… secures 3rd term endorsement

A Lagos lawmaker, Adewale Temitope Adedeji, on Monday secured the endorsement of traditional rulers, Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress and residents of Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I for another term in office.

They made their collective decisions known at an empowerment programme for 500 widows organised by the lawmaker in his constituency office in Lagos.

Stressing that it was the first time they would experience real representation at that state legislature, the constituents said the lawmaker had made life easier for them.

Deacon Banjo Omole, chairman of the APC in Ifako-Ijaiye local government, thanked his party for not making a mistake in its decision to field Adewale in previous elections.

“APC does not make mistakes with its choice of candidates. Since we brought out Temitope, he has met our yearnings. Some others would have shifted away from their people, but that’s not Temitope. He has constantly touched the lives of constituents.

“Students, members of our party, men and women have, in different ways, benefitted from Adewale even though his main task is to represent us at the House of Assembly,” Deacon Omole said urging residents to get their voters cards ready ahead of 2027.

In his remarks, the chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) of Ifako-Ijaiye, Pastor Samuel Opajobi, described the lawmaker as an achiever and lover of mankind.

While endorsing the lawmaker on behalf of residents of the local government areas, he added: “We know how much he has impacted the people of this Constituency.”

Supporting Adewale’s endorsement, the Leader of the Ifako-Ijaiye local government council, Adebo Samuel Kayode, added: “We are happy today because we have not regretted having Temitope Adedeji as our lawmaker. We are happy we didn’t make a mistake.

“We can now see the result of our collective choice. It is no longer a story that we want him a third time. We only pray to God to continue to give us good health ahead of 2027.”

Oba-elect Matthew Ogundimu of Ogundimu Kingdom of Lagos thanked the lawmaker for his impact in the lives of the people.

“His efforts in our lives have yielded great results and we can all see that. Let’s not mind wicked politicians who would want to bring out candidates against him,” he told the guests at the event.

Thanking his constituents for their constant support, Adewale said his vision is to see that Ifako-Ijaiye becomes the most educated local government and its people the happiest in Nigeria.

“We have promised that we will continue to give back to you the people that voted for us. All of this we are doing to show that we learnt from the best, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who has continued in his efforts to make Nigeria one of the strongest economies in the world.

“Our intention is very simple; we must continue to give succour to the people.
President Tinubu is working to see that Nigeria is great and we must continue to support him,” he said.

He also promised free registration of health insurance for residents who do not have or whose registration has expired just as he announced that his free adult literacy classes which would commence soon, already has over 100 applicants.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Abosede Duduyemi, thanked Hon. Adewale for the gesture, saying that last time, he gave them N10,000 each, and that the latest is N20,000 each with the foodstuff more this time around

She promised that she and others would continue to support the lawmaker while praying that God will continue to help him.

Mrs. Grace Akingbehin, another beneficiary, said that she has been living in Iju area for over 40 years and has been in politics for more than 30 years, but that Hon. Adewale has done better than others.

From November 12 to 15, 2025, Dubai will host about 200 leading export-ready brands, creators, and SMEs from Africa and the Caribbean for African Marketplace Dubai 2025 — a four-day trade and cultural exhibition at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. The event will showcase the region’s finest in fashion, beauty, wellness, agriculture, technology, art, and lifestyle, celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation shaping Africa and the Caribbean.

Designed to address one of Africa’s most persistent challenges – sustainable access to global markets – the event will provide a powerful platform for product discovery, investment dialogue and brand storytelling, connecting emerging and established brands to global buyers, distributors and investors. Exhibitors will also engage in business development sessions, creative showcases and policy conversations that advance cross-border collaboration and trade inclusion.

Confirmed exhibitors include legacy brands such as Tiffany Amber, House of Tara, Oriki Group, Winston Leather, Femi Handbags, Morin O, Gbenga Artsmith, Fashionedge, and Arami Essentials, alongside a new generation of creators shaping Africa and the Caribbean’s cultural and economic narrative. Exhibitors will be showcasing from across Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Senegal, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States, reflecting the event’s truly global scope. Also featured are international exhibitors such as Ambiance by Talata (Ghana), Tote London (UK), Belliche (Seychelles), and Cornice Beauty (Tanzania), further underscoring African Marketplace Dubai 2025 as a vibrant convergence of culture, creativity, and commerce across continents.

Among the event’s highlights is a special chess showcase by Tunde Onakoya, who will play simultaneously against 50 challengers in Dubai using his iconic Adire Chess Board, a striking blend of Yoruba artistry and strategic brilliance. The game will spotlight African creativity, intellect and excellence on a global stage.

African Marketplace Dubai 2025 is powered by the Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy (IALA) and supported by a strong network of sponsors and partners driving trade and enterprise across Africa and the Caribbean. Sponsors include, Afreximbank, Access Bank, Lagos State, through Lagos State Tourism, Wema Bank (SARA), Bank of Industry, GText Holdings, Moniepoint, Nexim Bank, and Sterling Bank. Partners include Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), African Business Heroes (ABH), TVC Communications, Togo Mall, Ecobank Ghana and FCMB (SheVentures).

Speaking ahead of the exhibition, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Founder of the Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy, said:

“African Marketplace Dubai represents a defining moment for the continent and the Caribbean, a moment to show the world not just what we make, but who we are. For too long, global trade conversations have been about Africa’s potential; now, they will be about Africa’s presence. This platform was created to give our entrepreneurs, creators and brands the visibility, access and credibility they deserve on a world-class stage that amplifies their excellence and unlocks new opportunities.”

As the world’s gaze turns to Dubai this November, African Marketplace 2025 will spotlight a generation of innovators who are not only transforming local industries but also reshaping how the world engages with African and Caribbean commerce, culture and creativity.

Caption: Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, with Flykite Productions’ Business Development Manager, Folasade Oladokun, and Chief Operating Officer, Bamidele Johnson, during a visit to brief him on GOtv Boxing Night 34 scheduled for 26 December.

The Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, has applauded the organisers of GOtv Boxing Night for their consistency in promoting boxing and nurturing local talents in Nigeria.

Fatodu made the commendation on Friday when a delegation from Flykite Productions, organisers of GOtv Boxing Night, paid him a courtesy visit at his office at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. The visit was to formally inform the Commission of plans for the 34th edition of the event, which will hold on 26 December at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

Speaking during the visit, Fatodu described GOtv Boxing Night as one of the most enduring private-sector initiatives in Nigerian sports, noting that it has revived public interest in boxing and provided a platform for young fighters to showcase their skills.

“What GOtv Boxing Night has achieved over the years deserves every form of support,” he said. “It has given life back to Nigerian boxing and consistently delivered world-class entertainment to fans. As a state that prides itself on sports excellence, Lagos is proud to be associated with this initiative,” he said.

Fatodu assured the Flykite team of the Commission’s support for the forthcoming edition, pledging to work closely with the organisers to ensure a successful outing. He said Lagos State, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, remains committed to fostering a vibrant sports culture and partnering with credible private promoters.

 “Our vision is to make Lagos the sports capital of Africa, and partnerships like this help to drive that goal. “We will provide the necessary institutional backing to ensure the event continues to thrive.”

Earlier, Mr. Bamidele Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of Flykite Productions, expressed appreciation to the Commission for its continued support over the years. He noted that Lagos has remained the home of GOtv Boxing Night since inception because of the state’s hospitality, facilities, and enthusiastic sports fans.

Johnson disclosed that the December edition, themed Jam Festiva will feature top Nigerian boxers across various weight categories, live musical performances by top acts and a sprinkle of comedy to deliver a marriage of top-tier sports and entertainment.

“We are excited to be back at TBS, the iconic venue where Lagosians have witnessed many memorable editions of the show, which is a marriage of boxing and music. This edition will be bigger and better and we are grateful for the support the Commission has promised,” he said.

GOtv Boxing Night 34 will be broadcast live on SuperSport.