Landmark

In a bold move to strengthen security, protect residents and boost investor confidence, the Ogun State Executive Council has approved four landmark bills designed to tackle violent crimes, ritual killings, cultism, extortion and the growing challenge of missing persons across the state. The approval, granted at the Council meeting held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, underscores the determination of the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration to deploy robust legislative measures to address emerging security threats while reinforcing Ogun State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s safest and most attractive investment destinations. The proposed legislations—the Group Liability for Offences of Violence, Extortion and Secret Societies (GLOVES) Bill, the Victims’ Rights Bill, the Human Sacrifice Prevention and Prohibition Bill, and the Missing Persons Bill—will be transmitted to the Ogun State House of Assembly for consideration in the coming days. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwas...

By Yetunde Oni

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State Chapter, has endorsed the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, pledging to deploy its grassroots political network across the state's 30 local government areas to support his bid in the August 15, 2026 governorship election. The endorsement was announced during the inauguration of the SWAGA 2.0 movement in Osun State, where the association said local government chairmen would spearhead the party's final phase of mobilisation ahead of the poll. Speaking on behalf of the 30 democratically elected local government chairmen, the Chairman of ALGON in Osun State and Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area, Hon. Samuel Idowu Abiodun, described local governments as the foundation of political organisation and electoral mobilisation in the state. He said the SWAGA 2.0 initiative represents a coordinated platform for consolidating support for progressive gove...

The Ogun State Government acknowledges and appreciates the support extended by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) in the successful completion of the search and recovery operation following the unfortunate building collapse at Baale Road, OGS Bus Stop, Ajuwon. While commending the spirit of inter-state collaboration demonstrated by LASEMA, it is important to clarify the sequence of events to ensure that the public is accurately informed. Immediately the incident occurred on Monday, the Ogun State Government activated its emergency response under the directive of Governor Dapo Abiodun. Officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders were deployed to the scene without delay to coordinate search and recovery efforts, secure the area and protect adjoining properties. The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, with the...

Governor Dapo Abiodun has ordered a comprehensive technical investigation into the collapse of a two-storey building at Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ifo Local Government Area, as the Ogun State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and preventing similar incidents across the state. The building, which collapsed on Monday afternoon following a severe thunderstorm, claimed one life, while several occupants narrowly escaped. Preliminary findings by a multi-agency investigation team revealed that the structure suffered a catastrophic structural failure, causing the lower floors to sink into the ground, with only portions of the upper slab remaining visible above the debris. Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m., shortly after a heavy downpour accompanied by intense thunderstorms and a reported lightning strike in the vicinity. Two women and their children reportedly escaped moments after noticing signs of structural distress, while a young man sustained mi...

Internet personality, Isaac Fayose has taken a swipe at the former governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for allegedly diverting about ₦1.3 trillion belonging to the Delta State Government.  In a video seen by NATIONAL WAVES, Isaac who is the younger brother of the former governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose, criticised Okowa for alleged fraud. He said "Nobody probes Governors, even Okowa who they say took N1.something trillions, his sins are forgiven. He is now about going back to the Senate. You can see how we have legalise corruption in our country, while the citizens are hungry, ebi pawaa, ko sonoje meaning no food, iya jenwa meaning we are suffering. You see the sharing envelopes, envelopes and rice during elections. It would be recalled that on October 15, 2024, NATIONAL WAVES published a story of how the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested and quizzed Okowa for a week over alleged fraud. Okowa’s arrest was confirmed by the ...

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Ondo East and West Federal Constituency, Otunba Bola Fisayo, has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force over the alleged vandalisation of billboards erected to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates ahead of the forthcoming general elections. In the petition submitted through his counsel to the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force, Ondo Area Command, Fisayo alleged that more than 50 billboards mounted across the federal constituency had been vandalised. He called on the police to investigate the incidents and take appropriate action if those responsible are identified. Fisayo, who previously contested for the APC House of Representatives ticket, said that despite losing the party's primary election, he remained committed to the party and had continued to support its activities. According to him, his decision to remain actively involved in the party's mobilisation efforts led him to return to N...

 Photo caption: L-R: Hajiya Hauwa Abbas, CEO/Founder, ABBASID Charity Foundation; Mr. Shunom Leo, Branch Manager, Fidelity Bank Plc, University of Jos Branch; Mrs. Nanbam Danjuma-Lot, Project Coordinator of the Plateau State Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and Mrs. Victoria Abuka, Team Lead, Corporate Social Responsibility, Fidelity Bank Plc; at the Fidelity Food Bank Initiative outreach in Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, recently. In a significant demonstration of its commitment to alleviating hunger and supporting vulnerable communities, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has provided food relief to more than 1,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State through its Fidelity Food Bank Initiative. The humanitarian outreach, conducted in collaboration with the Plateau State Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Office and supported by the ABBASID Charity Foundation, delivered essential food items including ...

L-R: Prof. Joe Ezigbo, Founder, Falcon Corporation and Chairman of the Occasion; Chief Ven Onwughalu, husband of the awardee; Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, Chairman, Fidelity Bank Plc; and Mr. Nosa Orumwense, Regional Bank Head, Imo, Fidelity Bank Plc, at the 5th Edition of the Anambra Man of the Year Awards, AMTY, where Mrs. Onwughalu was honoured as Woman of the Year, in Awka, Anambra State recently... Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, has been honoured as Woman of the Year at the 5th Edition of the Anambra Man of the Year Awards (AMTY) in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry, corporate governance, leadership and service to society. The award ceremony, held at the Stanel Dome Conference Centre, Awka, Anambra State brought together distinguished business leaders, academics, captains of industry and public figures to celebrate individuals and institutions whose achievements continue to shape business, governance, academia, public service...

L-R: The Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration and former Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor; Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, Ogun State Governor; Prince Dapo Abiodun, the President/Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University; Prof. Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole,his wife; Prof. Folusho Ojewole and the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health Policy and Management and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare; Dr. Iziaq Salako during the 15th postgraduate convocation ceremony for  the award of degrees,prices and doctoral hooding at the Babcok University on Tuesday. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has challenged Nigerian graduates to deploy the knowledge and skills acquired through their academic pursuits to develop practical solutions to the numerous challenges confronting the country, urging them to combine innovation with integrity as they prepare to shape the nation’s future. The governor gave the charge on Tuesday while delivering the convocation lecture at the Postgra...

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has sponsored the 2026 Young Innovators Camp, a free educational initiative organized by MONAT to equip children with practical Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills needed to grow, thrive and prosper in a rapidly evolving world. The camp, which is scheduled to commence on 20 July 2026, will provide participating children with a hands-on learning experience focused on creativity, innovation, problem solving and critical thinking. Through the programme, children will be introduced to age-appropriate STEM concepts, guided build sessions and other engaging activities designed to stimulate curiosity and encourage practical learning. The camp will also feature small group learning with facilitators, financial literacy sessions, creative activities, and other interactive experiences that support confidence building among participants. Speaking on the partnership, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand and Communi...

  Members of the Ajiran Community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti.    The protesters called for the release of a Lexus 600 SUV belonging to Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, as well as Certified True Copies of the investigation report and case file.   The protesters said they were at the command to meet the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge, Dayo Akinbisehin, regarding the continued withholding of their kinsman's vehicle and official documents.   According to the protesters, counsel to Mr. Akanbi, Adedotun Ajulo, Esq., had informed them that the police were yet to release the Lexus 600. They stated that the vehicle was not listed as an exhibit in the matter against Akanbi.   They also expressed concern that the CTC of the investigation report and the case file had not been released. The community urged the command to ensure due process in handling ...

A coalition of civil society organisations has called for an independent judicial review of the investigation into the killings of Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Ademola Akinloye in Ajiran, Lagos State, alleging that the prosecution of Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi is based on a fabricated case. Addressing journalists in a statement, Ayodeji Ologun, Kolawole Emmanuel, Samuel isijola, who spoke on behalf of the coalition alleged that the police investigation was manipulated to implicate Akanbi while shielding the actual perpetrators of the crimes. It also accused some civil society groups of attempting to influence public opinion in support of the ongoing prosecution. According to the coalition, video-recorded interrogations of two suspects, identified as Yusuf Ismaila, also known as "Bariga," and Safiu Fatai, alias "Fabo," indicated that the killing of Sheriff Salami stemmed from an alleged cult rivalry. The group claimed the suspects, during their initial interrogations,...

Residents of the Ajiran Community on Saturday staged a peaceful protest, calling on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate allegations surrounding the death of Prince Ademola Akinloye, who was killed in August 2024. The protesters marched through Ajiran and neighboring communities carrying placards and chanting slogans demanding justice for the late prince. They urged law enforcement authorities to investigate Babajide Akinloye over his alleged connection to the circumstances surrounding the death of his younger brother. The demonstration follows recent claims made by social media activist Martins Ose, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who alleged that Babajide Akinloye was the last known person to contact the deceased on the day of the incident. According to the activist, Babajide allegedly summoned Prince Ademola to the palace, and the deceased was reportedly attacked and killed while on his way there. The protesters also referenced allegations that, two days after the incident,...

A legal practitioner, Adedotun Ajulo, counsel to Alhaji Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, has called for mandatory legal training for officers appointed to head the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, arguing that the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of the unit should only be occupied by officers with a sound understanding of constitutional and criminal law. Ajulo made the call in a statement issued in response to a publication allegedly released on behalf of the Lagos State Police Command, which accused him of leaking what it described as a "classified" investigation file relating to his client. Rejecting the allegation, the lawyer described the publication as "spurious" and "baseless," saying he was compelled to respond because the issues raised extend beyond his person and affect the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria. According to him, the controversy underscores the need for senior police officers ...

By Seyi Bakare  From intelligence-led policing and inter-state collaboration to sustained investment in security infrastructure, Operation Kosaye is emerging as more than a police operation. It is becoming the cornerstone of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s evolving security doctrine and a potential template for tackling cross-border crime in Nigeria. For years, the forests straddling the Lagos-Ogun border were synonymous with danger. Motorists dreaded the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode corridor after dusk. Farmers ventured into the bush with trepidation, while residents of boundary communities lived with the constant fear that kidnappers, armed robbers and other violent criminals could strike at will before disappearing into the dense forests separating the two states. Today, that fear is gradually giving way to cautious confidence. The change is being driven by Operation Kosaye—a coordinated security offensive that has, within weeks of its launch, altered the security narrative across one of Nigeria’s ...

The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has expressed concern over what it described as the alleged disregard for court orders and the reported disappearance of a prime suspect linked to the killings of two residents of Ajiran in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State. Addressing journalists at a press conference, the President of CHSR, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, said that the organisation was speaking on behalf of grieving families and residents of Ajiran who, according to him, have continued to live in fear following the killings of Mr. Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye. According to the group, Mr. Salami was allegedly murdered in Moba, Eti-Osa Local Government Area, on April 18, 2023, while Prince Akinloye was reportedly killed along Chevron Road on August 26, 2024. CHSR alleged that investigations by the police led to the arrest of several suspects who reportedly made confessional statements and named one Alhaji Ahmed Tajudeen as the alleged...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday led an outpouring of tributes in honour of his wife, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, describing her as a woman whose life has been defined by compassion, integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the service of humanity as she celebrated her 60th birthday. Speaking at a thanksgiving service marking the First Lady’s diamond jubilee in Lagos, the governor thanked God for preserving her life and granting her the grace to attain the significant milestone. He paid glowing tribute to his wife, describing her as a dependable life partner whose steadfast support, wise counsel, and devotion to family have remained a source of strength over the years. Governor Abiodun also praised the First Lady’s passion for humanitarian service, noting that her interventions and advocacy for women, children, and vulnerable groups have transformed lives across Ogun State and beyond. According to the governor, Mrs. Abiodun’s life exemplifies the virtues of ...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the extension of the one-day-off-duty work palliative for eligible public and civil servants in the state. The Governor has also approved the payment of a ₦10,000 monthly transport allowance for an additional three months, covering July to September 2026. The measures are aimed at cushioning the impact of transportation costs on workers and motivating them to continue delivering efficient and excellent service to the people of Ogun State. It will be recalled that Governor Abiodun had earlier approved the palliative measures for the period of April to June 2026 in response to the increase in the pump price of petrol. Under the renewed arrangement, the one-day-off-duty concession will not apply to officers on shift duties or personnel providing essential services. These include medical personnel, judicial service workers, teaching and non-teaching staff in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, security personnel, political of...

Photo caption: L-R: Team Lead, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Assistant General Manager, Heritage Homes Orphanage, Irene Light; and President, Audacious Inductees Class of 2026, Fidelity Bank Plc, Aanuoluwa Akinyemi; during the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP) Outreach at Heritage Homes Orphanage, Anthony, Lagos recently. Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to health and social welfare through a comprehensive intervention at Heritage Homes Orphanage in Anthony Village, Lagos. The initiative was executed under the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), Fidelity Bank’s flagship employee-led corporate social responsibility scheme which empowers staff to identify impactful community projects, raise funds towards their execution, and receive matching support from the Bank to execute the projects. The outreach was championed by the Bank’s Audacious Class of newly inducted employees and it addresse...