to cater to children living with disabilities. This was stressed on Thursday at the year 2024 celebration of Special Needs Children in Lagos, held at the Abayomi Finnih Recreational Park, Ikeja, with the theme: “Every Child With Disability Deserves Inclusive and Quality Living.” The General Manager, Office of Disability Affairs, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, said the state was working to ensure that children with disabilities were catered for in all spheres. Oyetunde-Lawal said, “Our children are our pride, regardless of their disabilities. Their unique needs are to be celebrated, not marginalised. Sadly, many children with disabilities continue to face barriers in accessing education, healthcare, social inclusion, and even basic dignity. “These barriers extend beyond the physical; they are societal and attitudinal, stemming from a lack of understanding, prejudice, and a system that too often v...

 A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday threw out a suit instituted against the #Endbadgovernance protesters for lack of diligent prosecution. The suit was filed by 17 Nigerians drawn from the six geopolitical zones of the country against the August 1 to 10 nationwide protests. The plaintiffs listed as defendants Omoyele Sowore, the National Security Adviser, Attorney-General of the Federation, Inspector General of Police, Director General of the Department of State Services and the Chiefs of Army and Defence Staff. Among the plaintiffs were Danladi Goje, Bukky Abayomi, Adiza Abbo, Ocholi Aduku, Francis John, Nnamdi Eze, Chibuzor Ifeanyi, Fesco Olatunde and Ishaya Istifanus, among others. Justice Peter Lifu struck out the suit following the absence of the 17 plaintiffs and the 26 defendants who were in court without legal representation. The judge was surprised that none of the plaintiffs or defendants attended court or provided explanations for their absence. Justice Li...

 The Oodua People’s Congress has called on President Bola Tinubu to restore the pipeline security contract that was taken away from the organisation by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The President of OPC, Wasiu Afolabi, disclosed this at the organisation’s 30th anniversary celebration held in Lagos State on Thursday. Afolabi urged the government to give the body the opportunity to contribute to the energy security of Nigeria. He noted that restoring the pipeline security contract would tackle unemployment in the South-West, Kogi, Kwara, and Edo states and put an end to pipeline vandalism in the region. He emphasised that OPC had done it before and could do it again, citing the organisation’s past successes in securing pipelines and reducing vandalism. “OPC is today urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give the organisation the opportunity to contribute our quota to the energy security of Nigeria. President Tinubu should restore to OPC the pipeline security contract that Muhamm...

 Nojim Maiyegun, the nation’s first Olympic Games medalist, passed away on Monday in Vienna, Austria largely forgotten by the country he once brought glory to. His death not only marks the end of an era but also underscores the disturbing trend of abandoning athletes who once elevated Nigeria on the global stage, writes PETER AKINBO In a stark reminder of how Nigeria often neglects its sporting heroes, Nojim Maiyegun, the country’s first Olympic medalist, breathed his last on Monday in Vienna, Austria, far from the nation he once brought glory to. He was 83. Maiyegun’s death, coming just days after the 60th anniversary of his historic bronze medal win at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, underscores a tragic pattern of neglect that has plagued many of Nigeria’s sports legends. In the 1960s, boxing was one of Nigeria’s brightest medal-winning hopes. Before Maiyegun’s breakthrough, Nigeria had already produced two world boxing champions—Hogan Bassey and Dick Tiger—both celebrated figures in t...

 The Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange and leading commodities brokers have commended the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria for their recent directive mandating companies to channel the importation of basic food items through recognised commodities exchanges. The policy, designed to enhance price discovery, reduce inflationary pressures, and bolster food security in Nigeria, requires that at least 75 per cent of imported basic food items be traded through commodities exchanges, with all transactions and storage properly documented. In a statement made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LCFE, Akin Akeredolu-Ale, hailed the policy as a proactive move by the government to streamline the food importation process. According to Akeredolu-Ale, the initiative will benefit stakeholders across the entire value chain. “Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange is ready and eager to play a pivotal role in facilitating se...

  A 30-year-old man identified as Chinonso Nwaebonyi, has been arrested by security operatives for allegedly defiling a seven-year-old girl in Awka, Anambra State capital. A 30-year-old man identified as Chinonso Nwaebonyi, has been arrested by security operatives for allegedly defiling a seven-year-old girl in Awka, Anambra State capital. Nwaebonyi, a native of Izzi community in Ebonyi State, was apprehended after the mother of the seven-year-old reported the incident to the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Awka. This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday, by Ms Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo. Ikeanyionwu said the suspect, on interrogation by security operatives, had earlier denied the allegation, but later confessed to committing the said crime but “only once”. The statement read in part, “According to the seven-year-old, she, with her twin brother usually go to the compoun...

 The Nigerian Air Force, on Thursday, said air strikes carried out in the Tumbuns area, near Lake Chad in Borno State killed many terrorists. The service said the operation was successfully carried out following the forced relocation of remaining terrorists to higher and drier ground after their hideouts were flooded and exposed due to persistent rainfall in the area in recent days. In a statement, NAF spokesperson, AVM Edward Gabkwet, said the Nigerian Air Force conducted Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions over the location on August 22, 24, and 26, 2024. He added that the missions revealed several terrorists, along with some of their salvaged belongings, concealed within four makeshift shelters, some of which were hidden under trees and dense vegetation. Gabkwet said, “In a major blow to remnants of terrorists hiding in the Tumbuns near Lake Chad, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai successfully conducted an air interdiction mission at Jubillaram in sout...

 The Lagos State Government is set to launch a sensitization initiative aimed at promoting the circular economy as a solution to diversify the state’s resources by transforming waste into valuable assets. The awareness campaign with the theme: ‘Eco Circulate’ is expected to commence in Badagry on Saturday at St. Thomas Primary School, Agbalata Market Road, led by the Office of the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy. According to a Thursday statement, the programme is designed to increase awareness and adoption of the circular economy across Lagos. “The circular economy has the potential to create 10,000 to 30,000 jobs, foster new entrepreneurship, and cut over two million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually in Lagos State. “The programme will incentivise residents to participate in waste-to-value initiatives, offering rewards like health insurance, free public transport, foodstuffs, cooking energy, and airtime/data in exchange for recyclable materials su...

 The Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has commended the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria for its significant contributions to the growth and development of the health sector in the state. HFN, a coalition of private healthcare stakeholders, is an apolitical, non-partisan, non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for improvements in Nigeria’s private health care sector. Speaking at the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Diaspora Digital Diversity hub organised by the HFN on Monday, Abayomi highlighted the crucial role the private sector plays in influencing government thinking and policymaking, providing essential intelligence and industrial capacity. “I believe Nigeria is fortunate to have an entity like HFN. I’m not sure if there’s anything similar elsewhere in West Africa or even Africa, but I’m grateful that HFN exists here. HFN has a powerful presence in Lagos, and we rely on and trust your advice, connectivity, hard work, and diligence,” Abay...

 The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, on Thursday, said his government will continue the infrastructural drive of the Godwin Obaseki administration. Ighodalo, who was speaking at the flag-off of the PDP statewide governorship campaign in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area of the state, also pledged to give incentives to farmers and scholarships to students in Edo State. He bemoaned the economic situation in the country, adding that Obaseki had been trying to shield the Edo people from the harsh situation created by the Federal Government. He said, “We are ready to continue where our governor stopped. We will take Edo State to the next level. If a man wants to build a house, he has to start from the foundation. Governor Obaseki has started the foundation and we will continue from where he stopped. The work that has been done for the past eight years will soon begin to show. “By the next one y...

 Eko Electricity Distribution Company has disconnected the power supply to the University of Lagos, Akoka, over unpaid electricity bills. This was made known in a statement by the university management on Wednesday The institution has been grappling with the burden of rising electricity costs. This challenge was further made worse when EKEDC upgraded the university’s tariff category from “Band B” to “Band A,” resulting in a hike in monthly electricity bills. Before the upgrade, UNILAG was said it be paying between N150 million and N180 million monthly. However, the June bill under the new “Band A” tariff nearly doubled, reaching almost N300 million—a 100% increase that the university is struggling to manage. The institution’s management expressed regret over the blackout that has hit the campus since Tuesday. The management explained that despite ongoing negotiations with EKEDC and a recent payment of N180 million on August 20, the university was abruptly disconnected from the pow...