Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Sola Ojewusi The Óoni of Ifẹ, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has expressed profound condolences to the families of the children who tragically lost their lives during a stampede at a charity funfair in Ibadan on Sunday. The event, promoted on Agidigbo Radio, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, and organized by Women in Need of Guidance and Support (WINGS), a foundation led by Ms. Naomi Silekunola Ogunseyi, a former queen of the Óoni’s Palace, ended in tragedy, casting a shadow over the festive season. In a statement signed by Otunba Moses Olafare, the Director of Media and Public Affairs for the…

By Sola Ojewusi Marrakech, Morocco – December 16, 2024 Nigeria’s Ademọla Lookman was crowned the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year in a dazzling ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco. The prestigious award was handed to Lookman by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe, marking a momentous milestone for Nigerian football and Lookman’s illustrious career. Lookman triumphed over fierce competition, beating Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s prolific striker Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa’s star goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. His outstanding performances for Nigeria at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he led the…

By Eseohe Solomon Monday, December 16, 2024 In a landmark decision, the Federal Government has renamed the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University, in honor of Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who recently turned 90. The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing at the State House in Abuja. The announcement followed a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to Idris, the renaming acknowledges General Gowon’s contributions to national unity and development during his tenure as Head of State.…

By Sola Ojewusi The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved a milestone in its fight against financial crimes, apprehending 792 suspected crypto fraudsters in what is described as its largest single-day operation. The arrests occurred at a seven-storey building in Victoria Island, Lagos, and were confirmed by EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren during a press briefing on Monday. According to Uwujaren, the suspects include 114 Chinese nationals, 40 Filipinos, two individuals from Kazakhstan, one Pakistani, and one Indonesian. The EFCC has described the operation as a significant step in tackling the increasing menace of cryptocurrency-related fraud in Nigeria. Further…

A major contestant for the vacant stool of Owa Obokun of Ijesaland and prominent son from Ajimoko Haastrup Bilaro Ruling House of Ijesaland, Olumobi Jacob Adetayo Haastrup, PhD, has declared his intention to vie for the revered seat of paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Osun State. Dr Haastrup, who declared his interest in a statement on December 12, 2024, stated that he would ensure positive development in Ijesaland and take the ancient city to the greater heights. The statement, which was personally signed by Dr Haastrup and titled: “Divine Declaration” was made available to journalists on Sunday. Haastrup also disclosed that…

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted bail to the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties. Justice Emeka Nwite, the trial judge, stated that bail is granted at the court’s discretion while delivering the ruling. He said, “I have listened to the application from both counsels. First off, bail is at the discretion of the court, whether the bail is opposed or supported. Ordinarily, based on the antecedents of this case, particularly the conduct exhibited by the defendant, I would have reconsidered the application made by the…

By Sola Ojewusi Legendary musician Elton John has expressed strong disapproval of the legalization of marijuana in the United States and Canada, calling it “one of the greatest mistakes of all time.” In an interview with Time magazine, part of their Icon of the Year coverage, John shared his concerns about the growing acceptance of cannabis use. “I maintain that it’s addictive,” he said. “It leads to other drugs. And when you’re stoned—and I’ve been stoned—you don’t think normally.” John’s perspective is shaped by his own long journey of sobriety and his dedication to helping others overcome substance abuse. The…

UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation says for the second consecutive year, conflict zones have proven dangerous for journalists and media workers, with 2024 seeing at least 68 deaths in the line of duty. More than 60 per cent of these killings occurred in countries experiencing conflict – the highest percentage in over a decade, according to UNESCO new data. “Reliable information is vital in conflict situations to help affected populations and to enlighten the world,” UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, said in a statement on Thursday. “It is unacceptable that journalists pay with their lives for this work. “I call…

By Sola Ojewusi In a dramatic twist, Kemi Badenoch, Britain’s Conservative Leader and erstwhile Secretary of State for Business and Trade, has faced sharp criticism from a prominent British journalist, Albie Amankona for her controversial remarks about Nigeria, the country of her birth. The journalist lambasted Badenoch’s negative comments as uncharitable, unwise, and diplomatically inappropriate, pointing out that such remarks are unbecoming of a figure who owes part of her personal and professional identity to her Nigerian roots. During a recent public engagement, Badenoch reportedly made disparaging remarks about Nigeria’s governance and societal issues, painting the nation in a less-than-flattering…

President Bola Tinubu will present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly on Tuesday, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has disclosed. Akpabio made this known during the announcement at the Thursday plenary on the floor of the Senate. He said, “The president has made his intention known to the National Assembly to present the 2025m budget to the joint session of the National Assembly on the 17th of December, 2024.” Akpabio announced that the budget presentation will take place at the House of Representatives Chamber. Tinubu had earlier submitted the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper for 2025–2027…