International

Lagos to demolish illegal structures blocking drainage in Agungi, Ikota

The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate demolition of illegal structures built on drainage channels and canal right-of-way in the Agungi, Ajiran and Ikota areas as part of efforts to tackle recurring flooding. The directive was announced by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, following an inspection of key drainage infrastructure and flood control projects in the affected communities. According to Channels Television, the inspection was prompted by repeated flooding in Agungi despite the completion of major drainage works more than two years ago. Officials said they discovered that the main drainage outlet at the Ajiran channel had been blocked, preventing stormwater from flowing freely into the Lagos Lagoon. Wahab alleged that a land-owning family illegally obstructed the outlet of the primary drainage channel, significantly reducing the drainage system’s effectiveness. He said the government had ordered the immediate reopening of the blocked channel in the public interest. The commissioner stressed that while the government recognises legitimate land ownership and Certificates of Occupancy, no one has the right to obstruct natural waterways or public drainage infrastructure. He explained that flooding in Agungi and Ajiran is linked to a drainage channel that carries stormwater through Chevron Drive into the Lagos Lagoon, warning that any blockage leaves residents vulnerable to severe flooding despite government investment. During the inspection, officials also visited Megamond Estate in Ikota, where developers were accused of reclaiming part of the Ikota River and beginning construction without the required environmental and drainage approvals. Wahab said enforcement and abatement notices had previously been served on the developers but were ignored. He added that all illegal structures built on reclaimed drainage alignments would be removed. The commissioner reminded developers carrying out projects on wetlands or water-related sites that they must obtain an Environmental Impact Assessment and, where necessary, Wetland Clearance from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources before construction begins. He also warned that the state government would continue removing illegal reclamations and developments that violate environmental laws, while urging residents to report blocked drainage channels and other environmental infractions.

Canadian rapper Drake celebrates after winning more than $1 million from a successful bet on Canada's 1-0 FIFA World Cup victory over South Africa.

Drake wins $1m World Cup bet after Canada beat South Africa

Canadian rapper Drake has won more than $1 million after correctly betting on Canada to defeat South Africa national football team in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match. According to PUNCH Online, the Toronto-born star staked $770,000 (more than ₦1 billion) on a Canadian victory. The wager paid out $1,001,000, giving him an estimated profit of about $231,000. Before kick-off, Drake shared the bet on Instagram, saying it was prompted by messages from South African DJ Black Coffee. “@realblackcoffee was chirping in the DM I had to raise the STAKES.” Canada secured a dramatic 1-0 victory at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles after Stephen Eustáquio scored a stoppage-time volley to send the co-hosts into the Round of 16. The defeat ended South Africa’s best-ever FIFA World Cup campaign. Under coach Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stage for the first time after finishing runners-up in Group A, including a decisive win over South Korea national football team to qualify. Canada’s victory also marked the country’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Drake has become well known for placing high-value public bets on major sporting events, including NBA Finals, UFC title fights, boxing matches and international football tournaments.

Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Borno State, where gunmen attacked during the NECO SSCE and abducted students.

JUST IN: Gunmen attack Borno school, abduct students writing NECO SSCE

The attack on a secondary school in Borno State has disrupted the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), with gunmen abducting an unspecified number of students. According to TheCable, the assailants stormed Government Day Secondary School in Lassa town, Askira/Uba Local Government Area, on Monday morning while students were sitting the National Examinations Council SSCE. The attack reportedly left one teacher dead, while another sustained injuries during the assault. The spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident, saying some students remain unaccounted for following the attack. Authorities have yet to disclose the exact number of students abducted, and security agencies are expected to provide further updates as search and rescue efforts continue.

Seriake Dickson speaks during a television interview where he backed Peter Obi's call to delay the implementation of state police until after the 2027 general election.

Dickson backs Obi, says state police should wait for next government

The national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has endorsed Peter Obi’s position that the implementation of state police should be postponed until after the 2027 general election. Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Sunday, Dickson said while he supports the creation of state police, the reform should not be rushed. His comments followed the Senate’s passage of a constitutional amendment bill last week seeking to establish state police across Nigeria. Obi had described the Senate’s approval as a major step towards addressing insecurity through decentralised policing. However, he argued that implementation should be deferred until after the 2027 elections, warning that governors could misuse state police against political opponents if sufficient safeguards are not in place. Backing Obi’s position, Dickson said the reform should proceed more cautiously. “Peter Obi is right and that is also my view. We can start the process. The president has started a good thing by introducing the reform. I encouraged him to do it, even though I disagree with the speed with which it is going. We need to slow it down a little bit.” Dickson said Nigeria’s immediate priority should be tackling terrorism and insecurity while creating conditions for credible elections. “Every national attention and resource now should be focused on fighting terrorism and insecurity and creating the environment to enable us to have an election. The business of implementing the reform should be left for the next government.” The comments add to the growing debate over the proposed state policing system, with supporters arguing it would strengthen local security while critics continue to raise concerns about possible political abuse.