Author: ekospotlightnews

Lagos State recorded the highest number of newly detected HIV infections in Nigeria in 2025, with 2,298 new cases, according to the latest national HIV surveillance data. Benue followed with 1,949 cases, while Akwa Ibom (1,159), Rivers (1,137), and Anambra (1,013) completed the top five states with the highest number of new infections. Despite having a lower HIV prevalence rate than states like Benue and Rivers, Lagos continues to record the highest number of new cases due to its large population, rapid urbanisation, and extensive HIV testing network. The state also has one of the country’s largest treatment programmes, with…

Veteran Yoruba actor, filmmaker and pastor, Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado, has died after a brief illness. He passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the age of 66. Adeshina was celebrated as one of the most respected figures in the Yoruba film industry, earning widespread recognition for his powerful portrayals of traditional chiefs, herbalists and other culturally significant roles. His nickname, Elegbeje Ado, came from the lead role he played in the 1991 film of the same name, which became his breakthrough. He also starred in notable productions including Ageku Abela and Oko Abiku, and was…

The Lagos State Government has postponed all 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) papers earlier scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, following the declaration of the Oro Festival in parts of the Ikorodu Division. In a statement issued through the Lagos State Examinations Board, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education said the affected papers will now be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, while all other examination papers will continue as originally scheduled. The government said the decision was reached after consultations with relevant stakeholders and was taken to protect the safety of candidates, examination officials, and other stakeholders, while…

The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, has launched “Adopt A School for Snacks for Thought – PBAT FEEDS!”, an initiative aimed at providing daily nutritious snacks and beverages to at least 30,000 pupils in public primary schools across the state. The pilot phase will run from June 30 to July 2, with selected pupils receiving healthy meals during school hours. A digital dashboard was also unveiled to enhance transparency, enable real-time monitoring, and allow sponsors to track the programme’s implementation. National Programme Manager, Aderemi Adebowale, said the initiative was introduced to…

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Omoyele Sowore bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in the same amount. Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that one surety must be a traditional ruler from Sowore’s community, while the other must own property in Abuja. The court also ordered Sowore to surrender his travel documents to the Deputy Registrar. The court had earlier revoked Sowore’s bail on June 16 after he failed to appear for trial. However, in granting fresh bail, Justice Umar noted that Sowore voluntarily appeared before the court instead of waiting to be arrested, describing…

The Air Peace flight carrying about 271 evacuees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport shortly before 11 a.m.Another batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrived in Lagos on Tuesday as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing voluntary repatriation programme.The Air Peace flight, carrying about 271 Nigerians, landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport shortly before 11 a.m. after departing Johannesburg at about 5 a.m. local time. Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) were on hand to receive the returnees. The latest evacuation is part…

The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first major overhaul of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago. Announcing the decision after Monday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande said the reforms are designed to transform the NYSC into a skills-driven, productivity-focused programme that supports President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy. Key highlights of the approved reforms include:• A technology-driven mobilisation and call-up process to improve transparency and efficiency.• Safer, risk-sensitive deployment of corps members.• A redesigned six-week orientation camp…

Osasere Okundaye has become Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant after qualifying with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at just 16 years old. Her remarkable achievement has earned widespread praise, with many describing it as a testament to the brilliance, determination, and potential of Nigerian youth. Osasere’s milestone is also expected to inspire young people across the country to pursue their ambitions regardless of age

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to sponsor selected Lagos State Youth Ambassadors on a study tour to the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore from July 6 to 15, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen youth leadership and governance capacity. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, said the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to equipping young leaders with global knowledge, practical leadership skills, and innovative public policy experience. According to him, the study tour will expose participants to best practices in public…

The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has once again emerged as Nigeria’s Best State Health Insurance Agency, clinching the 2026 Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA) for State Government Health Insurance of the Year. This marks the third consecutive year the agency has received the prestigious recognition. Speaking while receiving the award, LASHMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the achievement as a reflection of the agency’s unwavering commitment to providing affordable, quality and equitable healthcare for all Lagos residents through expanded health insurance coverage. She dedicated the award to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr.…