A devastating fire swept through a spare parts market in the Idumota area of Lagos State on Friday night, destroying properties worth hundreds of millions of naira.
Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday.
He reported that multiple buildings housing car spare parts shops were engulfed by the blaze, which began around 10:20 p.m.
“Following distress calls via the 767/112 Toll-Free Emergency Lines, LASEMA activated its Emergency Response Teams from Lekki, Cappa, and Alausa,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

Emergency responders, including LASEMA’s Shark and Tiger Response Teams, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Federal Fire Service, worked together to contain the inferno. Their swift response prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings.

While the cause of the fire remains unknown, no casualties or injuries were reported. “Dampening down” operations have commenced to eliminate remaining hot spots, and salvage efforts to recover valuable goods are ongoing.

Law enforcement agencies were on-site to manage the crowd and ensure safety during the firefighting and recovery operations.

The incident is a significant blow to traders, many of whom lost their entire stock of goods. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but affected traders are now left counting their losses, with hopes pinned on further recovery efforts.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has commended the Nigerian civil service for its pivotal role in implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative macro-economic reforms.

Speaking at the launch of the Federal Civil Service Policies and Guidelines and a ceremony marking Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack’s 100 days in office as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Edun commended civil servants for their dedication and professionalism.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga quoted Edun to have highlighted the importance of the civil service, saying, “Your competence, discipline, and determination on the job are the backbone of successful implementation of all policy initiatives, objectives, and programmes of the Federal Government.”

Edun reflected on the government’s reform agenda, including the removal of fuel subsidies, acknowledging the initial challenges but emphasizing the benefits.
He revealed that the reforms had freed resources equivalent to 5% of Nigeria’s GDP for reinvestment in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

The Minister also outlined a shift in Nigeria’s economic model from dependence on rent-seeking to value creation, identifying agriculture, manufacturing, and exports as key drivers of growth.
He highlighted the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to expand Nigeria’s trade footprint across Africa.

“The country is undergoing a transformative shift. The opportunities now favour those who use their skills, knowledge, and energy to drive economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty,” he stated.
Edun underscored the central role of the civil service in achieving the government’s ambitious economic goals. He praised Mrs. Walson-Jack’s leadership, describing her agenda as a blueprint for a modern, technology-driven civil service aligned with the administration’s objectives.

Mrs. Walson-Jack, in her remarks, reiterated her commitment to repositioning the civil service for optimal performance. She urged civil servants to uphold professionalism, meritocracy, and accountability in delivering the government’s vision for a better Nigeria.

The event highlighted the civil service’s critical role in ensuring the success of Nigeria’s transformation agenda, with renewed calls for dedication and innovation in public service.

***Urges for action on Ajaokuta Steel, agricultural transformation

Former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, has reiterated the need for value-based leadership in Nigeria while delivering a profound lecture at the 25th Memorial Anniversary of Dr. Steven Makoji Achema (Alapa).
The event, held to honor Dr. Achema’s legacy, drew attention to his contributions as a visionary leader and his enduring impact on Kogi State.
Dr. Achema a great Icon and a statesman had a sterling record of service in his profession as Verternary Medicine practitioner as well as an accomplished politician.
Until his death on 6th November 1999, he was a senior special assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In his address, Prof. Gana praised Dr. Achema’s leadership qualities, describing him as a man of integrity, resilience, and dedication to the welfare of his people.
“Dr. Achema was a leader who embodied character and competence. He believed in building others and fostering excellence in leadership,” Gana said.
On the Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria, the former minister did not shy away from critiquing the state of leadership in Nigeria. He noted that a lack of integrity and accountability among many leaders has hindered the nation’s progress urging citizens to prioritize these qualities when choosing leaders, stating, “Our leaders must inspire trust and be guided by justice and fairness. The rule of law is non-negotiable for national development.”
Highlighting Dr. Achema’s passion for community development, Prof. Gana recounted his initiatives in agriculture, education, security, and resource-based industries. He emphasized the relevance of these efforts, particularly in unlocking Kogi State’s economic potential.

“Dr. Achema envisioned a Kogi State thriving on its abundant natural resources and agricultural wealth. His dream remains a beacon for the state’s future,” Prof. Gana remarked.

The lecture also proposed the establishment of a leadership institute in Nigeria to cultivate future leaders grounded in ethical values.
Prof. Gana called on citizens to engage actively in governance, stressing that democracy thrives when leaders are held accountable.
Prof. Gana passionately highlighted the potential of the Niger and Benue River Basins in transforming Nigeria’s agriculture.
Addressing the Minister of State for Development, he said, “The key to real agricultural transformation is ensuring the Niger and Benue Basins are fully operational. With year-round farming, Nigeria can feed the entire African continent.”
A significant portion of Prof. Gana’s speech was dedicated to the unfinished Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill, recalling Dr. Achema’s relentless advocacy for the project,
Gana urged the current administration to prioritize its completion. “If you finish Ajaokuta, you will not only become a hero but also unlock tremendous industrial and economic potential for Nigeria,” he said.
Prof. Gana underscored Kogi State’s immense natural resource wealth, lamenting the lack of resource-based industries to harness these assets.
He called for immediate efforts to establish industries tied to the state’s mineral base, noting, “Kogi is so wealthy. Resource-based industries could turn Kogi into the richest state in Nigeria. This is an opportunity that must not be wasted.”
Citing Dr. Achema’s passion for education, Gana emphasized its role as a catalyst for societal transformation. “Education is the foundation of progress. When you transform the people through education, they will, in turn, transform society,” he said, encouraging Kogi to build on its historical legacy of educational excellence.

In an emotional appeal, Prof. Gana urged Kogi’s people to foster unity and self-love to drive development. “God loves Kogi, but Kogi must learn to love itself. With your resources, there is no reason for poverty,” he said, adding that unity among citizens is essential for progress.
Prof. Gana’s remarks served as both a tribute to Dr. Achema’s enduring legacy and a call to action for Kogi State and Nigeria at large. “Dr. Achema’s vision lives on. Let us honor him by taking bold steps toward the development he dreamed of for Kogi State and Nigeria,” Gana concluded, earning a standing ovation.

The event was a poignant reminder of Dr. Achema’s contributions and a renewed call for leadership committed to transforming lives and communities.
The event celebrated Dr. Achema’s life and work while offering a roadmap for addressing the challenges of governance in Nigeria. “Dr. Achema’s legacy is a testament to the transformative power of value-based leadership. Let his example inspire us to build a better Nigeria,” Prof. Gana concluded.