Author: ekospotlightnews

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has launched a ₦10 billion cooperative financing initiative aimed at expanding access to funding for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), describing cooperatives as key drivers of economic growth, poverty reduction and social stability. Speaking at the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives celebration held at the LASCOFED Multipurpose Hall in Ogba, Ikeja, the governor said cooperatives play a vital role in creating jobs, promoting financial inclusion and fostering peaceful communities. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Babatunde Onigbanjo, Sanwo-Olu noted that lasting peace is built on opportunity, equity, economic…

Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after edging World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 in a thrilling extra-time contest. Lionel Messi gave Argentina the lead with his seventh goal of the tournament, strengthening his bid for the Golden Boot. Cape Verde responded after the break, levelling in the 59th minute to force extra time. Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead just two minutes into extra time, but Cape Verde refused to back down as substitute Lopes Cabral struck in the 103rd minute to make it 2-2. With a penalty shootout looming, Argentina…

The Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB) has begun a sensitisation tour across Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to appreciate their support and seek increased participation in the proposed 2026 Israel/Jordan pilgrimage. Led by the Board Secretary, Dr. Okudero Gbolabo Omoniyi, the delegation has so far visited Yaba and Apapa Local Governments. During the visit to Yaba, Dr. Gbolabo thanked the Executive Chairman, Hon. Dr. Adebayo Adefuye, for his continued commitment to pilgrimage activities and appealed for the timely payment of pilgrimage fares to facilitate the Board’s preparations. He also encouraged council chairmen across…

Ten of Team Lagos’ outstanding young athletes have received a major financial boost after Parallex Bank awarded each of them ₦1 million in recognition of their exceptional performances at the 2025 National Youth Games, where Lagos emerged overall champions for the first time in the competition’s history. The presentation ceremony, held at the bank’s Lagos headquarters, brought together the athletes, their parents, officials of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), bank executives and other stakeholders to celebrate a partnership aimed at promoting youth development through sports. The beneficiaries, selected for their medal-winning performances at the Under-15 National Youth Games in…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks and introduced an online self-service registration platform for first-time voters. In a statement issued on July 3, 2026, the Commission said the nationwide CVR, which began on August 18, 2025, and was originally scheduled to end on July 10, 2026, will now close on Friday, July 24, 2026, giving more eligible Nigerians the opportunity to register ahead of future elections. INEC also announced that its new self-service registration portal will become operational on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. The platform will allow first-time…

The Directors of Public Affairs from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Lagos State Government on Friday hosted a grand farewell dinner in honour of the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, in recognition of his exceptional service, leadership, and immense contributions to the state’s public information management system. The event, which brought together senior government officials, public affairs practitioners, and stakeholders in the communication sector, served as a platform to celebrate Mr. Bajulaiye’s remarkable career and enduring impact on the Lagos State Public Service. Leading the distinguished guests at the event was the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy,…

President Bola Tinubu has urged West African countries to shift from import-dependent, consumer-driven economies to a manufacturing-led regional economy, saying industrialisation, innovation and stronger local supply chains are key to reducing reliance on external support. Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning of the new ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, known as the “Eye of Africa,” Tinubu said regional integration must go beyond economic cooperation to address security challenges, climate change and political instability. He also called for sustained dialogue and reconciliation following the exit of three ECOWAS member states. The modern headquarters was funded by the People’s Republic…

Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has shared how her husband, Kolawole Ajeyemi, helped her quit smoking by putting their family first. Speaking in an interview with media personality Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Abraham revealed she was once a regular cigarette smoker but gave up the habit during her pregnancy after her husband reminded her of their unborn child. Although she occasionally uses a vape, she said she no longer smokes cigarettes. She recalled that after giving birth, Ajeyemi calmly confronted her when he saw her smoking. Rather than forcing her to quit, he told her he respected her personal choices but made it…

The newly elected Executive Council of the National Association of Students of English and Literary Studies (NASELS) has expressed profound appreciation to all NASELSITES for their trust, confidence, and overwhelming support throughout the recently concluded electoral process. In a statement issued by the President-Elect, Salako Damilare Adesiyan, popularly known as Daskid, the council described the victory as a collective achievement for every member of the association. “We are sincerely honoured by the mandate given to us to serve. Your votes, encouragement, prayers, and unwavering belief in our vision made this victory possible. We do not take this responsibility lightly,” the…

A potentially devastating fire outbreak at the Bono Energy Terminal, located within the Ibru Jetty Complex along the Apapa-Oworonshoki Expressway in Lagos, was successfully contained on Friday without any loss of life or injuries. According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS), the fire affected a five-million-litre Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) storage tank near Coconut Bus Stop in Olodi Apapa. The agency received a distress call at about 12:04 p.m. and immediately deployed firefighters from the Ajegunle, Sari Iganmu and Isolo Fire Stations, who arrived at the scene within 12 minutes. The Controller General of the LSFRS, Margaret…