The Ogun II Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service says it has generated over N15billion revenue between January and April.

Customs Area Controller, Mr Bisi Alade  disclosed this at a news conference in Abeokuta on Friday.

Alade noted that the command’s collective efforts and dedication to duty had yielded remarkable achievements in recent months.

He stressed that the revenue was generated through the command’s strategic efforts and unified operations.

The area controller added that the revenue collected for the first quarter of 2025,  represented 40 per cent increase compared to the over N9billion generated same period in 2024.

“This achievement is a testament to the diligence, commitment and professionalism of our officers and men who have worked tirelessly to ensure we exceed our revenue targets.

“It is also indicative of our unwavering commitment to the economic growth and development of our nation.

“We generated over N8billion from Excise and over N7billion from free trade zone,” he said.

According to Alade, an unauthorised factory operating illegally was discovered by the command and subsequently brought under excise control.

He attributed the success to several strategic initiatives implemented by the Customs area controller in recent months.

He appreciated the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi’s principles of consolidation, collaboration and innovation.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment and determination to surpass the performance in the coming months with improved compliance of the trading community.

“We will continue to dialogue and educate the stakeholders and the local business community. We shall maintain success through synergy with other partners while discharging our statutory responsibilities,” he said.(NAN)

 A Child Coach, Mrs Olugbemisola Osagiede-Daramola, has said that children under 18 years of age have nothing to do with make-up.

Osagiede-Daramola, the Founder of Olugbemisola Daramola Child Welfare Foundation, said this in an interview in Ilorin on Wednesday.

She said that children under the age of 18 are too young to wear make-ups to look attractive.

According to her, make-up is used by adults to cover up some blemishes in the face and enhance beauty in a moderate manner.

“When underage children start applying make-up, it robs them of their innocent look and throws them out into the world.

“They are still young and lack the emotional maturity to withstand pressure from sexual abusers.

“It is absurd for a girl-child to be in a school uniform with make-ups, or her hair packed with gel,” she said.

Osagiede-Daramola, therefore, called on parents to be cautious and prevent their girl children from adopting a lifestyle that could ruin their future.

She also urged school managements to be sensitive to their students’ dress codes and punish any student who arrogantly violates the laid down codes of conduct.

The coach advised the students to embrace modesty and discipline rather than being fashion conscious. (NAN)

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

Governor Bassey Edet Otu has signed three significant laws aimed at improving infrastructure, regulating the gaming industry, and enhancing social welfare across Cross River State.

The newly assented laws include the Cross River State Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Law, 2025, the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, 2025, and the Cross River State Senior Citizens Centre Law, 2025.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Otu described the legislation as timely and strategic, emphasizing their alignment with his government’s development priorities.

“These laws are coming at the right time, and I would like to appreciate the Speaker of the House and the entire Assembly members for their good work,” the governor stated. “The Road Maintenance Agency Law ensures that our roads are constantly maintained and prioritized. The Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law is important because, without regulation, we’re losing potential revenue. As for the Senior Citizens Centre, it is a crucial part of our welfarist policy. We are a people-first government, and we prioritize everyone.”

Explaining the specifics of each law, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, said the Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Law introduces a new funding mechanism requiring each of the 18 local government councils to allocate 4% of their monthly Federation Account receipts to the agency. This, he said, will guarantee steady road repairs and maintenance throughout the state.

The Senior Citizens Centre Law, he added, seeks to establish a central facility in each of the three senatorial districts, starting in the state capital, Calabar, to serve the needs of vulnerable retirees and the aged. Subsequently, sub-centres will be put in place in each local government headquarters to support vulnerable elderly residents. “This law underscores the governor’s welfarist vision,” Ayambem said.

On the Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, the Speaker noted that the legislation is in line with a recent Supreme Court ruling empowering states to regulate gaming activities. The law, which comprises 12 parts, 102 sections, and two schedules, creates a framework for managing, licensing, and generating revenue from the gaming sector in Cross River.

Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to reforms that directly impact the lives of residents, stressing that these laws mark a step forward in infrastructure renewal, economic management, and social inclusion.