The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has received accolades from the Ikeja Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) for his outstanding performance in office.
The PCRC delegation, led by Patron Otunba Anthony Isaac and Chairman Chief Anthony Obi, commended AKOD for his commitment to human capital development, enhanced security, and promotion of businesses in Ikeja.
They commended him for his sterling performance within a short period in office and congratulated him on the successful celebration of his 100 Working Days in Office.
Responding,AKOD expressed appreciation for the PCRC’s dedication to fostering safer communities and emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration to strengthen security architecture in the local government.
He emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration and synergy between the Committee and the Local Government, especially in the areas of effective community intelligence gathering and strengthened security architecture to further safeguard lives and property within the local government.
Investigator news reports that the meeting was attended by Vice Chairman Hon. Abiola Omisore, Council Manager Mrs. Juliana Taiwo Odubeko, and other dignitaries.
Also part of the PCRC delegation was a prominent APC apex leader in Ikeja, Apostle Olowoporoku, who applauded Chairman AKOD for his unprecedented developmental strides and people-oriented initiatives across Ikeja.
The Executive Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Lagos State,Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo on Monday 15, December 2025, formally presented the Year 2026 Appropriation Bill of ₦12,905,971,987.45 to the 6th Legislative Council at the Ejigbo LCDA Legislative Chamber, Lagos.
The proposed budget, aptly tagged “Budget of Renewed Hope and Accountability is aimed at consolidating development gains while repositioning the local government for sustainable growth and improved service delivery.
The presentation was made before the House, ably led by the Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Oluwaseyi Shobande, in the presence of other honourable members, top management staff, and political stakeholders in the local government.
In his address,Aare TAT expressed profound appreciation to the Legislative Arm for its consistent support and cooperation since the inception of his administration, noting that such synergy remains critical to democratic governance.
Presenting the budget, the Executive Chairman stated that the 2026 fiscal year represents a consolidation and advancement phase, designed to deepen service delivery, strengthen institutions, and ensure prudent management of public resources in line with best practices in public finance.
According to him, the budget framework is strategically aligned with the administration’s SHIELD Agenda, which prioritises Security, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Education and Youth Development, Environmental Sustainability, Local Economic Empowerment, and Digital Governance as the pillars for sustainable growth and inclusive development in Ejigbo LCDA.
Aare TAT went further to state that the budget underscores his resolve to translate policies into measurable outcomes, strengthen institutions and deepen transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
Presenting the financial details,Aare TAT stated that the total proposed budget for 2026 stands at ₦12,905,971,987.45 comprising ₦6,061,814,528.09 for recurrent expenditure and ₦6,844,157,459.36 for capital expenditure.
He noted that significant attention has been given to security and public safety, with planned investments in solar-powered street lighting to deter crime and improve night time safety, strengthen community-based intelligence structures, peace-building mechanisms, and enhanced collaboration with security agencies and invest in rapid response system so as to guarantee a safer environment for residents and businesses.
The Council boss assured residents that his administration’s SHIELD agenda would be implemented more vigorously as he disclosed that his administration would place strong emphasis on the rehabilitation and equipping of Primary Health Centres, deploy modern diagnostic technologies so as to improve accuracy and efficiency, guaranteed access to essential drugs, expansion of maternal and child health programmes, community immunisation drives, and free antenatal and postnatal services for vulnerable residents.
“These interventions will improve life expectancy, reduce preventable deaths, and enhance productivity.”he said.
Highlighting achievements recorded within the short period of his administration, Aare Taiwo opined that environmental management and education remains a core priority, with planned interventions in waste evacuation, desilting of drains, erosion control, sanitation campaigns, and greening and beautification projects aimed at promoting a healthier and more resilient Ejigbo, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to human capital development, with provisions for school renovation, free examination preparatory programmes, vocational and technical skills training, ICT partnerships, and structured youth empowerment and innovation initiatives, noting that his objective is to nurture globally competitive, digitally fluent and socially responsible youths.
The proposed capital programme also focuses on infrastructural modernisation, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, drainage expansion and flood-control measures, extension of public lighting, renovation of public schools, and the upgrade of community and civic facilities across the LCDA.
The council boss also highlighted local economic development and empowerment, revealing plans for soft grants and micro-support schemes for traders and artisans, strengthening of market infrastructure, support for small and medium enterprises, and improved digital revenue systems to boost Internally Generated Revenue without placing additional burden on residents.
Emphasising transparency and efficiency, he stated that the administration would continue to expand digital governance initiatives, including automated revenue collection, digital service platforms, enhanced institutional communication, and increased citizen participation in governance.
The chairman assured the market leaders,religious leaders, CDA executives, and residents that all sectors of their requests would be addressed, while calling on members of the Legislative Council to give the bill timely and patriotic consideration.
Responding,Hon Oluwaseyi Shobande, legislative leader, assured that they would promptly review and start implementing the budget.
He commended the chairman for the early presentation of the budget to the house.
Earlier, before the presentation,a minute silence was observed to honor one the administrative staff who passed away after a brief illness.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of the budget to the leader of the 6th Legislative Council.
In attendance at the event include the Vice Chairman, Hon Ambibola Nicholas Ike,APC LGA Chairman, Alhaji Kasumu, security agencies of the Nigeria Police, Civil defense, Neighborhood Security Watch, immigration and DSS
Others are executives of CDC led by Prince Jelili, religious leaders, market leaders,NYCN, APC ward and local government executives and Councilors from Isolo LCDA .
Hon Oluwaseyi Shobande, leader of Ejigbo LCDA legislative council,(Ilamoshe Ward),Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo (Executive Chairman Ejigbo LCDA)Deputy leader,Hon Taiwo Idowu(Aigbaka Ward)and Aare TATMajority Leader,Hon Ifatumise Adedoyin Adefioye(Ailegun Ward)and Aare TaiwoDeputy Majority Leader, Hon Akeem(Ifoshi Ward) and Aare TaiwoChief Whip,Hon Fatai Bello(Fadu Ward) and Aare TaiwoHon Olabisi Rukayat, Deputy Chief Whip and Councilor representing Oke Afa and Aare Taiwo
The Kogi State Government has confirmed an attack by suspected bandits on Ayetoro Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, resulting in the death of four assailants and the abduction of 13 persons.
According to the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo,who was a guest on News Central Television on Monday, said local hunters in the community courageously resisted the attack, engaging the bandits in a fierce gun battle.
Fanwo explained that the sustained onslaught by bandits in neighbouring Niger and Kwara States has pushed criminal elements towards Kogi State, noting that the state government had already marshalled a coordinated security architecture to counter such threats, although the affected area still requires additional reinforcement.
He disclosed that 13 persons were kidnapped during the incident but assured that hunters and other security operatives are currently on the trail of the fleeing bandits within the forest, with ongoing efforts aimed at rescuing the abducted victims.
“We are quite hopeful that the kidnapped persons will be rescued,” Fanwo said.
Investigator news reports that troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and personnel of the Kogi State Police Command have been deployed to the community, with the Department of State Services (DSS) providing intelligence support.
Fanwo also appealed for air support from the Nigerian Air Force to complement ongoing ground operations and strengthen the security response.
“The Governor of the State, His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo is engaging the service chiefs with the aim of ensuring an air raid of the forest by the Air Force to support the ground duel of the Army, Police and local hunters”, he said.
Commending the bravery and patriotism of the local hunters for rising to the occasion, the Commissioner reassured residents that the government remains firmly in control of the situation.
He stressed that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains resolutely committed to the protection of lives and property across Kogi State, assuring Kogites that the government is steadily winning the battle against criminal elements.
“Their movement has been restricted with our security network. What they are doing now is to attack soft targets like churches.
“We have come up with measures to tighten the security around the state. We are grateful for the cooperation of security agencies and our local hunters. We are winning the battle already”, he assured.
The holy scriptures of Luke 6:38 says”Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This has always been the watchword of Eze Ambassador Chika Nwokedi, Chairman Council Of Ndieze Lagos State.In a heartwarming display of kindness and generosity, Eze Nwokedi, has once again shown his commitment to giving back to the less privileged.
On December 13, 2025, Nwokedi gathered 221 widows and widowers at the headquarters of Igbo Buru Out Association, Ijegun Lagos where he distributed bags of rice,wrappers,semovita,tubers of yam, carton of indomie and cash gift of N25,000,N15,000 and N10,000
Also in attendance were members of the Igbo Speaking community and Ohaneze Ndigbo in Ijegun and Ijedodo community.
Investigator news reports that this year’s event is the 4th edition of Eze Nwokedi’s Foundation where he has used it to touch so many lives such as building homes for the down trodden, payment of school fees of indigent children and assisting the widows and widowers every year.
The beneficiaries who could not hold their tears of joy dragged Eze Nwokedi to the center of the venue where they showered prayers and blessings upon his life and that of his family, praying that God should continually grant good health and above all,his heart desire.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with newsmen described Eze Nwokedi as a philanthropist who does not discriminate between tribes and religion.
For Juliet Ndukwe she said “May God bless Eze Okpoko for always remembering the widows and widowers every year,this is my third time of receiving gift from him.
Mrs Mercy Dennis said“He is a father to all and never discriminates between tribes or religion and I pray for God’s blessings and protection upon him and family.”
Speaking with newsmen after the event,Eze Nwokedi who is the Eze Ndigbo of Ijegun and Ijedodo community expressed his gratitude to God for the opportunity to give back to the community, stating that he feels happy and fulfilled whenever he blesses the widows, widowers, and other less privileged persons in society.
He noted that this charitable act is a program he observes every second Saturday in the month of December with this year’s event as the largest with over 221 beneficiaries, including widows, widowers, and members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Igbo Speaking Community.
“Whenever God blesses you as an individual,try and make sure you touch a live and always give to the needy”
Nwokedi who acknowledge friends and well wishers who supported him in touching the lives of the widows and widowers encouraged everyone to give to those in need as every hands are not equal
He explained that what he is doing is as a result of the covenant he had with God” when I still in ladipo sleeping inside a shop and taking my bath outside,I told God to bless me,that whenever he blesses me,I will use it to bless others especially the less privileged and widows in the society.”
“I love putting smile on people’s faces. As you can see, other ethnic groups are here as widows and they were all given food items and gifts equally because we are all one and share the same blood” he stated.
Nwokedi ,the Okpoko 1 of Obodoukwu and Founder of Igbo Buru Otu Association of Nigeria opined that come next year,he would also include the month of June as part of his program in touching lives.
Earlier Pastor Mrs Tessy Nwokedi and Prophetess Uche encouraged the widows not to be despair with the economic situation of the country, thereby soiling their hands in sin rather they should pray to God almighty for direction and engaged themselves with small scale business.
Citing Dorcas in the bible as an example,the duo urge the widows to have the spirit of 3Ds, which is dedication, discipline and determination.
Investigator news gathered that this year’s event was massive as members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Igbo Speaking Community in Ijegun were part of the largese so as to encourage them for their sacrifices to keep the associations going in the area,journalists also benefited from the kindness of Eze Nwokedi.
Highlight of the event was prayers for Eze Nwokedi and members of his family,a sumptuous meal and dance by the widows and widowers as the event was a celebration of kindness, love, and generosity, and a testament to Eze Nwokedi’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Ejigbo, Nigeria – In a nail-biting final,Rainbow FC on Sunday 14, December 2025,emerged victorious in the Ailegun Youth Football Competition,defeating TAT FC 1-0 in a match that had spectators on the edge of their seats.
The tournament, organized by Councilor representing Ailegun ward,Hon Ifatumise Adedoyin Adefioye, brought together young talents from across the ward showcasing their skills and sportsmanship.
The Executive Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA,Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo who was ably represented by one of his aide, Alhaji Taiwo Rahman and Hon Ogunleye Abuga, praised the councilor for her commitment to youth development and sports, stating that the competition aligned with his administration’s seven-point agenda of promoting education with sports and youth engagement
Aare TAT in his remarks stated that he is thrilled to see the youths excel in sports and other areas of endeavor.
He noted that the tournament organized by Hon Ifatumise has showcased the immense talent and potential of the young people,and he is committed to continuing to support and promote youth development in Ejigbo.
“As a government, we believe that sports can be a powerful tool for social change and economic empowerment, and we will continue to invest in initiatives that promote youth engagement and sports development.”
“I congratulate Rainbow FC and TAT FC for getting to the final, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. I also commend Councilor Adefioye for her dedication to youth development and her vision for a brighter future for our young people.” he said
The councilor, Hon Ifatumise Adedoyin Adefioye, described the tournament as “epic” and stressed the need to continue engaging youths through sports.
She thanked the local organizers committee, led by Prince Arowooye Abdulrahman, for putting up a good game.
Lending his voice,the Councilor representing Aigbaika ward, Hon Taiwo Idowu who is among the team that represented the Executive Chairman described the event as “really fantastic and remarkable, thanked the Councilor for Ailegun ward for intervening in sport development, praying that God will continue to strengthen her to do more for the youths of Ailegun.
Hon Idowu opined that such competition would be replicated in his ward after the Chairman’s cup slated for January 2026.
Also,the Ward Chairman for Ailegun ward, Prince Babatunde Adefioye said that the competition was designed to support the well-being and engagement of the youths despite socio-economic challenges.
“This is a tactical and strategic way of diverting the attention of our young people away from wrongdoings. So, this is an opportunity to actually unleash the inherent potential in our young people.
“There’s no better way, or better avenue, to catch them young, to get the best talent out, than in competitions like this,”Prince Babatunde said.
He appreciated the Councilor for following the path of the Executive Chairman in youth development, while urging the players to strive hard for a better future.
Speaking with newsmen after the first half,Aare TAT newsmen,noted that he had been following the matches and display of skills of the players as the nature of his job didn’t allow him to participate physically.
“We have discovered a lot of talents from the blow of the first whistle in this tournament. We are going to have more talents today ”
“I congratulate the winners to be and the runner up for their sportsmanship and show of professionalism.
“My special commendation also goes to the match officials and supporters of the teams for comporting themselves in a dignifying manner throughout the competition regardless the outcome of each match”
Investigator news reports that the competition saw several talented players, with Rainbow FC’s jersey number 4 scoring the only goal of the match in the 28th minute.
A large turnout of sports enthusiasts within and outside Ailegun ward gathered at Pink Street as the match delivered a pulsating and entertaining event that was similar to what’s obtainable in an European UEFA Champions League final.
TAT FC tried to stage a comeback in the second half but was thwarted by the Rainbow FC defense.
The organizers presented cash prizes to the winners, including N200,000 to Rainbow FC, N100,000 to TAT FC, and N50,000 to Sir Cosmos, who took third place.
Speaking with newsmen after the competition,Hon Adedoyin Adefioye described the tournament as an ‘epic one’, while stressing the need to keep engaging the youth.
She thanked the local organizers committee (LOC) led by Prince Arowooye Abdulrahman for putting up a good game.
The Local Organizing Committee Chairman Prince Arowooye Abdulrahman stated that the essence of the football youth tournament is to bring the youths together and showcase their skills and expressing themselves for future endeavours.
He applauded the youthful councilor for recognizing the importance of the youths in the ward, noting that the Councilor deem it fit in giving the youths a voice through sports and other youth engagement.
Prince Abdulramah used the occasion to appreciate the Executive Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA,Aare TAT for his love, passion and programs for the youths of Ailegun ward and Ejigbo LCDA in general.
With the referee, Olaleye Taoyyib blowing the final whistle at around 4:30pm, fans of the luckiest team of the day – Rainbow FC took over the field in jubilation of their team’s triumph to rejoice with the players and team officials.
The third-place match was given to Sir Cosmos following the unruly behavior of Olusumande during with TAT FC in the Semi final game and were disqualified by the organizers.
Investigator news gathered that during the Semi final, Rainbow FC defeated Sir Cosmas by 5:1, while TAT defeated Olusumande by 1:0.
The Coach of the Rainbow FC, said that the victory was not a surprise as the team had been on a winning streak even outside the local government.
The Coach of TAT FC said, “Nothing went wrong with our side, we lost to a better tactical team. Their tactics and cohesion are more than our own.”
The event was hailed as a huge success, with attendees praising the organizers for promoting youth development and sports in the local government.
Polaris Bank, in partnership with Evolve Charity Trust, has successfully concluded its 2025 nationwide distribution of school essentials to 1,000 students across ten public secondary schools in five states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The initiative is part of the Bank’s sustained Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to keep more children, especially the girl child, in school.
This year’s exercise adds to a growing intervention that has supported more than 24,000 students in public schools across 49 locations since 2021.
This year’s beneficiaries received a complete learning kit consisting of a school uniform, school bag, a pair of sandals, six exercise books and pens. According to school authorities, these materials continue to improve attendance, boost confidence and support academic performance.
In delivering the programme, Polaris Bank also stimulated the local economy by sourcing uniforms from local tailors, procuring books from bookshops and purchasing sandals and bags from community traders, thereby supporting small businesses across the beneficiary states.
Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Kayode Lawal, reaffirmed the Bank’s five-year promise to champion the education of Nigeria’s girl child, noting that the materials are symbols of belief in the students’ potential to become scholars, innovators and future leaders.
School administrators across the country expressed gratitude for the timely support, noting that the essentials meet real and urgent needs, ease the burden on families and positively impact academic performance. Many students come from homes where parents cannot afford these items and the gesture has restored pride among beneficiaries.
Representatives of the Bank reiterated their commitment to improving access to education, championing access to quality learning, and encouraging students to make the best use of the materials and stay committed to success.
The 2025 distribution covered the following schools: Government Girls Secondary School, Kundila, Kano; Model Junior Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja; Government Junior Secondary School, Area 10, Garki, Abuja; Fortune Secondary School, Lokoja, Kogi State; National High School, Arondizuogu, Imo State; Iheme Memorial Secondary School, Iheme, Imo State; Akokwa High School, Akokwa, Imo State; Opebi Junior Grammar School, Opebi, Lagos; Gbaja Girls Junior Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos; and Gbaja Girls Senior Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos.
Expressing gratitude for the timely support, Hajiya Aisha Shehu Yakasai, Principal of Government Girls Secondary School in Kundila, Kano, said the essentials “meet real and urgent needs” and have eased the burden on families. Aso, Madam Maji-Abu Omanyo Esther, Principal of Fortune Secondary School, Lokoja, described the gesture as one that “brought joy and will positively impact academic performance.”
Commending the Bank for restoring pride among beneficiaries, Mrs. Erdoo Lortyom, Vice Principal at Model Junior Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja, noted that many students come from homes where parents cannot afford these items while Mrs. Dabiri Nwabuoku Adetoun Iyabo, Principal of Gbaja Girls Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Surulere, thanked Polaris Bank for its “consistent yearly gesture,” assuring that the materials will be put to excellent use.
Representatives of the Bank reiterated their commitment to improving access to education.
In Kano, Branch Head, Mr. Madiebo Godwin, reaffirmed the Bank’s dedication to “championing access to quality learning,” while in Lokoja, Business Development Manager, David Ojonugwa, encouraged students to “make the best use of the materials and stay committed to success.”
Speaking in Imo State, the Bank’s Business Development Manager for Urualla Branch, Mr. Peter Nnamani, urged students to aim high, noting that every career dream “begins with dedication in school.”
Project Manager of Evolve Charity Trust, Mr. Godwin Ejeh, noted that investing in a child’s education “lights a candle that brightens entire communities,” noting the ripple effect witnessed across states visited during the distribution.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 5: Gender Equality, by promoting inclusive access to education and reducing gender-based barriers that keep girls out of school.
Polaris Bank affirmed its continued commitment to partnering with credible development organisations to deliver sustainable educational impact across Nigeria.
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Lawal Garba, on Friday ruled in favor of Fidelity Bank in its appeal against Sagecom Concepts Limited. Given previous rulings, this marks a significant victory for Fidelity Bank in a long-running legal dispute.
The judgment brings definitive closure to a legacy case that has attracted attention across the financial sector for more than two decades.
In a motion dated October 8, 2025, Fidelity Bank sought clarification from the Supreme Court, requesting a consequential order that the judgment debt be paid in Naira.
The bank also asked that the interest rate be set at 19.5% per annum rather than 19.5% compounded daily. Additionally, it prayed that the exchange rate used for conversion be the rate on the date of the High Court judgment, in line with the Supreme Court’s decision in Anibaba v. Dana Airlines.
Fidelity Bank further requested that the judgment debt be fixed at ₦30,197,286,603.13 and that interest on this amount be payable at 19.5% per annum until full settlement.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Adamu Jauro, the apex court granted the bank’s first three prayers but declined the fourth and fifth.
As a result, the judgment sum will be paid in Naira at an annual interest rate of 19.5%, rather than the daily compounded rate previously awarded by the High Court.
The Supreme Court also affirmed that the applicable exchange rate should be that of the date of the High Court judgment, consistent with its earlier decision in Anibaba v. Dana Airlines.
The dispute originated from a legacy transaction involving the former FSB International Bank, which merged with Fidelity Bank in 2005. It stemmed from a 2002 credit facility extended to G. Cappa Plc and subsequent legal proceedings tied to the collateral.
This ruling provides finality to years of litigation and confirms a significantly lower liability than the ₦225 billion previously speculated in some quarters. It aligns with Fidelity Bank’s consistent computation and materially contradicts earlier estimates.
Throughout the case, Fidelity Bank’s share price remained stable, reflecting investor confidence in its strong governance framework, prudent risk management, and robust financial fundamentals.
Industry experts believe the judgment reinforces the bank’s financial strength and commitment to transparent, responsible governance.
When approached for comment, Fidelity Bank representatives declined to speak on the matter but expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for bringing clarity and closure to the case.
Union Bank of Nigeria has been named Best Company in Workplace Practice at the Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards, held on November 29, 2025, at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos.
The bank’s workplace practices, including a five-month fully paid maternity leave and an onsite crèche at its head office, impressed the judges.
This significant achievement follows a comprehensive assessment by SERAS multinational independent judges who rigorously evaluated applicants’ Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability initiatives.
Union Bank received nominations across four categories: SERAS Education Intervention of the Year, Best Company in Workplace Practice, Best in Gender Equity and Women Empowerment, and Best Company in Reporting and Transparency.
The Bank also achieved first runner up positions in both the Gender Equity and Women Empowerment and Educational Intervention categories, highlighting the strength of its commitment to these critical areas.
The Bank’s award-winning workplace practices reflect its holistic people-first philosophy that transcends conventional human resources functions. Union Bank has created an inclusive, rewarding and high performing work environment that establishes new benchmarks for Nigeria’s financial sector.
Key initiatives that distinguished Union Bank include the introduction of five months fully paid maternity leave exceeding statutory requirements, and the establishment of an onsite crèche at its head office to support work life balance and improve female retention.
Investigator news reports that the Bank also recorded its highest promotion rate in ten years with 24 per cent of employees advancing across departments, demonstrating a robust meritocratic culture.
A significant 40 per cent salary increase further enhanced employee financial wellbeing, reduced economic pressures and boosted productivity.
Judges recognised Union Bank’s initiatives for generating substantial social value, particularly in advancing gender equality through comprehensive maternity benefits aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 5.
Enhanced wellness programmes featuring mental health support and flexible working arrangements fostered a more inclusive workplace, improving overall staff wellbeing.
The Bank’s prioritisation of employee and family needs created positive ripple effects throughout the broader community.
Commenting on the award, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union Bank, stated:”Our workplace initiatives are firmly anchored in our triple pillar model of Citizenship, Sustainability and Innovation, which underpins our commitment to responsible financial, environmental and socio-economic development.
This framework empowers us to champion best practices across the sector. The measurable outcomes, including enhanced employee satisfaction, increased productivity and significant progress in gender inclusion, demonstrate the strength and adaptability of our approach.
We are confident these efforts will continue driving positive social transformation across Nigeria. Union Bank is deeply honoured by this recognition from SERAS and all sustainability stakeholders, and we remain dedicated to advancing these vital initiatives.”
Now in its nineteenth year, SERAS has consistently established the benchmark for corporate social responsibility and sustainability excellence. This year’s edition, themed “Sustainability 2.0: Innovating for Impact and Inclusive Growth”, celebrated corporate entities and leaders who pushed creative, technological and strategic boundaries to deliver measurable community and industry impact.
Union Bank’s workplace initiatives provide a robust model worthy of replication both within and beyond the financial sector, setting a new standard for responsible corporate citizenship in Nigeria.
Investigator news gathered that Union Bank of Nigeria Plc was established in 1917,and it is one of the leading provider of financial services in Nigeria, renowned for its “Simpler, Smarter Banking” philosophy.
With a nationwide network and a strong focus on digital innovation, Union Bank continues to empower individuals, businesses, and the public sector to achieve lasting success.
The Bank is a trusted and recognisable brand with an extensive network of over 300 branches across Nigeria. The Bank offers a range of banking services to individual and corporate clients, including current, savings, and deposit account services, funds transfer, foreign currency domiciliation, loans, overdrafts, equipment leasing, and trade finance.
The Bank also offers customers convenient electronic banking channels and products, including Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, ATMs, and POS Systems.
More information can be found at: www.unionbankng.com
The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) proudly reaffirms that the Lagos Security Vision-conceived, refined, and consistently implemented over two decades of progressive governance-has become the gold standard for sub-national security architecture in Nigeria.
At a time when the nation confronts emerging threats, evolving criminal networks, and coordinated attempts by political opportunists to weaponize insecurity, Lagos stands as a shining example of what purposeful leadership, strategic investment, and unwavering political will can deliver.
From the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to that of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Lagos has demonstrated that security is not a matter of rhetoric but of deliberate and sustained action.
The state has built a robust, multi-layered security ecosystem rooted in intelligence, collaboration, investment, and seamless community engagement.
This is precisely why Lagos continues to enjoy relative peace, economic stability, and uninterrupted socio-political harmony despite its status as Nigeria’s most densely populated and economically vibrant city.
The Lagos APC highlights the pillars of the Lagos Security Vision that have made it a model for others:
1. A Public-Private Security Blueprint That Works
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), established by Asiwaju Tinubu, remains Nigeria’s most effective sub-national security funding framework. Through transparent public-private collaboration, Lagos has progressively equipped security agencies with patrol vehicles, communication gadgets, surveillance tools, and operational resources unmatched in any other state.
2. Intelligence-Driven Policing and Technology Adoption
Under Governor Sanwo-Olu, Lagos has embraced smart-city solutions, deploying surveillance cameras, traffic monitoring systems, digital crime-mapping tools, and data-driven early-warning mechanisms. Security agencies are increasingly empowered to anticipate threats rather than merely respond to them.
3. Community Participation and Grassroots Vigilance
The integration of traditional institutions, community development associations, and civil society partners into a harmonised security network has enhanced trust, expanded intelligence channels, and fostered ownership of local security outcomes.
4. Strategic Inter-Agency Cooperation
Lagos has built a model of seamless coordination among the Police, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA), LASTMA, FRSC, the Armed Forces, Civil Defence Corps, and federal intelligence units-ensuring rapid response, reduced duplication, and improved operational efficiency.
5. Investment in Emergency Response and Disaster Preparedness
With the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos has demonstrated how a sub-national government can build a world-class rapid-response infrastructure capable of handling accidents, natural disasters, fire outbreaks, and large-scale emergencies with speed, professionalism, and competence.
6. Consistency of Vision Across Administrations
In Lagos, security has never been politicized. The state has been fortunate to enjoy an unbroken continuity of progressive governance-one that ensures policies are sustainable, institutional memory is preserved, and strategic priorities are entrenched rather than discarded. Each successive administration has strengthened the foundation laid by its predecessor, creating a stable and ever-evolving security framework that many other sub-nationals urgently need to emulate.
It is this continuity that places Lagos in a position of clear advantage. With this tested model, there is no doubt that Lagos State is fully set and ready whenever the establishment of State Police eventually comes on board. Unlike states that are still debating concepts and structures, Lagos already operates a complementary, intelligence-driven security architecture that can be seamlessly scaled and formalized once constitutional provisions are activated.
The Lagos APC notes that these achievements did not arise by chance. They are the fruits of sustained planning, deliberate investment, and the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who as Governor laid the fundamentals, and Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who continues to modernize and expand them in line with global best practices.
While some opposition elements prefer to grandstand and exploit national security concerns for cheap political advantage, Lagos has chosen the path of responsibility-proving that a committed sub-national can significantly shape its own security destiny through planning, partnership, and political will.
As Nigeria’s Commander-in-Chief, President Tinubu continues to implement far-reaching national security reforms. Lagos remains the reference point-demonstrating that synergy between federal resolve and sub-national preparedness is not only possible but effective.
The Lagos APC urges other sub-nationals to study, adopt, and adapt the Lagos model-because Nigeria’s security challenges demand local action, national coordination, and leadership that thinks beyond electoral cycles.
Lagos leads. Others can follow. Nigeria will be better for it.
The Executive Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo has congratulated HRM Oba Morufu Adisa Adekunle Ojoola, Imakiyo II, Ojon of Ejigbo and Ijan Land on his 27th Coronation Anniversary .
In a congratulatory message,Executive Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Aare Taiwo praised the monarch’s transformative leadership, highlighting his commitment to peace, unity, cultural pride, and community development.
He noted that under HRM Oba Morufu Adisa Adekunle Ojoola’s reign, Ejigbo has experienced significant social and economic growth, with stability and harmony as the foundation,noting that Ojon of Ejigbo and Ijan Land“wisdom, warmth and friendliness” would continue to foster peace and harmony in the kingdom.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Ejigbo LCDA, I join numerous of indigenes and residents to celebrate our revered monarch,HRM Oba Morufu Adisa Adekunle Ojoola, Imakiyo II, on his 27th Coronation Anniversary.”
“Kabiesi, your reign has been nothing short of transformative—defined by peace, unity, cultural pride, and unwavering closeness to the people.”
“Your leadership has strengthened the bond within our communities and supported our collective drive for meaningful development across Ejigbo LCDA.”
“Your humility, fatherly presence and commitment to the progress of our land continue to inspire confidence in governance and reinforce the spirit of togetherness that defines us as a people.”he said.
Praying for the monarch’s continued reign,Aare TAT said “May the king’s feet be covered with the sand,may your reign continue to flourish in divine favour, wisdom, and unending prosperity.”
According to him, the budget framework is strategically aligned with the administration’s SHIELD Agenda, which prioritises Security, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Education and Youth Development, Environmental Sustainability, Local Economic Empowerment, and Digital Governance as the pillars for sustainable growth and inclusive development in Ejigbo LCDA.
Highlighting achievements recorded within the short period of his administration, Aare Taiwo opined that environmental management and education remains a core priority, with planned interventions in waste evacuation, desilting of drains, erosion control, sanitation campaigns, and greening and beautification projects aimed at promoting a healthier and more resilient Ejigbo, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to human capital development, with provisions for school renovation, free examination preparatory programmes, vocational and technical skills training, ICT partnerships, and structured youth empowerment and innovation initiatives, noting that his objective is to nurture globally competitive, digitally fluent and socially responsible youths.
