Nigeria News (Standard)
Sanwo-Olu Says Women’s Inclusion Key to Engineering Sector Growth in Lagos
Lagos governor highlights urgent need for gender balance, calls for greater participation of women in technical fields
Lagos governor highlights urgent need for gender balance, calls for greater participation of women in technical fields
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has emphasised the critical role of women in shaping the future of engineering and technology across Lagos State. Speaking on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, at an official event in Lagos, the governor stressed that increased female representation is essential for sustainable development and innovation in the sector.
Sanwo-Olu stated that women’s contributions to engineering remain underrepresented despite their proven capacity to drive progress. He urged both public and private stakeholders to prioritise policies that support equal opportunities for women in technical professions, noting that no society can achieve meaningful advancement while neglecting half its population.
The call comes as Lagos continues its push to position itself as a leading hub for science and technology within Nigeria and West Africa. With a growing demand for skilled engineers and innovators, experts say addressing gender disparity could unlock new solutions for infrastructure, power, and digital transformation challenges facing the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “Women are vital partners in building our economy. We must create more enabling environments where young girls and women can pursue careers in engineering without barriers.” He noted that efforts are underway within the state’s education system to encourage more female students to take up STEM subjects at secondary and tertiary levels.
While advocacy groups have welcomed the governor’s remarks, they also called for concrete implementation measures such as mentorship schemes and scholarship programmes tailored to aspiring female engineers. The administration has pledged continued engagement with industry leaders to ensure lasting progress towards gender equity in Lagos’ engineering workforce.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Northwest HRGDS Condemns Killing of 21 in Plateau’s Bokkos LGA, Demands Swift Security Action
Rights group urges security agencies to intensify efforts after latest night attack in Mushere Kingdom leaves families mourning
Rights group urges security agencies to intensify efforts after latest night attack in Mushere Kingdom leaves families mourning
The Human Rights and Grassroots Development Society (HRGDS) Northwest chapter has strongly condemned the killing of at least 21 residents in Kawel Village, Mushere Kingdom, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. The attack, which occurred while villagers were asleep, took place in the early hours of Monday, leaving the community in shock and deep mourning.
According to Hadjia Rukayya Abdulhafeez, Northwest Coordinator of HRGDS, the organisation is deeply saddened by what she described as a recurring cycle of violence that continues to claim innocent lives and destabilise communities in Plateau State. She said the most recent incident is a tragic reminder of the urgent need for proactive security measures to protect vulnerable rural populations.
The HRGDS extended condolences to families of those killed, survivors who sustained injuries, and the people of Mushere Kingdom. Abdulhafeez noted that this latest attack comes just days after the killing of a traditional ruler in the same local government area—a development she called “deeply troubling and unacceptable”. The group stated it was praying for the peaceful repose of those lost and quick recovery for those injured.
Calling on government and security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and strengthen rapid response mechanisms, Abdulhafeez urged that perpetrators be identified and brought to justice. She stressed that only through effective law enforcement can peace be restored in Plateau’s conflict-hit communities.
As at press time, there has been no official statement from Plateau State Government or security agencies regarding arrests or deployment of additional personnel. HRGDS said it will continue to monitor developments and support affected communities, urging all stakeholders to work towards ending repeated violence in the North-Central state.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/northwest-group-condemns-fresh-plateau-massacre/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos State Orders Alaba Rago Traders to Vacate Roadside Market Within 72 Hours
Taskforce cites illegal structures and environmental hazards; no relocation plan announced for affected traders
Taskforce cites illegal structures and environmental hazards; no relocation plan announced for affected traders
Lagos State Government has issued a 72-hour quit notice to traders operating along the Alaba Rago corridor on the Mile 2–Badagry Expressway, warning that enforcement action will commence against anyone still trading on the site after the deadline. The directive was delivered on Monday by the Lagos State Taskforce, citing illegal structures, roadside trading, and environmental concerns as primary reasons for the eviction.
According to CSP Adetayo Akerele, Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, officials conducted sensitisation meetings with traders before issuing the notice. Akerele said that makeshift shops, unauthorised structures and what he described as ‘mini brothels’ are incompatible with Lagos’s status as a modern megacity and its position as an international gateway. The corridor in question forms part of the ECOWAS Road linking Lagos to Seme border, heavily used by cross-border traders and international travellers.
The situation has stirred apprehension among traders, who were told during an official briefing to ‘find a place to rent and be living there and go to market and sell your market.’ As at press time, government has not announced any relocation site or alternative market for those affected. This lack of a transition plan mirrors recent events in Lagos: just last week, Oshodi Resettlement Market—originally established for earlier evictees—was itself shut down after alleged attacks on sanitation officials by traders. The market remains closed indefinitely.
Eviction exercises in Lagos have repeatedly led to mass displacement without clear resettlement arrangements. In Makoko, residents reported that a clearance zone initially set at 30 metres from power lines was later expanded up to 500 metres, affecting tens of thousands. Similarly, over 10,000 residents of Ilaje-Otumara were displaced without prior notice last year.
With Lagos authorities insisting that an unregulated market cannot coexist with an international route, many observers fear enforcement will again outpace meaningful support for those displaced. Traders at Alaba Rago have until the deadline to leave voluntarily; what follows may resemble recent flashpoints seen at Oshodi.
LASG Gives 3 Days To Alaba Rago Roadside Traders To Vacate Corridor
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/lagos-gives-alaba-rago-traders-72-hours-to-leave-2026062416144635907
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Sanctions Six Nigerians, Three Firms Over Terrorism Financing Allegations
Move marks major step in Nigeria’s anti-terror fight as authorities target individuals and entities linked to insurgent funding
Move marks major step in Nigeria’s anti-terror fight as authorities target individuals and entities linked to insurgent funding
The federal government has officially sanctioned six individuals and three entities in Nigeria for their alleged roles in financing terrorism, according to an announcement made on Wednesday. The action, which authorities say is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt funding for terrorist activities, follows months of intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.
The newly released sanctions list identifies the persons and companies whose assets are now frozen, pending further investigation and prosecution under Nigeria’s counter-terrorism laws. Security officials revealed that the decision was reached after a detailed probe into financial transactions suspected to be aiding terrorist groups operating within and outside Nigeria’s borders.
This development comes at a time when the country continues to battle with insurgency in the North-East and increasing security threats across several regions. Analysts note that curbing the flow of funds remains a critical challenge for security agencies, as terrorist organisations often rely on complex networks involving local collaborators and international partners.
A senior official involved in the process described the sanctions as “a strong message to those who support terrorism directly or indirectly.” He added that all affected accounts have been flagged for immediate action by relevant financial institutions. There has been no immediate response from those named on the sanctions list or their legal representatives.
Government has stated that more names may be added as investigations continue, while urging citizens to report any suspicious financial activity. Security experts say this move could help dismantle key support structures for armed groups, but stress that sustained vigilance and enforcement will be necessary to achieve lasting impact.
