Governor Seyi Makinde said on Wednesday that building strong institutions that would guarantee good governance remains a priority of his administration.

Mr Makinde stated this while hosting leaders of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) in Ibadan, adding that building such institutions would make the state continue to thrive.

“My administration will, therefore, not only be remembered for building infrastructure across the state but for putting in place strong institutions,” the Oyo governor said.

Mr Makinde explained that his administration’s decision to embark on massive infrastructure development was predicated on the fact that there was an infrastructure deficit in the state.

Speaking about the forthcoming Ondo governorship election, Mr Makinde rallied support for the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Agboola Ajayi.

Even though any election should not be a do-or-die affair, he urged the electoral umpire to allow the people’s votes to count.

The Anambra government has approved N489.716 million for airfield lighting at Chinua Achebe International Airport, Awka.

The Anambra State Executive Council awarded the contract to facilitate night landings at the airport.

This was disclosed in a statement by Law Mefor, the information commissioner, on Wednesday in Awka.

He said other decisions reached by the council included enhanced security for life and property, with approval for kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

The government also awarded the contract for developing a master plan for heritage sites at N125.8 million, while the College of Nursing Sciences, Isuofia, would gulp N150.69 million for property clearing and fencing extension.

Mr Mefor said the reconstruction of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital entrance gate was awarded at N112.7 million.

According to him, N42.8 million will also be spent installing a 200 KVA/11KV transformer for the institution’s College of Medicine.

He said the power supply to Anambra Mix-Use Industrial City, Ogboji, will be enhanced with a 33KV line from the Oji-River substation for N1.74 billion with a dedicated injection substation for N1.24 billion.

The commissioner added that the state government also approved N76.2 million for the renovation of the Naval Base at Iyiowa Odekpe, which will be completed in two months.

N715.12 million will be spent installing ultraviolet-resistant chairs at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.

The Anambra State Solution Data Platform will get N97.1 million.

Joe Biden welcomed Donald Trump back to the White House on Wednesday, in a show of civility to a bitter rival who failed to extend him the same courtesy four years ago.

The US president and president-elect shook hands in front of a roaring fire in the Oval Office as they pledged a smooth transition — a stark contrast to Trump’s refusal to recognize his 2020 defeat.

“Welcome back,” Biden, 81, said as he congratulated the 78-year-old Trump and offered brief opening remarks to the man he has repeatedly slammed as a threat to democracy.

Biden, who dropped out of the election in July but saw his successor Kamala Harris lose to Trump last week, said he was “looking forward to having a smooth transition” and pledged to do “everything we can to make sure you’re accommodated.”

As the two presidents with a combined age of 159 years shook hands, Biden appeared to look down while Trump leaned forward and looked him in the eyes.

Trump riled up a mob that attacked the US Capitol in 2021 and ran a brutal and divisive election campaign this year — but sought to strike a gracious tone on his return visit to the White House.

“Politics is tough, and in many cases it’s not a very nice world. It is a nice world today and I appreciate it very much,” Trump said.

Trump added that the transfer of power would be “smooth as you can get” — despite the fact that his transition team has not yet signed some key legal documents ahead of his inauguration as president on January 20.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday, presented the state’s 2025 appropriation bill to the House of Assembly, commending the lawmakers for their continued support of his administration.

Laying the budget before the lawmakers, Adeleke stated that the appropriation bill, being the 34th in the history of the state, included a capital expenditure of N144,231,183,800 and a recurrent expenditure of N245,797,093,940.00.

Adeleke, who reiterated that the 2025 proposed estimates aligned with the existing Osun State Development Plan, 2023–2050, noted that the major focus of the bill was to meet the people’s needs by completing all ongoing projects.

On the revenue projections for 2025, Adeleke said the government expected N196bn from the federation account, while N109,870,932,830.00 would be expected from independent sources.

“The total size of the 2025 budget is N390,028,277,740.00. The expenditure comprises capital expenditure of N144,231,183,800 and recurrent expenditure of N245,797,093,940.00.

“Recurrent expenditure is divided into personnel costs, which include salaries and allowances, as well as pensions and gratuities, totalling N102,895,821,010.00. The balance of N142,901,272,930.00 is set aside,” Adeleke said.

Reporting on the performance of the 2024 budget, the governor said his administration had made significant progress in implementing the state agenda, adding that he had achieved unprecedented progress across various sectors.

According to him, his administration reduced the rural health access gap by 40 per cent through the rehabilitation of over two hundred primary healthcare centres, increased healthcare access for all pensioners from less than 10 per cent to 90 per cent within two years, and reduced the road infrastructure gap by 50 per cent from 80 per cent.

He, however, promised to continue driving bold reforms and establishing a system-driven environment conducive to efficient service delivery for the people of Osun State.

The Commander of the United States Africa Command, General Michael Langley, has visited the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, noted that the AFRICOM Commander was accompanied by the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills.

According to Gusau, Langley commended the Defence Headquarters’ strategy in combating insecurity.

He stated, “General Langley praised Nigeria’s approach to tackling insecurity within the country and its strategic leadership role in the sub-region. He also congratulated the Chief of Defence Staff on his appointment as Chairman of the Committee of ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff.”

Gusau added that the CDS pledged to collaborate with other nations to eliminate terrorism in West Africa.

He further noted that Musa requested the United States’ support in the procurement of weapons and other equipment.

Gusau said, “In his response, the CDS thanked the AFRICOM Commander for taking the time to visit Nigeria and assured him of the Armed Forces’ commitment to cooperate with other nations in the sub-region to eradicate all forms of terrorism and crime.

“General Musa also sought greater defence cooperation with the United States, particularly in training, intelligence sharing, and facilitating the procurement of necessary platforms from the US.”

The Nigerian Navy has taken delivery of three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters.

The helicopters, which were purchased by the Ministry of Defence, were handed over to the Navy on November 12, 2024.

A statement released on Wednesday by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, said the Ministry of Defence handed over the helicopters to the Navy at a brief ceremony in Lagos.

Adams-Aliu said, “The Ministry of Defence handed over three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters to the Nigerian Navy.

“The brief handover ceremony took place at Ikeja, Lagos. The Chief of the Naval Staff, accompanied by other senior officers, was present to receive the newly acquired helicopters.”

Adams-Aliu added that the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, expressed appreciation to the Ministers of Defence, Abubakar Badaru and Bello Matawelle, for facilitating the procurement of the helicopters.

He said, “The CNS thanked the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, for his unflinching support to the Armed Forces in general and the Nigerian Navy in particular.

“He also expressed gratitude to both the Honourable Minister of Defence and the Honourable Minister of State for Defence for facilitating the acquisition of the helicopters to enhance NN operations such as air reconnaissance, search and rescue, air insertion, and MEDEVAC.”

Speaking on the capabilities of the helicopters, Adams-Aliu said the AW 109 helicopters are configured for VIP use, with full leather interiors and a noise attenuation system.

He added, “Furthermore, the helicopter is designed with landing skids, which provide better loading capacity compared to wheeled helicopters.

Additionally, it is equipped with auxiliary tanks, which extend its endurance to up to 3 hours 40 minutes.

“Thus, the helicopter could be used for long-range transport flights. The helicopters can also be retrofitted with purpose-built mission equipment.”

Fire on Wednesday gutted Eco Fitness Center in the Gwarinpa area of Abuja.

It was learnt that 50 people escaped from the popular fitness center when the fire began.

The fire occurred at about 10:00 am and firefighters were called to put out the blaze.

As at time of filing this report, the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

Although the fire was successful quenched, large portions of the facility were razed.

There were no casualties.

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has urged the federal government to harness the power of technology to strengthen its security framework and build a safer, more resilient Nigeria.

Bradley Markwald, the embassy’s senior regional security officer, said this at the 2024 Annual General Meeting of ASIS International, Chapter 273, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Mr Markwald noted that with Nigeria’s vast population, rich resources, and extensive geographic expanse, safeguarding national security presents complex challenges and unique opportunities.

“By incorporating satellite-based imagery from platforms like the NigeriaSat-X and the European Space Agency’s Copernicus programme, we can monitor vast swathes of land, borders, and critical infrastructure in real-time.

“Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, equipped with thermal imaging and Al-powered tracking software, can be deployed for surveillance in remote areas, providing intelligence on movements and activities of potential security threats.

“The integration of sensor networks along Nigeria’s borders, highways, and ports could offer a proactive approach to security by detecting unusual activity such as unauthorised vehicle movements or crossing of borders in real-time,” Mr Markwald said.

He added that technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) sensors could alert authorities to possible incursions or natural disasters that may threaten national security.

According to him, these tools would not only enhance defensive posture but also help keep Nigerian citizens and businesses safer by enabling timely interventions.

The security expert also called for modernising border control, adding that effective border control was essential to Nigeria’s national security strategy and that technology could significantly improve this area.

Mr Markwald said that the United Arab Emirates had implemented an eGate system that employs facial and fingerprint recognition to streamline immigration while enhancing security.

He added that for Nigeria, adopting cost-effective solutions like Suprema ID’s BioMini Slim 3 fingerprint scanners could make a significant difference.

The governing body of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation has reappointed Mr Robert Floyd as its executive secretary.

The statement indicated that Mr Floyd’s reappointment reaffirmed his leadership for a second term and that the extension would ensure he continues through 2029.

The organisation disclosed this in a statement by Gunnar Vrang, CTBTO’s spokesman.

Commenting on the outcome of the 63rd Preparatory Commission session on Wednesday in Vienna, the organisation said it had banned all nuclear explosions everywhere, by everyone, and for all times.

It added that adherence to the treaty is nearly universal, with 187 signatories and 178 ratifying states.

To enter into force, the organisation said, the treaty must be ratified by all 44 countries listed in its Annex 2, for which nine ratifications are still required.

Mr Floyd said, “I am truly honoured and I look forward to continuing our important work together with member states, advancing our shared mission of a nuclear-test-free world and a world of peace and security, now and for generations to come.

“I will remain focused on working with all of you to secure the entry into force of this critical treaty. In times of global uncertainty, it is essential that we protect and strengthen what we have built together: this organisation, our work, the International Monitoring System (IMS), and the invaluable skills within our team.”

The CTBTO chief also outlined several key priorities for his second term, including establishing and certifying the remaining IMS facilities. He emphasised the importance of sustaining the unique global monitoring network and expanding capacity-building opportunities for states that have signed the CTBT.

He also highlighted the upcoming On-Site Inspection Integrated Field Exercise (IFE) in Sri Lanka, designed to rigorously test the application of OSI techniques, mechanisms, systems, and procedures as a critical step in further developing verification capabilities.

Mr Floyd reiterated his commitment to promoting diversity, known as “the three Gs” – ensuring geographic, gender and generational representation across the organisation.

Mr Floyd, an International Gender Champion network, has led the CTBTO since August 2021. Before joining the organisation, he served as director-general of the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO), Australia’s authority on treaties that control weapons of mass destruction.

Governor Babagana Zulum has approved the reinstatement of 23 health workers previously suspended for being absent from duty at Gwoza General Hospital.

Mr Zulum gave the approval on Tuesday while inspecting the hospital’s newly renovated maternity and child centre and other ongoing projects.

The workers were initially suspended after the governor found them absent during a previous visit.

“Complaints were made about the 23 medical workers who were absent during my last visit. No one is perfect, so the government has pardoned them, although no arrears will be paid,” stated the governor.

Addressing the staff, Mr Zulum emphasised the importance of dedication to duty and assured them of improved working conditions and incentives.

In response to a staffing shortage revealed by Nuhu Wakawa, the hospital’s principal medical officer, Mr Zulum directed the immediate deployment of four additional doctors and ten nurses.

He also announced plans to upgrade the hospital to train nursing students from the new nursing school under construction.

“The commissioner for health and the chief medical director of the Hospitals Management Board will handle this deployment,” he added.

He, however, promised to recruit community health workers from Gwoza to strengthen local healthcare.

During his visit, Mr Zulum inspected a crusher plant under construction in Pulka, which is expected to produce up to 300 tonnes of stone per hour and will support new road networks across Borno.

He also visited a 500-unit mass housing project in Wala B, Gwoza LGA, and the proposed site for a high Islamic school in Bama.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure and educational development.

A federal judge in Louisiana has suspended a contentious law that sought to mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms.

The legislation passed earlier this year and was seen as a bold move by the state, making Louisiana the first in decades to mandate such religious displays in schools.

The ruling, issued by U.S. District Court Judge John W. deGravelles, declared the law unconstitutional.

Judge deGravelles, appointed by then-President Barack Obama, stated that the law, set to go into effect on January 1, 2024, would force students to view religious texts daily without any practical way to avoid them.

In his ruling, the judge described the law as “coercive,” arguing that it imposed an undue burden on students’ rights.

He noted that while the state could explore other ways of teaching about the Ten Commandments, requiring their display in classrooms was excessive.

The law would have required every public school classroom, elementary through college, to display posters of the Ten Commandments, at least 11 by 14 inches in size, with the commandments prominently featured.

The posters would also have included a statement highlighting the historical role of the commandments in early American education.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, a Republican, responded swiftly, announcing plans to appeal the decision.

She expressed confidence that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, known for its conservative leanings, would take a different view.

Supporters of the law, largely conservative Christian groups, have framed the legislation to reaffirm the Ten Commandments’ historical importance in American culture and education.

However, opponents argue that it violates the constitutional separation of church and state.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday returned to Abuja from an official trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he attended the Joint Arab-Islamic summit.

The president arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at about 8:00 p.m. and was welcomed by members of his administration.

Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff, and Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, were on hand to welcome Mr Tinubu.

Others were FCT minister Nyesom Wike and APC national chair Abdullahi Ganduje.

Mr Tinubu was accompanied on the trip by foreign affairs minister Yusuf Tuggar, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, and information minister Mohammed Idris.

Also in the president’s entourage was NOA boss Mohammed Mohammed.

United States President-elect Donald Trump has announced that tech billionaire Elon Musk will serve in the Department of Government Efficiency.

Musk will be joined by American patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, and together they will lead the department.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Trump on Tuesday, 12th November 2024, which was shared via Musk’s X handle early on Wednesday.

The Republican noted that their appointments will help his administration “dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excessive regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies.”

Trump, 78, who defeated Vice President and Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 US presidential election, added that the department, popularly called DOGE, would work with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large-scale structural reform and create an entrepreneurial approach to government never seen before.”

The statement read, “I am pleased to announce that the great Elon Musk, working in conjunction with American patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead the Department of Government Efficiency (‘DOGE’). Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excessive regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies — essential to the ‘Save America’ movement. This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in government waste, which is a lot of people!” stated Mr Musk.

“It will become, potentially, ‘The Manhattan Project’ of our time. Republican politicians have dreamed about the objectives of ‘DOGE’ for a very long time. To drive this kind of drastic change, the Department of Government Efficiency will provide advice and guidance from outside of government and will partner with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to drive large-scale structural reform and create an entrepreneurial approach to government never seen before.”

“I look forward to Elon and Vivek making changes to the federal bureaucracy with an eye on efficiency and, at the same time, making life better for all Americans. Importantly, we will drive out the massive waste and fraud that exists throughout our annual $6.5 trillion of government spending. They will work together to liberate our economy and make the US government accountable to ‘We the People.’”

“Their work will conclude no later than 4th July 2026. A smaller government, with more efficiency and less bureaucracy, will be the perfect gift to America on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. I am confident they will succeed!”

Musk, the owner of social media platform X, electric car manufacturer Tesla, and internet company Starlink, was vocal in his support for the Trump-Vance presidential ticket in the last election.

He donated $75 million to the pro-Trump spending group, according to Reuters.

Other appointees in Trump’s cabinet include:

Lee Zeldin — Environmental Protection Agency Administrator
Mike Waltz — National Security Advisor
Susie Wiles — White House Chief of Staff
Tom Homan — Border Czar
Elise Stefanik — Ambassador to the United Nations
Stephen Miller — Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy

Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed for rescue operations in Taraba State have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers.

The kidnappers were reportedly apprehended after a distress call from residents of Chachanji village regarding the abduction of two individuals by a group of around 10 armed men on motorcycles on 7 November.

In a statement posted on X.com on Tuesday, the army said 14 motorcycles, two bags of Indian hemp, and a locally made pistol were recovered during the rescue operation.

The statement partly read, “Upon making contact with the armed group, the superior firepower of the troops forced the kidnappers to withdraw deep into the bush, leaving behind their locally fabricated pistol and two bags of Indian hemp.

“The troops’ thorough exploitation of the area prevented further criminal activity and disrupted the kidnappers’ operations.”

The statement, however, revealed that in a follow-up operation, the troops arrested the 12 suspects and seized 14 motorcycles at a local drinking joint in Mbhakyir village, close to Agu Centre, on 9 November.

“During an intensive investigation, the arrested suspects admitted to being part of the kidnapping operation and identified their leader as Veior John Gata, a notorious terrorist who has been on the wanted list of security agencies for orchestrating criminal activities in parts of southern Taraba and Benue states,” the statement added.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in a fatal truck accident in the Aiyetoro area of Epe, Lagos State, on Monday.

In a post on X.com on Tuesday, Sanwo-Olu extended his condolences to the families affected by the accident.

He wrote, “I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences in light of the tragic traffic accident that occurred in the Aiyetoro area of Epe, Lagos State, yesterday, Monday, 11 November 2024.

“Reports indicate that a cement truck suffered brake failure, resulting in the unfortunate loss of lives and injuries sustained.

“With deep sorrow, I extend my sympathies to the families of those affected. I also pray for the departed souls and for the speedy recovery of those injured.

“May the families find solace in the love and support surrounding them, and may the cherished memories of their loved ones bring them some comfort as they navigate their grief.”

Ten people have lost their lives and one sustained injuries in a fatal road accident at Yanfari village in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Tuesday.

Adam said the accident, which occurred on Monday, involved a Toyota Hummer bus and a parked trailer.

He explained that the accident happened when the Toyota Hummer bus with registration number HDJ 631 YDD, travelling from Kano to Hadejia, collided with a parked trailer with registration number RGN180 ZC, causing the bus to somersault.

He stated, “The Jigawa State Police Command regrets to announce that on 12 November 2024, at about 21:30 hrs, a fatal motor vehicle accident occurred in Yanfari village, Taura LGA, along the Kano/Hadejia Road.”

According to him, the driver of the vehicle and nine other passengers died at the scene, while one passenger sustained injuries.

“Upon receipt of the tragic report, the patrol team attached to Taura Division rushed to the scene, where 10 bodies were evacuated to Hadejia General Hospital for medical examinations.

“The attending doctor certified them dead, while the remaining passenger was admitted to Majia Primary Health Care Centre and is responding to treatment,” he said.

He added that an investigation has commenced to determine the cause of the accident.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, is expected to present the 2025 budget before the state House of Assembly on Wednesday.

The Speaker of the House, Adewale Egbedun, disclosed this on Tuesday during plenary.

According to Mr Egbedun, the governor forwarded a letter dated November 11, with a title “Laying of Year 2025 Draft Budget of Osun State before the House,” to the assembly, intimating the Speaker and state lawmakers of the budget presentation.

The letter read, “I am pleased to inform the distinguished members of the Osun State House of Assembly through the Honourable Speaker of our intention to lay the 2025 draft budget of the state before the house on Wednesday, November 13, having concluded its preparation and approved by the state executive council. This is to confirm with the extant rules and regulations which stipulates that such draft budget should be presented to the House for approval at the end of the year preceding the commencement of the budget implementation.’’

A minute of silence was, however, observed for the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, after his tribute was read by Adekunle Oladimeji, the lawmaker representing Irepodun/Orolu State Constituency, where Lagbaja hailed from.

The House thereafter deliberated on the Osun State Property Protection Bill 2024 which eventually scaled first reading, while “Osun State Drug and Medical Supply Management Agency Establishment Bill 2024’ policy thrust was read by the Majority Leader, Babajide Kofoworola.

The Drug and Medical Supply Management Agency Establishment Bill was passed for second reading after lawmakers made contributions and stated the advantages of having the agency in the state.

The house later dissolved into the “committee of whole” where they further considered and deliberated on the Osun State Consumer Protection Agency Establishment Bill 2024.

The Government of Equatorial Guinea has filed a lawsuit against Baltasar Engonga, the former Director General of the country’s National Financial Investigation Agency, for alleged misconduct in connection with a sex tape scandal.

The government stated that the actions of the ex-anti-graft agency chief “violate the ethical and moral values of noble Equatorial Guinean society.”

Through the Minister of Information, Press, and Culture, Jerónimo Osa Osa, the government made this known over the weekend.

In a public address covered by local media platform Ahora EG, the Minister of Information announced that the Equatorial Guinean Government, through the State Attorney General’s Office, would initiate a thorough investigation into the acts committed by Baltasar Ebang Engonga.

Ahora EG reported, “This decision comes after several videos went viral in which Ebang Engonga is seen having sexual relations with multiple women, some of whom are married.”

The government reacted on Friday in an official statement, condemning these acts as “violations of the ethical and moral values of noble Equatorial Guinean society.”

The government has consequently announced the initiation of legal proceedings against Ebang Engonga and his accomplices through the Public Prosecutor’s Office, aiming to hold them accountable before the law.

“In light of these serious events, which severely undermine family and social cohesion, and considering the negative impact that this situation has on the good image of our country, tarnishing its reputation, the government, through the Public Prosecutor’s Office, has commenced a thorough investigation to establish responsibilities at the administrative, civil, and criminal levels, given the possibility of a public health impact,” reported the government spokesperson.

The government further stated it would assess various parameters, such as the distinction between personal and private spheres, prior consent (explicit or implicit), violations of privacy, damage to individuals’ honour and prestige, and the rights of those harmed by these events, including the state itself.

The Lagos government says it will require an investment of $14 billion to $33 billion to meet its energy generation needs by 2030.

Kamaldeen Balogun, general manager of the Lagos State Electricity Board, disclosed this at the 15th Ralph Alabi Memorial Lecture and Induction of new corporate members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers Ikeja Chapter.

Mr Balogun, an engineer, while delivering a keynote address at the event, said that the figure was obtained from the Lagos Bureau of Statistics.

According to him, energy supply is currently Lagos’ single biggest infrastructure and developmental challenge.

He also said that the state receives only 1,000 megawatts daily for an average of 12 hours, against the required 9,000 megawatts.

The general manager noted that this was in the light of the 2023 Electricity Act, which gave powers to the states to generate, transmit and distribute energy within their jurisdiction.

Mr Balogun explained that the Lagos power sector offers opportunities in Independent Power Plants, renewable energy, especially solar, off-grid and mini-grid solutions for underserved areas, and energy storage systems to improve reliability.

He stated that the gas-to-power projects and smart grid technologies also present lucrative investments, expanding distribution networks, adding that public-private partnerships would further drive growth.

Mr Balogun said emerging sectors like electric vehicle infrastructure and waste-to-energy projects offer long-term potential.

“The power deficit in the state, the plans and target of the government create vast investment opportunities in the generation, transmission, distribution and retailing sectors of the power value chain.

“The Lagos Electricity Market Implementation Plan aims to enhance power generation and distribution by promoting private sector involvement and independent power producers. This is to generate 3000MW of electricity to power Lagos State communities within the next 30 months,” he said.

According to him, the electricity market implementation plan focuses on grid modernisation and upgrading infrastructure with smart technologies to improve reliability and efficiency.

The plan encourages renewable energy integration of 1000Mw of power, emphasising solar and off-grid solutions to diversify the energy mix.

The government of the Dominican Republic arrested two Nigerians last weekend following credible intelligence reports that they were suspected drug dealers.

Having ingested scores of bags of cocaine, both men, aged 50 and 44, were scheduled to depart the Caribbean nation to travel to Paris, France, on the same aircraft, but the security operatives aborted their plans.

Agents of the National Directorate of Drug Control (DNCD) examined the suspects using an X-ray machine, which revealed they were carrying foreign substances.

The X-ray scan prompted the agents to transfer them to the Central Hospital of the Armed Forces to determine the foreign substance and force it out.

Healthcare professionals initiated the procedure to extract the substances, and the suspects excreted 150 bags of cocaine, setting them up for prosecution and trial.

But DNCD officials are widening the investigation net to identify other persons that might be connected to the drug trafficking scheme.