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Lawmakers Highlights Gains Of Lagos Red Line Rail, Hail Sanwoolu

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The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the successful completion of the Red Line rail project of the state.

 

 

The House also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the foundation in Lagos upon which successive administrations have built while appreciating Speaker Mudashiru Obasa for playing positive roles by ensuring legislative approvals in support of the blue and red line projects.

 

 

The first phase of the 37-kilometre red line rail, constructed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), was commissioned on February 29 with seven stations between Agbado, a boundary town in Ogun State, and Oyingbo in Lagos Central.

 

 

Dr. Obasa, while addressing his colleagues on Tuesday, commended past governors for sustaining Tinubu’s vision for Lagos, describing the red line rail project as a significant step in the effort of the government to improve living and boost the economy of the state.

 

 

“It was very significant, historic and memorable. It is a plus for the government and people of Lagos and it is necessary that we commend the man in charge and his team who have put so much into this to make it realistic.

 

 

“It is not just about the project, but its economic importance to the state, especially being the second one to be commissioned. The line will eliminate traffic issues and associated challenges.

 

 

“It is also necessary to commend Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who was on hand to commission the project and for laying the foundation by establishing LAMATA years ago when he was governor of Lagos. We are getting there,” he said.

 

 

The Speaker, while directing the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to transmit letters of commendation to the President, Sanwo-Olu, former Governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode for sustaining Tinubu’s vision for Lagos, added that the House will continue to monitor the operations of the trains.

 

 

In his contribution, the chairman of the committee on transportation, Hon. Adewale Temitope, described the project as amazing, but noted: “this wouldn’t have been successful if this House, under your leadership, did not pass the budget or approve appropriation for the project.

 

 

“Mr. Speaker, you have always mentioned that there is no need for us to have more vehicles on the road and that we must look in the direction of mass transit and intermodal transport systems.”

 

 

He noted that Dr. Obasa had been steadfast in his belief that the blue and red lines would make positive impacts in the lives of the people of the state and as a result, constantly convinced the lawmakers to approve money for the projects.

 

 

On his part, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House, Hon. David Setonji, said the progress enjoyed in the state is the result of a stable political environment. He commended the governor for his steadfastness while appreciating the Speaker for doing everything to make sure that Lagosians enjoy the benefits of democracy.

 

 

While noting the role played by the Assembly in the completion of the project, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu commended the Speaker and some committees of the House for approving the required funds.

 

 

Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, while applauding the Speaker for his doggedness to make Lagos habitable, added: “Now, Lagosians can really plan their movements just like it happens in most western countries.”

 

 

He also urged for the provision of parks where car owners can keep their vehicles when they plan to take the trains.

 

 

Hon. Suraju Olatunji appreciated the Speaker for being among the lawmakers who passed the law that created LAMATA many years ago while his colleague, Nureni Akinsanya, urged the governor not to relent on the proposed yellow line rail project.

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NDLEA warns public against fake auction offers using officials’ names

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned Nigerians to be wary of fraudsters impersonating its officials to defraud unsuspecting members of the public through fake auction offers for forfeited vehicles.

 

In a statement issued on Friday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the scammers have been using the names of senior NDLEA officials, particularly the Secretary to the Agency, Barrister Shadrach Haruna, to circulate fraudulent letters and messages offering cheap forfeited vehicles for sale.

 

Babafemi described the offers as a deliberate scam aimed at swindling people of their money.

“The public is hereby notified that these offers are a complete scam. The Agency wishes to categorically state that these fraudulent offers are a malicious gimmick designed solely to defraud targeted individuals of their hard-earned money,” he said.

 

The agency stressed that no NDLEA official is authorised to privately allocate, sell or offer forfeited vehicles or any other seized assets to individuals.

According to the statement, all forfeited vehicles and assets are disposed of only through public auction processes conducted by government-approved auctioneers in line with legal and public procurement guidelines.

Babafemi added that legitimate auction exercises are always widely advertised in national newspapers and through the agency’s official communication channels.

He urged members of the public to disregard and report any letters, text messages or social media posts claiming to offer forfeited vehicles through Barrister Haruna or any other NDLEA official.

“The NDLEA remains committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in all its operations. Do not fall victim to these criminal elements. If you are approached with such fraudulent offers, please report immediately to the nearest NDLEA command or through our official communication channels,” the statement added.

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Initiators Promise Big As NIGMA Gets August 2026 Date

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The organisers of this year’s Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards ( NIGMA) have announced that the upcoming edition will celebrate the very best of the gospel music industry in an atmosphere of excellence, creativity, and inspiration.

 

The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the prestigious Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Kingsley Omoefe, Founder and Team Lead of NIGMA and Chief Responsibility Officer of Golden Heritage Limited, said the August event is designed to bring together gospel music ministers, industry stakeholders, fans, and supporters for a memorable celebration of talent, faith, and excellence.

He stated that attendees should expect an unforgettable experience featuring outstanding performances from leading gospel artists, alongside special recognitions for individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the industry.

The organisers also revealed that the event will feature meaningful conversations designed to inspire participants, promote collaboration, and foster the continued growth of gospel music.

The organisers said the August gathering would create memorable moments that would leave guests inspired, enriched, and motivated long after the curtains close.

They further called on corporate organisations, media outfits, and well-meaning individuals to take advantage of the opportunities available to support the event through sponsorships and strategic partnerships.

The organisers encouraged interested organisations and individuals seeking sponsorship, partnership, media accreditation, or participation to contact the event management for further information and registration ahead of the highly anticipated August programme.

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Nottingham Forest Sacks 5th Manager In 10 Months, To Wrap Up Oliver Glasner’s Deal

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Oliver Glasner is in advanced talks to replace Vitor Pereira as Nottingham Forest head coach, a move which would see the Austrian become the club’s fifth manager in less than a year.

 

Pereira announced his departure from the club in a statement on Wednesday, saying that it came as a “complete surprise to me and without any warning”.

Glasner is a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace — where he won the FA Cup in 2024-25 and then the Community Shield and Conference League the following campaign — and is set to stay in the Premier League.

The 51-year-old confirmed in January that he would leave Palace at the end of the season after two years in charge.

On Thursday, Forest confirmed Pereira’s coaching staff Filipe Almeida, Luis Miguel, Bruno Moura, Marco Knoop and Pedro Lopes had all left the club alongside the head coach.

Pereira, 57, was appointed Forest head coach in February on an 18-month contract which runs until 2027.

The Athletic reported in May Forest had been planning to show their faith in Pereira by handing the head coach a new long-term contract, but those talks were subsequently put on hold.

“Today marks the end of my journey as head coach of Nottingham Forest,” he said in his statement.

“I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone connected with this incredible football club. Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club’s right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future.

“Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I truly believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the past months.

“Together, we enjoyed a memorable end to the season. We secured the club’s Premier League status, reached the semi-finals of the Europa League, and created moments that will stay with me forever. Most importantly, I saw a group of players grow in confidence, belief and togetherness.

“I leave Nottingham Forest with no bitterness or resentment—only respect, gratitude and wonderful memories. Football is full of unexpected moments, and while this chapter has ended sooner than I expected, I will always look back on my time here with pride and affection.”

The Portuguese succeeded Sean Dyche and was Forest’s fourth permanent boss of the season following the departures of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou.

Nuno had led Forest to Europa League qualification the previous season but he departed in September, less than three months after signing a new deal. Postecoglou was appointed his replacement but was dismissed just 39 days later. Dyche took charge of the team in October before his dismissal in February.

Forest were three points above the relegation zone when Pereira was appointed and he subsequently steered his side to Premier League safety with two games of the campaign remaining.

His appointment marked his second managerial spell in the Premier League after guiding Wolverhampton Wanderers to safety during the 2024-25 campaign.

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