Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa
The Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has explained the rationale behind the establishment of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safely Corps (LNSC).
Obasa noted that the security outfit was established to complement the efforts of the police and other security agencies in the state.
He maintained that LNSC was also created to provide valuable intelligence for crime prevention and facilitate the arrest of perpetrators of crimes.
According to a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, Obasa while speaking at the The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA), explained that the Assembly has made many efforts to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians and foreigners living in the state.
Obasa, while speaking further, maintained that the Assembly has enacted laws which have have created an enabling environment for businesses to grow.
He added these laws were enacted in order to attract investments, and foster sustainable economic growth in the state.
Obas said, “We also created the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) to assist and complement the police by providing valuable intelligence for crime prevention and facilitating the arrest of perpetrators of criminal activities in the state.
“As a centre for commerce, industry and innovation, we have built a state where expats report a high quality of life, enjoying many luxuries not accessible back at home, and businesses and tourism thrive.”
The Presidency has faulted the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over what it described as a “very fatalistic” assessment of Nigeria’s economic reforms, inflation, and poverty levels.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, criticised the IMF’s recent article titled “How Nigeria Can Unleash Its Economic Potential,” which raised concerns over the country’s persistently high inflation rate and slow impact of reforms.
“This administration under President Tinubu has done some of the deepest reforms that we have seen in a while. We only just got the tax bills signed into law—bills that offer relief to low-income earners and double the tax threshold for small businesses,” he said on Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
“We haven’t even allowed those measures to settle, yet we’re hearing all sorts of very fatalistic statements from different places, including, unfortunately, the IMF,” Fasua said.
The special adviser said the IMF had become overly critical, describing its frequent statements on Nigeria as “heckling” and potentially destabilising.
“Sometimes one wants to think they go into overdrive—almost every week or every two to three days, there’s a statement on Nigeria. At the end of the day, it leaves everyone in a state of confusion,” he said.
He disclosed that Nigeria recently repaid $3 billion to the IMF to exit its COVID-19 loan package—something many other countries have yet to do—yet the Fund continues to pile pressure on the country.
“We’re not asking for a pat on the back; we’re just saying, you know what, give us a breather. Let us be able to implement the policies we’ve started. They acknowledge that the reforms are good, yet they keep demanding more, and it’s almost like being caught between the devil and the deep blue sea,” he added.
The Ghana Road Transport Union (GRTU) and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana have suspended their planned protest over the poor Ofankor-Pokuase-Nsawam road.
The suspension follows a government pledge to release GHS4 billion by the end of July 2025 to settle part of the GHS13 billion road sector debt, along with assurances to asphalt a three-kilometre stretch of the road within six weeks.
Speaking exclusively to the Ghana News Agency, Mr William Osei, Chairman of the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, welcomed the announcement and urged continued, pragmatic efforts to fix deteriorating roads nationwide.
Doing so, he said, would be a critical investment in national infrastructure—improving safety, accessibility, and economic productivity, while reducing accidents and vehicle maintenance costs.
Mr Osei made the remarks after an engagement with the Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza, and Maripoma Enterprise Limited, the contractor for the 33.4km Ofankor-Nsawam road project, held in Accra on Tuesday, July 8.
He noted that the deteriorating condition of the Ofankor-Pokuase-Nsawam stretch continued to impose high costs on drivers, extend travel time, cause discomfort to passengers, and contributed to road accidents.
“The government must not wait for demonstration before it takes action on Ghanaian roads,” he said, stressing the growing frustration among drivers who ply the route daily.
Mr Abdulai Mahama, Project Manager at Maripoma Enterprise Limited, said the six-week asphalting works would focus on the “most stressed” areas, including Pobiman, Kuntunse, Sansam, and Atala.
“Last week, we started with maintenance works and then we have almost finished that section. We’re going to improve the various layers and finish the black top in that section. It means that there will be an asphalt on that section if we don’t have any rain, that will undermine the works there,” he said.
Mr. Mahama urged the government to resolve bottlenecks such as compensation payments and right-of-way issues, while advising drivers to observe speed limits.
“If we want our project to be completed on time and are working hard to make it happen, doubting the payment to the contractor for affected persons will create problems.
“We need to trust the institutions mandated by law to value properties in Ghana.
Mr. Mahama also cautioned motorists to adherence to speed limits in construction zones on that road corridor.
“We are in a construction zone with a speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour, but some drivers are doing over 80 kilometres per hour.
“So, if you are doing 80 in an area where there is supposed to be a gravel material, it means you are going to increase the dust from those areas,” he noted.
Eni Ghana, a subsidiary of the global energy giant operating across the full oil and gas value chain has officially submitted a Declaration of Commerciality (DoC) for the Eban-Akoma oil and gas discoveries offshore Ghana.
In a statement copied to The Chronicle, the company expressed its readiness to work with key industry stakeholders to develop the two hydrocarbon discoveries, which are located within the Cape Three Points Block 4 (CTP-B4).
“As operator of the Joint Venture with Vitol Upstream Tano Ltd, Woodfields Upstream Ghana Ltd. and GNPC Explorco, Eni will collaborate with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), the Petroleum Commission and the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition to develop a Plan of Development for the two discoveries,” the statement noted.
The DoC, which was formally submitted on July 3, 2025 marks a major milestone in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector.
It follows an announcement by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition confirming receipt of the declaration and signalling official recognition of the commercial
The declaration comes after the successful completion of an appraisal programme, which confirmed the commercial viability of hydrocarbon deposits in the Eban-1X (oil) and Akoma-1X (gas and condensate) wells.
The Joint Venture (JV) behind the discoveries comprises Eni Ghana Exploration & Production Ltd, Vitol Upstream Tano Ltd.Woodfields Upstream Ghana Ltd. and GNPC’s upstream subsidiary, Explorco.
Industry analysts view the Eban-Akoma development as a strategic boost to Ghana’s oil and gas production capacity, with potential implications for domestic energy security and revenue generation.
The Energy Minister John Abdullai Jinapo assisted by Ashanti Regional Minister Amoakohene and France Ambassador to break the grounds for the project
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has broken grounds for the construction of the 161kV Anwomaso-Kumasi Transmission Line Project, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing power evacuation capacity in the Ashanti Region.
The project is a collaboration between the Ghanaian government and international partners, including the European Union and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
According to the Minister, the objective of the project is to Enhance Power Evacuation Capacity, improve voltage stability and reduce system loses in the Ashanti Region.
He said the project would also strengthen Anwomaso Power Enclave, develop a critical power generation and evacuation hub and contribute to Energy Security and support Ghana’s energy security and inclusive prosperity.
The Minister in a group picture with Nananom of Anwomaso and staff GRIDCo
The Minister emphasised that the project is part of the government’s broader policy actions to attain a strong, resilient and future-ready power grid.
He highlighted the government’s strategic priorities, including Modernising the National Grid, Upgrading infrastructure to support efficient power transmission, Advancing Gas-to-Power Solutions, Promoting sustainable energy solutions, Diversifying the Energy Mix and encouraging a mix of energy sources for sustainable development while promoting Private Sector Participation and Fostering collaboration with the private sector.
He indicated that the 161kV project line is aimed at expanding access and energy equity and also ensuring equitable access to energy, improving governance and Tariff transparency, Digital Transformation and Smart Grids and Leveraging technology for efficient energy management.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister, commended the Energy Minister for his commitment to sustainable development in the energy sector.
He assured the ministry of full support and security to protect the strategic project to ensure its successful delivery and long-term benefits for the energy sector.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Augustus Nana Kwasi Andrews, has been appointed to serve on the Governing Board of the InterCity STC Coaches.The New Governing Board of InterCity STC, is chaired by Mr. Augustus Andrews.
The Minister for Transport, Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, during the inaugural ceremony of the Board urged the newly appointed Governing Board to work closely with management to significantly enhance the company’s entire spectrum of operations.
The Minister emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive improvements across InterCity STC Coaches Limited’s entire operations.He stated, “These enhancements must go beyond the core bus services to include crucial non-core areas like driver training programs, courier services, and vehicle evaluation processes.”
Mr Nikpe pledged his unwavering support to the new Governing Board as it embarks on its vital mandate to steer STC towards greater efficiency and profitability.Other members of theSTC Governing Board include Mr Alhassan Limby, Mr. Merlin Joseph Gaskin, Mrs. Merle Nagete and Mrs Millicent DeGraff-Johnson.
Two additional members, who were unable to attend the inaugural ceremony, are expected to be sworn in at a later date, to complete the full composition of the new board.
Miss Hawa-Larai Haruna presenting the items to the students with some support from the family
In a heart-warming demonstration of youth-driven impact, 17-year-old Ghanaian-American, Hawa-Larai Haruna, has brought a wave of digital creativity and hope to Basic 6 students of Tunga Islamic Basic School, part of the Dansoman Cluster of Schools in Accra.
Through her self-initiated project, she has donated 20 HP laptop computers, 20 drawing tablets, and 20 external memory cards, a total of 40 digital devices to enhance teaching and learning of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and digital arts.
The children trying their hands on the items whilst 17-year-old Ghanaian-American, Hawa-Larai Haruna looks on
Apart from the items donated, Hawa-Larai went a step further by leading a three-day hands-on tutorial for both teachers and students to introduce young learners in a public-school setting to the world of digital illustration and design using tools like Ibis Paint, an advanced drawing software, and graphic tablets that allow for expressive digital art creation.
Recounting the origins of her project during an interview with the media, Hawa-Larai shared that her first visit to the school in 2024 during a trip to Ghana left her both disheartened and inspired when She had hoped to offer a digital arts session for students, only to discover that the school had just two laptops available for its entire ICT department.
“It was heart-breaking,” she said adding, “in a world where digital skills are no longer a luxury but a necessity, I couldn’t believe a whole school was functioning with only two laptops. But that moment also inspired me to help change the narrative.”
Upon returning to the U.S., Hawa-Larai rallied support from friends, family, and well-meaning donors who shared her vision, culminating in what school authorities have hailed as a transformative gesture.
She mentioned that the donation and accompanying training are aimed at more than just improving computer literacy with the broader goal to ignite creativity among young learners and expose them to future career paths in digital media, animation, illustration, and design.
“The digital arts sector is growing rapidly, and many young people in Ghana are unaware of the opportunities it holds. By giving them the tools and guidance, I hope to unlock hidden talents and help them see the possibilities,” she said.
The 17-year-old Ghanaian-American, Hawa-Larai Haruna with the students after the donation
Students participating in the workshop are learning to create digital artworks from scratch using styluses and tablets, guided step-by-step through digital illustration processes as well as teachers receiving training so they can continue the work after the program ends.
The success of the initiative will be measured by student feedback, the quality of digital artworks produced, and observations by teachers and volunteers where a final project report will document the outcomes, challenges, and recommendations for possible expansion.
She envisions a future where Ghanaian students are not just passive consumers of technology, but creators and innovators, equipped with the digital tools and confidence to thrive in a competitive global landscape.
In a time where access to technology defines educational equity, Hawa-Larai Haruna’s act of service is a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to leadership, and that lasting change often begins with a single inspired individual determined to make a difference.
Madam Gifty Gasper, Headmistress of Tunga Islamic Basic School, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the staff and students.
“This donation is not just about handing over laptops and tablets, it is about transferring possibilities and opening up a world of learning and creativity to our students that they could previously only dream of”, she said.
Madam Gasper emphasized that in today’s fast-evolving technological environment, ICT is the backbone of modern education and called on educators to embrace innovation in the classroom and encouraged students to take full advantage of the opportunity.
“With these new tools, students can go beyond chalk and talk. They can engage with digital content, explore new interests, and build the skills needed for the future,” she added.
On his part, Mr. Aminu Onukpa Futa, a respected elder of the Futa family in Nima and uncle to Hawa-Larai commended his niece’s effort and urged other Ghanaians especially those in the diaspora to support educational initiatives in their communities.
“While this gesture by Hawa-Larai is commendable, we must also reflect as a society. Too often, we leave the burden of development to others. We must own our environment and contribute to sustaining projects like this so they have lasting impact.”
He lamented a growing culture of indifference toward local development initiatives and encouraged families, alumni, and communities to take greater responsibility for educational advancement.
Across schools, there is a common goal to foster environments where every student feels encouraged, engaged, and motivated to reach their full potential. However, many school improvement initiatives do not achieve their desired results, not due to a lack of effort or resources, but because leaders often overlook a crucial element: actively listening to and responding to the experiences of those within the school community. When deliberately utilized, stakeholder feedback can serve as a powerful catalyst for progress, helping schools align their vision with day-to-day experiences.
Gathering feedback is just the beginning. Effectively translating this input into actionable plans requires dedication, transparency, and introspection. Through genuine stakeholder involvement, three main priorities frequently emerge: nurturing a culture of professional collaboration, enhancing differentiated instruction, and cultivating meaningful relationships between students and compassionate adults.
A key element of successful school improvement is fostering professional collaboration among teachers. Many educators express a need for more structured opportunities to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and reflect on their practices. Unfortunately, professional development is often fragmented, consisting of isolated workshops or sporadic meetings that lack connection to daily teaching. Schools can improve this by implementing peer coaching programs that include regular observation cycles and structured reflection time. When teachers can routinely visit each other’s classrooms, share strategies, and solve problems collaboratively, professional growth becomes an ingrained aspect of the school culture rather than a personal endeavour.
Another essential focus is on differentiated instruction and the relevance of learning to the real world. Students and their families expect educational experiences that cater to individual strengths, needs, and interests. However, instruction frequently tends to be uniform, which can fail to engage a diverse range of learners. To advance in this area, intentional planning and support are necessary.
Providing targeted training on differentiated strategies and project-based learning empowers teachers to customize lessons for various readiness levels and learning profiles. When instruction connects to real-world contexts and incorporates student input in project design, learners are more likely to recognize the value of their studies. Formative assessments are crucial in this process, providing timely information that enables teachers to adjust instruction and ensure that no student is left behind.
The development of student-adult relationships is another vital component of meaningful school improvement. Although it is often assumed that all students connect with at least one supportive adult, these connections must be intentionally fostered. Creating mentorship or advisory programs can ensure that each student is regularly checked on and supported by a staff member.
These connections do more than track academic progress—they build trust, provide support during difficulties, and affirm that every learner is valued. Training educators in trauma-informed practices and relational skills enhances their ability to form strong, authentic relationships with students.
For schools eager to leverage stakeholder insights, several guiding principles can ensure that feedback translates into substantial improvements rather than merely fulfilling compliance requirements. First is the importance of clarity. Generic commitments to “enhance engagement” or “promote collaboration” often falter without specific plans and timelines. Clearly defining actionable steps, such as scheduling peer observations, setting dates for reflection meetings, or initiating advisory check-ins, helps transform intentions into daily habits. When these practices become part of the school’s regular routines, they are more likely to endure.
Additionally, schools need to strike a balance between celebrating strengths and addressing areas needing improvement. Recognizing successful initiatives boosts morale and reinforces a positive culture, while candid discussions about challenges foster trust and demonstrate a genuine commitment to progress. This balanced approach ensures that staff and families feel heard and that their feedback is valued as a vital contributor to better outcomes.
Continuous reflection is crucial to ensuring sustained improvements over time. As demographics shift, technology evolves, and student needs change, schools require systems to monitor progress and adjust strategies accordingly. This might involve regular surveys, student focus groups, or data analysis that informs decision-making and sets priorities.
Cultivating an environment that values feedback also necessitates modelling openness and humility. School leaders play a critical role by inviting various perspectives, listening openly, and communicating how feedback will guide actions. When teachers see their insights lead to meaningful changes, they are more likely to fully engage in collective improvement efforts. Likewise, when students and families realize that their experiences shape the school’s direction, they develop a sense of ownership and connection to the community.
The journey from good to great is not simply about adopting a specific program or approach; it involves establishing a culture of continuous growth, prioritizing relationships, and valuing every voice. Professional collaboration, differentiated instruction, and strong student-adult relationships are interconnected elements that contribute to a successful school. When these priorities become integral to daily practices, schools transform into environments where every learner is recognized, challenged, and supported.
In an era of high educational demands and limited resources, harnessing stakeholder feedback stands out as one of the most effective and sustainable methods for driving improvement. By listening attentively and responding with clear, coordinated actions, schools can cultivate an environment in which all students and the educators who support them can thrive.
“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” – Michael Altshuler.
On July 2nd, we reached the halfway point of 2025. As a testament to how quickly time passes, we’re now closer to 2050 than to 2000.
If you’re in the job market and hoping to finish the year with a new job, then you need to use the next six months to get yourself into competitive shape, to become a contender among all the other job seekers who are just as qualified as you, and in many cases, more so. The key is to act now—waiting isn’t an option—on the following:
Audit Your Digital Footprint
Consider this a given: If an employer is considering your application, they’ll first check your LinkedIn activity and your digital footprint to determine if you’re interview-worthy. I know many cases of job seekers, several close to me, whose online activity is hindering their job search efforts; therefore, take a hard look at your digital footprint, starting with your 24/7 digital advocate that represents your professional identity: your LinkedIn profile.
First step: Delete all posts and comments that criticize or, worse, bash employers.
Then ask yourself:
Does my LinkedIn profile picture and banner, both non-negotiable ‘must-haves,’ present me in the best light possible?
Does your LinkedIn profile clearly convey, using numbers, the value I can bring to an employer?
Review every aspect of your LinkedIn profile, your headline, summary, each job experience, which should be packed with numerical evidence of results—proof of your impact—you achieved for your employers. Critically assess whether it’s an employer’s attraction or a “So what?” I recommend reading Linked: Conquer LinkedIn. Get Your Dream Job. Own Your Future, by Omar Garriott.
Once you’re satisfied with your LinkedIn profile, focus on your broader digital footprint. Search your name and any variations, such as nicknames, across multiple search engines like Google, Bing and DuckDuckGo. Additionally, search for images and videos that include your name.
Aside from your LinkedIn profile, ensure that all social media accounts are set to private. Delete outdated or sensitive information. Set up a Google Alert for your name to receive notifications when new content about you is published. Then make a commitment to yourself that, until you land a new job and have worked for your new employer for at least six months, you won’t post or comment on anything unless it’s to showcase your expertise.
Touch Base with Your Network
When you began your current job search, you probably reached out to everyone you knew (family, friends, acquaintances) to let them know you were “looking” or “on the market,” and then…
It’s time to reach out again! No one always maintains perfect contact. I certainly don’t. Send a message along the lines of, “Hey! I was thinking of you and hoping that you’re doing well. How’s life?” Maybe something reminded you of them. If so, mention it. Everyone likes to be thought of. Then, when they reply and ask how you’re doing, let them know you’re still job searching and remind them of the type of job you’re looking for, the industry you’re interested in, and your relevant experience.
Reach Out to Recruiters and Companies
People who find jobs quickly are proactive; they don’t wait for job postings to appear and then apply alongside hundreds of other job seekers. Put together a list of 20 recruiters specialising in your field and another of 20 target companies. Identify at least five people in senior roles at the target companies and introduce yourself with a personalised message, one that is relevant, interesting, and effectively conveys your “you.”
Be clear that you’re looking for a job and then explain why you’d be a great value-add to their company or, when reaching out to a recruiter, their clients.
What type of work gets you out of bed in the morning?
What are your professional superpowers? (backed by results achieved)
What kind of company do you want to work for?
What other interesting things about you might make you stand out?
Once you’ve sent your message, follow the person on LinkedIn and other social media platforms, and—this is key—engage with their posts and comments in ways that showcases your expertise. Your goal is to create visibility that supports the adage, “It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.”
Set Up Google Alerts
Setting up Google Alerts for your target companies, industry news, and job postings gives you a significant competitive edge. By staying informed, you can act quickly when opportunities such as business expansion, venturing into a new market or product line, or job postings are mentioned.
Instead of venting or criticizing employers, focus on what you can control—your expectations and your strategy. You can’t change the job market or how employers hire; you can only change your approach. With a consistent proactive approach in which you make each day count, and stop waiting for employers to post jobs, there’s a good chance, a very good chance, even in today’s job market, you’ll land a job before December 31st.
Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions toartoffindingwork@gmail.com.
Kimathi Rawlings, the only son of the late Jerry John Rawlings, has tied the knot with his beautiful white wife in a very private ceremony.
The late president’s son married his beautiful wife with his mother and his siblings in attendance. Scenes from the private ceremony between Kimathi and his caucasian wife have surfaced online, with many admiring the privacy of the ceremony.
In attended was the groom’s mother, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings. His siblings, including Dr Zanetor Rawlings, the MP for the Korle Klottey constituency, were also spotted at the wedding. It’s unclear where and when the wedding happened. The first video from the couple’s elegant wedding surfaced on July 7, 2025.
Kimathi Rawlings was seen in a white Agbada while his wife opted for a stylish wedding gown.
The guests in attendance comprised some caucasians believed to be from the bride’s side. Others were spotted wearing rich Kente outfits.
