Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has officially opened Nigeria’s first local government-owned radio station.

This groundbreaking station, situated in Mushin Local Government, highlights the critical role of information dissemination to the public.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, inaugurated the station during the commissioning of various legacy projects implemented by Mushin Local Government Chairman, Emmanuel Olanrewaju Bamigboye, at Oliyide Street, Mushin.

A post on the official Facebook page of the Lagos State Government praised the development, calling it “laudable and worthy of emulation by other Local Government Areas.”

The statement says: “Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has commissioned the first Local Government-owned radio station in Nigeria (Ishokan 106.7 FM), operated by the Mushin Local Government, emphasising the importance of information dissemination to the people.

“The Governor, who launched Nigeria’s pioneering local government-owned radio stations through the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, today at the commissioning of other legacy projects executed by the Chairman, Mushin Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Olanrewaju Bamigboye, at Oliyide Street, Mushin, Lagos, said that the launch is laudable and worthy of emulation by other Local Government Areas.

“According to Sanwo-Olu, ‘It’s always good to communicate with our people. So, we must appreciate the Chairman of the Local Government for building these notable projects. First, getting all the federal agencies in one place, so that if you need anything, you are not running from one place to another. Secondly, establishing this radio station, and many other projects, including roads, markets, and others, is a real achievement,’ said Sanwo-Olu, adding the residents should be excited about having such a political party and Chairmen who are commissioning infrastructures that some states cannot do.

“The Governor stated that the State is progressing under the All Progressive Congress (APC) adding that, as roads are being commissioned, Primary Healthcare, Schools, Administrative blocks and so many more are launched. This implies that the party is a progressive one, urging the people to unite and be able to stand on the President’s mandate.

“He reiterated further that to be able to stand on that mandate, every resident must possess a voter’s card, stressing that those who are yet to possess the voter’s card should ensure they go out when the registration process commences, as the prosperity of the nation strongly depends on the reforms and policies of the president.”

The Ogun State Government has formed a State Burial Committee for the Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, and was laid to rest the next day.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, the committee has been given the duty of organising and coordinating all official activities to honour the late monarch with a dignified burial, recognising his impact on Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.

The members of the committee are:

1. Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, Secretary to the State Government – Chairman

2. Mr. Dapo Okunbanjo – Chief Economic Adviser/Commissioner for Finance – Member

3. Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs – Member

4. Mrs. Kehinde Akinola, Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Protocol & Ceremonials – Member

5. Hon. Damilare Alebiosu, Chairman, Ijebu-ode Local Government – Member

6. Oba Lawrence Adebajo, Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo and representative of Ijebu traditional council – Member

7. Otunba Giwa Adesanya Yusuf, representative of Council of Otunbas – Member

8. Chief Oluwaranti Lekan-Osifeso, representative of Council of Chiefs – Member

9. Otunba Adegboyega Adesoye, representative of Balogun (Eleshins) – Member

10. Chief Tunde Odulaja, representative of Heritage Group – Member

11. Otunba Kunle Ogunade, representative of regberegbe – Member

12. Dr. Rotimi Akinlesi, Permanent Secretary, Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs – Secretary

At its first meeting held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, the committee stated it would collaborate with the family of the late Kabiyesi, who attended the session, as well as with other stakeholders to deliver a fitting set of programmes in memory of the monarch, especially in light of the expected presence of President Bola Tinubu.

The United States Mission in Nigeria has confirmed that Rick Swart has arrived in Lagos as the new Consul General.

Swart, who landed on Wednesday, will serve as the US government’s representative in 17 states across southern Nigeria.

This was revealed in a statement issued on Friday by the Public Diplomacy Section of the US Consulate General in Lagos.

His responsibilities include expanding trade, building stronger connections with Nigerians, and promoting key U.S.-Nigeria objectives in the region.

“I am honoured to serve in Nigeria. I am excited about the opportunity to travel across the region, meet the people, experience the culture, while advancing the shared goals of making our two countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” Swart was quoted as saying.

He takes over from JoEllen Gorg, who had served in an acting role since November 2024 after Will Stevens’ departure.

Swart acknowledged Gorg’s contributions, saying, “I thank JoEllen for her remarkable leadership and for the outstanding work she has done to promote our close partnership with the Nigerian people in the region.

“I look forward to working closely with Ambassador Mills and the team at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, to further advance the shared objectives between Nigeria and the United States.”

Swart is a seasoned diplomat who previously held the position of Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Chad.

His career has included postings in Congo, Burundi, Iraq, Geneva, London, Manila, and Dubai, among others.

Before joining the State Department in 2002, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali.