By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have confirmed a boat mishap involving a Savvy Marine passengers boat on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at approximately 8:35 p.m, along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun water channels.               LASWA/ NIWA. A statement Signed by   Wuraola Alake, Head, Public Affairs Unit, for    the Waterways Authorities, said  the boat was en route from Ilashe Beach House at the time of the incident. "Upon receiving a distress alert, they immediately activated their Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, which responded promptly and worked in close collaboration with the Marine Police and other first responders." According to the report, four (4) passengers have been successfully rescued and transported to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention, while   six (6) other passengers were recovere...

By  Afolabi Oyekunle. The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) calls on Nigerians to back the new tax laws, as it expressed strong support for the implementation of of the tax laws, scheduled to commence, tomorrow,  January 1, 2026. The Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, (NECA) Wale Smatt-Oyerinde,  said this during a media parley held in Lagos on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 . DG NECA speaking at the Media Parley.  He commended the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms for doing a lot to constructively engage with all the stakeholders, despite efforts to misinform the Nigerian populace on its intention, and urged the Federal Inland Revenue Service to step up to its responsibility by working with the organised private sector to deepen awareness on the tax laws. Cross section of Media personalities at the parley. The DG, who expressed great satisfaction with the level o...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Director General of National Pension Commission, Ms Omolola Oloworaran has pledged that the Commission will fast track and work towards Lagos State government paying retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme what is due to them like their federal counterparts. She made the pledge at a media workshop in Lagos for journalists. The Director General was surprised when she was asked why the Template for the payment was not released to Lagos State government for the payment of backlog of areas and allowances as approved by the Federal government, which Federal retirees are currently enjoying.         PenCom DG, Omolola Oloworaran  She thereby directed her staff to work on the Lagos State matter to settle the matter towards making the Lagos State government have all the necessary information needed to pay the retirees. The PenCom Director General noted that Lagos State government was one of the few states that keyed into the progra...

B y Afolabi Oyekunle. In the last few months that he assumed office, as Chairman Agbado-Oke Odo LCDA, he has proved to be the choice of the people, politicians, and Elders, through his positive actions, and affection for all . He is no other person than, Honourable Jimoh Isola, who is marking his birthday today. To show their love for him, the people are rallying round him through their prayers and affection for him. The celebrant, Mayor Jimoh Isola One of the Leaders in the LCDA, who is also the APC Organizing Secretary, South-West, Honourable Lateef Ibirogba, thanked God for the life of Honourable Jimoh Isola, describing him, as a humble personality, who has affection for the people. Honourable Ibirogba said through his actions he has proved to be  God sent to the people. He prayed for him for more years on this planet.          Honourable Lateef Ibirogba  In his own words, the Vice Chairman of the council, Honoura...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Many passengers have been taking advantage of the 50percent discount on train fares announced by the Federal government for the festive period. The 50 percent discount Yuletide Train Ride approved by the Federal Government commenced yesterday nationwide, recording a large turnout of passengers across major railway corridors.  At major stations along the Lagos–Ibadan, and Abuja–Kaduna, as well as key narrow gauge routes, passengers turned out in large numbers, with several train departures operating at near full capacity as early bookings reflected strong public response to the 50% discount initiative. The festive rail service, being implemented by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, runs from Tuesday, 23 December 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2025, during which passengers enjoy a 50 percent discount on train fares nationwide to ease the cost of festive travel. Many passengers who interacted with NRC officials expressed appreciation for the 50% discounted ...

  By Afolabi Oyekunle. This year 2025, Great Carol Service by Candle light by Rhema Christian Church and Towers turned  to be a wonderful, explosive and beautiful occasion with great scenes, melodious Christmas carols, and displays. Choir rendering glorious Xmas Carol songs. The event  held on Sunday, 21st December, at the Church Cathedral, along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Temidire, Sango-Ota,  attracted many people. The event witnessed the lightening of Candles by attendees, while Christmas carols were rendered by the Church Choir and special rendition by Ballet Dancers from Rhema branch, Olosun.      Director Media, Pastor Adeola Salako at the Carol service. It was also a delight as there were also special rendition in Urhobo/Isoko dialects. In his message, Archbishop Taiwo Akinola reminded the congregation that Jesus paid the prize for everyone by coming into the World and died for the redemption of so...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. There are leaders who don't need too much noise before you know they are working through their actions. One of such leaders is Agbado-Oke Odo LCDA Chairman, Honourable Jimoh Isola who recently marked his 100days in office. By what he has achieved within 100days in office through infrastructure development and addressing the needs of the people, it's not difficult to know that Honourable Jimoh Isola is God sent to meet the needs of the people. To mark his 100days purposeful leadership in office he showered love and affection to the people. On Thursday, 18th December 2025, he put smiles on the people as a sum of 100thousand naira each was distributed to 300 people amounting to 30million naira. Speaking on the necessity for the grant, Honourable Jimoh Isola said it's a commitment and intervention to strengthen the financial capabilities of the people. "The Eji/Renewed Cash grant came to life as we commenced the disbursement of financial support and su...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, has carted away four different awards at the 19th SERVICOM Annual Awards. At the Award Ceremony,  held in Abuja Wednesday, 17 December 2025, the Managing Director won the 2025 SERVICOM Award for support and commitment to citizen-centred service delivery. Presenting the individual award to Barrister Faleye at the Merit House, Mariama, Abuja venue, Acting National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of SERVICOM, Mr Anthony Olugbenga Oshun, said Barrister Faleye won the Award for his "pragmatic approach to leadership which has continued to attract accolades to the NSITF." Barrister Falaye with one of the award plaque. The SERVICOM boss explained that the awards' objectives were "entrenchment of a culture of service excellence, encouragement of healthy competition among agencies, promotion of best practices in service delivery...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Executive-Chairman of Agbado Oke-Odo local council development area, (LCDA) Major Abiodun Jimoh Isola(Ejigbadero) has reiterated his interest to see to the upliftment of the people of the area, through infrastructure development, education of the students, welfare, health, caring for the vulnerable, as well as road construction.           Honourable Jimoh Isola  Towards this to commemorate his 100 days in office, he will flag of positive programs that will have direct impact in the lives of the people.   Tomorrow Wednesday,17th December, 2025 , he  will inaugurate a two-day free medical outreach programme at the council secretariat for all residents. .   Honourable Jimoh Isola Ejigbadero  Among services available during the two days, Wednesday 17th and Thursday,18th December, are hypertension screening, diabetes screening, cervical cancer screening, prostate cancer screening. Oth...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Petroleum Tankers Drivers under NUPENG have affirmed to abide by decision of the Union to shun night traveling towards safety. This is part of the resolutions at the meeting of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch Executive Council (BEC) meeting in Owerri, Imo state  They also expressed satisfaction with the reduction in road crashes among members and vowed to continue safety sensitization programs.  The tankers drivers were also grateful for the beneficial health insurance for tankers drivers . They used the occasion to pledge continue loyalty to the leadership of the union, and  grateful for the unity among members for the benefit of the industry and the nation  As a mark of respect for the departed leader, Comrade Augustine Egbon, burial schedule for Benin, Edo state, the PTD members decided to suspend all  operations on January 10th, 2026. In their remarks, NUPENG National President, Comrade Williams ...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. After lengthy years of service, workers after retirement deserve to enjoy their benefits and good lives. It has however discovered that many of them live under infirmity, sickness, while many died just few years after retirement. Speakers at the 2025 end of year get together of Agege Zone, Contributory Pension Scheme took time to advice the Pensioners to ensure they prioritize their health, and live good life style.  According to some of the Speakers, they should watch their diet, avoid sugary substance, fat foods, have adequate rest and take enough water daily. One of the Speakers at the get together. They were also advised to always check their blood pressure and take their drugs as prescribed by their doctors. The end of the year get together was a reunion of members in the zone, who exchanged pleasantries and danced to good melodious music. Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Agege Zone of the CPS Pensioners, High Chief Sulaimon Ojekun...

 By Afolabi Oyekunle. Pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme(CPS) in Lagos State have been urged to be patient concerning their much awaited  increases, as there are assurance that all what they are entitled to will be paid earlier next year. This assurance is coming from the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pension Scheme, NUPCPS, Lagos State Council, Comrade Michael Omisande. Comrade Omisande who spoke to ForumNews at the sideline of the end of year get together of Agege Zone Pensioners said what is delaying is the Template which is being awaited  Comrade Omisande said just as the Federal workers who have started receiving their own entitlements, all Pensioners under the scheme in other five states will receive their own as  approved by the Federal government. According to him, the PFA'S have been given till 20th December to pay all Federal Pensioners. He said after the completion of the Payment, PenCom will ther...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Rhema Christian Church, invites all to this year's Carol Service by Candlelight holding on Sunday, 21st December at the church headquarters, Sango-Ota, in Ogun state. Thousands of worshippers are expected to attend the service.  Announcing the details of its much-anticipated program which starts at 5 p.m. at the Champion Peace Cathedral in Otta, the church described the annual event as one of the most uplifting Christmas gatherings in the region, attracting worshippers from far and near. According to the organisers, this year’s service promises a deeply moving expression of the Christmas message, complete with soul-stirring carols, timeless hymns, and musical renditions that illuminate the nativity story.  The church says the event has earned a reputation as “the best Christmas event of the year” among many who attend annually. The 2025 theme, “Emmanuel — God With Us”, drawn from Matthew 1:23, anchors the entire celebration. Church ...

B y Afolabi Oyekunle. In his magnanimity to help students, The Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) and the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced a ₦1 trillion scholarship scheme that will benefit over 1.3 million students from all the 774 local government areas of the country.            Alhaji Aliko Dangote  Unveiling the scholarship scheme on Thursday in Lagos, Dangote said the aim is to expand access to education and promote academic excellence across Nigeria. He announced that the new scholarship scheme will take off in 2026 with ₦100 billion to be committed annually over a 10-year period.                 At the occasion  The programme which targets Nigeria’s most vulnerable learners is structured into three categories : Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars – 30,000 undergraduates in public universities and polytechnics will receive tuition support of up to ₦600,...

By Afolabi Oyekunle The last  Executive  Chairman of Old Alimosho local government, Sir Ayo Akinyemi who recently passed away has been described as  a man of integrity—an exemplary statesman whose leadership inspired many.                Late  Sir Ayo Akinyemi In his condolence message, Chairman Agbado-Oke Odo LCDA, Honourable Jimoh Isola on behalf of the council,  described him as a distinguished leader and a towering figure in the  Federal Constituency. He said his departure is not just a loss to his family, but to the entire community he served with unwavering dedication, humility, and uncommon wisdom. "His commitment to community development set a remarkable standard, and his contributions remain deeply etched in the hearts of all who encountered his purposeful life of service, he said" "At this difficult moment, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, associates, and the good peopl...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. A major economic transformation is underway in Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA as the Executive Chairman, Mayor Abiodun Jimoh Isola (Ejigbadero), officially announced the commencement of the Kola Ultra-Modern Shopping Complex a project set to boost local commerce and enhance the council’s economic landscape. Represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Shobayo Kehinde, the council unveiled two project notice boards, marking the official start of the mall’s construction. Hon. Shobayo described the moment as a groundbreaking milestone  “Today, history is being made in Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA as we unveil notice boards for the first-ever ultra-modern shopping complex in our council,” he stated. He explained that following the demolition of illegal structures under power lines by the Lagos State Government, the council sought and received approval to convert the area into a modern shopping hub under the condition that no structure would be built directly beneath the power li...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. NSITF Managing Director, Barrister Oluwaseun Falaye said for the continue success of the Fund, Employers  must continue to be  held responsible for compliance with the Employee Compensation Scheme.  Faleye said this in Lagos while addressing the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC which took place in Lagos.  "He said it is through the scheme that we can build the necessary resilience that we need in our workforce. " Imagine a workforce where every worker believes and understands that if they go to work and anything happens in the course of that work, they have the protection of the agency that is responsible to provide compensation or claims or medical refund in case of any accident." Faleye said  NSITF as a major stakeholder in the advancement of the welfare of the workers,  will continue to prioritize workers interest.  He remarked that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) is a veritable partner in social protection of Nige...

By  Afolabi Oyekunle. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) says it has received and carefully reviewed the article written by a veteran journalist, Muhammad Iskeel Abdullahi, published on the platform Journalists for Development, regarding the state of the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service. A statement by Callistus Unyimadu, Chief Public Relations Officer ,  Nigerian Railway Corporation,    says the Corporation appreciate the passion, concern and sense of national responsibility expressed by the writer as they are genuine sentiments shared by a concerned customer and a patriotic Nigerian.  According to NRC it value all her customers and take every feedback seriously. "As rightly noted, the Abuja–Kaduna corridor is a flagship service of the nation’s modern railway revival. It is therefore understandable that any disruption, no matter how minimal, is widely felt. We acknowledge the discomfort experienced by our numerous commuters who have had to bear the re...

By Afolabi Oyekunle The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) held its third National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the year in Lagos on Monday with a pledge to continue to prioritize workers welfare and strengthen the union through love and mutual cooperation of members. The session brought together the Union's leadership to assess progress in 2025 and formulate strategies for the upcoming year's activities. National President of NUPENG,  Comrade (Prince)  Williams Akporeha presided over the meeting. NUPENG National President, Comrade AKPOREHA. In his opening address, Comrade Akporeha thanked the NEC and the entire membership for their steadfast support throughout his tenure.  He highlighted that the Union's  accomplishments were a direct result of collaborative efforts between the Council, members, and secretariat staff. The President also commended the General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale, for his dedicated ...