The traditional ruler of Ikate kingdom, Oba Saheed Elegushi has called for increased awareness and sensitization on the importance of voluntary blood donation in Lagos State, noting that it is the only way the shortage in blood products can be addressed.

Oba Elegushi was speaking at a blood donation drive organized by his foundation and KB Klub, a socio-philanthropic organisation of medical students of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos in partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service.

The traditional ruler opined that myths surrounding the donation of blood must be properly addressed through sustained campaign and education from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, religious and faith based organizations, as well as youth groups.

“I think we need to do more in sensitising the people, educate them and also send more messages out on the need to donate blood. “I will urge all stakeholders to do more in educating and disabusing the mind of the people on the need to do more,” Elegushi said.

Speaking during the blood donation exercise held in Eti-Osa, Sheriffdeen Oloyode, Team Leader, KB Klub, said the initiative aims to address critical issues of blood shortage in the country, which affects patients with various medical conditions.

He disclosed that the initiative was held simultaneously in six other locations in Lagos with the goal to raise at least 500 pints of blood from each location.

Dr Bodunrin Osikomaiya, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, emphasised the need for continued advocacy on blood donation, stating that many people still have all those myths and false information. They really do not know most of these things.

“Some of them grew up knowing the wrong things about blood donation because of the bad experiences of people in the past. So, our advocacy is not yet enough,” she said.

She said the blood collected would be taken to the state’s blood transfusion centres and designated hospitals for processing and screening.

“Once screened, the blood will be distributed to various hospitals, including Lagos State Accident and Emergency.

Over 500 residents of Ikate-Elegushi kingdom participated in the voluntary donation.

Signed

Temitope Oyefeso

Special Assistant, Public Affairs to HRM

Ms. Comfort Emasson has issued a public apology for her role in the altercation that led to her removal from an Ibom Air flight on Sunday, August 10, 2025. She, however, condemned the way she was restrained and filmed during the incident.

In a statement released on Saturday, Emasson expressed remorse for her behavior on the Uyo–Lagos flight, where a disagreement arose with cabin crew over her phone usage during safety checks.

“I acknowledge that emotions ran high and that I could have handled myself better. Airplanes are safety-critical environments, and crew instructions matter,” she said. “If my words or actions contributed to disorder on board, I am sorry for that. I do not condone violence.”

According to the airline, Emasson allegedly assaulted a flight attendant before security personnel escorted her off the plane upon its arrival in Lagos. Videos of the removal circulated online, showing her in a distressed state, footage she described as humiliating and degrading.

“No one deserves to be treated without dignity — even in conflict,” Emasson remarked, pointing out that the Nigerian Bar Association had criticized the incident and demanded accountability.

After her arrest, Emasson was briefly detained before the Federal Government ordered the charges against her to be dropped on August 13. She had initially been placed under a lifetime “no-fly” ban, but reports on August 15 confirmed that airlines lifted the sanction following regulatory review.

While taking responsibility for her part in the confrontation, Emasson emphasized the need for lessons to be drawn from the episode. She called for “a balanced, independent review of everything that happened — from the cabin exchange to ground handling,” as well as the establishment of clear policies against filming passengers under restraint.

She also appealed to the public to remain civil and to refrain from threats or harassment toward anyone connected to the matter.

“I am grateful to my family, friends, legal team, and Nigerians who insisted that safety and human dignity can — and must — coexist. I’m healing and hopeful,” she stated.

Veteran Nigerian actor Segun Remi, widely known by his stage name Chief Kanran, has passed away at the age of 72.

The acclaimed Yoruba film icon died on Friday morning, though the cause of death had not been revealed as of the time this report was filed.

Chief Kanran was a beloved figure in the Yoruba movie industry, celebrated for his unique style, humour, and powerful performances in both stage productions and films spanning several decades.