Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Deputy Governor, UNILAG VC Receive Honours at STEM Awards Ceremony
Event recognises public officials and educators for advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics in Lagos State
Event recognises public officials and educators for advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics in Lagos State
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) were honoured on Thursday at a ceremony recognising contributions to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the state. The awards event took place in Lagos and brought together stakeholders from the education sector and government.
The event highlighted the achievements of prominent figures in promoting STEM education, with a focus on acknowledging leaders who have supported initiatives aimed at developing young talent in these critical fields. Both the Deputy Governor and UNILAG Vice-Chancellor were presented with awards for their roles in fostering innovation and research-driven learning environments within Lagos State institutions.
Organisers of the ceremony stated that honouring such individuals is key to encouraging further investment in science and technology education across Nigeria. According to them, recognising these efforts would serve as motivation for other public officials and educational leaders to prioritise STEM development. The awards come amid renewed calls for greater emphasis on science-based curricula in Nigerian schools as part of efforts to boost national development.
While accepting their awards, both recipients expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as an encouragement to continue supporting educational advancement. The Deputy Governor noted that Lagos State government remains committed to funding STEM programmes and expanding access to quality education. Similarly, the UNILAG Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the university’s drive towards research excellence and innovation-led growth.
Stakeholders present at the event urged government at all levels to increase support for STEM initiatives, noting that sustained investment is necessary if Nigeria is to compete globally in technological advancement. Organisers added that plans are underway to extend similar recognition programmes to other states in future editions.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Akwa Ibom Governor Eno Uncovers Attempt to Conceal Faulty Drainage on Road Project
Inspection exposes substandard drainage work as state government vows stricter monitoring of contractors
Inspection exposes substandard drainage work as state government vows stricter monitoring of contractors
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has uncovered an attempt to hide a faulty drainage system during an inspection of an ongoing road construction project in the state. The incident occurred on Thursday, June 25, when the governor visited the project site as part of routine checks on infrastructure delivery in Akwa Ibom.
According to details from the inspection, workers at the site had tried to cover up a defective section of the drainage intended for the road. Governor Eno, upon noticing irregularities in the structure, ordered that the area be reopened for proper assessment. The move revealed poor construction quality, prompting immediate directives for remedial action.
This development comes at a time when concerns about substandard public projects are widespread across Nigeria. Many residents and stakeholders have repeatedly called on government at all levels to ensure strict supervision and accountability in project execution, especially as infrastructural decay remains a pressing issue in several states.
Following his findings, Governor Eno warned contractors against delivering shoddy jobs and emphasised that government will not accept projects that fail to meet agreed standards. He also directed relevant supervising ministries and agencies to intensify monitoring of all ongoing works. “Every kobo spent on these projects must deliver value for our people,” he stated during the inspection.
The state government indicated that it will re-evaluate similar projects across Akwa Ibom to forestall future incidents of malpractice by contractors. Authorities assured residents that only quality infrastructure would be commissioned, and erring contractors would face sanctions according to contract terms.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Filmmaker Basil Romanco Returns to Lagos After Seven Years Abroad, Launches Independent Arthouse Film Project
Romanco cites personal hardship and creative ambition as reasons for return; project targets Nigeria’s growing alternative cinema scene
Romanco cites personal hardship and creative ambition as reasons for return; project targets Nigeria’s growing alternative cinema scene
Nigerian filmmaker and writer Basil Romanco has returned to Lagos after spending seven years abroad, where he faced homelessness, financial struggles, and various personal setbacks while pursuing his creative career. Romanco, who left Nigeria in search of opportunities in the film industry, announced on Tuesday his plans to launch a new independent arthouse film project in Lagos.
The announcement marks Romanco’s first major public move since coming back to Nigeria. According to details shared by the filmmaker, the decision to return was driven by a desire to contribute directly to the country’s creative landscape after navigating significant challenges overseas. His new project aims to tap into Nigeria’s emerging alternative cinema movement, which has seen increased interest from young filmmakers and audiences seeking stories outside mainstream Nollywood.
Romanco’s experiences abroad reflect broader issues facing many Nigerian creatives who travel in search of international exposure but encounter unexpected difficulties such as lack of stable housing and limited access to funding. His return comes at a time when the local film industry is gradually opening up to more experimental storytelling and independent productions.
While Romanco has not yet disclosed full details about the upcoming arthouse project, he emphasised that it will focus on themes relevant to contemporary Nigerian society and offer opportunities for local talent. The director said he intends to collaborate with fellow creatives who have been overlooked by the traditional industry structure.
Industry stakeholders say Romanco’s move could help inspire other returning creatives and stimulate growth within Nigeria’s independent film sector. The filmmaker is expected to release more information about his project in the coming weeks as pre-production activities commence.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Building Collapse Kills Eight, Emergency Agency Confirms
LASEMA officials recover bodies from rubble as rescue operations continue in densely populated Lagos neighbourhood
LASEMA officials recover bodies from rubble as rescue operations continue in densely populated Lagos neighbourhood
Eight persons have been confirmed dead after a building collapsed in Lagos on Thursday, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). The incident occurred in a densely populated area of the city, with emergency responders deployed to the scene shortly after the structure gave way.
Rescue teams from LASEMA and other agencies arrived at the location to pull survivors and casualties from the debris. As at press time, eight bodies had been recovered from beneath the rubble. Efforts were ongoing to search for more victims who might still be trapped, while injured persons were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Building collapses remain a major concern in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, due to rapid urbanisation and recurring issues of substandard construction materials and regulatory lapses. This latest incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of building codes and better oversight by relevant authorities.
LASEMA said its operatives responded swiftly following distress calls from residents. The agency urged Lagosians to remain calm and cooperate with rescue personnel as operations continued. No statement had been issued by state government officials as at Thursday evening regarding possible causes or responsibility for the collapse.
Emergency workers are expected to continue combing the site until all trapped individuals are accounted for. Stakeholders in Lagos’ construction sector have repeatedly called for regular inspections and stricter penalties for violators of building regulations to prevent future tragedies.
