…over 200 allottees benefit

In a major display of responsive and compassionate leadership, the Lagos State Government has successfully resolved a land dispute that lingered for over a decade in the Okun-Ajah and Mayegun communities of the state.

Speaking at the Ministerial press briefing in Alausa on Tuesday, the Honourable Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, revealed that the dispute, which had threatened the homes and livelihoods of hundreds of residents within State Government schemes, was brought to a peaceful and lawful end through the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

According to Alebiosu, the Governor’s unwavering commitment to governance with a human face was the driving force behind a groundbreaking regularisation process that spared over 200 allottees from eviction and property loss.

“What we have achieved here is a testament to Mr. Governor’s belief that governance must prioritize people, their dignity, their security, and their future. Rather than demolish homes and uproot lives, we brought stakeholders to a roundtable and crafted a legal pathway for regularising occupancy.”

The Commissioner explained that many of the affected individuals had unknowingly encroached on government land, creating a protracted conflict over ownership. Instead of resorting to mass demolitions, the State Government, through the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, implemented an accommodation strategy that allowed the settlers to regularise their land documents and remain legally on the property.

Alebiosu noted that the allottees were not only relieved, but deeply appreciative of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s thoughtful and compassionate leadership, one that averted the potential displacement of families, destruction of businesses, and severe impact on livelihoods and well-being.

Many of the beneficiaries, who received their electronic survey copy shared cannot hide their excitement & gratitude,

They want to sincerely thank the Lagos State Government for fulfilling their promise. Receiving their e-survey copies gives them great joy and renewed confidence in the process and in this administration.

This landmark resolution marks a significant victory for urban peacebuilding and reflects Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader urban development agenda, one that blends strategic planning with empathy.

“This isn’t just a resolution,” Alebiosu added. “It’s a message that in Lagos, people come first and that development will never come at the expense of humanity.”

The successful resolution is expected to set a new precedent for how land disputes and settlement issues are addressed in the state, reaffirming Lagos as a model of progressive urban governance in Nigeria.

Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun, has promised a reward of N2.5 million for each gold medal won by the state’s athletes at the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) kicking off on Sunday in the state.

The governor also promised the sum of N1.5 million and N1 million, respectively, for each silver and bronze medal won at the competition.

Governor Abiodun made the promise when he visited the Athletics Camp at Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Addressing the state contingents at the camp, Governor Abiodun further promised the sum of N50,000 to each participating Ogun state athlete within 24 hours, urging them to go and make the state proud.

“I understand that when you win a medal, there is an instant award. Once you get a medal, you get a reward, a huge one.

“Anyone who wins a gold medal in this festival will receive from me the sum of N2.5 million.

“For every silver medal, I will give that medalist N1.5 million.


“Anyone who gets a bronze medal will receive N1 million.

“You are here because you are the best from Ogun State. Anyone who is not here is not good enough to represent Ogun State. You are not here to compete alone, but to win. We are hosting to win, and you must bring the medals home,” he said.

Ogun, Abiodun noted, is known for being the best, just as the state has produced world-class sportsmen and women who have made the nation proud, appreciating the athletes for displaying exemplary character in serving their motherland.

He said the state has provided the needed infrastructure and facilities for a seamless competition, emphasizing that it is the first time all athletes are camped together for the National Sports Festival competition.

“The National Sports Festival was organized to bring all Nigerians together in unity. By the time you leave here, you will have bonded together and exchanged hands of fellowship across the Niger and Benue.

“You’ve come from all parts of this state, camped, and trained for months in readiness for the competition.

“We have made available the infrastructure and facilities that have become the reference point in sports in Nigeria. Our newly renovated International Sports Arena in Abeokuta will be hosting international competitions, and we are working to develop the sports economy in Ogun State,” the governor stated.

While calling on the athletes to cooperate with officials, the governor promised that the minor challenges noted would be addressed, as a competition of such magnitude could not be 100 percent free from hiccups.

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian leaders and citizens to harness the country’s diversity as a source of strength, rather than division, in order to foster national stability and rapid development.


Speaking in Rome on Sunday during a meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Tinubu said, “If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress.”

The meeting took place shortly after the President attended the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, where he joined other world leaders for the historic occasion.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described it as a “historic” moment to witness the inauguration of a new Pope while serving as Nigeria’s leader.

The Catholic bishops were part of the Nigerian delegation to Rome, attending both the burial of the late Pope Francis and the inauguration of his successor, Pope Leo XIV.

Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Archbishop of Owerri, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for facilitating their visit to the Vatican.

“You are always there for us. Now that you have come to the Vatican, whenever we have our conference in Nigeria, we will also invite you. We look forward to interfacing with you, just as you were able to do with the Holy Father,” Archbishop Ugorji was quoted as saying.

The meeting was also attended by prominent Nigerian Catholic leaders, including Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese.

Earlier on Sunday, President Tinubu met with the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and a former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, during Pope Leo’s installation service.

He also met briefly with the 69-year-old Pope following the installation mass in St. Peter’s Square. In a video on the president’s X account, he shook hands and exchanged a few words with the new pontiff before moving along.

Other world leaders present included United States Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, both of whom also greeted the Pope after the mass.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected on 8 May as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church following a secret conclave of cardinals.

The American-born pontiff had begun his papacy with a strong call for global peace, environmental stewardship, and the protection of marginalised communities.

At the installation, Pope Leo urged the world to stop exploiting nature and marginalising the poor.