The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has announced that an internal investigation has cleared a staff member of a fraudulent transaction allegation that recently went viral on social media. However, the employee will still face disciplinary action for violating the agency’s strict ‘no cash’ policy and using a personal account for a transaction.

The controversy according to a statement from the agency, began with a social media post alleging that LASAA staffer, Olukayode John Adetifa, had improperly collected ₦45,000 from a client, MJ Beauty Salon, via his personal Opay account but only issued a receipt for ₦7,100.

Following the initial outcry, LASAA issued a press statement acknowledging the serious allegation and immediately directing Mr. Adetifa, who is deployed to the Alimosho Branch Office, to report for an immediate investigation and disciplinary proceedings. The agency emphasized that all payments must be made only through officially designated government channels and reiterated its commitment to transparency.

The subsequent fact-finding by the Agency’s disciplinary panel, which included a visit to the business owner, paints a complex picture of the transaction.

Mr. Adetifa explained to the panel that the business had multiple unregistered signs and was slated for enforcement. During a final visit to encourage registration, the client, MJ Beauty Salon, agreed to pay. She claimed she was feeling unwell and offered him cash, which he declined. The client then requested his assistance to make the official online payment, to which he obliged in an effort to secure the long-overdue revenue.

He collected ₦40,000 from the client, which he stated covered the full fees for the three signs: the Application Processing Fee of ₦7,140, the Permit Fee of ₦28,880 and payment gateway charges. He then registered the signs online in the client’s presence, assuring her she would receive the official notification by email. Mr. Adetifa also reported receiving threatening messages later regarding the payment balance.

The owner of MJ Beauty Salon subsequently confirmed this version of events to the LASAA Management team, admitting that she was unaware of the viral post and apologized for the misunderstanding. She specifically stated that Mr. Adetifa collected no gratification and disassociated herself from the X (formerly Twitter) handler who misrepresented the story.

Despite clearing Mr. Adetifa of fraudulent intent, LASAA confirmed that he still committed a serious offence. “It is glaring that our Staff though has no fraudulent intent as seen from his explanation and that of the client, he has still committed an offence by collecting client’s money in his personal account contrary to the Agency’s policy,” the management stated.

Mr. Adetifa will be dealt with in accordance with the Public Service Rules upon the conclusion of the disciplinary committee’s report.

LASAA used the opportunity to urge the public to always follow due process, specifically the “no cash policy or payment to personal account for no reason” as the agency’s processes are self-service, seamless and automated. They also reiterated that they do not have any agents and implored clients to transact directly via the official website.

The agency urged the public to report genuine issues responsibly and warned against spreading false information that undermines government services.

By Winifred Bosa
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‎The organisers of Cycling Kano 2025, a major sporting event designed to promote healthy living, tourism, and youth engagement in Northern Nigeria, have announced the commencement of online registration for athletes across the country and beyond.
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‎The event, scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025, in Kano State, is jointly organised by the Kano State Government in partnership with BrandEscort, a leading brand and event management company. Cycling Kano 2025 is expected to attract professional cyclists, fitness enthusiasts, and recreational riders from Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
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‎According to the organisers, interested cyclists can now register via the link below:
‎https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaOy9-ueKCq-yPq4SylPngK8PI-iTm38Ej4Tskpwbl-rj8HA/viewform
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‎Participants are required to select their preferred race category and provide the necessary details to complete their registration.
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‎Speaking on the development, Bamidele Adeleye, Managing Director of BrandEscort Communications, described the registration phase as a major milestone in the build-up to what promises to be the biggest cycling event ever held in Northern Nigeria.
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‎ “We are excited to open registration for cyclists from different parts of the country for this year’s Cycling Kano event. Cycling Kano is more than a race — it’s a movement to inspire healthy living, promote tourism, and foster unity through sports,” Adeleye stated.
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‎He added that the 2025 edition themed Health And Wellness will feature multiple race categories, including professional, amateur, children and community fun rides, with attractive prizes and recognition for outstanding performances.
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‎Special Adviser to Kano State Governor on Youth and Sports Development, Sani Musa Danja has assured  participants of adequate security and logistics arrangements, in collaboration with relevant state agencies, to ensure a safe and successful event.
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‎Cycling Kano 2025 is part of the broader Cycling Nigeria initiative, a national project designed to promote cycling culture and its health and environmental benefits across the country.
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‎The annual Cycling Kano event is organized by the Kano State Government in collaboration with BrandEscort Communications.
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‎For sponsorship, media partnership, or volunteer opportunities, interested organisations and individuals are encouraged to contact the organisers at cyclingkano@gmail.com or visit the official social media pages for more details.

Amaka Obiefuna

The President of Nigerian Corporation of Registered Insurance Brokers, Prince Babatunde Oguntade is optimistic that “taking the insurance industry out of the blighted imagery” can be attained by unambiguous implementation of the Nigerian Insurance industry Reform Act 2025.

He made this known at the National Insurance Brokers Conference and Exhibition in Lagos Thursday October 24, stressing that, “Our industry can no longer remain the shadow of itself.”

He emphasizes his objection to the state of the industry, “We have been undervalued for too long, as it concerns our relevance to national development. No nation develops beyond its level of insurance appreciation, as the bedrock of it’s economy.”

Drawing a line between insurance in Nigeria and other developed climes he said, “The insurance industry is the major source of investible funds in other economies and in fact own banks, but this is not the case in Nigeria as the industry is at the backwaters of the various economic considerations of government.”

Upbeat about what taking place in the industry he said, “I want to specifically appreciate the various initiatives of the present administration in rejigging the insurance industry, especially through a more favorable legislation. It is hoped that with NIIRA 2025, the situation will change.

As a pathing to fellow brokers who he ceases to lead from October 25, Oguntade said “I would like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of our members, whose dedication and professionalism have been instrumental in shaping the insurance landscape in Nigeria. Your commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction as insurance brokers and the only professional intermediary in the insurance value chain is bedrock of our industry’s growth.”