The Lagos state government has demolished the car showroom owned by popular auto dealer and influencer, Olaoluwa Osunkoya, widely known as Ola of Lagos.

The demolition took place in Lekki after authorities found that the structure was built directly beneath 33kV high-tension power lines, a violation of safety regulations.

Lagos State Government reportedly dem0lishes Ola of Lagos (OOL) Autos 😭💔 pic.twitter.com/XDNTMMyNwl

— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) October 12, 2025

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the recent demolition of plazas at the ASPAMDA Market within the Lagos International Trade Fair complex, describing the action as unjust and economically destructive.

Obi, who visited the site on Tuesday alongside Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Col. Austin Akobundu, Tony Nwoye, members of the House of Representatives, Segun Sowonmi, George Adegeye, Labour Party’s Lagos governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and the coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Tanko Yunusa, said the demolitions were carried out despite traders having obtained the necessary approvals.

He commended the affected traders for maintaining calm in the face of their losses and applauded lawmakers who pledged to investigate the incident.

“Beyond this immediate case, I urge government at all levels to act with compassion, fairness, and a deep sense of justice, especially at this difficult time. Many of the affected traders invested heavily often through loans in the hope of securing their livelihoods and contributing to the wider economy. To destroy such legitimate investments without due process is not only unjust but also economically destructive,” Obi said.

He stressed that a progressive society must protect enterprise, encourage productivity, and defend the dignity of its citizens.

“Incidents like this should have no place in a nation that aspires to fairness, stability, and shared prosperity. A new Nigeria is POssible,” Obi added.

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A fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon at the six-story Afriland Tower on Broad Street, Marina, Lagos Island, trapping dozens of workers inside the commercial building.

The structure, which houses a branch of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and offices of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), was engulfed in smoke around 1:30 p.m., forcing panicked employees to flee. Eyewitness videos shared online showed some workers jumping from upper floors in desperate attempts to escape.

Emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, supported by the Federal Fire Service, arrived swiftly on the scene and battled the flames for hours before bringing the situation under control by late afternoon.

Authorities confirmed that at least 11 people sustained injuries ranging from smoke inhalation to fractures sustained in escape attempts. All victims were evacuated to nearby hospitals, while no fatalities have been reported so far.

Officials say investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire, with early reports suggesting the possibility of electrical faults.

The incident has raised concerns over fire safety compliance and emergency preparedness in high-rise commercial buildings within Lagos Island’s busy business district.

Fire Traps Workers in Lagos Afriland Tower, Reveals Safety Shortfalls

A fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon at the six-story Afriland Tower on Broad Street, Marina, Lagos Island, trapping dozens of workers inside the commercial building.pic.twitter.com/kAG3GsJ9x5

— BONA NAIJA (@BonaNaija) September 16, 2025

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10,000 New Drivers and Partners to Join LagRide This Ember Season Through Nigeria’s Leading Car Leasing Programme and Academy Training

LagRide, the smart mobility and e-hailing service operated by CIG Group in partnership with the Lagos State Government, has announced the launch of a new bank-backed vehicle leasing programme that will place 10,000 additional drivers and partners on Lagos roads ahead of the Ember month rush. The expansion underlines LagRide’s commitment to providing every resident and visitor in Lagos with a safe, reliable and affordable ride within minutes.

Chief Diana Chen, Chair of CIG Group, a diversified group with portfolio companies across transportation, energy, technology and consumer goods, explained the significance of this expansion: “Lagos becomes the heartbeat of Africa during the Ember months. Churches fill, families reunite and our diaspora comes home. LagRide exists so that movement around the city is dignified, safe and joyful. By joining forces with Nigerian banks, we are handing the steering wheel of that experience to empowered local entrepreneurs.”

The Leasing Programme

At the heart of this announcement is a robust vehicle leasing programme designed to empower drivers and partners through affordable, transparent, and bank-supported financing. The scheme allows drivers to access brand-new CIG vehicles with quick bank approvals and competitive rates, giving them the opportunity to work with dignity and financial security.

The programme provides a clear pathway to ownership, enabling drivers to take full possession of their vehicles in the shortest possible time. Repayments are structured flexibly, with weekly remittances aligned to actual kilometres driven, ensuring that repayments mirror usage and remain sustainable. Most importantly, the leasing programme comes with full cover: maintenance, insurance, and operational support are integrated, ensuring that every driver can focus on service delivery without fear of unforeseen costs or disruptions.

Jubril Arogundade, Acting Managing Director of LagRide Nigeria Limited, described the initiative as a continuation of LagRide’s founding promise: “From day one we have offered local solutions that meet world-class standards. The new leasing programme continues that promise by giving drivers a simple, transparent route to owning the cars they drive while improving service quality for riders.”

Safety and Rider Experience

Safety has always been the defining value of the LagRide brand. Every leased vehicle comes equipped with advanced safety features, including driver-facing cameras, panic buttons, and live diagnostic feeds connected directly to the LagRide command centres. These measures ensure that riders enjoy maximum protection, while drivers are supported with real-time monitoring and assistance.

Beyond safety, the rider experience is anchored in comfort, reliability and trust. Vehicles are maintained to international standards, ensuring clean interiors, smooth rides, and professional presentation. The Ember season, with its heightened demand from airport arrivals, concerts, weddings, and crossover services, will now be supported by thousands of new cars and trained drivers — giving Lagosians and visitors peace of mind during the busiest time of the year.

The LagRide Academy

Central to this expansion is the LagRide Academy, created to recruit, train and empower drivers who embody Lagos excellence. Every new driver undergoes intensive training that blends technical know-how with professional and personal development.

The Academy curriculum covers premium customer service, road safety protocols, first aid, and mastery of the LagRide app, as well as ongoing modules in financial literacy, electric vehicle maintenance, and updated traffic regulations. The Academy does more than prepare drivers for trips — it prepares them for careers, positioning them as ambassadors of the Lagos brand.

Graduates leave with a professional certificate, access to brand new vehicles and smartphones, and even health and life insurance support. Monthly earnings range between ₦250,000 and ₦400,000 depending on performance, and top-performing drivers can qualify for accelerated vehicle ownership pathways in as little as six months. Drivers who complete the programme earn a LagRide Pro badge in the rider app, signalling to customers that they are booking with one of the best-trained professionals on Lagos roads.

Joining the Programme

The process of joining LagRide is designed to be straightforward, transparent, and inclusive. Interested drivers and partners can begin by visiting the LagRide Driver Centre at Alausa, Ikeja, or by downloading the LagRide Partner app. Applicants are required to present a valid driver’s licence, a LASDRI card, and proof of address.

Those new to professional driving will complete either a two-day induction or the full five-day LagRide Academy programme before being assigned a vehicle. Partners who may not wish to drive themselves can also participate by leasing vehicles and engaging trained drivers from the Academy, creating investment opportunities for non-drivers while expanding the fleet available to Lagos residents.

The first wave of bank-financed cars will hit Lagos roads before the end of September, ensuring that visitors arriving for concerts, weddings, family events, and crossover services enjoy seamless mobility options well in advance of the December rush. With every new driver and partner onboarded, LagRide moves closer to its vision of building a city where safe, reliable and affordable transport is always a few minutes away.

Chief Diana Chen concluded with a message of empowerment: “This programme is not only about vehicles and finance. It is about dignity of work, pride of service, and the freedom for every Lagosian to move with confidence. We invite qualified drivers and partners to join us and be part of a mobility revolution written by Lagos, for Lagos.”

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The political landscape of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency shifted on Saturday as Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca, officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and declared his ambition to contest for the House of Representatives seat in 2027.

The declaration ceremony, held in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, attracted a large turnout of party faithful, community leaders, and supporters. It was also graced by prominent ADC figures, including the party’s National Secretary, Hon. Rauf Aregbesola, and former Lagos governorship candidate, Hon. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour. Their presence highlighted the significance of OmoBarca’s entry into the party as ADC intensifies efforts to expand its influence in Lagos ahead of the next general elections.

OmoBarca’s Vision for Ajeromi-Ifelodun

In his address, OmoBarca emphasized that his ambition is rooted in service, pledging to deliver people-centered representation if elected.

“I am stepping into this race with the sole aim of empowering my people in Ajeromi-Ifelodun,” he said. “I want a constituency where youths have access to jobs and skills, women are supported in business, and children enjoy better education. That is the kind of representation I intend to bring to Abuja.”

He further appealed to his political opponents to prioritize fair competition over post-election disputes, stressing that electoral mandates should be respected.

“I want to win this election on the strength of the people’s support. I don’t want any contestant to drag me to court if I emerge victorious. Let us respect the mandate of the electorate and focus on building our communities together,” he added.

ADC Leaders Back OmoBarca

Welcoming him to the party, Hon. Rauf Aregbesola described OmoBarca as a grassroots politician with a proven record of philanthropy and community service. He expressed confidence that OmoBarca’s candidacy would boost ADC’s chances in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, historically a battleground for dominant parties.

Hon. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour also commended OmoBarca’s consistency and passion for grassroots empowerment. He urged residents to rally behind the ADC candidate, stressing that credible representation at the National Assembly remains key to meaningful development.

Campaign Kickoff and Political Implications

The event also featured the inauguration of OmoBarca’s campaign team, with hundreds of supporters pledging loyalty to his candidacy. Party members hailed his defection as a “game-changer” with the potential to alter electoral dynamics in the constituency.

Political observers note that OmoBarca’s grassroots popularity, combined with national-level backing from the ADC, positions him as a formidable contender in one of Lagos State’s most politically vibrant constituencies.

As the 2027 general elections approach, his declaration sets the stage for a high-stakes contest that could reshape political alignments in Ajeromi-Ifelodun.

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