Residents across Lagos State came out in large numbers on Saturday 25th of April, 2026, for the return of the monthly Sanitation Day, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commending their participation.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, he said the exercise, held across different parts of the state, recorded impressive turnout as residents cleaned their surroundings in response to the renewed call for environmental sanitation.

From Ikorodu to Badagry, Lagos Island and Lagos Mainland, as well as Alimoso, Ikeja and Agege, many residents were seen taking part in the cleanup.

According to the commissioner, the governor acknowledged the commitment shown by Lagosians, noting their willingness to return to a culture that promotes a clean and healthy environment.

“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu would like to put on record the enthusiasm of residents who woke up early to obey the call for a return to a culture that made our state a healthy and clean place for all,” the statement said.

“I thank Lagosians who joined the call to clean up our environment as a sure step to good health. That is patriotic; it is the Spirit of Lagos that we often speak about. We should continue to walk that path,” gov Sanwo-Olu said.

While commending residents, the governor also warned against indiscriminate dumping of waste, especially as the rainy season approaches.

“The governor urged residents to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse, especially now that the rains are coming,” the statement added.

The state government, he said, has already begun clearing gutters and drainage channels across Lagos to reduce the risk of flooding, following forecasts of heavy rainfall.

“The government has embarked on a massive cleanup of gutters and drainage systems around the state to prevent flooding, following the weatherman’s forecast of heavy rains this year,” the statement noted.

In addition, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources is working with the Ministry of Information and Strategy to drive a public awareness campaign against improper waste disposal and blockage of drainage systems.

The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on March 14, when he led top government officials to monitor and clean parts of Agege Motor Road in Mushin.

The management of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, have denied claims that the institution embarrassed former presidential candidate Peter Obi over a proposed lecture.

This clarification was made known in a press statement issued by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju on Sunday.

The statement explained that a group within the student body had invited Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, to deliver a lecture on the university premises.

According to Olarewaju, “the university authorities were not duly informed about the invitation or the status of the guest until Friday, just a day before the scheduled programme.”

He stated, “The university authorities were not duly informed of the status and calibre of the invited guest until Friday, just a day before the scheduled programme.”

Olarewaju emphasised that events involving high-profile personalities require adequate prior notice to enable proper planning and coordination.

He added that “such notice allows the institution to make logistical and security arrangements, including liaison with the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services, DSS.”

Olarewaju said, “This is necessary in order to ensure the safety of the guest, members of the university community and the general public.”

The statement noted that due to the short notice, “the university could not complete the required arrangements and therefore did not approve the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event.”

He stressed that the decision was taken purely in the interest of safety, orderliness and adherence to established protocols and added that it was not a reflection of disregard for Obi, whom the university holds in high esteem.

The statement also stated that the Vice Chancellor, Adebayo Simeon Bamire, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to hosting distinguished personalities, provided due process is followed.

The university administrator urged students, staff and the general public to comply with established procedures when planning events within the institution.

The Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has declared support for the Lagos State governorship ambition of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.

Gbajabiamila gave the endorsement while responding to Hamzat’s consultation visit, expressing confidence in his competence and readiness to lead the state.

He described the deputy governor as a capable leader, adding that Lagos would remain in safe hands under his leadership.

“Dr Hamzat, you’re a man of honour, and it shows by not taking things for granted, judging by this consultation move.

“But I am saying it publicly that you can take me for granted because I have confidence in your ability and capacity. So, take my support for granted.

“My constituency, Surulere, is for you and Lagos is for you,” he said.

Earlier, a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC, Musiliu Obanikoro, briefed the gathering on the extent of consultations carried out by Hamzat’s camp, noting that the level of endorsement received so far had been significant.

“I can confidently tell the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu that the level of endorsement has been overwhelming,” he stated.

Members of Hamzat’s delegation included the Secretary of the GAC, Alhaji Muti Are; Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon; Bode Oyedele; Engineer Adekunle Olayinka; and Dr Hakeem Shittu.

Others present were Saheed Kekereekun, Dr Jebe, and Rasaq Ajala, among others.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has released the timetable and schedule of activities for the conduct of its 2026 ward, local government area, LGA, and state congresses in Zamfara State.

The schedule was issued by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, as part of efforts to strengthen internal party structures ahead of future electoral activities.

According to the party, the timetable outlines procedures for the election of executives at the ward, LGA, and state levels, in line with its constitution and internal democratic processes.

Key activities include the screening of aspirants for various party positions, ward and LGA congresses, and the state congress to elect party executives in Zamfara.

The APC stated that the exercise is aimed at promoting unity within the party, enhancing grassroots participation, and ensuring credible leadership selection across all levels.

Party officials also urged members and stakeholders in Zamfara State to adhere strictly to the guidelines and timetable to ensure a smooth and transparent congress process.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Saturday alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is making moves to frustrate its planned opposition summit in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the claim in a post shared on X, where he said the party had uncovered plans to disrupt the gathering scheduled for April 25.

“We have uncovered plans by the ruling APC to disrupt the summit being held by the opposition parties in Ibadan,” Abdullahi said.

He added that the party would not back down.

He accused the ruling party of consistently creating obstacles for opposition activities, noting that earlier efforts to hold meetings in Abuja were also affected.

“After denying us the use of venues in Abuja, they now will not leave us alone to hold our meetings,” he stated.

“They say they are not scared, but they are behaving like people who are terrified.”

He maintained that despite the alleged pressure, the opposition would proceed with its plans.

“We will not be deterred, because we are on the side of the Nigerian people,” he added.

Recall that during an earlier ADC convention which held in Abuja, Abdullahi had also raised similar concerns over what he described as a last-minute attempt to stop the event.

President Bola Tinubu has administered the oath of office to Dr Muttaqha Darma as Minister of Housing and Urban Development.

The swearing in ceremony held at the President’s Conference Room in his office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, at a few minutes to 04:00 p.m.

Darma, a former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday following a screening exercise conducted on the floor of the chamber, a day after Tinubu forwarded his nomination in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.

During his screening, Darma pledged to work closely with the National Assembly to address the country’s housing deficit, noting that more than 100 million Nigerians are affected by inadequate housing

He outlined reforms aimed at improving leadersh expanding access to affordable housing and strengthening institutions in the sector.

Darma succeeds Ahmed Dangiwa, whose exit was part of a minor Federal Executive Council reshuffle announced by the Presidency on Tuesday.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the changes were “aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Dangiwa formally handed over the affairs of the ministry on Thursday, in compliance with a directive from the SGF’s office that the process be concluded before close of business that day.

The Nigerian troops have neutralised no fewer than 31 terrorists and rescued several kidnapped victims in a series of coordinated counter-terrorism operations across the country between April 17 and April 23.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Onoja said troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded major successes in the North-East, including the neutralisation of 21 terrorists during a foiled attack at Kukareta along the Maiduguri–Damaturu Road in Yobe.

He added that troops also carried out ambushes and fighting patrols in Borno and Yobe, neutralising additional insurgents and recovering arms and ammunition.

According to him, nine captives who escaped from the Mandara Mountains were rescued by troops, while attempts by terrorists to recapture them were thwarted.

He said troops intercepted a suspected logistics supplier conveying fuel concealed in sachet water bags to terrorist locations.

In the North-West, Onoja said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted ambushes and clearance operations, neutralising terrorists, destroying camps and rescuing kidnapped victims in Kaduna and Zamfara states.

He added that troops also intercepted a suspected courier conveying Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials intended for terrorist elements.

“Similarly, troops of Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE in the North-Central carried out clearance operations.

“They arrested suspected terrorists and collaborators, and rescued several kidnapped victims,” he said.

Onoja said the troops also intercepted arms, ammunition and explosive materials, while dismantling terrorist camps and illegal hideouts.

In the South-East, he said the troops of Operation UDO KA arrested suspected members of proscribed groups and other criminal elements, including individuals linked to attacks on security personnel.

Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their resilience and professionalism.

Edo State Police Command has announced the rescue of nine kidnap victims from two separate incidents along the Benin–Lagos corridor and nearby forest areas.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem.

According to the statement, the operation followed a coordinated strategy involving tactical deployments, intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and sustained bush-combing exercises directed by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.

The Command stated that all victims abducted during the recent incident along the Benin–Lagos Expressway were rescued alive.

It attributed the success to the “immediate and massive deployment of tactical teams, intelligence assets, aerial surveillance, and other operational resources,” noting that persistent pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims.

“The sustained rescue efforts, coordinated bush-combing operations, and strategic domination of the area exerted pressure on the kidnappers, ultimately leading to the safe rescue of all victims. They have since received medical evaluation and treatment, and reunited with their families,” the statement added.

In a related development, the Command confirmed the rescue of four additional victims who had earlier been abducted and held in captivity within the Imiegba forest in Agenebode.

Authorities said all rescued individuals have undergone medical checks and are in stable condition, bringing the total number of victims freed to nine.

The Command further assured residents that security presence along the Benin–Lagos Expressway and adjoining forest corridors has been strengthened to prevent further incidents.