By Afolabi Oyekunle. Pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme in Lagos state are warming up for battle against the state government if their long awaited pension arears are not paid by March 2026. The Pensioners have been told to be battle ready for series of protests against the Lagos State government if nothing fruitful is achieved by March. The Chairman Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pension Scheme, NUPCPS, Lagos State Council, Comrade Michael Omisande, gave the warning, while addressing members of the Association,  Amuwo ODOFIN Zone at their New Year get together held on Wednesday in Festac.          Comrade Michael Omisande  He said the mother of all Protests would be jointly organized with the Leadership of DBS Retirees who are being owed 60 month- Pension Arrears. Comrade Omisande said in foreign Lands, Senior Citizens are not subjected to this stress by home Governments before receiving their Entitlements. ...

By Afolabi Oyekunle.   Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister. Oluwaseun Faleye, has called for a nationwide shift from mere workplace safety compliance to the entrenchment of a sustainable safety culture across Nigerian industries.  The NSITF boss made the call in Abuja on Tuesday at the NSITF–NECA Safe Workplace Intervention Project (SWIP) Abuja Mega Awards Ceremony, marking the grand finale of the 2025 SWIP programme.  Faleye said the Abuja event represented the “homecoming of safety” after a 12-day nationwide SWIP journey that began at the NSITF headquarters and passed through key industrial centres including Lagos and Enugu.  NSITF MD delivering his address.  According to him, the initiative symbolises Nigeria’s transition from reacting to workplace accidents to proactively preventing them, while recognising organisations that have prioritised worker protection as a core business value.  “A safe work...

By  Afolabi Oyekunle.  The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has approved an upward review of pensions for 2,116 retirees under the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), increasing their total monthly pension payments from ₦12.56 million to ₦159.95 million.  The upward review translated to an unprecedented 1,173% enhancement in the total monthly payout.  The NSITF pension increase is yet another milestone in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy of enhancing the welfare of retirees in Nigeria.  PenCom DG... Ms Omolola Oloworaran.  The payments were recently approved by the Director General of PenCom, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, who continues to champion landmark reforms that have transformed the landscape of the Contributory Pension Scheme.  This marks the first pension increase for NSITF retirees in 21 years, addressing long-standing disparities and restoring the value of benefits in line with statutory provisions and prevailing econo...

By Afolabi Oyekunle.  Pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in Lagos State have called on the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu to expedite action and see that the unnecessary delay in the payment of their pension increases are removed.         LSG Governor Babajide Sanwoolu  Many of the Pensioners who spoke to ForumNews are not happy that their arears under the pension increases have not been paid as approved by the Federal government, despite that their federal counterparts have received their own. The CPS Pensioners lamented that despite all the efforts of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme, in Lagos State, under the able leadership of Comrade Michael Omisande  to get the Template of the payment to the Lagos State government, nothing has been heard from the government on when and plans to pay the arears. The Template, already with the government.  According to t...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. That dreaded weed on the Waters called,  "Hyacinth"  could be an avenue to wealth.  This has been successful proved during a  5-Day Water Hyacinth Recycling Workshop for Women and Youths in Eredo LCDA, Epe. To prove this, The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) at the  just concluded   inspiring five-day Water Hyacinth Recycling Training Program, empowering 50 women and young people in Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Epe.  This dynamic initiative, partnered with Mitimeth, took place from January 19 to 23, 2026. According to LASWA, was designed to spark creativity and environmental responsibility. "The training provided hands-on skills to transform invasive water hyacinth into innovative and marketable products, tackling pollution while opening new economic avenues. Throughout the program, participants mastered techniques in harvesting, processing, and recycling water hyacinth, complemented by sessi...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The MOT Family  has congratulated  and are  rejoicing with  the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, MR. OLUWADAMILOLA EMMANUEL, on the occasion of his Birthday today.  "We applaud your consistent commitments towards making Water Transportation a viable option for Lagosians, the latest achievements in the 'Omi Eko project'".  Special Adviser on Blue Economy, to Lagos Governor.  We pray that God Almighty will renew your strength to achieve more laudable goals in your specialised sector.  Congratulations Sir and cheers to more healthy years ahead!!!. FocusNews joins others as we celebrate the indefatigable and hardworking, Mr. OluwaDamilola Emmanuel on this special day 

B y Afolabi Oyekunle. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers  (NUPENG) has got a new PTD Chairman. He is Comrade Mathias Ote, who was the former National Vice Chairman, Warri Zone, of PTD New NUPENG PTD Chairman, Comrade Mathias Ote He replaced, the late Comrade Augustine Egbone, hailing from the same zone and being the most senior officer there. He was elected by the Branch National Executive Members of PTD NUPENG, on January 21, 2026. All the four zones unanimously accepted him for the position. 

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Medical Experts have advised the people to always seek early diagnosis and medical advice on diseases in particular cancer and prostate. Prominent medical experts, Professor Anthonia Sowunmi, Dr. Ebenezer Nkom and Dr. Grace Etsiye gave the advice while lecturing on preventive methods on cancer and prostate cancer at a lecture and memorial service, held in honour of Late Deaconess (DIC) Kehinde Mufilat Adejoro. Addressing hundreds of people who turned out for the free screening on diabetes and cancer diseases, they said early detection, and proper medical attention would save diseases such as cancer and diabetes for spreading, as they are curable. The people were also advised to always seek medical advice whenever they notice any unsual happenings in their bodies. At the screening held at Rhema Multi-purpose Event Center, Sango-Otta, Ogun state, many of those who were screened thanked Pastor Leo Adejoro, for the free screening in memory of his wife, Deac...

By Afolabi Oyekunle Rhema Christian Church and Towers, Otta, is set to usher worshippers into the new year with prayers for peace, restoration and divine direction as it hosts its highly anticipated Bethel Peace Day Service on Sunday, 25 January 2026. The service will take place at Champion Peace Cathedral, along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway, Temidire, Sango Otta, and is scheduled to begin promptly at 3:00 p.m., with church leaders describing it as a “moment of divine encounter” for individuals, families and the nation at large. According to the church, the Bethel Peace Day Service is a prophetic gathering designed to help worshippers seek God’s face for peace, spiritual renewal, increase and all-round restoration as they step into the new year. “This is not just another church programme; it is a call to align with God’s agenda for peace and restoration,” a statement from Rhema Christian Church said. “We believe God is set to meet His people in a special way.” The programme will be pr...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Lagos State Waterways Authority  (LASWA) says the Ikorodu Ferry Terminal will reopen for passengers ferry operations with effect from Monday, 19 January 2026. The terminal was closed on Monday, 20 October 2025 due to navigational concerns caused by water hyacinth infestation, and services were temporarily diverted to Ibeshe Terminal and Offin Jetty.  LASWA says following the successful clearance of the waterway, completion of safety assessments, and consultations with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the terminal is now cleared for full operations. All operators are directed to resume normal services in line with their approved schedules and ensure full compliance with all existing safety and operational requirements.

By Afolabi Oyekunle. A new Executive Council to administer the Independent Marketers Branch (IMB) of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) for the next four years has been sworn into office, with Comrade Taofeek Olayiwola Adisa as the new Chairman. This came about following the  successfully concluded  6th Delegates Conference of (IMB) at the NUPENG Lagos Zonal Council office.  Following a seamless process of accreditation and voting, fifteen (15) other dedicated members were elected alongside Comrade Adisa, Chairman,to steer the affairs of the IMB Lagos Zone for the new term of four years. They were subsequently sworn into office.  Some Delegates at the event.  Other Officers elected are  2. Deputy Chairman: Comrade Adetunji Azeez Adeniyi 3. Deputy Chairman: Comrade Ayedun Olu Samuel 4. Vice Chairman: Comrade Ajayi Babatunde Michael 5. Zonal Secretary: Comrade Tajudeen Balogun 6. Zonal Assistant Secretary: ...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Members of the public have a good opportunity to check their health status under the free medical outreach and cancer screening program schedule for Saturday 17th January, from nine in the morning, at Rhema Multi-Purpose Event Centre, Rhema Christian Church & Towers,   1–7 Rhema Road, Temidire, Sango-Ota, Ogun State The free medical screening is being organized by the Adejoro Family in commemoration of the 1-Year Remembrance of their wife and mother, Late Deaconess (DCC) Kehinde Mufliat Kayode Adejoro. The outreach will focus on Prostate Cancer Screening for men and Breast Cancer Examination for women, aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and early detection.  Qualified medical professionals will be on ground to conduct screenings and provide health education. The programme is open to the public. Members of the public are advised to take Advantage of the free program towards their health. For additional information, u can contact, ...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Lagos State Government (LASG) plans to introduce electric-powered boats into the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) fleet within the year, as part of its commitment to providing affordable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly public transportation. The Managing Director of Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), Hon. Abdoulbaq Ladi-Balogun said this during the agency’s third annual Ignite Lagos event, themed “Light the Waterways,” held on Saturday at the Five Cowries Terminal, Ikoyi. Balogun explained that the lower operating and maintenance costs associated with electric vessels would enable LAGFERRY to significantly reduce fares for daily commuters.  He noted that the initiative goes beyond environmental responsibility, describing it as an economic necessity for a megacity grappling with traffic congestion and rising transportation costs. According to him, LAGFERRY has successfully ferried 4.4 million passengers since the commencement of operation...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. A free Medical Screening for All on Prostrate  and Cancer diseases is taking place at  Rhema Multi-Purpose Event Centre,   Rhema Christian Church & Towers,   1–7 Rhema Road, Temidire, Sango-Ota, Ogun State on Saturday, 17th January 2026 from 9am in the morning.  This is courtesy of the Adejoro Family in  commemoration of the 1-Year Remembrance of their wife and mother, Late Deaconess (DCC) Kehinde Mufliat Kayode Adejoro. The outreach will focus on Prostate Cancer Screening for men and Breast Cancer Examination for women, aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and early detection.  Qualified medical professionals will be on ground to conduct screenings and provide health education. The programme is open to the public. Members of the public are advised to take advantage of this free medical services.  For further Enquiries: Pst. Leo Adejoro – 0805 432 1986 Prostate Health Advocate – 0706 482 1446 Email: leoaded...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has re-emphasised that night travel along Lagos Inland Waterways remains banned.  The Authority in a press release said  all boat operations, whether commercial or private, are restricted to daylight hours to ensure everyone's safety.                LASWA General Manager, Mr.                           OluwaDamilola Emmanuel.  LASWA underscores that all boat operations, whether commercial or private, are restricted to daylight hours to ensure everyone's safety. Night voyages are still banned due to significant risks like poor visibility and navigational dangers, all aimed at safeguarding lives and property, it emphasised.  Boat operators  are called to always  adhere strictly to authorized operating hours, respect safety protocols, and ensure all passengers wear life jackets at ...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (ÑUPENG) Zonal Delegates Conference is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at its four zones; Kaduna, Port-Harcourt, Lagos and Warri. According to a release signed by NUPENG General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale and sent to all branches Chairmen and Secretaries, the elections will take place simultaneously in the four zones ,  on the same day.  NUPENG GS. Comrade Afolabi Olawale.  This according to the General Secretary was in line with the decision of the National Executive Council of NUPENG meeting on Monday 8th of December, 2025. He said the outcome of the decision was ratified by the National President.       NUPENG National President, Comrade Williams.  The General Secretary assured that the Returning Officers will be nominated by the National Secretariat of the Union, and called on each Zonal Council and the National Officers from each zone, to set...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Activities marking the burial of NUPENG Adviser(Informal Sector) of the Petroleum Tankers Drivers and PTD National Chairman, Comrade Augustine Osamwonyi Egbon commence on Friday 9th of January to 10th in Benin City, Edo State.  Service of Songs is scheduled for Saint George Catholic Church, and soul dance at E. B. S field Ikpoba Hill, also in Benin . Aged 73, the late PDP Chairman passed away on the 10th of November 2025. The Families and NUPENG cordially invite all to the ceremonies towards giving him a befitting burial. The late Comrade Egbon was described by many in their tributes as a committed family member and a dedicated member of NUPENG who contributed his quota to the progress of the Union.