OJOMO: A GLOBAL VOICE FOR AFRICA’S FUTURE TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN ALICANTE

Akinwale Roy Ojomo to Deliver Keynote, Receive Prestigious Honour at Clevenard Open Project 2026

ALICANTE, SPAIN — Akinwale Roy Ojomo, distinguished migration researcher, diaspora engagement advocate and international development professional, is set to take centre stage at the Clevenard Open Project 2026 in Alicante, Spain.

Ojomo will deliver the keynote address on Friday, August 28, at the Global Economy, Trade, Solid Minerals, Agriculture & Investment Summit, where he will address Africa’s migration landscape and the growing “JAPA” phenomenon.

A recently appointed Lead Researcher at the Migration Observatory Lab, Center of African Studies, University of Porto, Portugal, Ojomo has built an impressive professional profile spanning migration, global development, business, diaspora engagement and international cooperation. 

He also serves as the Diaspora Editorial Consultant to Lekki People Magazine, bringing his expertise and international perspective to the publication’s coverage of diaspora affairs and global development.

His keynote, titled “The Management Migration aka JAPA Process 2050: Building Legal Pathways for Sustainable Migration and Management,” will explore how migration can be transformed into opportunities for economic development, investment, entrepreneurship, skills transfer and stronger diaspora engagement.

He is also expected to receive a prestigious honorary award at the four-day international gathering, which brings together global leaders, policymakers, investors, academics, entrepreneurs and changemakers from Africa, Europe and the Caribbean.

LEKKI FLOOD: LASG Targets Illegal Structures Blocking Drainages in Agungi, Ajiran & Ikota

Photo credit: Guardian News

The Lagos State Government has launched a major enforcement operation in Agungi, Ajiran and Ikota, ordering the immediate removal of illegal structures blocking drainage channels blamed for recurring floods across the Lekki corridor.

Environment and Water Resources Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the crackdown after inspecting key drainage projects in the affected communities.

Wahab announced that all illegal structures built on reclaimed drainage alignments would be demolished

Officials discovered that a land-owning family had blocked the Ajiran drainage outfall into the Lagos Lagoon, preventing stormwater from draining out of the area. Wahab directed that the obstruction be removed immediately, insisting that no land title or Certificate of Occupancy gives anyone the right to block public drainage infrastructure.

He said the government would continue clearing every illegal obstruction to protect lives and safeguard billions of naira invested in flood-control projects.

The inspection also uncovered serious violations at Megamond Estate in Ikota, where developers allegedly reclaimed part of the Ikota River and commenced construction without the required environmental and drainage approvals. Despite earlier enforcement notices, the developments continued.

Wahab announced that all illegal structures built on reclaimed drainage alignments would be demolished, warning that the state would no longer tolerate encroachment on waterways or drainage corridors.

He reminded developers that wetland and reclamation projects must obtain Environmental Impact Assessments and other statutory approvals before construction begins, stressing that Lagos will not recognise approvals sought after illegal development has taken place.

The Commissioner also appealed to residents to report environmental violations, revealing that whistleblower reports led to the discovery of the illegal activities. He reaffirmed the government's resolve to enforce environmental laws and strengthen flood-control infrastructure across the state.