Good morning,
A woman in Alimosho was beaten by her husband. She reported it. Her case is one of 33,009 domestic and sexual violence cases recorded in Lagos between September 2021 and July 2026. Domestic violence accounted for 13,515 cases. The agency recorded 1,171 defilement cases and 420 rape cases. The government claims a 23.6 per cent decline. The executive secretary cautioned against interpreting fewer reports as a decline in violence. She is right. Fewer reports do not mean fewer assaults. They mean fewer people believe the system works for them. Women constitute 88 per cent of reporters. Men represent 12 per cent. Male survivors are told to “man up.” The state secured more than 160 convictions. That represents about 0.5 per cent of reported cases. For every survivor who walks through the DSVA doors, 199 others see no justice. The government is counting 160 convictions as a victory. For the woman in Alimosho, it is a gamble she cannot afford to lose.
While Lagos counts its cases, Oyo State is counting its views. A viral video showing Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the APC governorship candidate, with a male journalist on his lap has sparked outrage and debate. The clip shows the politician seated while the journalist appeared to sit on his lap in a small room, with Alli’s hand resting on or moving along his leg. An eyewitness claimed that no chairs were available, so the meeting proceeded with the journalist on Alli’s lap. Neither Alli nor his campaign team has publicly commented. The footage has generated fierce debate online, with some expressing shock and discomfort, while others argue it was an awkward but harmless attempt to conduct an interview in a cramped space. The lack of official comment has only fuelled further speculation. The question is whether this incident will affect his chances in the 2027 governorship race.
Meanwhile, the House committee investigating the fake agency has uncovered about 58 bank accounts allegedly linked to Adeniyi Adeyemi. The committee also flagged an alleged ₦400 million transaction, claiming Adeyemi could secure a government contract. The investigation found no law, executive order or other legal instrument establishing the council. It exonerated Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and relevant National Assembly committees from wrongdoing. The scale of the alleged fraud is staggering. The question is whether the investigation will lead to prosecutions or just more revelations.
In sad news, Lassa fever is killing young Nigerians. The NCDC has recorded 1,035 confirmed cases and 252 deaths in 2026. People aged 21 to 30 years are the most affected. The case fatality rate rose to 24.4 per cent. Late presentation, poor health-seeking behaviour and high treatment costs are driving the deaths. The government must invest in prevention. The question is whether it will act or wait for the next outbreak.
In a positive marker that the government is listening, the FG has set a target of creating a million export-linked jobs by 2030. The “Hire from Nigeria” campaign aims to connect Nigerian talent with international employers. The government is developing a demand-led services export strategy and Nigeria’s first national outsourcing policy. “A young Nigerian does not have to leave the country to participate in the global economy,” the Information Minister said. The question is whether the training will match the demand.
But as we target a million jobs in four years, jobs are being lost today. Uber is leaving Nigeria after 12 years. The ride-hailing company will begin winding down its Nigerian business today, citing global layoffs and a market that became a race to the bottom. Uber launched in Nigeria in 2014, adapting its model to accommodate cash payments. Bolt launched in 2016 and began a brutal price war, capturing about 60 per cent of the market share. Uber responded with Uber Go, a cheaper alternative using Suzuki cars. But naira devaluation and inflation narrowed the pool of people who could pay for private rides. Uber is leaving. The question is whether Nigerian consumers will benefit or pay the price.
Warmly,
Lolade