Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo Trading activity on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) surged to an all-time high in 2025, with total turnover hitting N11.23 trillion, driven largely by a resurgence in foreign investor participation. Market data showed that the value of equities traded more than doubled from N5.587 trillion in 2024 to N11.23 trillion in 2025, representing a 101 per cent increase and the highest annual turnover ever recorded by the Exchange. The 2025 performance significantly outpaced previous years, with turnover recorded at N3.578 trillion in 2023, N2.324 trillion in 2022, N1.899 trillion in 2021 and N2.168 trillion in 2020. Analysts attributed…

By Peter Omopo Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has been formally registered as the number one member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state following the commencement of the party’s nationwide e-registration and revalidation exercise. The Benue chapter of the APC flagged off the exercise on Monday at Ihugh, the governor’s hometown in Mbadede Ward of Vandeikya Local Government Area. Governor Alia received his registration printout from the state acting chairman of the party, Mr Benjamin Omale, during the event attended by party stakeholders and supporters. Addressing party faithful, the governor urged APC members across the…

By Peter Omopo Real Madrid have announced the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso following the club’s recent El Clásico loss to rivals Barcelona. The decision comes a day after Real Madrid were beaten in a dramatic Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where Barcelona secured a five-goal victory to claim back-to-back titles at Madrid’s expense. In an official statement issued on Monday, the club confirmed that Alonso’s exit was reached by mutual agreement. “Real Madrid C. F. communicates that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his…

By Peter Omopo Nigeria’s crude oil and condensate production averaged 1.64 million barrels per day between January and November 2025, according to figures released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). The data, contained in a report titled “Crude Oil and Condensate Production 2025,” shows that total combined production for the 11-month period stood at 18.12 million barrels per day. Figures for December were not available as of the time of reporting. A breakdown of the data indicates that crude oil production accounted for 15.98 million barrels per day during the period, while condensate output stood at 2.14 million…

By Peter Omopo Two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have appealed to their colleagues to reconsider moves to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara, urging a peaceful resolution of the ongoing political deadlock between the executive and the legislature. The lawmakers, Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo and the representative of Degema Constituency, Peter Abbey, made the call on Monday while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt. They cautioned that impeachment proceedings could further deepen tensions in the state and appealed for dialogue and reconciliation as more constructive means of resolving the crisis. According to them, the disagreement between the House of…

By Peter Omopo Former Conservative Chancellor of the Exchequer, Nadhim Zahawi, has defected to Reform UK, becoming the most senior former Tory figure to join Nigel Farage’s party to date. Zahawi announced his decision on Monday at a press conference alongside Farage, saying the United Kingdom had reached what he described as a “dark and dangerous” moment and needed “a glorious revolution.” He cited concerns over free speech, mass migration, and what he called an over-powerful civil service and unelected public bodies as key reasons for leaving the Conservative Party. The former MP, who served as chancellor for two months…

By Peter Omopo The Badagry Kingdom has been plunged into mourning following the death of its paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry. He was 90 years old. The revered monarch, who ascended the throne on 23 April 1977, reigned for nearly five decades and was widely regarded as a central figure in the history, stability and development of the ancient coastal town. Born in 1936, Aholu Menu-Toyi I was a former journalist before becoming king. His reign was characterised by peace, unity and sustained community development across Badagry and its surrounding communities.…

By Peter Omopo Spanish authorities have seized almost 10 tonnes of cocaine from a container ship in the Atlantic Ocean in what has been described as the country’s largest-ever maritime drug bust. Police said the Cameroon-flagged vessel, which had sailed from Brazil and was en route to Europe, was intercepted and searched last week following an international intelligence-led operation. During the raid, officers discovered 9,994 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in 294 packages hidden within a shipment of salt. Thirteen crew members were arrested in connection with the seizure, while a firearm allegedly used to guard the drugs was also recovered…

By Peter Omopo No fewer than 95 princes and princesses from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House have declared interest in ascending the Awujale of Ijebuland throne as the family formally commenced its nomination and screening exercise in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. The development was announced on Monday at the Bisi Rodipe Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode, during the opening of the screening process for prospective candidates. Addressing members of the ruling house, the Olori Ebi of the Fusengbuwa family, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, also known as Otunba Jadiara, disclosed the number of aspirants who had so far indicated interest in the revered traditional…

By Peter Omopo Saudi Airlines has come under fire after abandoning hundreds of Kano-bound passengers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for nearly 48 hours, a situation that sparked tension and raised security concerns. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed that the aircraft was forced to divert to Abuja due to adverse weather conditions in Kano. However, the authority faulted the airline for failing to make adequate arrangements to transport the affected passengers to their final destination. In a statement posted on Monday on his verified X handle, the NCAA’s spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, said he was personally involved…