By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Federal government has been urged to extend  gratuity package for Federal Civil Servants  to all CPS retirees who retired from 2007 to date.  The call is coming from a Public Affairs  Commentator and National Development Enthusiast, Mr. Shatami Turaza Bumba. Mr Turaza Bumba said this while reflecting on  the recent approval by the Federal Executive Council to restore gratuity for Federal Civil Servants retiring from 2026.       President Bola Tinubu He said the restoration is a commendable and historic milestone in Nigeria’s public service and reflects a government willing to reform and improve workers' welfare. Mr. Turaza Bumba said while it deserves celebration and win for future retirees, there is a critical administrative oversight that demands urgent reconsideration: the fate of the "missing middle," the dedicated civil servants who retired under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) between 2007 and ...

By Afolabi Oyekunle Today's monthly environmental exercise went smoothly within Agbado-Oke Odo LCDA communities, with the Chairman, Mayor Jimoh Ejigbadero leading other officials including the Vice Chairman, who is also the Supervisor for Environment Honourable Kehinde Yusau Shobayo on inspection of many arears. According to a press release signed by Ojo Samuel Oluwafem,  Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman,  t he monitoring exercise saw the Chairman visit key locations to assess residents' compliance with sanitation directives, inspect the general condition of public spaces, and interact with community members on the importance of maintaining a healthy environment.  Agbado Oke Odo LCDA Chairman, Hon Ejigbadero at today's environmental exercise. The exercise also provided the Chairman opportunity to identify environmental concerns requiring immediate intervention while reinforcing government efforts towards cleaner neighborhoods, safer drainages, a...

By  Afolabi Oyekunle. All Progressive Congress (APC) is not only working to ensure President Bola Tinubu wins the Presidential election in 2027 election but with a wide margin surpassing the 2023 votes.       President Bola  Tinubu. This is coming from the APC Organising Secretary in the South-West, Honourable Lateef Ibirogba, while speaking with FocusNews on the just concluded APC primaries in the country. Honourable Lateef Ibirogba. Honourable Ibirogba said the votes recorded in the presidential primary is an indication that if the election is held today, President Bola Tinubu will win with great margin. According to him, the structure on ground is intact for President Bola Tinubu to win the election, while the party will not rest on its oars to ensure victory for the President. He noted that APC has 31 out of 36 states and is  working hard to ensure that it controls the remaining states. Honourable Ibirogba therefore called on the...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Senior Citizens Age 50Plus Support and Development Foundation has appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to urgently address the growing hardship faced by elderly Nigerians across the country. This is according to a press statement by its President Comrade Gbenga Ogunlaru, and  Mrs Helen Ojerinde, National Secretary. According to the Foundation, millions of Nigerians between the ages of 50 and above are currently experiencing severe economic difficulties, including hunger, unemployment, poor healthcare, lack of accommodation, and inadequate social welfare support. The Foundation noted that many senior citizens who once served the nation diligently are now unable to afford basic necessities of life, including food, medication, and shelter.  It stressed that the current economic realities have placed unbearable pressure on older citizens, many of whom have no pensions or susta...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Muslims all over the World today celebrate the Eid-al-Adha festival, in fulfilment of Islamic injunction with many converging at prayers ground for prayers.  At various praying grounds, Muslims were urged to continue to be obedient to the laws of Islam, show love to others and be peaceful in their conducts towards others. The APC Southwest Coordinating Secretary, Honourable Lateef Ibirogba who joined others to worship at Alagbado praying ground said there are many lessons to be learnt from the observation of the festival. Honourable Ibirogba said chiefly obedient is a key lesson to be learnt in today's festival, just as Prophet Ibrahim submitted to Allah when he was asked to sacrifice his only son. Honourable Lateef Ibirogba He said Prophet Ibrahim did not dispute Allah until his son was replaced by a ram. Honourable Ibirogba also stressed the need for Muslims to imbibe the sprit of love, reciprocate love to everyone, including their neighbours. He ...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMT), has approved a 50% fare discount on all train services operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as part of measures to ease transportation costs for Nigerians during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. The discount takes effect from Tuesday, May 26, 2026 and will run through Monday, June 1, 2026. Accordingly, ticket fares on all NRC passenger train services across the country have been reduced by 50% of the existing approved rates within the stated period. Passengers who had earlier purchased tickets at the full fare before the announcement will be entitled to a 50% rebate, reusable for train rides on or before Monday, June 1, 2026. Train schedules and timetables remain as previously advertised. "The Federal Ministry of Transportation appreciates the continued support of Nigerians and wishes all passengers and the Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Kabir cel...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has  extended Sallah greetings  to all waterways users, operators, stakeholders, and  Muslims faithfuls in Lagos as they celebrate Eid-el-Adha urging them to prioritise safety. In the Sallah message,   LASWA urged all waterways commuters and boat operators to prioritize safety while traveling across the inland waterways, particularly during the ongoing rainy season. The Authority strongly advised passengers to avoid  night travel on the waterways due to reduced visibility and weather-related risks that may compromise safe navigation, urging them to plan their trips during daylight hours and remain vigilant at all times. The Special Adviser on Blue Economy to the Governor of Lagos, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, while congratulating Muslims faithfuls on the Eid-el-Adha celebration, reaffirmed LASWA’s commitment to ensuring safer, secure, and efficient waterways transportation across Lagos State. ...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The  people of Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, staff of the council, community leaders and members, religious institutions, political leaders and members, not forgetting  people living with disability are in joyous mood and happy with the Executive Chairman of the council, Mayor Abiodun Jimoh Isola Ejigbadero for reaching out to them with cash gifts,  bags of rice, rams and cows as they prepare to celebrate this year's Eid el Kabir festival on Wednesday, 27th and Thursday 28th May 2026. At the secretariat of Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, situated at Oja Oba bus stop, Abule Egba,on Monday25th May, 2026,workers of the council were seen taking possession of their bags of rice, with smile on their faces. Honourable Jimoh Ejigbadero. Members of management Staff were given a bag of rice each, while other categories of staff, including non pensionable staff were given a bag of rice to four staff. Earlier on Friday, 22nd May, over 500 pensio...

By Afolabi Oyekunle The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has decried fresh  coordinated attacks on railway infrastructures in parts of the country. This followed fresh incidents of vandalism recorded in Plateau and Bauchi States. The Corporation described the disturbing development as a direct attack on critical national infrastructure, and an affront on public safety, economic growth and national security. According to NRC, In one of the latest incidents recorded on May 21, 2026, a truck reportedly loaded with vandalized railway materials became stuck between Kuru and Science School, Kuru in Plateau State, exposing the dangerous activities of criminal elements involved in the destruction and illegal movement of railway materials. Similarly, along Zango, in Bauchi State, between Kilometer 878 and 889, railway slippers were completely removed on both sides of a level crossing, leaving behind few disjointed rail pieces.  The Corporation warned that such acts could ...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. APC Chieftain, who is the South West Organising Secretary, Honourable Lateef Ibirogba has commended the party members for their peaceful conduct and large turn out during today's  presidential primaries in which they affirmed support for President Bola Tinubu. He said reports from across the country  indicates a large turn out of APC members  where the primaries took place. President Bola Tinubu Honourable Ibirogba said the party members through their actions have demonstrated their believe in the Agenda of President Bola Tinubu for the party and the country. The APC Chieftain who was also in Ekiti state for the House of Representatives and Assembly primaries said  the primary in the state and other states in the SouthWest went peacefully. He said this was so because APC  gives priority to due diligence and conduct its   affairs  acording to the Constitution and Electoral law. Honourable Lateef Ibirogba...

By Afolabi Oyekunle The Management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced a temporary increase in train services on the Lagos–Ibadan Train Service (LITS) corridor for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, ahead of the Sallah celebration. Account to a release on behalf of the management by Callistus Unyimadu Chief Public Relations Officer,  t he temporary adjustment is aimed at accommodating the expected increase in passenger movement as many Nigerians travel to celebrate the festive season with their families and loved ones. Under the special arrangement, the Corporation will operate six train trips on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, instead of the usual four trips currently operated on the corridor. For the day, train departures from the Lagos end will be at 7:45am, 1:40pm and 4:00pm, while departures from the Ibadan end will be at 8:00am, 10:50am and 4:30pm. The Management says the arrangement is strictly temporary and applies only to the Sallah travel period. Im...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Mrs Bukunola Durodola has attributed her emergence as PS to the prayers of the Pensioners. She made the remarks Friday evening when the Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Lagos State paid her a thank you visit in her Office at Old Secretariat, Ikeja. Mrs Durodola said God answered the prayers of the Pensioners which came from the bottom of their hearts. CPS Chairman Comrade Michael Omisande, Comrade Olukayode Bada at the occasion, presenting the PS with a giant card. The Permanent Secretary said the modest achievements recorded at post service department, especially the Wellness Centers, were due to the cooperation of the Pensioners and sued for prayers to make it happen again. PS Durodola with Comrade Omisande and Comrade Olukayode Bada, as she was to be presented with a giant card. Mrs Durodola said soon, she would join the Pensioners Club and thanked them for t...

By  Afolabi Oyekunle. Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has  reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to establishing a safer, more reliable, and well-regulated waterways transportation system in Lagos State. Towards this, the Authority has intensified safety inspections at major ferry terminals across Lagos State to enforce strict compliance with waterways safety regulations and raise operational standards. The inspection campaign covered several terminals and jetties, including Ipakodo, Bayeku, Ijede, Ebute-Ero, Liverpool, Sabokoji, Alex, and Coconut, with a primary focus on boat seaworthiness and life jacket safety compliance. During the exercise, 120 damaged life jackets were seized and removed from circulation. The Authority took immediate action to eliminate these hazardous items and ensure strict adherence to safety standards across all waterways operations. LASWA officials carrying out inspection of life jackets and general inspection LASWA identified inc...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) says it has enrolled over 7.6 million employees into the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS) so far. In the same vein, the Fund has recorded a historic first with the enrollment of the Nigeria Police Force into the scheme. Managing Director of the Fund, Barrister Oluwaseun Falaye, said this at the 2026 International Civil Service Conference in Abuja Wednesday, 20th May 3026.         Barrister Falaye In his words, "We have enrolled over 7.6 million employees into the Scheme. We secured the enrolment of the Nigeria Police Force into the ECS — a historic first — after engagements with the Inspector-General of Police.  "When our officers know that their families will be protected should they sustain injury or lose their lives in the line of duty, their confidence and gallantry will increase, and our national security will be the safer for us all.” Speaking on the theme of the conference...

B y Afolabi Oyekunle. The future of Nigerian workers after retirement need to be guaranteed, hence proper scheme  needs to be put in place to ensure they do not retiree into penury. Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman in Lagos state, Comrade Funmi Sessi said this at a Pension summit in Làgos on Informal Workers  put together by INSPENONLINE. NLC Lagos state Chairman Comrade Sessi. Comrade Sessi observed that unlike the United Kingdom and other European countries, who have good policies that take care of their retirees, Nigeria case is different as many retirees are made to suffer due to unpalatable retirement policies. She assured that the NLC is committed to policies that promote dignity of labour. Comrade Sessi said there is need to build a society where retirement is not associated with fear and insecurity. Delivering his paper on meeting retirement dreams of informal sector workers with insurance and pension instruments, renowned Economist and a former Direc...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. It turned out to be a massive show of solidarity as All Progressive Congress (APC) supporters in Agbado-Oke Odo LCDA unanimously pledged their support for the candidacy of Dr. Obafemi Hamzat for the gubernatorial election in Lagos state. Dr. Obafemi Hamzat. APC sole candidate for Lagos state, Gubernatorial election. At the party primary held at African Church Model primary school at Kola bustop, in Agbado, hundreds of supporters lined up all with oneccord for the candidacy of Dr. Obafemi Hamzat. According to most of them, they are pleased with his choice and thereby allign with the party decision to field him as the sole candidate. Addressing the party faithfuls, the Chairman of Agbado-Oke Odo LCDA, Major Jimoh Ishola Ejigbadero, thanked them for trooping out to declare their support for Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as the sole candidate. Agbado-Oke Odo LCDA Chairman. The Chairman urged them to continue to be steadfast and show their solidarity during...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The delay in the payment of their Pension Arears and other entitlements is worrisome to the Contributory Pensioners in Lagos state, who called on Governor Babajide Sanwoolu to quickly take a decisive action to pay their areas and other entitlements as approved by President Bola Tinubu. Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu. Speaking with FocusNews on the delay, the Lagos State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Scheme, Comrade Michael Omisande said the attitude of the Governor to the payment of the arears shows he has not got the political will to pay the money. Comrade Omisande challenged Governor Babajide Sanwoolu to come out bodily and tell the Pensioners when he is going to pay the money. Lagos State CPS Pensioners Chairman, Comrade Michael Omisande. "It is our money and he has to pay us, we are the birds that lay the golden eggs we should not be allowed to suffer." Comrade Omisande however  appealed to ...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The Trade Union Congress(TUC) at an emergency National Executive Congress in Lagos, Monday 18th May, 2026  took drastic against some members, expelled 11 members and suspended 15 others for what it called disobedience and violations of the Congress resolutions. The decision was taken at an emergency NEC meeting that took place at Radisson BlHotel, at GRA, in Ikeja. Reading the Communique signed by the National President, Comrade Festus Osifo and Secretary General, Comrade N.A. Toro before newsmen, Comrade Osifo said a disciplinary committee had earlier been set up to investigate cases of flagrant disobedience by members and officials who disregarded the resolutions and decisions of the Congress . TUC National President, Comrade Osifo reading the communique. Those expelled are 1. Comrade Abiodun Aladetan – ASCSN 2. Comrade Gbolahan Kabiawu – NUAH 3. Comrade Veronica Egbukichi – ATSSSAN 4. Comrade Salau Oladele – SSAUSCGOC Rivers State Cou...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. All Progressive Congress party, (APC) Chieftain, who is the Organizing Secretary for the party in South-West, Honourable Lateef Ibirogba, has commended the peaceful nature, well coordinated today's APC primaries into the House of Representatives, in the country, in particular in Ekiti state. Honourable Ibirogba who led a 5-man team to monitor the primary election in Ekiti state commended the aspirants and members of the party for adhering to the rules of law;  the party, and electoral process by  playing  to the rules peacefully. APC Southwest Organising Secretary, Honourable Lateef Ibirogba. He said it was a thing of pride that everything went well in the 9 constituencies in Ekiti state. According to Honourable Ibirogba as it was in Ekiti where everything went smoothly without any rancour or disturbances, reports from all other parts of the country indicate all went peacefully.  He said this was so because APC  gives priority to...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has  invited retirees under the CPS to enroll in its  free healthcare initiative PenCare.  According to PenCom the free health care is for Pensioners who are 60 years old and above who receive a monthly pension not more than ₦70,000 from a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA). "PenCare is a CSR project dedicated to preserving your dignity and well-being by reducing the burden of medical expenses PenCare: Your health, our priority." According to PenCom Registration is now open for up to 30,000 eligible retirees on a first-come, first-served basis.  To register, Pensioners are advised to scan the barcode above or published in various newspapers or visit www.pencom.gov.ng or any of the PFAs’ websites. 

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Piqued over delay in submitting the Pension increase and Wage Award document to Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, the Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pension scheme, NUPCPS, stormed the Office of the Lagos State Pension Commission, LASPEC, on Thursday afternoon at Revenue House, Alausa.   Led by the chairman, Comrade Michael Omisande, the NUPCPS Leaders demanded to know the bottlenecks impeding the completion of the Financial calculation. At LASPEC office, Comrade Michael Omisande and members of his Exco. The Director General, LASPEC, Babalola Obilana, said to be holding talks with the External Auditors directed Mrs Makinde, in charge of pension matters to attend to them. Mrs Makinde, said the process is still on and that the Actuarist is on the last phase of the process. She declined to give a timeline but emphasized that LASPEC will not cast a slur in the wheel of progress. Mrs Makinde said the commission will no...

By Afolabi Oyekunle. Aliko Dangote Foundation since establishment has  impacted greatly on the lives of many people of all races in many areas. Ms. Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director & CEO of Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) said this when she visited  Dr. Rami Ahmad, Vice President (Operations) of the Islamic Development Bank at IsDB Headquarters in Jeddah in company of Mr. Ahmed Iya, Head of Community Engagement & Polio Eradication of ADF  She said the Foundation has  greatly impacted on people of all races by enhancing opportunities for social change through strategic investments that improve health and wellbeing, promote quality education, and broaden empowerment opportunities for individuals and communities.       Ms. Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director & CEO of Aliko Dangote Foundation (left) and Dr. Rami Ahmad, Vice President (Operations) of the Islamic Development Bank during the visit. Speaking, Dr. Rami  expresse...

By Afolabi Oyekunle The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has underscored the role of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) in restoring hope and dignity to Nigerian workers who suffer injuries in the line of duty. He said they are adequately covered under the Employee's Compensation Scheme. He made the remarks in Abuja during the presentation of prosthetic limbs to 10 beneficiaries of the scheme.  Represented by the General Manager, Claims and Compensation, Mrs. Nkiru Ogunnike, the MD said the initiative continues to put smiles on the faces of injured workers by supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. According to him, the ECS goes beyond statutory compensation, reflecting a humane commitment to restoring confidence and preserving the dignity of workers affected by occupational hazards.  He noted that workplace accidents often result not only in physical injuries b...