Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has hosted the President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Carlos Vila Nova, and his wife, Maria de Fátima Vila Nova, during a courtesy visit in Abuja. The president and First Lady were received by the minister at his residence in Asokoro, where discussions focused on issues of mutual interest, including Nigeria’s security situation, growth and development, as well as the strengthening of bilateral relations between both countries. The visit followed President Vila Nova’s attendance, on Friday, at the wedding fatiha of ten sons and daughters…

By Peter Omopo The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has condemned the killing of a Nigerian national, Emeka Clement Uzor, describing the incident as a grave violation of human rights and calling for a full, transparent and impartial investigation. Uzor, an indigene of Enugu State, was reportedly shot dead on February 8, 2026, in Windsor, Randburg, Johannesburg. The incident has triggered outrage within the Nigerian community in South Africa and renewed concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in the country. In a statement issued on Sunday, NICASA President General, Hon. Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, described the killing as tragic…

By Peter Omopo The Federal Government has commended the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dayo Mobereola, following Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 term. The commendation was conveyed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who praised Mobereola’s strategic leadership and sustained diplomatic engagement with IMO member states, describing them as key factors behind Nigeria’s successful election in London. Oyetola said the development reflects Nigeria’s growing influence in global maritime affairs and underscores the country’s commitment to international maritime governance, safety and environmental…

By Peter Omopo Nigeria is set to benefit from a £15 million investment in information and communications technology (ICT), digital infrastructure and broadband development under a programme supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). An ITU delegation disclosed this during a visit to Abuja at the weekend, noting that Nigeria is one of 11 sub-Saharan African countries selected for the initiative. The delegation also revealed that Nigeria is among 136 countries participating in a global cybersecurity drill organised by the ITU in partnership with the United Arab Emirates. The disclosure was made during a meeting with the Director-General of the…

By Peter Omopo Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and several civil society organisations (CSOs) on Monday staged a protest at the National Assembly in Abuja over the recently passed Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The protesters arrived at the entrance of the federal legislature in the early hours of the day, carrying placards with messages such as “Protect Our Votes,” “No to Electoral Manipulation,” and “Pass Electronic Transmission into Law.” They accused lawmakers of attempting to weaken Nigeria’s electoral process through the amendment, arguing that any changes to the Electoral Act should enhance transparency, credibility and public confidence in…

By Peter Omopo The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko Area Command, has stepped up border enforcement across Ogun State, deploying intelligence-driven operations to curb smuggling and strengthen national security, public health and electoral stability. The renewed crackdown comes barely six weeks after Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni assumed duty as Area Controller. Under his leadership, the command has shifted from routine patrols to sustained surveillance of key border communities such as Imeko and Ipokia, which have long been identified as major transit routes for contraband. Investigations by Customs indicate that several smuggling syndicates operate from neighbouring Benin Republic, using Nigeria as…

By Asiwaju Dele Taiwo A pure heart is revealed in how we speak about others when they’re not present. Choosing empathy over gossip and silence over backbiting protects both our peace and their dignity. Backbiting’s greatest enemy is love expressed through honesty, patience, and prayer for those we’re tempted to speak against because kindness disarms negativity and keeps the heart pure. Asiwaju Cares

By Peter Omopo The Ogun State Government has announced plans to construct a N1 billion, 900-capacity Artificial Intelligence–enabled digital classroom complex at Remo Secondary School (RSS), Sagamu, in a major move aimed at strengthening technology-driven learning in public schools. Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed the plan at the 80th anniversary celebration of the school, describing the project as a strategic response to the demands of a rapidly evolving global knowledge economy. He said the proposed complex would serve as the foundation of a broader smart-education ecosystem within the institution. According to the governor, the project will go beyond AI-powered classrooms to…

By Peter Omopo Ghana’s music industry is in mourning following the death of legendary guitarist, composer and highlife pioneer, Ebo Taylor, who passed away at the age of 90. Taylor’s family confirmed his death on Sunday via a statement shared on his official Instagram page, though the cause of death was not disclosed. The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) later announced that the iconic musician died at the Saltpond Hospital. His passing came at a symbolic moment in his celebrated life and career — just one day after the launch of the inaugural Ebo Taylor Music Festival and exactly one…

By Peter Omopo With just five days to go before the starting gun fires on February 14, excitement is mounting across Lagos ahead of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, one of Africa’s most prestigious road-running events. Elite athletes are fine-tuning their race strategies, while residents and visitors prepare to line major routes across the city to witness a competition renowned for endurance, prestige and substantial prize money. Organisers have confirmed an attractive prize purse for this year’s edition, aimed at drawing top international and local runners. The overall winner is set to take home $50,000, with additional rewards earmarked…