Ogun Soars As Value Jet Begins Commercial Flights To Gateway International Airport

OGUN STATE – In a historic move set to redefine travel and commerce in South-West Nigeria, the state-of-the-art Gateway International Airport (GWI) will commence commercial flight operations this Thursday, October 7, ending years of anticipation and marking a new chapter in regional connectivity.

The excitement is palpable after regulatory agencies granted the final green light, allowing Value Jet Airlines to become the inaugural carrier at the facility. The airline will operate two weekly flights connecting Ogun State directly to the nation's capital, Abuja.

According to the released schedule, flights will depart every Tuesday and Thursday. The GWI-Abuja route will take off from Ogun at 8:30 am, touching down in Abuja at 9:45 am. The return leg will depart Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 4:00 pm, arriving at Gateway International Airport by 5:15 pm.

The commencement of services is expected to be a major relief for a vast population of travellers. Residents and professionals based in Ibadan, across Ogun State, as well as in Lagos and Abuja, will now have seamless air connectivity to Abuja and beyond via the modern GWI facility.

“This is a game-changer,” said a business executive in Abeokuta who preferred anonymity. “The nightmare of navigating the Lagos traffic just to catch a flight to Abuja will soon be over for many of us. This is not just convenient; it’s a significant boost to productivity.”

The state government anticipates that the airport will be particularly popular with members of the business and industrial sectors, contractors, bankers, and government officials who frequently travel between the economic hubs of Lagos and Ogun State and the administrative capital, Abuja.

Tickets for the new route are scheduled to go on sale starting Thursday, September 25. Travellers can book their seats online, through accredited travel agents, or at the ticket desks located within the Gateway International Airport terminal.

In a statement, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Ogun State Governor, highlighted that the airport offers more than just travel convenience. He emphasized that passengers will enjoy "unbeatable facilities," positioning GWI as a premium and stress-free alternative to congested airports in the region.

The launch of the Gateway International Airport is widely seen as a critical infrastructure milestone that will catalyze economic growth, attract investment, and firmly place Ogun State on the national and international aviation map.

Workplace Safety: Hard Hat Color Codes and their Meaning

Hard hats are an essential piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) on construction sites, and their colors are used to identify the wearer's role and responsibilities. While there's no single universal standard, most large construction companies and sites follow a similar color-coding system.

Common Hard Hat Colors and Their Meanings

White: Typically worn by those in management or supervisory roles, such as site managers, engineers, supervisors, and foremen. This color signifies a position of authority and experience.

Yellow: Often worn by general laborers and earth-moving machine operators. Its high visibility makes it easy to spot on a busy site.

Blue: Generally designates technical workers, including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and other specialized trade workers.

Green: Can have several meanings, but it commonly identifies safety officers or inspectors. In some cases, it may also be used for new or probationary workers, signaling a need for guidance.

Red: Reserved for emergency personnel. A red hard hat is worn by fire marshals and other emergency responders, making them easy to identify during a crisis.

Orange: Used for high-visibility roles, such as traffic marshals, signalers, and road crews. Its bright color helps them stand out near moving vehicles and heavy equipment.

Brown: Worn by workers who deal with high-heat applications, such as welders and foundry workers.

Grey: Often designated for site visitors or those with a temporary presence on the job site.

Lagos Set To Commence Enumeration of Private Schools (Registration Details)

The Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, has announced the commencement of a comprehensive statewide enumeration of private schools.

This initiative was unveiled on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the OEQA Conference Room by  the Coordinating Director of OEQA, Mr. Remi Abdul as approved by the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun.

He said the exercise is designed to establish a robust database of all private schools operating in the state. “This enumeration is not merely a counting exercise; it is a strategic initiative to provide accurate, current, and comprehensive information about private schools across Lagos State. The data will guide policy formulation, resource allocation, and sector-wide planning,” Abdul added.

The Coordinating Director explained that the exercise is aimed at generating accurate statistics on enrollment, infrastructure, staffing, and distribution of schools by local government areas. Secondly, it is to set baseline indicators for evaluating and improving standards in private institutions, while strengthening cooperation between government, private schools, NGOs, and development partners. Furthermore, it help to provide credible data for agencies such as UNICEF, UNESCO, and the National Bureau of Statistics.

The data to be collected, according to the Abdul, covers school identity (name, location, status), infrastructure (classrooms, facilities), human resources (teaching and non-teaching staff) and student demographics (enrollment by class, age, and gender).

Private schools are expected to designate Education Management Information System (EMIS) Officers to collaborate with OEQA field officers during the process.

Abdul assured Proprietors that the exercise will not disrupt school operations. “All information collected will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality and used strictly for planning and policy purposes. This exercise is designed to support, not burden, private educational providers. The data collection process has also been simplified to minimise administrative strain while capturing essential information," he added.

Further highlighting the benefits of the exercise for participating schools, Abdul revealed that these include Official recognition in the state’s educational database; Access to government support programmes, training, and partnerships; Opportunities for collaboration with other providers; Access to aggregated data for school planning and development to mention a few.

He also disclosed that the database will serve as baseline information, with updates conducted quarterly to reflect changes in student and teacher population, as well as performance outcomes.

Information on the enumeration process will be shared through the OEQA website, WhatsApp groups, and other channels. Schools are expected to register via the official link: https://forms.gle/ib8jHZ3akqpJMyN86 or contact OEQA via prsoeqa@gmail.com.

Abdul concluded with a call for cooperation. “Your participation will not only benefit your institutions but will also strengthen the entire private education sector by providing the data necessary for informed decision-making and strategic planning. Together, we are building the foundation for a world-class educational system in Lagos State.”

The epoch-making event had in attendance top OEQA officials including the Director of Planning, Mr. Hakeem Kehinde Idowu; the Director of Research, Mrs. Evelyn Pelemo; the Director of Statistics, Mr. Johnson Adeyemi and also representative of various Associations such as Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria, Lagos Baptist Schools, Muslim Schools Proprietors Association of Nigeria, Seed Care and Support and Education Reformers Association of Nigeria among others.

#AGreaterLagosRising

#LASG

LASTMA To Deploy Drones Operations for Traffic Management (Press Statement)

PRESS RELEASE.

LASTMA INAUGURATES GROUNDBREAKING DRONES OPERATIONS FOR ENHANCED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, SECURITY SURVEILLANCE, AND PUBLIC SAFETY ACROSS LAGOS.

In a decisive leap towards technological advancement, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has officially commenced its transition from traditional analog methodologies to an era of advanced digital intelligence, signaled by the deployment of state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), widely known as drones, to enhance traffic management, strengthen security surveillance, and reinforce public safety across the Lagos metropolis.

This trailblazing initiative, harmonized with the visionary mandate of the Lagos State Government under the distinguished leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, accentuates the administration’s steadfast dedication to leveraging innovation in the pursuit of sustainable urban mobility, heightened safety, and operational excellence.

Through aerial reconnaissance and high-definition monitoring capabilities, these drones shall empower LASTMA to be more proactive in traffic management and control across the State.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, affirmed that the deployment of drones signifies a watershed moment in Lagos’ traffic management ecosystem, seamlessly elevating the Authority from conventional reactive enforcement to predictive, intelligence-driven operations.

He stated: “This transition transcends the mere acquisition of equipment; it embodies a strategic reformation that positions LASTMA at the forefront of digital governance in traffic management. These drones will provide real-time aerial oversight, enabling swifter interventions, improved safety outcomes, argument emergency response coordination, bolster security frameworks and the cultivation of a more disciplined motoring culture.”

Mr. Bakare-Oki further reassured the public that the deployment shall be conducted under stringent adherence to privacy safeguards, ethical standards, and regulatory compliance, thereby reinforcing public trust in the system’s transparency and integrity.

The Authority reaffirmed its unwavering resolve to continuously innovate in traffic management, reduce travel times, curtail road traffic mishaps, and preserve lives and property throughout Lagos State.

According to Mr. Bakare-Oki, “This milestone stands as yet another resounding testament to the THEMES+ Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu, wherein technology and innovation serve as indispensable drivers of a safer, smarter, and more habitable Lagos.”

He further maintained that this modern technological intervention would complement LASTMA’s prompt responsiveness to emergencies, accidents, and other traffic-related contingencies, in addition to the existing LASTMA Toll-Free Hotline: 080000527862.

Adebayo Taofiq

Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA

LASG Orders Stop Work On Reclamation Projects Across Lagos (Press Statement)

Press Release

IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF ALL RECLAMATION PROJECTS ACROSS THE STATE WITH OR WITHOUT EIA AND DRAINAGE CLEARANCE

The Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MOE&WR) has observed with grave concern the proliferation of reclamation activities on Wetlands, Floodplains and the Lagoons across the State, particularly around Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne and other parts of Ikoyi, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, Lagos Mainland, Ikorodu, Ojo and Badagry axis, without consideration of the adverse Impacts on the Environment and the Wellbeing and Safety of the good people of the State.

These indiscriminate Reclamation projects are being executed without requisite Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Approvals and Drainage Clearance from this Ministry.

While reclamation may provide space for Housing and Infrastructure development, it also poses significant Environmental and Social risks including increased vulnerability to flooding, coastal erosion, disruption of livelihood (especially fishing), loss of wetlands and biodiversity, constriction of the Lagoons and their capacity, impairment of water quality amongst others.

With the low-lying topography of the State and its fragile ecosystem, the State Government cannot afford to allow this indiscriminate reclamation of the Lagoons, Wetlands and floodplains to continue unabated.

Consequently, the Ministry is by this Notice directing all Reclamation Projects across the State with or without EIA approval and Drainage Clearance to be SUSPENDED IMMEDIATELY.

All approved Reclamation Projects across the State must be submitted for proper

Documentation and Monitoring, while all on-going and intending ones must be subjected to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process with issuance of Approval Letter and Drainage Clearance from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.

Failure to comply with this directive within the next 7 DAYS after this publication shall leave the Ministry with no other option than to deploy APPROPRIATE machineries to decommission the reclaimed sites including excavation and removal of fill, reconnecting of already blocked water channels on the Lagoon and the arrest and prosecution of anyone involved and or found on the site of the illegality.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Signed:

Mr Tokunbo Wahab

Honourable Commissioner,

Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources,

Lagos State

Why Builders Use Hollow Blocks Instead of Solid Ones (Even When the Holes Are Filled)

Someone asked me this question today in the comment section of one of my posts. He said: “Why not just use solid blocks if you’re still going to fill the holes in hollow ones?”

Here’s the truth most people don’t know:

Hollow blocks are not a shortcut — they are a smart engineering design.

1. Strength at Lower Cost – Hollow blocks use less cement, sand, and water compared to solid blocks, making them cheaper to produce. But when the cavities are filled with concrete and iron rods during foundation works, they become even stronger than most solid blocks.

2. Built-in Reinforcement – Those holes are not a mistake. They are channels designed to hold steel reinforcement and concrete, turning ordinary block walls into mini pillars. This is one major reason why engineers prefer them (especially 9 inches) for multi-storey buildings.

3. Better Insulation – The air space inside hollow blocks reduces heat transfer, keeping buildings cooler in hot weather while also cutting down noise penetration.

4. Lighter Weight – Hollow blocks are easier to carry and reduce the dead load on foundations, which is very important for long-term structural stability.

The truth is, filling hollow blocks is not a waste, it’s how you get the best of both worlds: cost savings plus high strength.

So next time you see hollow blocks being used, remember: they are part of a well-thought-out design, not a compromise.

How To Calculate the Number of Tiles & Cartons for Any Room Size (Step-By-Step)

HOW TO CALCULATE THE NUMBER OF TILES & CARTONS FOR ANY ROOM SIZE

Before buying tiles for your project, take a little time to calculate. It saves you money, stress, and surprises. Here’s the simple formula:

Step 1 – Find the Floor Area

Multiply your room length × width.

(Example: 12ft × 12ft = 144 sq.ft)

Step 2 – Convert to Square Meters

1 m² = 10.764 sq.ft

So, Area in m² = Area in sq.ft ÷ 10.764

Step 3 – Find Tile Area

Tile area = Tile length × Tile width (in meters).

(Example: 600mm × 600mm = 0.6 × 0.6 = 0.36 m²)

Step 4 – Calculate Number of Tiles

Number of tiles = Floor area ÷ Tile area

Step 5 – Convert to Cartons

Each carton usually tells you how many m² it covers (check the packaging).

Cartons = Floor area ÷ Coverage per carton

Step 6 – Add Wastage Allowance

Always add 5–10% for cutting, breakage, and future repairs.

👉 Example: For a 12ft × 12ft room using 600 × 600mm tiles, you’ll need about 11 cartons (including wastage).

This method works for any room size and any tile size.

Next time you want to tile, don’t guess, calculate.

Mandatory Ethics and Criminal Screening for Private and Public School Teachers Says FG

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification Framework to ensure that all teachers in public and private schools undergo thorough background checks before employment. 

Spearheaded by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the initiative aims to restore professionalism and accountability in the education system by entrusting the nurturing of future generations to individuals of sound moral character.

The framework will be integrated into the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) digital portal, enabling real-time registration, licensing, and monitoring of teachers. 

This move is expected to prevent impersonation, forgery, and the employment of unqualified staff in schools. 

The TRCN Registrar, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, noted that the digital portal will also enhance teacher quality through features such as AI-powered lesson planning and state-level investigation panels.

Why DPM is Important at the DPC Level (A Must Read)

Many times, clients see black plastic sheets being spread during construction at the DPC (Damp Proof Course) level and wonder why money is being “wasted” on nylon. That sheet is not ordinary nylon, it is called a DPM, which means Damp Proof Membrane, and it plays a critical role in protecting your building.

What is a DPM?

A DPM is a thick polythene sheet placed on the foundation or at the DPC level before casting the oversite concrete. Its function is to stop ground moisture from penetrating the floor and walls of your building.

Why is it Necessary?

 1. Moisture Control

Soil naturally contains water. Without a DPM, this moisture rises into your walls and floors. Over time, you will see damp patches, peeling paint, mold, and unhealthy living conditions.

 2. Durability of Structure

Moisture weakens plaster and finishes, leading to frequent repairs. A proper DPM saves you maintenance costs and extends the life of your house.

 3. Healthy Indoor Environment

When dampness enters a house, it attracts mold and fungi, which cause bad smells and can affect your health. The DPM creates a barrier that keeps your interior dry and comfortable.

 4. Energy Efficiency

Dry walls and floors are easier to keep cool. Without dampness, your building responds better to ventilation, reducing the strain on fans or air conditioning.

In Nigeria’s hot and humid climate, dampness spreads faster than you think. Many old houses without DPM show this problem clearly, with water lines visible at the lower part of the walls.

The truth is simple, a building without DPM is like wearing shoes in the rain without socks, water will always find its way in.

So when next you see that black sheet on site, know it is not waste, it is insurance for your building’s comfort, durability, and value.

FG Releases Detail Curriculum Structure for History (Primary 1 to JS3); Says Subjects Now Compulsory (Press Statement)

 

HERITAGE RESTORED: The Federal Government has reintroduced Nigerian History as a compulsory subject in the basic education curriculum to strengthen national identity, unity, patriotism, and responsible citizenship.

For the first time in decades, Nigerian pupils will study History continuously from Primary 1 to JSS3, while SSS1–3 students will take the new Civic and Heritage Studies, integrating History with Civic Education.

Primary 1–6: Pupils will learn about Nigeria’s origins, heroes, rulers, culture, politics, economy, religions, colonial rule, and post-independence governance.

JSS1–3: Students will study civilisations, empires, trade, European contacts, amalgamation, independence, democracy, and civic values.

According to the Ministers of Education, this reform is a priceless gift to the nation, reconnecting children with their roots while inspiring pride, unity, and commitment to national development.

The Ministry has released the revised curriculum and will retrain teachers, provide resources, and strengthen monitoring.

UBA Group Lied; We Lost Colleagues In the Afriland Fire Incident, Says Tony O. Elumelu (Press Statement)

Lagos, Nigeria — A fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon at Afriland Tower, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, throwing the busy business district into panic and disrupting commercial activities.

According to eyewitnesses, thick smoke was first seen billowing from the basement, later identified as the inverter room, before spreading rapidly to upper floors. Occupants were forced to flee the building, with some breaking windows and climbing down ladders to escape.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that emergency teams from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations were deployed to the scene. Nine people were rescued during the operation, five of whom were successfully resuscitated, while four others remained in critical condition.

The incident triggered chaos on Broad Street as traffic was blocked to allow fire trucks access, leaving hundreds of workers and visitors stranded.

In a statement, Afriland Properties Plc, owners of the tower, expressed regret over the incident and said preliminary findings pointed to the inverter room as the source of the fire. Meanwhile, UBA clarified that its corporate headquarters at Marina was unaffected, dispelling rumors that its main office was involved.

Lagos State Fire Service officials have since declared the blaze under control but said structural safety assessments of the tower are ongoing. Investigations are also underway to determine the full extent of the damage and whether safety standards were adequately followed. 

In a twist, the chairman of the UBA Group Tony Elumelu has retracted the statement issued by the management of the UBA Group.....

Read Statement from his tweets on the official X handle:

The past few hours have been tough. 

We and others lost colleagues in the fire at Afriland Towers. 

As a community, we are grieving for all and doing what we can to support their families and loved ones.

I also saw the initial statement from the comms team at @UBAGroup which was put out in haste, without understanding the full gravity of what happened. This is  regrettable. 

The statement does not reflect how deeply saddened we are. The loss of a life is painful, all the more so when it is family and friends. We are praying for all the lives lost.

Our Group paused today to reflect and remember all who passed. They are irreplaceable and will remain in our memories always. 

May their souls rest in perfect peace and may God comfort their loved ones and us all🙏🏽