Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo  A constitutional controversy has erupted following President Bola Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill for Rivers State to the National Assembly, with several Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) declaring the move unconstitutional and a breach of Nigeria’s federal structure. President Tinubu, on Thursday, formally sought Senate approval for a N1.48 trillion budget for Rivers State, which has been under emergency rule since March. The request, read on the Senate floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, outlined major allocations including N324 billion for infrastructure, N166 billion for health (with N5 billion set aside for free medication), N75.6…

By Peter Omopo  The Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, has called on the Nigerian Army to establish a forward operating base near Kainji Lake National Park to enhance security for farmers and residents in surrounding communities. The traditional ruler made the appeal while receiving the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to his palace in Kaiama, Kwara State. The visit followed a recent military operation in Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas of Kwara State, and Borgu LGA in Niger State, aimed at flushing out bandits from…

By Peter Omopo  A total of 52,000 Nigerians migrated to the United Kingdom in 2024, making Nigeria one of the top sources of non-EU+ immigration to the UK, according to newly released figures by the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Thursday. The migration surge came despite a sharp drop in the UK’s overall net migration, which declined by nearly 50 percent—from 860,000 in 2023 to 431,000 in 2024, the ONS said. Of the Nigerian migrants, 27,000 arrived on work-related visas, 22,000 came to study, while the remaining 3,000 entered under other immigration categories, the report revealed. The ONS…

By Peter Omopo  President Bola Tinubu has urged the newly inaugurated board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to explore all viable options to secure economic growth and consolidate the progress achieved through ongoing reforms. Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday, President Tinubu said the board’s formation was the result of a deliberate and careful search for exceptional leadership within the oil and gas sector. Details of the event were released in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, titled “President Tinubu to NNPC Limited…

By Peter Omopo  Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for greater investment in the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), describing it as a vital tool in tackling Nigeria’s security and economic challenges. Speaking through Senator Samson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South) at the agency’s 2025 Top Management Retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio reaffirmed the National Assembly’s support for the agency’s mission. His comments were detailed in a statement released in Abuja by NASRDA’s Director of Media and Corporate Communications, Dr. Felix Ale. The Senate President stressed that NASRDA holds a central role in developing innovative, technology-driven solutions…

By Peter Omopo  The Osun State High Court in Ilesa on Thursday declined a request to halt the coronation of the newly appointed Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Haastrup, which is scheduled to hold today (Friday), citing unresolved issues over court process service. Justice M. Agboola, presiding over the case filed by the Arimoro family of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House, ruled that the application to stop the coronation could not proceed until the court determines whether Oba Haastrup had been properly served with the court papers. The suit, marked HL/8/25, names Oba Haastrup, Governor Ademola Adeleke, Commissioner for…

By Peter Omopo  The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has empowered 531 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with grants of N531,000 each and business starter packs as part of its youth empowerment and entrepreneurship support initiative. The presentation ceremony was held in Abuja on Thursday, with NNPC Ltd’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, represented by the Group Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Roland Ewubare. Ojulari said the programme is a reflection of NNPC Ltd’s commitment to youth development and national progress, describing it as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. “You are exceptional candidates.…

By Peter Omopo  The Nigerian naira recorded a marginal depreciation against the United States dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Thursday, according to data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The exchange rate slipped to N1,584.95/$1, down from N1,584.49/$1 recorded the previous day, reflecting a N0.46 decline on a day-to-day basis. Meanwhile, the parallel market remained stable, with the naira trading at N1,625/$1, the same rate observed on Wednesday. The slight dip in the official rate comes amid continued efforts by monetary authorities to stabilize the foreign exchange market and narrow the gap between official and parallel…

By Peter Omopo  Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has denied harbouring any presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that he has no intention of contesting against President Bola Tinubu. In a statement issued on Friday by his media director, Michael Ohiare, Bello expressed shock over the resurfacing of a video from his 2022 campaign rally, which he said was being falsely portrayed as a fresh move to challenge President Tinubu. “While we state categorically that our principal, Bello, has no 2027 presidential ambition, we also want to stress his unflinching commitment to the re-election…

By Peter Omopo  The Lagos State Government has disbursed a total of N2.46 billion to 8,690 vulnerable residents through the Sanwo-Olu Listens Financial Assistance Programme, an official said on Thursday. Speaking at the 2025 Lagos State Ministerial Press Briefing held in Ikeja, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Tajudeen, highlighted the initiative as part of activities marking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second year in office during his second term. Dr. Afolabi noted that the financial assistance programme, launched in 2020, was established to support residents facing economic hardship, including challenges with medical bills,…