Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja after attending the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government-level Meeting in Rome, Italy, where world leaders gathered to deepen cooperation against terrorism and violent extremism. The President, who departed Nigeria on October 12 for the summit scheduled to begin on October 14, arrived back in the country on Saturday. According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu’s participation in the meeting reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to regional and global security alliances. “The Aqaba Process, launched by His Majesty…

By Peter Omopo A former Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters and Social Events to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). Dudafa, who previously served as a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, announced his decision in a statement released on Saturday in Yenagoa. In his resignation letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Southern Opokuma/Ayibabiri Ward 8 in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, the former presidential aide said his exit followed “deep reflection and extensive consultation” with political allies, supporters, and family…

By Peter Omopo Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday became the latest community to throw its weight behind Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo as he seeks re-election in the November 8, 2025, governorship election. Thousands of residents converged on the LGA headquarters in Ukpo to endorse the governor and his wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo, alongside the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim. The event, which coincided with the community’s annual New Yam Festival — known as Iweife-Ubi — also featured the donation of an undisclosed amount towards Soludo’s re-election campaign. The endorsement rally attracted traditional rulers, the Chairman of…

By Peter Omopo The Executive Director of Marine and Operations at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Olalekan Badmus, has called on residents and political stakeholders in Osun State to remain steadfast in their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2026 governorship election. Speaking on Friday in Osogbo during a visit by APC governorship aspirant Bola Oyebamiji to the Osogbo Local Government Area, Badmus emphasised the importance of unity and loyalty within the party as it prepares for the crucial poll. He described Osogbo as the “heart of progressive politics in Osun,” noting that the city has…

By Peter Omopo The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), has said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no constitutional authority to declare the seat of any governor vacant over defection from one political party to another. Osigwe stated this while reacting to public calls by Kenneth Okonkwo, a Nollywood actor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who urged INEC to declare the seat of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, vacant following his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) earlier in the week. Governor Diri had on Wednesday announced his resignation…

By Peter Omopo The management of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, Kano State, has expelled 34 students for their involvement in examination malpractice, while 13 others have been suspended for one academic session. This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the university’s Head of Information, Publications, and Public Relations Unit, Abdullahi Datti, and made available to Saturday PUNCH. According to the statement, the disciplinary actions followed the approval of the report of the Examinations Regulations and Irregularities Committee by the University Senate at its 123rd meeting, held on October 9, 2025. “The report…

By Peter Omopo A large-scale Brazilian study has found a significant association between high consumption of artificial sweeteners and faster decline in memory and thinking skills — raising questions about the long-term impact of “diet” sugar substitutes on brain health. Key Findings The research followed 12,772 adults, averaging 52 years old at baseline, for eight years. Participants were grouped by their reported intake of seven low- or no-calorie sweeteners (LNSCs) including aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, erythritol, sorbitol, xylitol and tagatose. Those in the highest consumption group (≈ 191 mg/day, roughly equivalent to one can of diet soda) experienced a 62%…

By Peter Omopo A Clinical Research Coordinator at the Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, Dr. Omobolanle Ayo, has called for intensified public awareness to help families better understand the difference between normal ageing and Alzheimer’s disease, noting that the distinction could be the key to early intervention and improved quality of life. Speaking in a statement on Friday, Ayo stressed that misinterpreting normal cognitive changes associated with ageing for Alzheimer’s often delays diagnosis and treatment, leading to preventable suffering for patients and their families. “Every day in this field reminds me that science is not just about…

By Peter Omopo The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared a total of ₦2.103 trillion in revenue among the three tiers of government for September 2025 — one of the highest monthly allocations recorded so far this year. This was disclosed in a communiqué issued at the end of FAAC’s October meeting held in Abuja and contained in a statement signed by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. According to the communiqué, the total distributable revenue for September comprised ₦1.239 trillion from statutory allocations, ₦812.59 billion from Value Added Tax…

Openness is the foundation of any healthy relationship. To be open-minded means to listen, to seek understanding, and to accept that others may see life differently than you. The Bible reminds us, “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). When you choose to listen first, you create space for peace and deeper connection, rather than conflict and misunderstanding. It is not about always being right but about seeking unity and growth together. Scripture teaches, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).…