Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo Former UK deputy prime minister Angela Rayner is backing calls for the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to be allowed to contest the forthcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, the BBC has reported. Rayner is expected to publicly state her position at Labour’s North West regional conference on Saturday. Sources say she does not want Burnham to be blocked by Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) from standing in the contest. The by-election is expected to take place as early as next month following the resignation of former Labour minister Andrew Gwynne from the House of Commons,…

By Peter Omopo Several Asian countries have updated their visa application procedures to allow Nigerian passport holders to apply electronically, easing travel requirements and reducing the need for in-person visits to embassies. The introduction of e-visa systems enables applicants to complete most stages of the visa process online, making travel planning faster and more convenient. However, prospective travellers are advised to verify current requirements on official immigration platforms, as visa conditions and documentation may change. The Asian destinations offering e-visa options to Nigerians include: South Korea: Nigerians can apply through South Korea’s e-visa platform, although applicants are still required to…

By Peter Omopo At least seven persons, including a guard of the Kainji National Park, have been killed following a bandit attack on Wawa community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. Local sources disclosed that the attackers, who were armed and rode into the area on motorcycles, invaded the community on Thursday and opened fire on residents working on their farms. Six of the victims were reportedly recovered and buried on Friday, while the body of the Kainji National Park guard remains missing as of the time of filing this report. Residents said the Kainji National Park, which…

By Peter Omopo The Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in collaboration with the Ijebu Ode Local Government, has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging the suspension of three prominent traditional chiefs in Ijebu land. In a joint statement issued in Abeokuta on Saturday, the authorities described the claims as false and misleading, warning that they were intended to stir tension and disaffection within the Ijebu community. The viral report had named the Kakanfo of Ijebu land, Chief Abimbola Okenla; the Lapoekun of Ijebu land, Chief Tunde Odulaja; and the Madasa of Ijebu land, Chief Lekan…

By Peter Omopo Reality television star Natacha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has reacted to Pere Egbi’s recent testimony about being healed by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, stressing the need for a clear distinction between miracles and magic. In a post shared on her social media page, Tacha said miracles are faith-based and do not operate like instant magic tricks, criticising what she described as a growing “quick-fix mentality” among Nigerians. According to her, miracles require belief and spiritual conviction, unlike magic, which she said does not depend on faith. She noted that misunderstandings around this difference have contributed to unrealistic…

By Peter Omopo Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja following a week-long diplomatic and economic engagement in Guinea and Switzerland, declaring that Nigeria has reclaimed a leading position in global and regional policy conversations. Shettima arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Saturday after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Guinea’s President, Mamadi Doumbouya, and leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos. In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, the Vice President’s engagements were described as a…

By Peter Omopo The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has issued a warning to members of the public against addressing the monarch, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, with informal or casual terms, describing such conduct as disrespectful. The warning was contained in a statement released on Friday by the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, who stressed that the 22-year-old king must be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times. According to the palace, some individuals have been referring to the monarch with expressions such as “bro” or “blood” under…

By Peter Omopo The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has set operational targets for the agency’s directors, zonal commanders and state commanders for the 2026 operational year, urging them to intensify efforts to dismantle drug cartels, supply chains and drug trafficking organisations across the country. The directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, following the NDLEA’s annual review and planning meeting held at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja. According to the statement, Marwa addressed members of the…

By Peter Omopo The Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Prince Adedayo Ladega, has earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Ladega received the degree during the university’s 56th convocation ceremony held at its Akoka campus, where graduates from various faculties were conferred with degrees. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Akeem Mustapha, the council chairman said the academic milestone reflects his commitment to continuous learning and capacity building in public service. According to the statement, the postgraduate programme equipped Ladega with contemporary administrative skills and policy insights expected to enhance…

By Peter Omopo The University of Ibadan (UI) has emerged as Nigeria’s highest-ranked university in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, reclaiming the top national position in the latest global assessment. Results released on Thursday placed UI in the 801–1000 global band, making it the leading Nigerian institution in the 2026 edition of the rankings. The development marks a return to the top for UI, which last led the national table in 2023 after dropping to fourth position in 2025. The 2026 THE rankings assessed 2,191 universities from 115 countries, using 18 performance indicators across five key…