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Sanwo-Olu’s, Hamzat’s wives applaud Sweetthinkers Academic Competition, hail organisers

Published

7 days ago

June 6, 2026

Lagos State First Lady Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, wife of the deputy governor have commended the organisers of Sweetthinkers Academic Competition 1.0 for their commitment to promoting academic excellence, critical thinking, and leadership among pupils in public primary schools.

They spoke at the grand finale held at SUBEB Multipurpose Hall, Kosofe, Lagos, on Thursday.

Addressing the gathering, Mrs Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Mrs Funmi Omotosho, the wife of the Honorable Commissioner for Information and member, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), said: “I commend the organizers for conceiving and executing this laudable initiative aimed at promoting academic excellence, critical thinking, healthy competition, and intellectual development among our young learners.I am particularly delighted to be in the midst of these brilliant young minds whose enthusiasm, determination, and commitment to learning give us hope for a brighter and more prosperous future.

“I personally see this competition as a celebration of knowledge, hard work, discipline, and the limitless potential that resides in our children.”

She noted that education remains one of the most powerful tools for personal growth and societal transformation, adding that “it equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, values, and confidence required to navigate life’s challenges and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

“This is why the Lagos State Government, under the visionary leadership of Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, continues to invest significantly in the education sector through improved infrastructure, teacher development, digital learning initiatives, and policies that enhance access to quality education.

I am encouraged by initiatives such as this competition because they complement government efforts by inspiring students to embrace learning beyond the classroom.”

The First Lady went on to appreciate parents, teachers, school administrators, and mentors who played significant roles in nurturing and guiding the young talents. “Your sacrifices, encouragement, and commitment have helped shape the future leaders, innovators, professionals, and change-makers we celebrate today.

As a mother and advocate for the wellbeing and development of children, I urge all stakeholders to continue creating environments that support learning, creativity, moral values, and character development. Our children deserve every opportunity to thrive and realize their full potential.”

Congratulating the organisers for the successful hosting of the competition, she said: “I encourage you to sustain and expand this initiative so that even more students across Lagos State and beyond can benefit from this platform of intellectual engagement and excellence.

Also applauding the organizer’s for their wisdom to organize such a project, Mrs Hamzat congratulate all the participants, finalists, teachers, and parents whose dedication and hard work have made the event a success.

She encouraged government agencies, private organisations, parents, and stakeholders “to continue supporting educational initiatives that empower our children. Together, let us build a generation of confident, knowledgeable, and responsible citizens who will contribute positively to society and make Lagos State and Nigeria proud.”

Walking the guests through how the idea was birthed, the convener, informed the gathering that competition started on the 3rd of July, 2025, adding: “Today marks the celebration of excellence, courage, discipline, and the limitless potential that exists within every Nigerian child.

When Sweetthinkers was conceived, it was born from a simple but powerful belief: “brilliance exists everywhere, even in places where opportunities may be limited”.

“We believe that if children are given the right platform, encouragement, and exposure, they can rise beyond mediocrity and become exceptional leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers for our nation.”

Over the course of the competition, she said: “We opened the first stage to over 2,000 pupils drawn from the 23 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) across Lagos State. From that initial stage, we moved to the second stage in October, where about 200 pupils advanced to compete at a higher level of expression, knowledge, and confidence.

“We then proceeded to the third stage with 40 outstanding pupils who earned their place through consistency and excellence. From this group, in March 2026, 8 exceptional finalists emerged, and they are the ones who stand before us today at this Grand Finale.

“To every participating school, thank you for believing in this vision.”

To the teachers and school administrators, thank you for your sacrifices, guidance, and commitment to nurturing these children.

To the parents and guardians, thank you for your support and encouragement behind the scenes.

To our sponsors, partners, and supporters, thank you for choosing to invest in education, excellence, and the future of our nation. Your support has helped make this vision a reality.

To our volunteers and organising team, thank you for your dedication, hard work, and countless hours of service. Events like this succeed because people choose to serve passionately.”

Addressing the pupils, she said: “Nigeria needs young people who are thoughtful, disciplined, innovative, and prepared to make a difference. Looking at every one of you today, I am hopeful for the future.

We believe that education remains one of the strongest tools for national development, and we remain committed to creating opportunities that challenge young minds to think beyond limitations.

As we celebrate these remarkable pupils today, I encourage everyone present to consider how you can support their journey beyond this stage. Whether through sponsorship, mentorship, scholarships, or partnership, your support can help ensure that talent is not limited by circumstance. Sweetthinkers is committed to nurturing excellence, but we cannot do it alone. Together, we can open more doors for these young minds and help them realise their full potential.”

The competition won by zainab Abubakar Of Lagos State model nursery and primary school, Ikeja with 39 points. She received a N300,000 cheque, sponsorship, trophy, medal, Sweetthinkers hamper, and snacks from UAC

The 2^nd position was won by Peter Jegede of Oluwole Nursery and Primary School, Lagos Mainland with 35points. He bagged sponsorship opportunity, medal, N200,000, Sweetthinkers hampers, and snacks from UAC.

Goodnews Oriamaja fromm First African Church Mission School 2, Ifako came third and went home with sponsorship, opportunity, medal, N100,000, Sweetthinkers hampers, and snacks from UAC.

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Bullet sounds boom as election approaches

Published

1 day ago

June 11, 2026

News Diggers

Tension gripped Osogbo, Osun State capital, on Tuesday following violent clashes between supporters of the ruling Accord Party and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), which left one person dead and two others injured.

The incident, which occurred in several parts of the city, also triggered heavy gunfire that sent residents fleeing for safety in panic as security operatives and political supporters allegedly exchanged shots in different locations.

The injured victims were rushed to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital and other private medical facilities in the state capital for treatment.

Eyewitnesses said the violence began around 1:30pm when a convoy allegedly conveying APC supporters moved through parts of the city, including Akoda and Aisu junction. The movement was said to have sparked a confrontation with some Accord Party supporters, escalating into shooting.

Gunshots were later reported in areas including Owode, Aisu, Olaiya, Oke-Fia, Government House axis, and Old Garage, throwing the state capital into confusion as residents scampered for safety.

It was further gathered that security operatives attached to the convoy allegedly fired shots sporadically in an attempt to disperse attackers at Aisu junction and other flashpoints, further heightening tension across the city.

Reacting to the violence, Governor Ademola Adeleke described the attacks as “unprovoked and outrageous,” alleging attempts to destabilise the state. He called on the National Security Adviser, Inspector General of Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security heads to intervene urgently, especially after visiting victims at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital and other health facilities.

Adeleke also accused unnamed political actors of sponsoring violence, claiming that recent months had seen repeated attacks targeting members of the Accord Party across the state. He further alleged that security agencies had not acted decisively to arrest perpetrators.

According to him, earlier reports of violence also emerged from Ile-Ife, particularly the Sabo area, before spreading to Osogbo and Ede.

“The attackers in a 15-vehicle convoy branded with AMBO pictures further launched attacks at Owode. They then proceeded to Olaiya, Old Garage, Oke-Fia and even around Government House,” the governor alleged.

He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and caution political actors allegedly linked to the unrest, insisting that elections must be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the Accord Party chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, also condemned the violence, calling on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the incident and alleging the involvement of the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji.

Security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident at the time of filing this report.

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Criminals, not bandit killed army officer- Police

Published

1 day ago

June 11, 2026

News Diggers

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that five persons, including a soldier and a local hunter, died during a violent attack in Magbon Etido, Mowe, in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the incident was an “isolated criminal attack” and not a bandit operation as speculated in some quarters.

According to the command, the attackers struck the community, killing a soldier who was on security duty and injuring another military personnel, who is currently receiving treatment.

The assailants also abducted four residents during the raid. Babaseyi said police operatives, working alongside the military and other security agencies, immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

He added that one of the abducted victims was rescued alive, while the remains of the other three were later recovered during the operation.

During the subsequent bush-combing exercise, a local hunter assisting security operatives was reportedly killed in an encounter with the fleeing suspects.

“The Command extends its condolences to his family,” the statement said, while assuring that efforts were ongoing to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.

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2027: North rules out Tinubu, says policies on economy highly disappointing

Published

3 days ago

June 10, 2026

News Diggers

The National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Prof. Tukur Mohammed-Baba, has said President Bola Tinubu has lost considerable political goodwill in Northern Nigeria since the 2023 general election, citing worsening economic conditions and insecurity.

Mohammed-Baba made the remarks during an interview on PrimeTime on Arise Television on Monday, where he criticised the country’s political leadership and expressed disappointment over the lack of clear policy direction from major political actors ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to him, the North has become increasingly disillusioned with the political class, which he accused of prioritising personal ambitions over the welfare of citizens.

“I have not seen a party that articulates a clear policy ambition or an ideological standard. The average northern voter is disillusioned and has been for a long time,” he said.

“We have tried all kinds of permutations—northern candidates, Muslim-Muslim tickets, and so on. It seems to the average northerner that all this politics is about personalities and personal interests. It is not about people.”

Assessing Tinubu’s administration, Mohammed-Baba said the impact of government policies had been difficult for many Nigerians.

“The impact of his policies on the economy and especially on individual lives has been highly disappointing, if not disturbing,” he said.

He also expressed concern over the security situation across parts of the country, arguing that the government’s response had fallen short of expectations.

“Furthermore, the insecurity thing, no matter what the government says, is getting worse,” he said, noting that discussions around the deployment of forest guards had come only after renewed attacks in parts of the country.

Mohammed-Baba warned that communities increasingly resorting to self-help in the face of insecurity posed a threat to the authority of the state.

“We are gradually normalising self-help—that unless you do something, the government will not be there to protect you. That undermines the essence of the role of the state,” he stated.

The ACF spokesman also criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing him as a “recurring decimal” in Nigeria’s presidential politics.

“I don’t see anything from him that presents an alternative apart from saying this government has failed,” Mohammed-Baba said. “Where is the beef?”

On Peter Obi, he argued that the former Anambra State governor had failed to sustain whatever political goodwill he enjoyed in the North before the 2023 elections.

“He has moved to two or three parties. The question we ask is: what does he want?” he said.

Mohammed-Baba further criticised Obi’s running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, over comments he said appeared to compare himself with revered northern figures such as Ahmadu Bello and Aminu Kano.

“In the North, that is very irreverent. It would be highly delusional for him to go that far and say he presents an alternative,” he said.

“An alternative in terms of what? Has he articulated anything on the economy, security, or infrastructure? When you keep talking about things in abstract terms that run counter-intuitive to what the people have held on to, you will run into trouble.”

Asked to identify a potential presidential aspirant capable of winning northern support ahead of 2027, Mohammed-Baba declined to endorse anyone.

“We are waiting to see,” he said.

He also cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against complacency, warning that attempts to weaken opposition parties through defections and legal battles could backfire.

“Nothing fails like success. Be very careful, because sometimes complacency can spring surprises,” he said.

Mohammed-Baba rejected suggestions that the North remained a unified voting bloc capable of determining election outcomes on its own.

“No one region can determine on its own the outcome of a presidential election, and the North has never been able to do so alone, outside of military rule,” he said.

With rising fuel prices, increasing numbers of out-of-school children and persistent attacks by bandits in parts of the North-West, Mohammed-Baba maintained that Nigerians were searching for leaders with practical solutions to the country’s challenges.

“Is there anybody offering an alternative now?” he asked. “I don’t see anything.”