By Afolabi Oyekunle. In accordance with the provisions of the Union's Constitution and the OGS bye-law, the Oil and Gas Suppliers (OGS) Branch of NUPENG - Lagos Zonal Council successfully convened its Zonal Delegates Conference in Lagos earlier today, Tuesday 31st March 2026, with the following officers elected:        People at the high table. 1. Chairman, Bayo Alabi  2. Deputy Chairman, Femi Soneye 3. Deputy Chairman, Daniel Abraham 4. Vice Chairman:, Ekun Adewale 5. Secretary, Abiodun Fadoyin 6. Asst. Secretary, Wale Saporu 7. Treasurer, Bunmi Osunsanya 8. Trustee, James Ijeh 9. Financial Secretary, Taiwo Olapade 10. PRO, Dele Ojo 11. IRO, Sunday Ayegbusi 12. Auditor, Olusesan Gbemi 13. Auditor, Festus Omotosho 14. Welfare, Adebayo Muyiwa: 14. Welfare, Tayo Bello 15. Chief Whip, Shola Fajemila  15. Adviser, Kerry David 16. Ex-Officio, Chucks Okorie 17. Ex-Officio, Elijah Elected members taking oath of office.

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF),  Barrister  Oluwaseun Falaye, has  emphasised  institutional trust as a key towards building public confidence in the citizenry. Speaking at the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gwagwalada Branch in Abuja, Monday,  Barr. Faleye said the future of effective governance in Nigeria depends not only on laws being enacted, but on institutions being strengthened to deliver on their legal obligations.  "For those of us entrusted with public responsibility, service must mean more than occupying office. It must mean using institutions to protect the vulnerable, to uphold fairness, and to leave systems better than we met them. "For the Bar, it means defending the integrity of law and ensuring that justice remains accessible, principled, and alive. "For institutions like NSITF, it means ensuring that social protection is not treated as charity. but a...

By  Afolabi Oyekunle. It promises to be a manifestation of the raw power of God from His annointed Servants as Christ Global Network INC holds "New Wine Fire Conference 2026, at the Rhema Christian Church and Towers, Champion Peace Cathedral, Temidire, Sango-Otta, on Saturday, 11th April, 2026. The Conference starting 10.00am is going to see about 25 distinguished Bishops in attendance and other Men of God.   It's going to be presided by Archbishop Taiwo Akinnola.       Archbishop Taiwo Akinnola The Conference promises to be a display of raw power of God as in the day of Prophet Elijah in setting the captive free, long time problems solved and unlimited breakthrough galore. As Elijah commanded fire to come down in 2 Kings 1: 12, these men of God are empowered to use the power of God deposited in them to bring solutions to people's problems and challenges of life. The Conference will also feature impartation prophetic declaration, potent b...

B y Afolabi Oyekunle. NUPENG Zonal delegates conference took place yesterday, Thursday 26th March 2026, in Ibadan with Comrade Olayemi Samuel returned as Chairman. The  Delegates’ Conference was held at the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Ibadan Bar Centre, Are Afe Babalola Hall, NTC Road, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, Oyo State and well attended by delegates from the various branches of the Union, alongside observers and Union officials within the Zone The Officers swearing to the oath of office. At the end of the elections, the following contestants were returned elected: 1. Olayemi Samuel - Chairman 2. Ibisola Babalola - Vice Chairman 3. Aswond Jimmy - Secretary 4. Ilori Olatunde - Trustee 5. Atanda Kazeem Akanbi - Treasurer 6. Apalara Tunde Moses - Financial Secretary 7. Bolalabake Odunsi - Welfare Officer 8. Adejo Emmanuel - Welfare Officer 9. Odukoya Segun - Auditor 10. Babalola Gbenga Ponmile - PRO 11. Alamu Adebayo - Assistant Secretary 12. Chinedu Eguzoro - Chief Whip In...

B y Afolabi Oyekunle. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has commenced the recertification process for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line operational license, following the earlier issuance of a one-year provisional license for the system. The process is designed to ensure that the Red Line continues to meet the stringent safety and operational standards required for sustainable rail service delivery. The Red Line currently operates nine passenger trips daily. Upon successful completion of the recertification process and the introduction of additional rolling stock, the system is expected to significantly increase service frequency, thereby enhancing transit capacity for Lagos residents. As part of the process, a high-level NRC delegation visited the Red Line’s Oyingbo and Ikeja stations to assess operational standards and infrastructure.  The team was led by Mr. Oyekunle Oyewole, Head of Business Process Efficiency and Due Diligence (BuPED), and included Mr. Adegoke O...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Contributory Pensioners in Lagos state want the state government to speed up the process of payment of their Pension Arears and allowances as approved by the Federal government. Chairman Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme in Lagos state, Comrade Michael Omisande who spoke on behalf of the Pensioners with FocusNews accused the government of not been proactive in the past towards the payment.         COMRADE OMISANDE Comrade Omisande who took time to visit members of the Agege zone and Ifako-Ijaiye zone of the Pensioners during their monthly meeting said initially the government was not interested in payment of the money despite collecting the Template for payment. Comrade Omisande with the Coordinator of Agege zone, Chief Sulemonu Ojekunle. He said the intervention of the NLC Chairman in Lagos state, Comrade Funmi Sessi, PenCom Director General Omolola Oloworaran, and the NUP, together with the aggressi...

 By Afolabi Oyekunle. Honourable Lateef Ibirogba has been re-elected as APC South-West Organising Secretary due to his compassion, hardwork, experience, and commitment to the growth and well coordination of the party in the region. His re-election took place at the All Progressive Congress, (APC) Southwest Zonal Congress held in Lagos. In his congratulatory message,  Chairman Agbado-Oke Odo LCDA, Mayor Abiodun Jimoh Ejigbadero, said it was a well deserved re-election, reaffirming members confidence in his ability. According to Mayor Jimoh Ejigbadero, the re-election  showcased a party resolute in its mission and united in strengthening its foundation across the Southwest. He described the political gathering as a reaffirmation of structure, stability, and purposeful, leadership. Agbado Oke Odo LCDA Chairman, Mayor Jimoh Ejigbadero. "Leadership is not merely about attaining positions, it is about sustaining progress, strengthening bonds, and buildin...

B y Afolabi Oyekunle. If there is a Local Council Development Area(LCDA) to emulate in Lagos state in terms of developmental efforts, it is no other than Agbado-Oke Odo LCDA , under the leadership of Major Jimoh Ishola Ejigbadero. Chairman Agbado-Oke LCDA, Major Jimoh Ishola Ejigbadero. Honourable Jimoh Ishola Ejigbadero. Speaking to FocusNews, the Executive Vice Chairman of the LCDA, Honourable Adetunji Shobayo said the present administration under the Chairman, Abiodun Ejigbadero has in the few months in office done a lot to develop the LCDA and empower the people. Executive Vice Chairman, Agbado-Oke LCDA. Honourable Adetunji Shobayo. In the area of road construction, Honourable Adetunji Shobayo said contracts has been awarded for the construction of twelve major roads across the seven wards of the council, while reconstruction of many streets are going on. In the area of empowerment of the people, the Vice Chairman said 400 vulnerable residents of...

By Afolabi Oyekunle The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume has charged the newly inaugurated members of the Board of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to refrain from interference in the Commission operation matters. Akume made the call while inaugurating the Board  members in Abuja. According to him, any interference in operational matters would weaken accountability and undermine Pencom institutional effectiveness. He drew a firm line between governance and administration. He told the members that while the Board is responsible for oversight, Management must be allowed to handle day-to-day operations.   He  charged members of the Board to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance and safeguard over ₦28 trillion in pension assets under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).  Senator George Akume, said that PenCom remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s financial sector, entrusted with the retirement savings of ...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. As Moslems celebrate the Eid Mubarak, the end of the fasting period, they have been urged to continue to keep to the lessons and good virtues of Ramadan, and refrain from sins, evil acts, corruption and fornication.  Imam Mufutau Okanlawon of Aranse Oluwa Central Mosque in Ilapo, Alagbado area, in Lagos state said this at the Eid prayer.   In his sermon at the Eid prayer, he called on any  Muslim  living a hypocrite life to desist and stick to the rules of Islam, which stipulate holiness,righteousness and good living life. Imam Okanlawon delivering his sermon. He therefore advised them not to go back to the evil ways they have abandoned during the Ramadan. Speaking with FocusNews after the prayers, the South West Organising Secretary of the APC, Honourable Lateef Ibirogba encouraged Muslims to continue to grow in Islam, refrain from sins, continue to be their brothers keepers and live a prayerful lives. Honourable Ibirogba...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Brazilian Descendants Arts and Culture Association in Lagos is set to hold its 6th Edition of Feijao Fiesta,on   Good Friday, April 3rd,and Musical and Drama Extravaganza on Easter Sunday 5th April.  The events are billed for Popo Aguda Pavilion, Igbosere road, and the Campos Mini Stadium, Joseph street, in Lagos, by 2pm. This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, John Alapini, at a press briefing at the Brazilian Embassy, in Lagos.       AIG Alapini in the middle The events which will feature rich Brazilian and Nigerian culture  will be grace by great musicians like Yinka Alakija, the Prime Qwest Band, Gboyega Adelaja, Saxophone Hub, Coloz Angels, Temilayo Abodunrin, Serrano Agidigbi Band, Pereira Funky Agidigbo Band, Dimeji Agidigbo Band, and Shady B. Also to display their rich culture are groups from different parts of Lagos; the Egunguns, Sangeto,...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced special train service arrangements across its major corridors to facilitate seamless travel during the forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr (Sallah) celebrations, with increased capacity and additional services deployed to meet the anticipated surge in passenger movement nationwide. According to a statement from Callistus Unyimadu , Chief Public Relations Officer on behalf of the   Management ,  the Lagos–Ibadan Train Service (LITS) will operate three trips today Thursday, March 19, 2026.  From the Lagos end (Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta), departures are scheduled for 7:40 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., while from the Ibadan end (Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya), departures will be at 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and 4:30 p.m.       NRC MD: Dr. Kayode Opeifa This one-day special arrangement is designed to accommodate increased passenger traffic during the Sallah ce...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has  confirmed that an avoidable train incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. today near Asham, involving a rear locomotive and a passenger coach next to it due to a coupling issue. According to the statement from the office of the Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, some passengers sustained injuries and were promptly attended to and taken to a nearby medical facility for proper medical care.        NRC MD: Dr. Kayode Opeifa. The statement said no fatalities were recorded. According to it, emergency response protocols were immediately activated, and relevant technical teams have been mobilized to the location.  "The Safety Investigation Bureau (SIB) is also on site to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident in line with established safety procedures." The train arrived Idu station at about 10.39am, 38minutes behind schedule due to time allowed to remove th...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Falaye, has stressed the importance of Empowering Women. According to him, it is  Economic and Social Necessity. Barrister Falaye said this  at this year's celebration of International Women Day (IWD) organized by the Trade Union Congress Women Commission in Abuja, on Wednesday. Falaye, who was the special guest of honour at the event, described the theme of the 2026 commemoration, "Empowering Women: The Path to Equal Rights and Social Justice," as both timely and significant. Barrister Falaye delivering his address. "When women are empowered with equal opportunities, fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to social protection, societies become more stronger and economies grow more resilient,” he submitted. The NSITF boss commended the Women Commission for consistency in championing the "cause of women within the...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Creation of states police by the Federal government under the Administration of President Bola Tinubu should be a welcome idea to all and sundry, as it will help in improving security to all nooks and crannies of the country, in particular the communities and rural areas. This is coming from the Baale  of Ilupeju-Oke, in Ifo local government area, Chief Akorede Sunday Afuwape, while speaking with FocusNews on the recent established Police Station, built by the Community, at Iyanacele, in Ilupeju-Oke. Chief Sunday Akorede Afuwape Bale Akorede totally support the concept of the creation of states police by the present administration. He said it's a good development towards protection of lives and property in the country, in particular the rural areas. On the establishment of a Police Station at Iyanacele, he said it's a good development facilitated by the community that will help in combating crime. He believes with the creation of states police, ...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)  has  ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault on Dr. Mikhail Abdulsalam, a lecturer at the University of Ibadan, at the Obafemi Awolowo Train Station, Moniya, Ibadan. NRC says it has taken note of reports in the media regarding the alleged assault. According to the statement signed by The Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the corporation views the incident with serious concern and wishes to state clearly that harassment, intimidation, or any form of misconduct towards passengers or members of the public is unacceptable and not in line with the values and operational standards of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.             Dr Kayode Opeifa " Any personnel found to have acted contrary to the Corporation’s professional and public service code of conduct will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary measures...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has pledged to ensure that the NRC functions as a key driver of national integration and economic development, while operating in line with international best practices.                     Dr. Opeifa Dr. Opeifa who has been speaking recently on NRC and his plans in office, disclosed this while speaking on Channels Television. According to him, many developed countries treat railway infrastructure primarily as social infrastructure, noting that Nigeria’s rail system currently plays a similar role by enabling mobility and economic activities across regions.   One of the Modern trains in the fleet of NRC. “Railway is an enabler of growth,” he said, adding that the Federal Government’s  investments in rail projects across states such as Lagos, Kano and Kaduna is largely due to their strategic economic im...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. He is just one year in office, but well focus to reshape the Nigerian Railway Corporation to achieve positive strides to move  the rail sector towards modern trend. Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation has recently been speaking on his achievements in office and what he believes can be achieved in the sector.                  Dr. Opeifa  Speaking in an interview, he disclosed that all the states capitals will be linked with rail lines. He disclosed that  under the present laws, states have been permitted to build rail lines, as railway has been  removed from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List. " We are already discussing with Regional development commissions on further areas of railway development." According to Dr. Opeifa, f rom 2015 to date, close to one thousand kilometers of rail lines have been constructed, while bi llions of dollars have been...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Federal Civil Servants are full of gratuity to the present administration, in particular President Bola Tinubu, for restoring back gratuity for retiring Civil Servants. The Federal Secretariat, Abuja, was today agog  as news filtered to thousands of Civil Servants that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restored payment of gratuity to Federal Civil Servants. In a Press Statement issued in Abuja today, the National President of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Comrade Shehu Mohammed, and the Secretary-General, Comrade Joshua Apebo, commended President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council for listening to the cries of thousands of Federal Civil Servants by approving the Exit Benefit Scheme that grants retiring Federal Civil Servants a gratuity equal to 100% of their total annual emolument.  “We are really glad that after decades of struggles by the Union to ensure that Federal Civil Servants who have served the country for 35 years o...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. ICPC, NRC to  Collaborate on Anti-Corruption Drive The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has pledged stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as part of efforts to reinforce transparency and accountability in the nation’s railway sector. The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RAAC), Lagos Office, Mr. Alexander Chukwumah, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, at the Corporation’s headquarters. Chukwumah said the ICPC is willing to support the corporation by providing training programmes for its workforce to help them identify and avoid practices that could expose them to corruption-related offences. According to him, the initiative forms part of the Commission’s public education and enlightenment mandate aimed at encouraging Nigerians and public institutions to uphold integrity and avoid corrupt practices. H...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN) has commenced plans for its 2026 Annual Transport Summit slated for September with the theme: Unlocking Economic Growth Through Transportation Logistics. The umbrella body of transport journalists, in a statement released at the weekend, explained that the event, which will hold in Lagos will convene key stakeholders across Nigeria’s transportation value chain — including aviation, maritime, rail, road transport, and logistics services — alongside policymakers, regulators, captains of industry, financial institutions, and development partners. According to the TCAN statement, “In line with ongoing reforms and infrastructure investments across the sector, the 2026 TCAN Conference aims to critically examine how efficient transportation logistics can serve as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, trade facilitation, job creation, and regional integration.” TCAN Chairman, Tola Adenubi aff...