Emergency agencies intensify rescue efforts as several victims remain trapped at Ori-Ade LCDA site

Nine people have now been confirmed dead following the collapse of a three-storey residential building at Alakija, Old Ojo Road, near Alakija Bus Stop in Satellite Town, Lagos State, on Thursday. The incident, which occurred within Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area (LCDA), triggered a swift response from emergency agencies as at 11 a.m.

The building, occupied by numerous tenants and housing several businesses such as cyber cafés, phone repair shops, and a photo studio, caved in suddenly, trapping many occupants under the rubble. Rescue teams from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) arrived at the scene shortly after the collapse to commence search-and-rescue operations. According to LSFRS officials, firefighters from Ijegun-Egba Fire Station reached the site around 11:49 a.m. and joined ongoing efforts to save trapped individuals.

Building collapses remain a recurring challenge in Lagos due to factors including poor construction practices and disregard for safety standards. Satellite Town has witnessed similar incidents in recent years, raising concerns among residents about regulatory enforcement and urban safety. Many affected families are now left seeking information on missing loved ones as rescue operations continue into the evening.

Speaking at the scene, an official of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said efforts were ongoing to locate survivors beneath the debris. “We are working closely with other agencies to ensure all those trapped are rescued or accounted for,” he stated. As at press time, authorities had not released an official figure for those still missing.

Government has appealed for calm while urging residents to cooperate with emergency responders. The incident is expected to prompt renewed scrutiny on building approvals and monitoring within Lagos metropolis. Meanwhile, further investigations are underway to ascertain the immediate cause of the collapse and prevent future occurrences.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/death-toll-rises-to-nine-in-lagos-three-storey-building-collapse/

Fresh talents from across Nigeria join established schools as iconic youth tournament celebrates another milestone year

New contenders have emerged from Lagos and other parts of the country as the MILO Basketball Championship entered its 26th year on Friday. The popular youth basketball tournament, which holds annually, continues to attract both seasoned and first-time teams eager to showcase their skills on a national platform.

The championship, widely regarded as Nigeria’s premier grassroots basketball event for secondary schools, has consistently drawn participation from a diverse range of schools. This year’s edition sees increased competition as new teams challenge established favourites, aiming for a chance to clinch the coveted trophy and gain recognition among scouts and sporting bodies.

The tournament’s longevity is seen by many sports stakeholders as evidence of its impact on youth development in Nigeria. Over the past 25 years, the MILO Basketball Championship has produced several national players and provided opportunities for young athletes to pursue careers in sports. Many participants credit the championship with helping them develop discipline and teamwork while exposing them to competitive basketball at an early stage.

As matches tip off this weekend in Lagos, organisers say they remain committed to providing a fair and exciting environment for all competitors. While official statements highlight the importance of sportsmanship, coaches and players are focused on advancing through each knockout round. With fresh talent on display and new strategies being tested, fans are expecting an unpredictable contest this season.

Winners of this year’s MILO Basketball Championship will be celebrated at a closing ceremony set for later in June. Organisers have promised enhanced support for outstanding players, with scouts and basketball officials expected to attend the finals in Lagos.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/nigeria-sports-news/890887-fresh-contenders-emerge-as-milo-basketball-enters-26th-year.html

National Delphic Council, WISCAR and industry icons highlight need for funding, mentorship to boost Nigeria’s creative economy

Creative industry leaders have called for deliberate investment in women to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s creative sector, warning that persistent barriers to funding, leadership and market access threaten the country’s economic diversification drive. The call was made at the ‘Women in the Arts: Power, Voice and Economic Impact’ summit held in Lagos on Wednesday, convened by the National Delphic Council Nigeria in partnership with Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR).

The event brought together prominent figures from film, theatre, visual arts and cultural enterprise, including Mrs Amina Oyagbola—President of National Delphic Council Nigeria and Founder of WISCAR—who argued that limited access to resources continues to undermine women’s contribution to arts and culture. ‘Nigeria’s creative economy will not reach its full potential if the women driving culture, storytelling, enterprise and innovation remain under-supported. This is no longer just a gender conversation. It is an economic imperative,’ Oyagbola said during her opening remarks.

The summit comes as government intensifies efforts to grow the creative and tourism sectors as major engines of job creation. In 2025, federal authorities unveiled a roadmap targeting $100 billion in GDP contribution by 2030 alongside three million new jobs across creative industries. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has identified motion picture, music production, broadcasting, arts and entertainment as key contributors to national output—with Nollywood ranked as the world’s second-largest film industry by annual output.

Speaking on behalf of Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Mr Obi Asika—Director-General of National Council for Arts and Culture—reaffirmed government’s commitment to elevating female voices within Nigeria’s arts ecosystem. Other speakers included veteran actress Joke Silva; Bolanle Austen-Peters, CEO of Terra Kulture; Temidayo Makanjuola; Obi Okigbo; Jude Oni-Okpako; along with global Delphic Council leaders Davina Bautista and Ramesh Prasana.

Discussions highlighted that despite women forming almost half of the workforce in culture and entertainment according to UNESCO data, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles while facing precarious work conditions. Participants called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, private sector actors and development partners to ensure women are empowered not only as creators but also as business leaders and cultural ambassadors.

The summit concluded with a unanimous appeal for practical action—from financing to mentorship—to scale up women’s participation across all segments of Nigeria’s creative economy.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/creative-leaders-advocate-strategic-investment-in-women-to-accelerate-sector-growth-2026062610112667313