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Sanwo-Olu orders demolition of two popular Lagos markets

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Sunday, ordered the demolition of popular Bombata and Jankara Markets in Lagos Island as part of the on-going efforts to regenerate Lagos Island and deflooding project of the area.

Sanwo-Olu gave the directive while addressing the media during an inspection tour which started from Idumagbo Avenue through Ojo-Giwa, Jankara, Oroyinyin, Bombata, Pelewura and Ilubinrin of the state.

The state government is building a Pumping Station, six metres by 1.2 metres to convey flood water from Thomas and Idumagbo areas into the Lagoon.

Sanwo-Olu, who was accompanied by the state Commissioners for the Environment and Water Resources, Information and Strategy, Gbengaand Transportation, Tokunbo Wahab, Gbenga Omotoso and Oluwaseun Osiyemi, respectively, among other top government officials, urged residents to have a change of attitude towards the environment as his administration would not tolerate any form of abuse.

The governor, also announced that the Ministry of the Environment will start issuing abatement notices to traders and squatters, especially at Pelewura Market and work with the concessionaire and the Local Government to determine when the evacuation and demolition of the market will commence.

Sanwo-Olu said that the original contractor, Messrs Julius Berger, would also this week commence assessment of roads in Idumagbo, Ojo-Giwa, Oroyinyin, Adeniji Adele to Ebutte Ero for the review of the Phase two regeneration of the entire area.

Also, the state government, has issued a seven day ultimatum to Illegal squatters on drainage channels around Dodan Barracks, in Obalende area and Gedegede Community, both on Lagos Island to vacate or be forced out as the structures have been marked for demolition.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Wahab, gave the order at the weekend, during a separate inspection tour of some drainage facilities at Obalende area, Lekki Phase 2, in the Eti OSA Local Government Area, while leading state officials including the Special Adviser Environment Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, permanent secretaries, heads of agencies round drainages, environmental infractions around Dodan Barracks, Obalende, Lekki 2 and Iru Kingdom.

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This came just as the Environment team received commendation from the Oniru of Iruland Oba Abdul-wasiu Lawal, who commended goverment’s efforts in ensuring a cleaner environment, expressing readiness to support government’s efforts, particularly in ensuring restoration of the greenery in the state.

The monarch, who spoke when the team paid him a courtesy visit, described the Environment team as “very resourceful” and gave kudos to Mr Governor for assembling some of the best for the environment.

Wahab, however, maintained that there was no going back on the decision of the state to enforce the law and reclaim the environment from all sorts of infractions that dot the landscape of the state.

“Without caring whose ox will be gored. To this particular end, some people in Gedegede Community in Lekki 2 have built on the canal path and narrowed the primary channel.

“It will result in flooding that will destroy other people assets. There is no looking back on this. My concern is why are people being so reckless in the cause of trying to grab land and make money at other people’s expense,” Wahab stated.

Speaking on what transpired at Dodan Barracks in Obalende, Wahab, said: “We had to check the canal and water path for waste water in the Barracks. Suprisingly, they have built to block the passage of water and as you know water must find its level.

“We have served the requisite notices that will lapse in seven days and we are going to have a meeting with the GOC and the commander because we have to do demolition to open up paths for the water to enter the primary channels,” he explained.

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On Obalende, which the team also visited, Wahab said everywhere has been converted into motor parks. “The path created for Magregor Canal has also been blocked. So, for me, our assignment is very clear on Obalende also. We are going to serve them notices to leave so that the place can be properly done up. We used to have green there before and we will restore it.”

Speaking on Gedegede Community in Lekki Phase 2, he said the ministry received petitions about the unwholesome practice of some developers who have converted the right of way into land and has been fully built up exposing other property owners to dangers of loss of properties.

In his words: “People forget that the environment is the master of man. We received petitions that people are building on the canal, we came to verify and what we saw is not encouraging at all. From the beginning to the end, they have built on the canal”

“Virtually, all the houses on one particular side is always flooded as a result of their activities. We are going to serve them notices before we do demolition.

“The notices are for 7 days but for the building infractions on the other side, if you check, they have served them notices before so, demolition will start on Monday”the commissioner added.

Also speaking earlier, Oba Lawal, also requested a partnership with the state government to establish a green park in Iru Kingdom, stating that he has earmarked 15,000 square meters for the purpose.

According to the monarch: “We are all aware of climate change, and conversant with the importance of maintaining a clean environment. We also know that Lagosians need regular advise, so the government should continue on this. Regular engagement of stakeholders is key because when you leave things for too long, it becomes an habit. When you keep at this enforcement regularly, it will be in the people’s consciousness that it’s important to keep our environment clean.

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“And as traditional rulers, community leaders, we will continue to support the Lagos State government in its pursuit for a livable environment. I know the environment family has the passion and capacity to do the right for Lagosians and they will deliver.

“I have also discussed with the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) on the possibility of establishing green parks within the metropolis because I understand the importance of having a green environment and I have about 15,000 square meters that can be turned from a space to a place. We need to do more.”

Oba Lawal therefore, called for a sustenance of the inspection tours which would help keep criminals at bay and give government a first hand experience of what is happening round the state.

The Special Adviser on Environment, Rotimi-Akodu speaking, said it was regrettable that most business owners and companies were non challant in cleaning their drainages and illegal waste disposal adding that they commit the offence and leave the infractions waiting on the Government to undertake the tasks of cleaning.

He charged residents to compliment the all year round cleaning of all primary and secondary channels by cleaning the tertiary drains at their frontage of their homes and Business places regularly.

Also on the entourage were: the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji and his Counterpart in the Office of Drainage Services Engr. Lekan Shodeinde, Managing director, Lagos Waste Management Authority, Dr Muyiwa Gbedegesin, General manager, Lagos State Parks and Garden Agency, Mrs Toun Popoola among other directors.

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Two Oyo commissioner, special adviser resign

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Two senior officials in the Oyo State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning have resigned their appointments from Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.

The officials are Ayobami Ojo, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, and Simeon Oyeleke, the ministry’s Special Adviser on Budget and Economic Planning.

In separate letters dated November 2, and addressed to Mr Makinde, both officials said their resignations would take effect immediately, while thanking the governor for the opportunity to serve but did not give specific reasons for their decisions.

In his letter, Ojo referred to his appointment letter dated 22 June 2026 and formally announced his resignation as commissioner.

“With reference to your letter dated 22nd June, 2026 (SP.S.662/2/VOL.IV/192), I respectfully write to formally resign my appointment as Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, with effect from today, 2nd November, 2026,” he wrote.

He described his time in government as an honour and said he appreciated the opportunity to serve the state.

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Oyeleke also tendered his resignation with effect from 2 November.

In his letter, he thanked Mr Makinde for the confidence reposed in him and the opportunity to contribute to the administration’s policies and development programmes.

He also expressed appreciation for the governor’s leadership, support and encouragement during his time in office.

“I remain grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this administration and to have contributed to its laudable achievements. I also remain committed to the peace, progress and development of Oyo State,” he wrote.

The latest resignations come amid a series of exits of political appointees and other officials from the Makinde administration in recent months.

It would be recalled that Segun Ogunwuyi resigned as the governor’s chief of staff on 12 October, a position he had held since July 2021. His resignation took immediate effect, although he did not state a reason for his departure.

A few hours after Ogunwuyi’s departure, Makinde appointed Bashorun Akinwole, popularly known as Wolekanle, as his replacement.

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On the same day, Tara Adefope, the Director-General of the Oyo State Due Process Office, also resigned from her position, while in late October, Kabiru Salami, the governor’s Executive Assistant on Security Coordination, also tendered his resignation.

Other officials who have left the administration include Funmi Arulogun, a Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters, who resigned in August, citing personal and political considerations.

Babatunde Oduyoye, a member of the Oyo State Advisory Council, also resigned in July, while Fatai Owoseni, a former Commissioner of Police who served as the governor’s Special Adviser on Security resigned in May.

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Good morning! Nigerian Newspapers Headlines: Campaigns: OK Movement insists on independence

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1. The OK (Obi/Kwankwaso) Movement has declared that it will maintain its independent identity while mobilising support for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and its candidates ahead of the 2027 general election. 

Movement’s leader John Ughulu said the group remained committed to its original mission of securing the election of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and erstwhile Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Speaking in an interview, Ughulu dismissed suggestions that the movement’s decision to campaign independently would undermine its support for the NDC, insisting that the focus should be on achieving a common  political objective.

2. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid got a big boost at the weekend with endorsements from across the country. His achievement, the need for consolidation, national cohesion, and other reasons were adduced for the show of solidarity. The presidential election is billed for January 16, 2027

3. The Federal Government has vowed to crack down on inflated public contracts and procurement violations, warning heads of government-owned agencies, corporations, councils, authorities and commissions that they risk sanctions for breaching procurement regulations. The government raised the alarm over contract awards that exceed approved price benchmarks.

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4. The African Democratic Congress has rescheduled its presidential campaign kick-off in Sokoto State to Wednesday, November 4, despite alleging threats, attacks on its members and attempts by the state government to frustrate the event. The party said its decision to proceed with the campaign was a demonstration of its determination to exercise its constitutional rights despite what it described as growing political intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

5. Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised four leaders of the Islamic State West Africa Province, including two Arabs, a commander and several of their foot soldiers in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The Army said they were neutralised on October 31, 2026, by combined troops of the Joint Task Force deployed to Kukawa following a massive ISWAP terrorists attack on their locations.

6. United States President, Donald Trump, has agreed to grant an immediate visa to the mother of a 15-year-old Ghanaian boy shot dead in New York, following a request by the city’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
Mamdani announced the development on Saturday after speaking with Trump, saying the visa would allow the teenager’s mother to travel to the United States and attend her son’s funeral.

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7. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested two Nigerians based in Europe after they allegedly ingested 200 wraps of cocaine weighing 3.46kg while attempting to travel from Abuja to Paris, France. The suspects, identified as Aliocus Odife and Sam Blackborn, were arrested on Wednesday during the outward clearance of an Air France flight, AF 832, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

8. Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 100-level female student of Plateau State University, Bokkos, while another person sustained injuries during an attack on off-campus student residential areas in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. It was learnt that the incidents, which occurred on Saturday evening at about 8:40pm, had heightened concerns over the safety of students residing outside the university campus.

9. An early-morning fire outbreak at the weekend destroyed no fewer than 110 buildings and structures at Kofar Ruwa Timber Market in the Kano metropolis. The Kano State Fire Service, while confirming the incident in a statement on Sunday, said the inferno razed 75 permanent buildings and 35 temporary structures across different sections of the market.

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10. The immediate past National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, has declared his readiness to align with President Bola Tinubu or former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election, while ruling out support for the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi.

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Relief as suspected Ebola cases in Adamawa tested negative

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said that there are currently no laboratory-confirmed cases of Ebola  in Adamawa.

The NCDC had on Saturday said that there were two suspected cases of Ebola in the north-east state, adding that the individuals had been isolated while contact identification was ongoing.

But in a statement on Sunday, the director-general of NCDC, Jide Idris,
said samples collected from the two individuals, who had symptoms suggestive of Ebola, tested negative after two rounds of testing.

“The report was received by the Adamawa State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) in the early hours of 30 October 2026, following the identification of two individuals presenting with symptoms suggestive of Ebola, requiring further investigation,” the statement reads.

“Hence the alert that was released early this evening. The individuals have been isolated, and appropriate public health measures have been initiated.

“Samples were collected for laboratory testing to establish the cause of the illness. Fortunately, the samples turned out negative for EBV after two rounds of testing.”

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Idris commended the Adamawa health commissioner and his team for their “proactive approach”, adding that the NCDC was working closely with the state government to investigate the report of suspected Ebola cases.

“Currently, there is no laboratory-confirmed Ebola case in Adamawa state,” he said.

“The index case previously confirmed in the Federal Capital Territory remains the only confirmed case reported in Nigeria to date.”

He urged the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information or speculating about the situation.

“The public is encouraged to obtain information from official government and public health communication channels,” he said.

Idris described Ebola as a serious infectious disease that requires prompt identification, appropriate clinical management and effective infection prevention and control measures.

“Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, particularly following relevant exposure, should seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare workers of any relevant travel or contact history,” he said.

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“Individuals should avoid self-medication and follow the advice of healthcare professionals.”

Nigeriaconfirmed its first Ebola case in more than a decade on October 20, after a 42-year-old Swiss woman tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain in Abuja.

The patient, who had travelled from Uganda to Nigeria, was subsequently isolated and treated by Nigerian health workers.

On Monday, the federal governmentevacuated the patient to Switzerland aboard a medical plane.

Her husband, who was identified as a close contact, was also evacuated to Switzerland.

Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, said the patient was clinically much improved, stable, conscious and communicating, with her laboratory test results approaching baseline levels.

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