The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has announced a two-week ultimatum for residents of over 15 distressed buildings in the Iponri Housing Estate, Surulere, which have been deemed unsafe due to their deteriorating condition and significant risk of collapse.

Gbolahan Oki, General Manager of LASBCA, made this announcement in a statement signed by Adu Ademuyiwa, Director of Public Affairs, on Saturday in Lagos. He highlighted that the agency identified numerous structural issues, including compromised integrity that could lead to potential collapse.

Oki stated, “Asking residents to vacate distressed buildings to enable us to pull them down is in the best interest of the public. The deteriorating condition of some of the distressed buildings poses a great danger as their integrity has been compromised and can give way at any time.”

To ensure public safety, the agency has mandated residents to evacuate the buildings to prevent loss of life and property. He reassured the public of the government’s commitment to taking swift action to address the situation and emphasized the importance of adhering to building safety regulations to prevent future incidents.

Additionally, Oki urged all stakeholders, including residents and the government, to prioritize public safety and comply with the evacuation order. He assured that LASBCA would continue to monitor buildings across the state to identify other structures that may pose similar risks.

House of Assembly member representing Surulere Constituency 1, Desmond Elliot, along with Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Housing, Barakat Bakare, supported the evacuation order. They implored residents not to compromise safety standards and to abide by building codes and regulations. They commended LASBCA’s efforts to maintain safety in the built environment and encouraged residents to vacate the area for their safety.

The leadership of the Labour Party has called for the immediate release of its National Vice Chairman for the South-East, Ceekay Igara, who was arrested by police allegedly on the orders of Abia Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, it was revealed that Igara was apprehended in Aba while holding a meeting with party leaders. He and his associates were reportedly surrounded by police and taken away without any warrant of arrest.

Olorunfemi expressed shock over the situation, particularly given that it involved the only state governor from the Labour Party. He stated, “The party is worried that Dr. Alex Otti, whom we supported in the 2023 governorship election and defended his victory, has suddenly turned into a tiger ready to tear apart the party.”

He questioned the motivations behind Otti’s actions, noting the governor had previously hosted an extended stakeholders’ meeting in Abia and formed a caretaker committee, seemingly to undermine the party’s leadership. Olorunfemi emphasized the party’s confusion over why Otti is now attempting to destabilize the organization that once supported him.

Following a court ruling affirming the leadership of Julius Abure and validating the Nnewi convention, Olorunfemi mentioned that the party had extended an olive branch to the governor. He remarked, “We are sincerely at a loss as to why he is still working hard to destabilize and destroy the same party that sheltered him when he needed it most.”

He criticized Otti for resorting to “brute and anachronistic forms of political intimidation,” suggesting that the governor’s previous humane demeanor was a facade hiding his true nature.

The Labour Party is demanding that Igara be released immediately, or alternatively, that he be formally charged in court within the next 24 hours, as stipulated by law.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has announced the approval of a minimum wage of ₦70,000 to enhance workers’ welfare in the state.

This decision was disclosed by the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, in a statement made in Ilorin on Saturday. The new wage will take effect immediately from October 2024 across the Kwara public service, including employees in the 16 Local Government Areas.

Dr. Nuru explained that this development followed a successful tripartite meeting involving government representatives, labor leaders from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), and representatives from the organized private sector.

She expressed gratitude to Governor AbdulRazaq for granting the committee full autonomy to reach a consensus beneficial to all parties.

The immediate implementation of the new wage highlights the governor’s proactive and worker-friendly approach, reflecting his commitment to the welfare of public servants and citizens.

Nuru emphasized that the state government prioritizes the well-being of its workforce and the general populace, aiming to foster growth and prosperity for all in Kwara. She commended the collaborative spirit between the government and labor unions, which facilitated this achievement, describing the new minimum wage as a testament to the state’s dedication to workers’ welfare.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) achieved a sweeping victory in Kogi State, securing all 21 Local Government Chairmanship seats and 239 councillorship positions in the elections held on Saturday.

Mamman Nda-Eri, Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), announced the results in Lokoja, emphasizing that the election was conducted peacefully, free from violence, fair, and credible.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that among the newly elected local government chairmen was a woman who won the chairmanship in Ogori-Magongo Local Government.

“The APC performed excellently, clearing all the chairmanship and councillorship positions, leaving no seats for the other 18 political parties that participated in the election,” Nda-Eri stated.

He confirmed that the results were initially declared at the various collation centers by the respective Returning Officers before being finalized at KOSIEC headquarters.

Nda-Eri expressed gratitude to the electoral officials, security operatives, observers, and journalists for their support in ensuring the election’s success.

On Saturday, the Nigerian Army conducted a retirement ceremony for 15 Generals of the Artillery Corps who have completed their active military service. The event took place at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery (NASA) in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Among those retired, 11 held the rank of Major General, while four were Brigadier Generals.

Retired Maj.-Gen. James Myam, the Reviewing Officer, spoke on behalf of the retirees, expressing their fulfillment and gratitude for the opportunity to serve Nigeria. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for the chance to contribute to the nation and acknowledged the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, wishing him continued strength and wisdom in leading the Nigerian Army.

Myam highlighted the significance of the occasion, stating, “Today is indeed a unique landmark for us as we retire to a well-deserved rest after serving our dear country meritoriously.” He reminisced about their military careers, which began as Officer Cadets at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna.

Offering advice to serving officers, Myam emphasized the importance of loyalty, vigilance, and security consciousness. He shared three guiding traits from his time as an Artillery officer: empathy, proactiveness, and effective communication.

He reminded the officers that Nigeria is currently enjoying democratic governance and urged them to remain loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government. Myam acknowledged that while the Armed Forces play a crucial role, they operate within a limited sector that competes for government resources.

He encouraged continued commitment to their duties and expressed gratitude to their spouses, families, instructors, and mentors for their support. The ceremony was attended by former Chief of Army Staff retired Maj.-Gen. Alwali Kazir and other senior retired and serving military officers.

President Bola Tinubu has arrived back in Abuja following a two-week working vacation in the United Kingdom (UK). He landed at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, around 7:20 p.m. on Saturday, where he was welcomed by senior members of his administration.

The President had left Abuja for his working vacation on October 2 as part of his annual leave. On October 11, Tinubu traveled from the UK to Paris, France, for an important engagement, as stated by Ibrahim Masari, his Senior Special Assistant on Political and Other Matters.

Upon his arrival, Tinubu was greeted by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. Other officials present included ministers Wale Edun (Finance), Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning), Nuhu Ribadu (National Security Adviser), and Abdullahi Ganduje (National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress).

Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, has sharply criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, referring to him as a “serial election loser” after Atiku commented on the recent local government elections in Rivers State. Wike’s response came after Atiku suggested that the outcome of the elections, which saw the Action Peoples Party (APP) secure 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions, reflected Wike’s rejection by the people of Rivers State.

Wike, speaking at a luncheon in honor of the 10th Legislative Assembly of Rivers State, dismissed Atiku’s claim, noting that he and his loyalists did not contest in the local elections. He used this opportunity to fire back at Atiku, pointing out that the former Vice President, who has run for the presidency six times and lost, has been consistently rejected by Nigerians. Wike urged Atiku to give up on his pursuit of the presidency, stating, “You that contested and failed woefully, Nigerians have rejected you, therefore pack and go home.”

This exchange adds to the ongoing tensions between Wike and Atiku, particularly following the 2023 general elections, where both men were key figures in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but eventually clashed over various issues.

Electricity consumers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed their frustration over the repeated failures of the national grid, calling for the immediate dismissal of the personnel responsible for managing it. This comes after the grid collapsed again on Saturday, marking the second failure within a week and the seventh in 2024.

Residents from Kuje, Area 10, Gwagwalada, and surrounding areas voiced their concerns, highlighting the recurring nature of the grid collapses. Bisi Afolabi, a Kuje resident, expressed doubt about the competence of those managing the grid, suggesting that if they are incapable of handling the task, they should be replaced with more qualified individuals.

Similarly, Samuel Maduka, a barber from Kuje, shared his disappointment, noting that after the grid’s collapse on Monday, it had barely been restored before it failed again on Saturday. He urged the government to take decisive action, including dismissing the current personnel if necessary, to resolve the issue.

Solomon Oche, a printer from UTC Area 10, referred to the frequent collapses as an embarrassment and called for sanctions against those responsible for grid maintenance. Uduak Essien, a cold room owner in Gwagwalada, lamented the large sums of money invested in the power sector, which have failed to prevent these breakdowns. She reiterated the call for the dismissal of the personnel in charge, stating that only capable professionals should be entrusted with maintaining the grid.

In response to the outage, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) acknowledged the system failure on its Twitter handle, attributing the power supply disruption to the grid collapse that occurred around 8:16 a.m. on Saturday.

Vice President Kashim Shettima and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State are on an official visit to Sweden, aiming to explore sustainable transportation innovations and advancements in telecommunications for Nigeria. Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Mutfwang, confirmed the visit in a statement issued on Saturday from Jos.

The two-day strategic visit included high-level engagements with industry leaders from Scania and Ericsson, both of which are poised to play a significant role in transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure.

At Scania’s headquarters in Södertälje, Sweden, the delegation engaged with the renowned automotive manufacturer, known for its pioneering innovations in green transportation. Scania, a leader in producing heavy-duty trucks and buses, expressed interest in collaborating with Nigeria to modernize the country’s transportation sector through biofuel-powered solutions. Fredrik Wijkander of Scania highlighted the potential impact of biofuel technologies in Nigeria.

Vice President Shettima also led the Nigerian team to Ericsson for discussions on enhancing Nigeria’s digital landscape. They were received by senior executives, including Patrick Johansson, Senior Vice President for the Middle East and Africa, and Peter Olusoji Ogundele, Head of Ericsson Nigeria. The talks focused on strategic collaborations to accelerate the rollout of 5G technology in Nigeria and boost the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.

A major outcome of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and Ericsson, which marks a significant step toward deploying 5G technology across key sectors. This partnership is expected to drive technological transformation and stimulate economic growth by introducing cutting-edge communication solutions in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Army has debunked claims of a leadership vacuum due to the absence of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who is currently on annual leave. In a statement released on Saturday by Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the Army dismissed social media rumors regarding personnel postings, promotions, and confusion within the ranks.

Nwachukwu clarified that the Army operates under a well-structured system with established protocols, ensuring continuity of operations even in the absence of the COAS. He explained that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, has been appointed to act on behalf of the COAS while he is away, following standard military procedures.

The statement further addressed concerns raised by social media speculations, emphasizing that all routine activities, including personnel postings, promotions, and training, are proceeding as scheduled. Recently, the Nigerian Army conducted the Captain-Major Practical Promotion Examination in Akure, and the results were announced by Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe after authorization from the acting COAS.

Nwachukwu stressed that the rumors of a leadership vacuum were baseless, and the Army continues to function smoothly, with ongoing activities such as the Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer Promotion Exercise currently taking place in Jos.

The Cross River State Police Command has detained six suspected Ambazonian rebels for interrogation after they allegedly invaded Akamkpa Local Government Area. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ewa Igri, confirmed the arrest in Calabar on Saturday, describing it as a significant breakthrough for law enforcement.

The Ambazonian separatists, who are seeking independence from Cameroon, claim that their territory should include the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon. Since 2017, these rebels have engaged in armed conflict with the Cameroonian military, leading to the ongoing Anglophone Crisis.

The suspects, aged between 18 and 36, were apprehended following intelligence information, which led to the discovery of their location. DSP Igri revealed that the arrested individuals were found in possession of various weapons, including a GPMG machine gun, an AK-47 rifle, empty magazines, bulletproof vests, and an Ambazonian army stamp. They also had improvised explosive devices, charms, and flags.

Igri further explained that three of the suspects were initially arrested on October 10, based on a tip-off. Their confessions later led to the arrest of three additional rebels. The case has been transferred to the state CID for thorough investigation and prosecution.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced that it has restored power to the national grid following a “temporary disturbance” on Saturday, October 19, 2024. This marked the third grid collapse in just one week, leaving many states without power.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:16 am when power generation dropped to 0MW, leading to widespread blackouts across the country. The disturbance came just four days after a previous grid failure on Monday, which had only just been restored.

Before the collapse, power generation was recorded at 3,968MW at 7 am, but by 9 am, generation had plummeted to 47MW, and power distribution companies were left with 0.00MW of allocated power.

According to data from the Nigerian System Operator’s portal (niggrid.org), all 22 power generation companies were offline during the incident.

In response to the collapse, Ndidi Mbah, General Manager of Public Affairs at TCN, explained that the issue was caused by an explosion in the bus section of a current transformer at the 330kV Jebba Transmission Substation. The protection system at the substation activated to prevent further damage, resulting in the temporary shutdown of the grid.

Mbah further noted that TCN engineers acted quickly to isolate the faulty transformer, reconfigure the busbar arrangement, and restore power supply to the affected areas of the grid.

“Our engineers at Jebba have successfully carried out the necessary switchings and have restored power supply to the station and other parts of the grid,” Mbah stated.

The social media space was flooded with speculation on Friday, October 19, 2024, following reports that Governor Seyi Makinde had entered the presidential race to challenge President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking to reporters at Fashola Farm in Oyo, Makinde dismissed the rumors, stating that any news regarding his political future was premature and unsolicited. He emphasized that if he had any political intentions, he would announce them publicly without relying on intermediaries.

“We didn’t host the PDP reporters’ retreat because someone has a presidential ambition. No comment, nothing. But what I can say is, I’m old enough, and if I decide to pursue something, I will declare it myself. No one can push my agenda for me. When the time comes, I’ll push it myself,” he said.

Makinde reflected on his political journey, recalling the challenges he faced, including failed attempts to enter the Senate, before becoming Governor of Oyo State. He credited his success to the people of Oyo, who, in 2019, defied the odds and supported his candidacy despite his lack of prior political experience.

“Oyo State made a decision in 2019. We didn’t have a godfather, no one sponsored me, and nobody funded our campaign. The people chose to give an outsider a chance. I had no experience in politics or governance, but I had a successful business career, and they trusted me. We produced a document, the ‘Road Map to Accelerated Development of Oyo State 2019-2023,’ and I told the people, ‘Hold me accountable.’ Thankfully, we’ve delivered,” Makinde said.

He also cautioned Nigerians against allowing the country to become a one-party state, highlighting the importance of preserving a multi-party system to enable others to showcase their talents. “Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state,” he warned.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced plans to hold a public hearing to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the frequent grid collapses and outages affecting the country’s electricity supply.

Purpose of the Hearing

In a statement released on Saturday, NERC expressed concern over the increasing incidence of grid disturbances, which have led to significant power outages across several states. The commission emphasized that these outages reverse the progress made in enhancing infrastructure and improving grid stability.

Recent Incident

The statement detailed that a recent outage was triggered by an explosion of a current transformer at the Jebba transmission station at 8:15 a.m., causing a cascade of shutdowns among power plants. Despite this, efforts to restore power were underway, with significant restoration achieved in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by 1 p.m. on the same day.

Stakeholder Engagement

NERC encouraged stakeholders to participate in the upcoming public hearing, which aims to address the challenges plaguing the national grid. The specific date and venue for the hearing will be announced in national dailies.

Structural Changes

The commission also noted ongoing efforts to unbundle the System Operator function from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) as part of the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023. This move is expected to foster greater discipline in grid management and optimize infrastructure investment.

The political rivalry between former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike intensified on Saturday, as Wike criticized Atiku for his repeated electoral failures.

Wike Responds to Atiku’s Comments

The exchange was ignited by Atiku’s earlier remarks on social media regarding the rejection of Wike by the people of Rivers State, following the results of the recent local government elections. Wike retorted, questioning the validity of Atiku’s claims: “We never contested the local government elections. Did we contest? Did we pick forms?”

Wike further asserted, “If you say for an election we did not contest, never participated in, that it shows Nigerians have rejected us, fine. You that contested and failed woefully, Nigerians have rejected you, so pack up and go home.”

A Battle of Words

This latest confrontation showcases the ongoing tension between the two political figures, particularly as they both navigate their positions within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Wike’s comments underscore his belief that Atiku’s previous presidential runs have not resonated with the electorate, mirroring Atiku’s own criticisms of Wike’s political standing.

The exchange reflects a broader struggle within the PDP as both politicians continue to position themselves in the ever-evolving political landscape of Nigeria.

Former Vice President of Nigeria and the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2023 Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has criticized ex-Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his associates for prioritizing personal interests over the pressing issues facing Nigerians.

A Clash of Political Titans

The conflict arose after Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), made remarks in Rivers State asserting that Atiku has been rejected by the Nigerian populace following his multiple presidential election losses. Wike urged Atiku to “pack and go home.”

In response, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, released a statement on Saturday condemning Wike’s comments as “a string of inanities, lacking substance and driven by personal grievances.” He described Wike’s remarks as theatrical outbursts, emphasizing that they reflect his self-absorption and a lack of focus on his ministerial responsibilities.

Priorities Questioned

Atiku asserted that Wike’s fixation on domestic matters in Rivers State demonstrates a disregard for the larger issues at hand in Nigeria. “If he truly believes Nigerians are content with the current state of affairs under the government he serves, it reveals a deeper truth: his priorities lie not with the people but with himself,” the statement read.

While Wike seeks to deflect attention from his shortcomings with what Atiku termed “baseless rants,” the former Vice President reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the real challenges facing Nigerians. Atiku stated, “Our commitment remains unwavering, centred on the welfare and progress of the people.”

Maintaining Dignity

Ibe characterized Wike’s approach as one that indulges in fantasies and attacks on others, asserting that they will not engage in “the gutters where he feels at home.” Instead, Atiku’s camp intends to maintain their dignity while addressing the nation’s concerns.

This exchange underscores the ongoing tensions within Nigerian politics, particularly within the PDP, as leaders navigate their positions and the expectations of their constituents amid a complex political landscape.

In what could be the final chapter of their legendary rivalry, Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) in an exhibition match at the “Six Kings Slam” in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Following the match, Djokovic made an emotional plea to Nadal, urging him not to retire from tennis.

A Touching Farewell

In his on-court interview, Djokovic addressed Nadal directly, saying, “Don’t leave tennis, man.” He reflected on their intense battles over the years, expressing a hope that they could one day relax together on a beach, reminiscing about their storied careers.

Nadal, 38, recently announced that he would retire from tennis after the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month. The exhibition match was promoted as potentially his last singles contest, adding a layer of significance to the encounter.

Nadal’s Uncertainty

Ahead of the match, Nadal expressed uncertainty about his fitness for the upcoming Davis Cup, further indicating that his professional career may be nearing its end. Despite the impending retirement, he demonstrated flashes of brilliance during the exhibition, particularly in the second set, which he managed to push to a tie-break.

Djokovic Dominates

The match itself was largely one-sided, with Djokovic quickly taking the first set in just 31 minutes. While Nadal struggled with unforced errors, the partisan crowd rallied behind him, cheering enthusiastically even when Djokovic double-faulted. Nadal displayed moments of his signature shot-making, including a fist pump that thrilled fans, but ultimately could not overcome Djokovic’s relentless serving.

A Rivalry to Remember

The match marked yet another encounter between two of the sport’s all-time greats, with Djokovic leading their professional rivalry 31-29 over 60 matches prior to Saturday. Their last competitive meeting was at the Paris Olympics, where Djokovic secured a decisive 6-1, 6-4 victory on the same courts where Nadal has claimed a record 14 French Open titles.

As Nadal prepares for the next chapter of his life, Djokovic’s heartfelt plea resonates not only with fans but with the entire tennis community, reflecting the deep respect and camaraderie shared between these two icons of the sport.