The Lagos State House of Assembly has approved a total budget of ₦4,444,509,776,438 (Four Trillion, Four hundred and Forty Four Billion, Five Hundred and Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Six Thousand, Four Hundred and Thirty Eight naira) for the 2026 fiscal year.

The approval was granted during a plenary session held on Thursday, January 8, following the presentation of a comprehensive report by the Chairman of the House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh.

The session, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa saw lawmakers adopt the report through a voice vote, signaling unanimous support for the financial plan aimed at driving sustainable development across the state.

The 2026 budget prioritizes infrastructure development, education, healthcare, economic growth, and social welfare, with over 52% allocated to capital projects. This strategic allocation underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and improved quality of life for residents of Lagos State.

Following the passage, Speaker Obasa directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to transmit a clean copy of the approved bill to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for assent. The Speaker commended members of the Assembly for their diligence and collaborative efforts in ensuring the timely passage of the budget.

It will be recalled that Governor Sanwo-Olu had presented a budget proposal of ₦4.23 trillion to the House on November 25, 2025, which he termed ‘Budget of Shared Prosperity.”

The governor declared then that the budget reflects Lagos State’s vision to strengthen its position as a leading economic hub in Africa through robust investments in critical sectors that foster growth, innovation, and social progress.

Renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, have lost one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe, on behalf of the family, the 21-month-old baby passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.

The statement said the family is devastated by the loss and requested that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.

The statement reads, “We’re deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed on Wednesday, 7th of January 2026, after a brief illness. He was 21 months old.

“The family is devastated by this profound loss, and we request that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time.

“We ask for your grace and prayers as they mourn in private.

“No further statements will be made, and we thank the public and the media for respecting their need for seclusion during this period of immense grief.”

Suspected bandits on Tuesday night attacked personnel of the National Park Service (NPS) in Oloka village, Orire Local Government Area (LGA), Oyo State.

Report says the attack occurred around 9:00 pm on January 6, 2026, catching the NPS personnel by surprise. Several officers were reportedly killed or injured during the incident.

Further details, including the exact number of casualties, are yet to be confirmed.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, was said to have confirmed the incident.

He said, “Yes, there was an attack by yet to be identified men against the men of the National Park. The Commissioner of Police and other service chiefs are currently on their way to the location.

“Meanwhile, the CP Femi Haruna has deployed tactical teams, Mobile Police Force officers of the NPF, and EOD to the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” he explained.