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Lagos orders demolition of structures on Gbagada wetland

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The Lagos State government has ordered the removal of all illegal structures on the Gbagada Wetland opposite TREM, in Kosofe Local Government Area.

The wetland is being developed into Maverick Estate by an unnamed property developer.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo gave the demolition order on Friday when he led other top ministry officials on an inspection tour of some drainage projects under System 1 of Ikeja, and Gbagada environs.

Wahab, who described development of a wetland as ‘a recipe for crisis and disaster’, also ordered that the site be sealed up.

He said: “We visited Systems 1 drainage because the contract to establish its Right of Way has been awarded, so we want to ensure the contractor is on site to work. We also awarded the contract for its lining from behind Sheraton down to the Maryland/Ojota Bridge. The sheet piling will start from the other of the bridge to the outfall and into the lagoon.

“We also noticed some encroachments on wetlands across the metropolis, and so we came to Gbagada and discovered this infraction on the wetland opposite the TREM church. The developer has leveled the wetland to build Maverick Estate.

“But we have asked them to stop work and gave them 24 hours removal notice. They should come up with relevant papers, such as wetland clearance, drainage certificate and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificates. These are the documents we must see before they can even proceed to obtain any form of approval from the government.

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“However, its heart wrenching to see how people abuse the environment. This plain should take storm water but they went to build on it illegally. Wetlands are meant to hold rain water, and when the rain subsides and the water level is low, it discharges back into the lagoon.

“We can’t allow this thing to go on. Global warming is real. Look at what is happening in the northern part of the country. That tells you that we can’t keep playing the Ostrich. These are narratives and advocacies we must keep pushing forward and telling our people that we have to do the right thing, and it starts from you and I.”

Asked if they would be allowed to go on building if they have government approval, Wahab retorted ‘no, you can’t build on a wetland. Encroachment on wetland is a recipe for crisis and disaster.”

He added: “Now we have taken up the Right of Way from System One, the most critical system in the state, and we have also taken steps beyond the Right of Way by awarding the contract to sheet pile it line it in order to secure it forever.

“More so, we have awarded the contract for the TREM channel to discharge, collect to Newcastle and discharge to System 1. But from what they are doing here, they will cover it up soon if they are not stopped.

“We are also continuing in our enforcements against encroachment. We have been to the Lekki corridor down to Epe, Ikorodu, Amuwo-Odofin, Badagry, Ojo, Apapa. And those who have erected structures on wetlands have been directed to remove them voluntarily and pay penalty to the government.

“Compliance has been good, though people will push back naturally because it is land and it determines development all over the world. But the fact remains that you can’t encroach on a land designated as a wetland in a coastal state like Lagos, which is below the sea level. It is a recipe for crisis and disaster.”

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I might not be alive to contest in 2027 – Peter Obi raises alarm over threats to his life

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Peter Obi, NDC Presidential candidate
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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has cried out over alleged threat to his life.

Obi, who is a major contender ahead of the 2027 presidential election said he might not be alive to participate in the election.

According to him, there is obvious attack on everything that had to do with him, including his life.

The former Anambra state governor made the allegation during a podcast with Chude Jideonwo.

“The way they are going now I might not be alive,  I’m telling you every single thing I do for a living this government is frustrating it deliberately so.

“Everything, so there’s even a possibility if they have opportunity I will not be alive. I get frustrations every day because you do things that may think it may be normal it is not normal they won’t come directly and say oh we are doing this but you could see their hand in eventually everything.

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“The government is attacking everybody, I am being attacked personally even to provide me with things I am entitled to, not at all,” he said.

He recalled how his vehicle was clamped down at the airport while he was right there, whereas other vehicles lined up on the same spot were untouched.

Obi further that stated that even close associates were beginning to avoid him over fear of government clampdown.

He disclosed that friends now send him invitations for occasions but tell him not to bother attending.

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Yilwatda hails Tinubu’s intervention funds as a promise kept

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President Tinubu and APC National Chairman, Prof Yilwatda
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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that the intervention programmes of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have continued to demonstrate that the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering tangible economic benefits to millions of Nigerians through strategic investments in entrepreneurship, small businesses, and youth empowerment.

According to Professor Yilwatda, the Presidential Intervention Funds represent yet another example of the Tinubu administration fulfilling its campaign promises by providing the critical financial support needed to stimulate enterprise, create jobs, and deepen economic inclusion across the country.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the National Chairman noted that for decades, access to affordable financing remained one of the biggest obstacles confronting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), despite their enormous contribution to national economic growth and employment generation.

The current administration, he said, has deliberately moved to address this challenge through targeted intervention programmes that are unlocking the entrepreneurial potential of Nigerians.

“The Tinubu administration understands that sustainable economic growth begins with empowering the productive sector. By supporting small businesses and young entrepreneurs, government is laying the foundation for long-term prosperity and shared economic progress,” he stated.

Professor Yilwatda highlighted the ₦75 billion Presidential Intervention Fund for MSMEs as a landmark initiative designed to provide accessible financing for small businesses across various sectors of the economy.

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He said the programme is enabling entrepreneurs to expand their operations, increase productivity, and create employment opportunities.

He further pointed to the ₦11 billion support package through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), describing it as a strategic investment in strengthening the capacity and competitiveness of Nigerian small and medium enterprises.

The APC National Chairman also commended the ₦30 billion Youth Entrepreneurship Fund through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), noting that the initiative reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with the resources required to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses and become drivers of national development.

Professor Yilwatda emphasized that these interventions are already making meaningful differences in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Across the country, young entrepreneurs, artisans, farmers, traders, tailors, manufacturers, and other small business owners are accessing capital to expand their businesses, employ more people, and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

He explained that the impact extends beyond individual beneficiaries, creating a multiplier effect through increased productivity, higher household incomes, stronger local economies, and expanded opportunities for wealth creation.

“The APC remains committed to building an economy that works for all Nigerians. These intervention funds are not mere policy announcements; they are practical investments in the dreams and aspirations of millions of our people.

“The evidence is clear. Businesses are receiving support, young people are being empowered, jobs are being created, and economic inclusion is expanding. This is governance that delivers results, and it is another demonstration that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is keeping his promises to the Nigerian people,” Professor Yilwatda said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the APC and the Tinubu administration to implementing policies that promote entrepreneurship, stimulate investment, strengthen local industries, and build a resilient economy capable of delivering sustainable prosperity for all Nigerians.

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Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji set for arraignment as ICPC files six criminal charges over alleged certificate forgery

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Uche Nnaji when he was arrested by security operatives
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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed a six-count criminal charge against former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, , over alleged certificate forgery and related offences.

The charges, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, are contained in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/389/2026, with the Federal Government listed as the complainant and Nnaji as the sole defendant.

According to the charge sheet, the ICPC accused the former minister of receiving N29.58 million in salaries and allowances while serving in office, alleging that he ought to have known the funds were proceeds of an unlawful act arising from corruption and fraud. The commission said the action contravenes provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that Nnaji used his office to confer corrupt advantage on himself and knowingly presented false information to the Federal Government by submitting forged > (NYSC) and (UNN) certificates during his ministerial appointment in 2023.

In separate counts, the ICPC accused him of producing and using as genuine a forged NYSC Certificate of National Service and a forged UNN degree certificate, offences punishable under the Penal Code.

The filing of the charges follows Nnaji’s arrest last Wednesday after arriving in Abuja from Enugu aboard a chartered flight.

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The prosecution stems from an investigation published by Premium Times, which alleged that Nnaji forged his university degree and NYSC certificates submitted to President and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation.

The newspaper reported that the confirmed Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but neither graduated nor was issued a degree certificate, while the NYSC also reportedly disowned the discharge certificate attributed to him.

Nnaji resigned as minister shortly after the allegations became public. He has since defected from the APC to PDP , where he emerged as the governorship candidate of a faction of the party for the 2027 Enugu governorship election.

He is expected to be arraigned before the Federal High Court in the coming days.

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