Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo Barham Salih, a former Iraqi president and one-time refugee, has assumed office as the new head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), pledging to bring personal experience and renewed urgency to the global refugee crisis. Salih, 65, became the first former head of state to lead the UN refugee agency at the start of the year. Speaking to AFP during his first official trip in the role to Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, he said his own history of exile and persecution shaped his approach to the job. “I know the pain of losing…

By Peter Omopo US federal prosecutors have opened a criminal inquiry into the Federal Reserve, a move that could lead to an indictment, according to remarks by the central bank’s chairman, Jerome Powell. Powell disclosed on Sunday that the Federal Reserve received grand jury subpoenas on Friday linked to his Senate testimony in June concerning a major renovation project of the Fed’s office buildings. In a video statement, Powell condemned what he described as “threats and ongoing pressure” from the administration of President Donald Trump, dismissing the subpoenas as “pretexts” following months of public conflict between the White House and…

By Asiwaju Dele Taiwo Taking a bold step doesn’t mean you’re fearless. It means you’re choosing growth over comfort. Every meaningful change in life begins with a moment where you decide to trust yourself, even without guarantees. The path may feel uncertain, but staying where you are simply because it’s familiar costs more than the risk of moving forward. Courage isn’t about knowing you’ll succeed; it’s about believing you’ll learn, adapt, and rise no matter the outcome. When you take that bold step, you’re not just chasing a goal. You’re becoming the kind of person who refuses to be defined…

By Peter Omopo The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has reiterated its ban on night-time travel on inland waterways, urging residents and boat operators to comply strictly with safety regulations ahead of a concert by Fuji musician Alhaji Sule Alao Malaika scheduled to hold on Sunday at Ilashe Beach. In a statement issued on Sunday, the General Manager of LASWA, Damilola Emmanuel, cautioned fun-seekers planning to attend the event to make adequate travel arrangements and avoid night journeys on the waterways. She stressed that night-time movement on Lagos inland waterways remains strictly prohibited for all categories of watercraft, including both…

By Peter Omopo Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has said she intends to channel growing public anger towards the Labour government, as she seeks to re-establish the Conservatives as the party prepared to take what she described as the “tough decisions” facing the United Kingdom. Speaking on BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Badenoch accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of mismanaging public spending, arguing that while overall expenditure is too high, key areas such as defence remain underfunded. She also claimed that Labour’s approach to governance had become increasingly “draconian” after 18 months in office. “I’m trying to channel…

By Peter Omopo Television presenter Lorraine Kelly has paid an emotional tribute to her father, John Kelly, following his sudden death at the age of 84. Mr Kelly was found injured on an outdoor path in his hometown of East Kilbride, near St Leonard’s Square shopping centre, on Saturday morning. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly afterwards. In a statement, Police Scotland said the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. Officers are providing support to the family, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. Reacting to the loss, Kelly described her father’s…

By Peter Omopo The semi-final fixtures for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco have been confirmed following the conclusion of the quarter-final matches played on Saturday. Host nation Morocco, alongside Nigeria, Egypt and Senegal, booked their places in the last four after a series of closely contested encounters that underscored the quality and intensity of the tournament. Morocco will face Nigeria in one semi-final, while Senegal are set to battle Egypt in the other, with both matches scheduled for Wednesday. Seven-time champions Egypt secured their semi-final berth after edging defending champions Côte d’Ivoire 3–2 in…

By Peter Omopo The Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero, has conferred an honorary doctorate degree on Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, in recognition of his contributions to societal development. The honour was bestowed on Saturday during the university’s joint maiden convocation ceremony held at the Convocation Arena in Aleru, Kebbi State. In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, it was disclosed that Governor Lawal was selected and formally approved for the honorary award by the university’s Senate. According to the statement, the convocation activities began on Wednesday with a press briefing addressed by…

By Peter Omopo The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully carried out a precision air operation against terrorist hideouts in Abbaga Jiri, located within Borno State’s notorious Timbuktu Triangle, as part of the ongoing Operation Hadin Kai. In a statement on Saturday, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Air Force, said the strikes were designed to support advancing ground troops by neutralising terrorist threats ahead of their movement. The operation followed credible intelligence confirming the presence of armed elements, hideouts, and hidden logistics infrastructure in the area. Ejodame explained that NAF platforms were deployed…

By Peter Omopo Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has pledged to commence the long-awaited reconstruction of the ECN Road connecting Udu and Ughelli South Local Government Areas, following repeated complaints from residents about its poor condition and the resulting disruption to daily life and economic activities. The governor made the announcement on Friday at Orhuwhorun in Udu during the combined 50th and 19th memorial ceremonies of the late Chief and Madam Palama Akporhierayen. Oborevwori assured the public that the project would be executed to high standards and completed within a defined timeframe. The ECN Road is a key transport artery…