Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence (GBV), child abuse and all forms of exploitation, pledging stricter enforcement of laws, coordinated prosecution and uncompromising accountability for offenders in 2026. The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Adijat Adeleye, made this known on Friday while unveiling the ministry’s policy direction for the year at its New Year get-together and award ceremony held at the Valley View Hall, Government House, Abeokuta. Adeleye described the event as a strategic platform for policy reflection, capacity building and recognition of excellence in public service, noting…

By Peter Omopo Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has signed the ₦758.7 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accelerating socio-economic development across the state. The budget, tagged the “Budget of Socio-Economic Expansion,” was assented to on Friday following its passage by the Sokoto State House of Assembly. Speaking shortly after signing the bill, Governor Aliyu commended the legislature for its swift and diligent consideration of the budget proposal, assuring residents that implementation would begin immediately to ensure the timely execution of projects and programmes. According to the governor, the 2026 budget prioritises sectors that…

By Peter Omopo A former Niger Delta militant leader, Endurance Amagbein, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the protracted political crisis between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Amagbein made the appeal in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, warning that failure to urgently address the feud could allow the situation to escalate, with negative consequences for peace and stability in Rivers State. According to him, only the direct intervention of President Tinubu can restore harmony in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections. He…

By Peter Omopo The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that Rivers State is setting the pace among states in mobilising support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. Wike made the assertion on Friday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of senatorial and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a political support group backing the Tinubu administration. According to the minister, Rivers State has demonstrated unmatched commitment through action, insisting that support for the President must go beyond rhetoric. “I know after today, other states…

By Peter Omopo The Jigawa State Government has signed a five-million-dollar agreement with Tesni Green Power Energy Limited for the establishment of a solar panel assembling plant aimed at generating up to 100 megawatts of solar energy in the state. Governor Umar Namadi presided over the signing ceremony, which formalised the partnership between the state government and the renewable energy firm. The project is part of Jigawa’s strategy to expand access to clean, affordable and sustainable power while reducing dependence on imported solar products. Under the agreement, the facility will assemble solar panels, solar-powered pumps and other related equipment. When…

By Peter Omopo Vice President Kashim Shettima has commissioned the Tudun Biri Resettlement Scheme in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, marking the fulfilment of a pledge by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rebuild the community nearly two years after it was affected by a military drone incident. The resettlement project comprises 133 completed housing units, educational facilities and other modern infrastructure. It was executed under the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict (RSPIC), a Federal Government initiative designed to support communities affected by humanitarian crises and internal displacement. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Friday, Shettima said…

By Peter Omopo China has lifted sanctions imposed on six serving members of the British Parliament following high-level talks between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a move seen as part of efforts to reset relations between the two countries. Speaking to the BBC in Shanghai, Sir Keir confirmed that Beijing had removed all restrictions, including travel bans and other punitive measures, placed on the lawmakers. Those affected include four Conservative MPs and two members of the House of Lords who were sanctioned by China in 2021 over their criticism of Beijing’s human rights record.…

By Peter Omopo The Kwara State House of Assembly has approved a total budget of ₦656,595,559,298.49 for the 2026 fiscal year. The budget was passed on Friday following the presentation and consideration of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation on the 2026 Appropriation Bill during plenary. Chairman of the committee, Mrs. Arinola Fatimoh Lawal, laid the report before the House, which was presided over by the Speaker, Engr. Yakubu Danladi Salihu. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had earlier, in December 2025, presented a proposed budget of ₦646,004,816,893 to the Assembly for consideration and approval. The approval of ₦656.59…

By Peter Omopo The Court of Appeal sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, has upheld the death sentences imposed on five men convicted for their roles in the 2018 Offa bank robbery, dismissing their appeals for lacking merit. In a unanimous judgment delivered virtually via Zoom on Friday, the appellate court affirmed the decision of the Kwara State High Court, which sentenced the convicts to death by hanging for their involvement in the deadly attack. The panel, comprising Justice Ridwan Maiwada Abdullahi, Justice Gabriel Kolawole and Justice Abdul Dogo, held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and found…

By Peter Omopo The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has charged corps members to contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s unity by embracing one another as brothers and sisters, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or cultural differences. General Nafiu made the call while addressing the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream One corps members at the NYSC Lagos State Orientation Camp in Iyana-Ipaja on Friday. He urged the corps members to remain selfless throughout their service year, make the most of the opportunities available during national service, and build friendships and relationships that would promote national integration and…