By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government says it has taken a decisive step to unlock Ondo State’s maritime and industrial potential with the revalidation of the Ondo Deep Sea Port licence, signalling fresh momentum for trade, jobs, and investment in the South-West state.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, formally presented the revalidated certificate to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State at his office in Abuja, noting that the revalidation served as a major milestone and a strategic federal intervention to harness the state’s vast blue economy resources.

He said the deep sea port would serve as a catalyst for trade expansion, industrialisation and regional economic integration, in line with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda.

“The Ondo Deep Sea Port is not just a project for Ondo State; it is a national asset that will boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in global shipping, ease congestion at existing ports and create a new hub for exports, manufacturing and job creation,” Mr Oyetola said.

He added that the port’s Atlantic corridor location would enhance non-oil exports, improve the ease of doing business and attract foreign direct investment to the South-West and the wider economy.

According to him, the revalidated licence provides clarity and confidence for investors, reinforcing Nigeria’s readiness for large-scale maritime investments.

Receiving the certificate, Mr Aiyedatiwa thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approving the revalidation, describing it as the outcome of years of sustained effort.

He explained that the original licence had faced delays due to a naming error in the initial business case, necessitating a fresh and comprehensive submission.

“This revalidated certificate is a turning point for Ondo State, affirming our vision for industrial growth, job creation and sustainable development anchored on our coastline and maritime assets,” the governor said.

Mr Aiyedatiwa said his administration was prioritising supporting infrastructure, including the dualisation of access roads to industrial zones and modernisation projects.

He added that plans were also underway for residential, educational and hospitality facilities to support the anticipated influx of investors and workers.

The governor reaffirmed that the port and its ancillary projects would drive inclusive development across all local government areas of the state.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Personal Corporate Social Responsibility (PCSR) initiatives of Egbin Power Plc have continued to deepen social cohesion, empower young people, and strengthen relationships across its host communities.

One of these programmes is the company-sponsored annual football tournament for host communities. This tournament has continued to serve as a unifying platform for youth development, positive engagement, and shared identity among neighbouring communities.

The 2025 edition, which was recently concluded, saw Alanu-Omo FC defeating Dragon Ipakan FC with a 1–0 victory in a closely contested encounter, capping weeks of spirited participation marked by discipline, camaraderie, and exemplary.

From the opening fixtures to the final match, the programme featured 16 teams drawn from the host communities, with participants displaying not only skill and competitiveness but also camaraderie and respect for fair play—reinforcing the programme’s positive social impact over the years.

At the end of the competition, Alanu-Omo FC emerged champions and received a cash prize of N1 million, while the runners-up and third-place teams received N700,000 and N500,000, respectively.

The competition, now in its fourth edition, was held at the Egbin Power sports field, brought together young people from neighbouring communities, encouraging positive interaction, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose.

Over the years, the event has consistently demonstrated the GenCo’s belief that sustainable development thrives where communities are united and actively engaged.

Speaking on the significance of the programme, the Head of Corporate Communications and Branding at Egbin Power, Mr Felix Ofulue, described the initiative as a strategic investment in people and communities.

“At Egbin Power, we are deeply passionate about initiatives that bring people together and create lasting value. This programme has grown into a platform for nurturing talent, engaging young people constructively, and strengthening bonds across communities.

“Beyond recreation, it instils critical life skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, and resilience, qualities that are essential for personal growth and societal progress,” Mr Ofulue said.

He added that the objective is to evolve the initiative into a unifying force that strengthens relationships across communities while reinforcing Egbin Power’s brand as a responsible and people-centred organisation.

Captain of the winning team, Alanu-Omo FC, Mr Samad Ojikutu, expressed appreciation to Egbin Power for its sustained commitment to youth empowerment.

“We commend Egbin Power for consistently creating opportunities for young people in the host communities. This is a programme we always look forward to. Winning is exciting, but what matters most is the unity we experience as a team and as a community. It reminds us that we can achieve so much more when we work together,” he said.

Also commenting, a community leader and retired Grade 1 referee, Prince Samson Ekundayo, described the initiative as impactful and timely.

“Programmes like this are critical for community development. They provide young people with opportunities to showcase their talents, while also learning the values of cooperation, discipline, and respect,” he noted.

Egbin Power reiterated that initiatives of this nature remain central to its commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and sustainable community relations, noting that deliberate investments in youth and social cohesion are essential for building trust, strengthening brand affinity, and driving long-term shared value.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

About 15 million calls were received by the Lagos State Command and Control Centre (LSCCC) through the emergency toll-free lines, 112 and 767, in 11 months.

This information was disclosed by the LSCCC, which also said about 11,127 emergency incidents were recorded between January and November 2025.

Addressing newsmen on the activities of the centre in the outgoing year at his Ikeja office, the General Manager of the LSCCC, Mr. Femi Giwa, said medical incidents made up the majority of the incidents, and the centre recorded 2,192 of such incidents within this period.

According to him, road accidents (consisting of broken-down vehicles and containers, with 2,188 cases, were the second highest emergency recorded by the centre within the period.

Fire disasters (comprising fire outbreaks and vehicle-on-fire incidents) occurred 1,922 times during the period under review, while civil disturbances, including fights and riots, were recorded 732 times. Robbery was recorded 410 times. PHCN poles, sparks, and pipeline vandalism were recorded 334 during this period.

Furthermore, there were 57 collapsed buildings as well as 323 violent incidents against persons and 40 domestic violence cases recorded.

Analysis of incidents recorded per Local Government areas in the state revealed Alimosho Local Government area having the highest emergency incidents with 1,507 cases during the period, followed by Eti-Osa Local Government with 1,283 incidents.

Ikeja Local Government was third with 1,169 incidents during the period under review. In addition, Oshodi Local Government had 908 incidents, Kosofe Local Government had 874, Ikorodu LGA had 711, Surulere recorded 519, while 495 incidents were recorded in Lagos Island Local Government.

In addition, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government had 482 incidents during this period, Lagos Mainland Local Government had 457  incidents, Ibeju-Lekki LGA with 447, Agege LGA with 379, Mushin LGA recorded 341, Ojo LGA with 289, Shomolu LGA with 274 incidents, Ifako-Ijaiye LGA with 269, Badagry LGA recorded 237 cases, Apapa LGA with 189 incidents, Epe LGA recorded 159 while Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA had the fewest cases of 146 incidents.

Mr Giwa described LSCCC as the agency mandated to coordinate emergency and disaster response across the state, ensuring the efficient deployment, tracking and demobilisation of resources for effective incident management.

He said the centre serves as the hub for real-time monitoring, communication and dispatch of emergency services across the state.

As the year winds down, the General Manager wished all residents a joyful celebration, reminding Lagosians to stay safe during the festive season, urging everyone to call the emergency toll-free lines for any incidents or suspicious activities.