Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo September 1, 2025 A powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, killing more than 800 people and injuring thousands, Taliban authorities confirmed on Monday. The 6.0-magnitude quake hit just before midnight, collapsing homes onto sleeping families and rattling buildings as far as Kabul and Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital. The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that at least 1.2 million people likely felt strong or very strong shaking, with five aftershocks recorded overnight. Casualties were reported across at least five provinces. In remote Kunar province, 800 people were confirmed dead and 2,500 injured, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.…

By Peter Omopo 1st September 2025 Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has criticised Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his silence following the conviction of Nigerian-born Finnish separatist, Simon Ekpa. Ekpa was last week sentenced to six years in prison by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland for terrorism-related offences, including participation in a terrorist group, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act. The court ordered that he remain in custody. According to the judgment, Ekpa promoted the cause of a breakaway Biafra state through illegal activities between August…

By Peter Omopo 1st September 2025 The Federal Government has welcomed the conviction of separatist agitator Simon Ekpa by a Finnish court, describing it as a significant step in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. On Monday, the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland sentenced Ekpa to six years in prison after finding him guilty of several offences, including participation in a terrorist group, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and breaches of the Lawyers Act. Reacting via his official X account, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the verdict was “a major victory for…

By Peter Omopo 1st September 2025 Dr. Sidi Ould Tah has been sworn in as the ninth President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), formally assuming office in a ceremony held on Monday at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire, Côte d’Ivoire. The swearing-in, which began at 12:05 GMT, saw Tah take the oath of office before the Bank’s governors—comprising Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of AfDB member countries. He succeeds Nigeria’s Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, whose ten-year tenure is credited with major reforms and significant achievements in Africa’s development landscape. The ceremony drew high-level dignitaries including Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane…

By Peter Omopo 1st September 2025 Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has dissolved the state’s executive council, directing permanent secretaries to oversee the ministries until new commissioners are appointed. The governor announced the decision on Monday during the State Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chamber in Minna. According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Bago thanked the outgoing commissioners for their service to the state and wished them success in their future endeavours. Despite the dissolution, the governor retained the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff,…

By Peter Omopo September 1, 2025 Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, were among the dignitaries who graced the coronation of Oba Oluseyi Adediran as the Towulade of Owu-Akinale in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State. The ceremony, held on Saturday, was confirmed in a statement issued by Oba Adediran on Monday. In his goodwill message, Senator Amosun described Akinale as an important town within the Owu Kingdom and urged the new monarch to promote unity and inclusiveness. He prayed for wisdom and strength for…

By Peter Omopo ABUJA – The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has dismissed allegations made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that the Federal Government has been coordinating payments and inducements to bandits. In a statement issued on Monday by Zakari Mijinyawa, ONSA described the claims as false and baseless, insisting that the government has never engaged in ransom payments or incentives to criminal groups. El-Rufai, speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, accused the administration of adopting a “kiss-the-bandits” approach, alleging that security agencies negotiate with and compensate armed groups instead of…

As preparation gather momentum for this year’s edition of *Ariya Eko Music Festival holding at the prestigious Shell Hall, Muson Center on Sunday October 5, 2025*, and dedicated to recognizing and celebrating outstanding personalities in the cultural sector. Some notable icons shall be awarded for their toil and creativity at this year’s Ariya Eko Festival. This no doubt will be another time in Lagos history that we shall witness the gatherings of Stars. Notable icons such as *Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey MFR (84, Juju Music Legend), King Jossy Friday (85) Bolojo Music Pioneer), Ken Caleb Olumese (81, the King of…

By Peter Omopo ABUJA – The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre has urged Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to immediately commence the process of dethroning the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, following his conviction for fraud in the United States. On August 26, Judge Christopher Boyko of the Northern District of Ohio sentenced the monarch to five years in prison for his role in a multi-million-dollar scheme that diverted U.S. COVID-19 relief funds. He was also ordered to repay $4.4 million to victims. According to court records, Oba Oloyede admitted to using six companies to…

By Peter Omopo LAGOS – Nigerian rapper Tochukwu Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck, has called out the organisers of the Headies Awards over an unfulfilled gift he claims is still owed to him. In a post shared on Sunday, the “Declan Rice” crooner said he recently remembered that he had not received the car prize promised to him by the award body. Odumodublvck, who won Rookie of the Year at the 2023 Headies, wrote: “Where is my car? I just remembered I never got it. Headies, where is it?” The post has sparked reactions among fans, with many demanding accountability…