One of the most anticipated award events in Lagos, the Eko Mi Award will be coming up on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos.

Themed Lagos, Where Legends Are Made, this year’s event will be celebrating and recognizing individuals from diverse walks of life who have contributed to the growth and prosperity of Lagos State, cutting across business, public service, politics, entertainment, and education- foundational pillars of the society, harmoniously driving economic wealth, cultural identity, and civic order.

Some of the names on the list of nominees for this year’s award include Honorable James Abiodun Faleke, Mr. Obafemi Hamzat, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, Veritas, MTN, OPAY, Mikano, Vulcanizers’ Association of Nigeria, Journalists’ Hangout, St. Ives’ Hospital, amongst others.

The Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Harbour Engineering Company and Naston Engineering Nigeria Limited to commence scoping and definition work for key components of the state’s water infrastructure development programme.

The agreement was signed Wednesday on behalf of the State Government by Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources.

The MoU takes immediate effect and will run for one year.

It outlines a collaborative framework for developing two strategic project lots within the Lagos water supply system. At the end of the engagement, the state is expected to have a comprehensive technical report and implementation framework to guide execution of the proposed projects.

Speaking on the scope of the projects, the Commissioner stated that the first project lot will focus on the installation of a water transmission pipeline beneath the Lagos Lagoon into the Lekki Concession Area while the second lot will define downstream distribution activities, including metering and last-mile connections within the concession area.

Wahab noted that the outcome of both engagements will lead to the preparation of a concession agreement between the Lagos State Government and the consortium for project implementation.

He said the partnership aligns with its ongoing efforts to expand access to clean water and strengthen water infrastructure across Lagos.

“The ultimate goal is to improve potable water supply and service delivery for residents,” Wahab said.

China Harbour Engineering Company was represented by its Executive Director, Mr. Luke Lin, and other members of its executive team.

Naston Engineering Nigeria Limited was represented by its Executive Director, Mrs. Remi Agbowu; its Managing Director, Mr. Kole Funsho; and other members of its Board.

The Lagos State Government team also had other officials from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, including the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, the Managing Director of the Lagos Water Corporation, Engr. Mukhtaar Tijani; and the Executive Director, Operations, Lagos Water Corporation, Engr. Lanke Taiwo, alongside other directors.

Travellers in the United States who require Nigerian visas will now submit their applications directly to the Nigerian embassy and consulates after the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) disengaged its third-party visa application service provider.

Previously, Online Integrated Solution (OIS SERVICES) functioned as the operator of Nigeria’s visa application and submission centres in the US.

However, a statement issued Thursday by Akinsola Akinlabi, NIS public relations officer, said the operator has been disengaged effective immediately. Akinlabi did not state why.

“Travellers seeking Nigerian visas are now required to submit their applications directly at the embassy of Nigeria in Washington, DC, or at the consulates of Nigeria in New York and Atlanta until further notice,” Akinlabi said.

He conveyed the NIS’ assurance that the embassy and consulates have put adequate measures in place to ensure seamless submission, processing, and issuance of visas.

The immigration official noted that applicants are further advised to monitor the official communication channels of the NIS and the Nigerian mission in the US for updates on visa application procedures.

He added that the NIS remains committed to providing efficient service delivery.