Erelu Abiola Dosunmu Celebrates 50 Years as Custodian of Lagos' Cultural Heritage

Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, the revered Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, marked a significant milestone on Sunday as she celebrated 50 years of dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of Lagos State. 

The ceremony, held in Ikoyi, Lagos, was attended by dignitaries including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and other prominent figures from Lagos and beyond.

Governor Sanwo-Olu praised Erelu Dosunmu for her extraordinary commitment to upholding the values and traditions of the community, highlighting her wisdom, resilience, and leadership over the past five decades. 

Erelu Dosunmu's remarkable reign has had a profound impact on the cultural heritage of Lagos, and her dedication has earned her widespread recognition and respect.

"I WILL MARRY YOU 40 TIMES OVER AND OVER ANY DAY"

African Development Bank President, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, Celebrates 40 Years of Love and Devotion with Wife

In a heartwarming display of enduring love, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, celebrated 40 years of marriage to his beautiful wife, Grace (Yemisi), on July 28th.

Dr. Adesina, a renowned Nigerian economist and development expert, has been at the helm of the African Development Bank since 2015, leading the institution's efforts to drive economic growth and development across Africa. But despite his demanding role, he has always prioritized his family and his love for his wife.

In a romantic message posted on his social media wall, Dr. Adesina expressed his deep affection for Grace, saying, 

"I will marry you 40 times over and over any day. 40 years of loving and treasuring you, Grace (Yemisi), are the best years of my life. One love, one team, one goal, I love you Honey."

TWO CHINESE NATIONALS ARRESTED IN LAGOS FOR ILLEGAL DREDGING ACTIVITIES

In a bold move to protect the environment and enforce regulations, the Lagos State Government has arrested two Chinese nationals for engaging in illegal dredging activities at the Lekki Foreshore Scheme in Eti-Osa Local Government Development Area.

The arrest was made during a two-day monitoring and enforcement exercise led by the Honourable Commissioner for Waterfront, Hon. Yacoob Alebiosu, and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ololade Aina. The operation aimed to identify and expose illegal developments and activities that threaten the state's vision of a sustainable and business-friendly environment.

Alebiosu emphasized the government's commitment to controlling illegal land use conversion and ensuring compliance with regulations. He noted that unscrupulous developers and illegal activities pose significant challenges, but the government is determined to bring offenders to justice.

The arrested Chinese nationals were found to be in contravention of state provisions, and their actions will not be condoned. The government's enforcement drive aims to promote sustainability and protect the environment while supporting legitimate businesses..

DANGOTE SINO TRUCK TO EXPAND CAPACITY TO 13,000 TRUCKS ANNUALLY

In a significant move to boost Nigeria's industrialization and economic development, Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited has announced plans to expand its production capacity to meet currentú demands. The expansion is expected to increase the company's production from 10,000 trucks annually to 13,000, making it one of the largest truck assembly plants in West Africa.

The CEO of Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited, Hikmat Thapa, stated that the company's vision is to assemble and produce a full range of commercial vehicles tailored to the specific needs of the market. 

"The plant will fabricate diverse types of trailers and tipper bodies with the goal of achieving domestic self-sufficiency and serving the West African regional market"

He added that the majority of the fabrication and assembly lines are being handled by trained Nigerians.

Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited, a joint venture company with a total investment of $100 million, boasts cutting-edge facilities and machinery, enabling it to achieve a production capacity of 15-16 trucks per shift.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State was among early clients as he acquired over 200 compactor trucks from the company to enhance service delivery in the state. 

LAGOS STATE PLEDGES FAIRNESS AND TRANSPARENCY IN HOME ALLOCATION

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and fairness in the allocation of state-owned homes. At a recent stakeholders' forum in Ikorodu, Commissioner for Housing Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai assured residents that the allocation process would be open and unbiased.

The forum, attended by residents, government officials, and stakeholders, aimed to educate residents on the government's processes and address concerns. Akinderu-Fatai emphasized the importance of residents complying with guidelines and payment schedules to avoid allocation revocation.

The government's goal, under Governor Sanwo-Olu's administration, is to create modern, habitable estates with proper infrastructure.

 The forum featured discussions on health, environmental services, and insurance, focusing on improving living conditions in the estates.

Residents appreciated the forum and pledged to support the government in maintaining harmony in the estates. The LASG's commitment to transparency and collaboration ensures a better living environment for residents.

Minister of State Petroleum Resources Hosts Crucial Meeting to Resolve Dangote Refinery Issues

Abuja, Nigeria - In a bid to address the ongoing challenges surrounding the Dangote Refinery, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil) convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders in the industry.

The meeting, attended by Aliko Dangote, Chairman and CEO of Dangote Group; Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA; Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of NUPRC; and Mele Kyari, Group CEO of NNPC, aimed to find a lasting solution to the current impasse.

According to a statement by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Adviser Media and Communication to the minister, the stakeholders expressed gratitude to the Minister for his leadership and timely intervention in facilitating the crucial dialogue.

The meeting demonstrated a commitment to collaborative problem-solving, with all parties working towards a sustainable solution to ensure the success and optimal performance of the Oil and Gas sector, crucial for Nigeria's economic growth and energy security.

The Minister emphasized the importance of cooperation and synergy among stakeholders, paving the way for a brighter future for the industry.

Liberia Mourns the Loss of Veteran Journalist Joel Chulo Brooks

On July 20, 2024, Liberia bid a final farewell to a legendary journalist, Joel Chulo Brooks. His funeral, attended by colleagues, relatives, and dignitaries, including the Liberian Minister of Communication, was a poignant reminder of his remarkable life.

 Brooks, a veteran journalist with over 40 years of experience, was laid to rest at his family cemetery in St. Virginia, Liberia.

During his illustrious career, Brooks reported on the Liberian civil war for the BBC, bringing international attention to the conflict. He was a champion of social equality and a dedicated journalist, serving as publisher and editor of the Monrovia Weekend News from 2009 to 2015. At the time of his passing, he was the CEO of Global News Network (GNN) Liberia, a leading media outlet.

Brooks' contributions to Liberian media were immense. He was regarded as one of the most experienced journalists in West Africa, and his mentorship inspired a new generation of journalists in his native country.

Born on August 13, 1959, Brooks leaves behind a legacy of excellence in journalism and a family that will deeply miss him. His children and relatives will cherish the memories of his love, guidance, and dedication to his craft.