The Lagos State House of Assembly has officially ordered an immediate halt to the ongoing demolitions in the Makoko waterfront community following intense pressure from residents and civil society activists.

Majority Leader of the House, Noheem Adams made this declaration via a statement on Tuesday.

Our correspondent reports that the suspension is coming after series of protests against the demolition by activists and residents of the area.

JomogNews reports that members of various civil societies, activists and residents of the area had earlier kicked against demolitions in the area.

Adams, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, explained that the house gave the directive to suspend the demolitions after a meeting between the lawmakers and representatives of the community.

He added that the assembly will work with relevant ministries and agencies to review issues surrounding the demolitions.

He also disclosed that and all the stakeholders will be properly engaged in the exercise.

Adams, in the statement said, “On behalf of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, and honourable members of this House, we are taking this matter seriously. All ongoing demolitions should be stopped.”

More details later…

Legendary gospel singer, worship leader, and songwriter, Ron Kenoly, has passed away at the age of 81.

The news was confirmed by Bruno Miranda, Kenoly’s longtime music director, in a statement shared on the singer’s official Instagram page. The statement revealed that Kenoly died on February 3, 2026, though the cause of death was not disclosed.

Miranda, who worked closely with Kenoly for more than 20 years, described him as not only a mentor but also a spiritual father, emphasizing Kenoly’s dedication to his calling.

“This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly,” the statement read.

“For over 20 years, I had the honor of walking alongside him in ministry around the world—not just as his music director, but as a son, a student, and a witness to a life marked by faithfulness. Doc was very intentional about one thing: he was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader. And he took all the time necessary to explain what that truly meant.”

Miranda elaborated on Kenoly’s philosophy of worship, highlighting that he viewed his role as guiding people into sincere reverence for God.

“A worship leader’s calling is not to perform songs, but to lead people into true worship in the presence of a King; the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. He taught me that a worship leader is not merely a song leader, but a servant who connects with people whose hearts are open to worship, guiding them to ‘enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise’ (Psalm 100:4, ESV). Worship, he would say, is always rooted in gratitude for what Christ has done for us, and never in anticipation of what we want Him to do.

“Off the stage, Doc carried the same integrity, humility, and reverence for God that the world saw under the lights. He taught me that worship begins long before the first note is played, shaped by obedience, character, and a deep fear of the Lord.

“Today we grieve deeply but not without hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds.

“Until we meet again, my pastor, my mentor, my friend.”

Born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly moved to Hollywood, California, after high school and later served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1968. During his military service, he performed with a cover band, the Mellow Fellows, which toured various military bases.

After his service, Kenoly returned to Los Angeles to pursue a full-time music ministry, eventually becoming one of the most influential figures in contemporary Christian worship music.

His breakthrough came in 1992 with the release of “Lift Him Up”, which became the fastest-selling worship album of its time.

Kenoly’s extensive discography includes:

Jesus Is Alive (1991)

Ancient of Days (1992)

God Is Able (1994)

Sing Out With One Voice (1995)

Welcome Home (1996)

High Places: The Best of Ron Kenoly

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing quality education and youth empowerment with the renovation of an administrative building to Community Secondary School, Enugwuabo Ufuma, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The one-storey administrative block was comprehensively renovated as part of Fidelity Bank’s interventions to address infrastructural challenges faced by the school. The renovated facility was then formally handed over to the school community at a ceremony attended by government officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony, the Regional Bank Head, Fidelity Bank Plc Awka, Dr. Nosa Orumwense, said the project underscores the bank’s long-standing commitment to investing in education as a catalyst for sustainable development.

“For us at Fidelity Bank, this project represents more than a building. It represents opportunity, progress, and a shared commitment to building a better future for our youths here in Enugwuabo Ufuma and beyond.

By improving the educational infrastructure of this community, we are providing students and teachers with an environment that promotes learning, discipline, and pride”, Orumwense added.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, who represented the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, described the project as a true demonstration of corporate social responsibility.

L-R: Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr Vera Nwadinobi; Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh; and Regional Bank Head, Fidelity Bank Plc, Awka, Dr. Nosa Orumwense; at the handover ceremony of the administrative block renovated by Fidelity Bank Plc to Community Secondary School, Enugwuabo Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State recently.

“Corporate social responsibility is what gives an organisation its human nature. What Fidelity Bank has done reflects compassion and a genuine commitment to touching lives”, Prof. Chuma-Udeh said.

This school was earlier placed on an emergency list due to the deplorable condition of its buildings. During my last visit, I was genuinely concerned about the safety of both students and teachers. Today, the school wears a new look, thanks to Fidelity Bank’s support”.

The Commissioner also expressed the state government’s appreciation to Fidelity Bank, saying, “We thank Fidelity Bank for this intervention, which clearly demonstrates the true meaning of corporate social responsibility – making tangible impacts that improve lives and strengthen communities”.

The project forms part of Fidelity Bank’s broader CSR strategy focused on empowering communities, strengthening educational institutions, and creating long-term socio-economic value across Nigeria.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.