Author: TheLagosianMagazine

LAPO Microfinance Bank has received multiple industry recognitions for its contributions to financial inclusion, MSME development, social impact and sustainability, further strengthening its position as a key player in Nigeria’s inclusive finance ecosystem. The Bank was named Microfinance Bank of the Year and Social Impact Company of the Year at the Industry Awards, while its commitment to sustainable development earned it the Green Icon Award from GreenPlinth Africa. Its impact on Nigeria’s small business ecosystem was also recognised by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), which presented LAPO MfB with three distinctions: Highest Impact on MSMEs in Nigeria, Highest Impact…

By Peter Omopo Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has arrived in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, to support the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Najeem Folasayo Salaam, ahead of the August 15 governorship election. Atiku announced his arrival in a post on his X handle on Monday, saying he was in the state alongside a delegation of political associates to participate in the ADC’s grand finale campaign rally for Salaam, popularly known as Iwaloye. According to the former vice president, the visit is aimed at rallying support for the ADC candidate and making a final appeal to voters ahead of…

By Peter Omopo Neche has emerged as the new Head of House in the ongoing Big Brother Naija: Show Ya Sef season. Her victory came during Monday’s Head of House challenge, earning her the opportunity to lead the housemates for the new week. As Head of House, Neche will enjoy the privileges attached to the position while taking on the responsibility of overseeing the house and navigating the dynamics among the remaining contestants. Her emergence comes as the housemates continue to compete for power, immunity and other advantages as the reality show progresses. With the new week now underway, attention…

By Peter Omopo Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new salary structure for academic and non academic staff of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, and Northwest University, Kano. The new remuneration package, which is based on the salary structure recently introduced by the Federal Government for staff of federal universities, will take effect from January 2026, with payment scheduled to begin in September. The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, announced the approval in a statement on Monday. According to the statement, the decision followed recommendations by a committee constituted by the State Executive…

By Peter Omopo The European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS has denied reports that it rejected an invitation from the Independent National Electoral Commission to observe Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The reports had claimed that the EU would not deploy an election observation mission, allegedly because of worsening insecurity in Nigeria and concerns over the treatment of its observers and officials following its 2023 election observation mission. However, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, dismissed the reports on Monday, describing them as inaccurate and clarifying that the bloc had accepted INEC’s invitation. Mignot said the EU would…

By Peter Omopo Five airports in Colombia have been closed to regular passenger operations following a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Monday, as emergency responders intensify search and rescue efforts across affected areas. Colombia’s civil aviation authority, Aeronáutica Civil, said airports in Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura were being restricted to medical and government flights while authorities assess possible damage to airport infrastructure. Operations at Guillermo León Valencia Airport in Popayán have also been restricted due to emissions from the nearby Puracé volcano. The aviation authority said it was supporting emergency agencies with firefighting and…

From Nigeria to the world stage—and back as champions. In Helsingborg, Sweden, Nigeria’s Mountain Top Chorale (MTC) of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), led by Maestro Oluwasegun Okedunmola, delivered a performance that has earned them global recognition. At the 14th World Choir Games, one of the world’s most prestigious choral competitions, the choir achieved a remarkable result. GOLD. 🥇 MTC scored 87.38 points in the Spiritual Category and emerged Champions in the Champions Competition, standing out among top choirs from around the world. But perhaps the most intriguing part of this story is that the victory did…

By Peter Omopo Big Brother Naija housemates Martins Iyeh and Mercedes have been evicted from the ongoing ‘Show Ya Sef’ season, becoming the first contestants to leave the reality television competition. Their eviction was announced during the live eviction show on Sunday, ending their respective journeys in the Big Brother house. Martins, a creative director and model from Kogi State, spent two weeks in the house before his eviction. His departure came on his birthday, adding an emotional dimension to his exit from the competition. Mercedes was also evicted during the live show, reducing the number of housemates competing for…

By Peter Omopo The Federal Government has launched a high-level inter-ministerial platform aimed at strengthening coordination on family planning, healthcare, human capital development and broader national development. The platform was inaugurated in Abuja by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, who said Nigeria’s growing population could become a major national asset if supported by strategic investments in health, education, empowerment and productivity. Pate said Nigeria’s population, currently estimated at about 230 million, could rise to between 450 million and 500 million by 2050, making coordinated investment in human capital increasingly important. He identified family…

By Peter Omopo Nigeria’s Mariam Eniola Bolaji has clinched the Women’s Singles SL3 title at the 2026 Peru Para Badminton International in Lima, completing an unbeaten campaign without dropping a single game. The Paralympic bronze medallist sealed the title with a commanding 21-12, 21-12 victory over Brazil’s Kauana Beckenkamp in the final. Bolaji dominated throughout the tournament, winning all four of her matches in straight sets and conceding only 47 points across the competition. The victory adds another international title to an impressive 2026 campaign for the Nigerian para-badminton star, who has already claimed gold in Egypt, silver at the…