Author: TheLagosianMagazine

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described Nigeria’s growing debt profile as a significant burden for both present and future generations. Speaking during a Zoom interactive programme tagged “Boiling Point Arena” on Sunday, Obasanjo expressed concern over the nation’s rising debt profile. It was reported Nigeria’s debt had surged by N12.6tn in three months, reaching N134.3tn ($91.3bn) by the end of the second quarter of 2024. This marks a 10.35% increase from the N121.7tn recorded in the first quarter of the year. Reflecting on his tenure, Obasanjo said, “Yes, I was able to secure debt forgiveness for the nation before I…

By Sola Ojewusi in Lagos December 9, 2024 – The Orthodox Public Affairs Committee (OPAC), a US-based international organization committed to eradicating religious persecution and intolerance worldwide, has voiced deep concerns over the challenges facing Christians in Syria amid ongoing political and social unrest. In a statement released today, OPAC urged governing authorities to uphold the rights of Christians and other religious minorities to practice their faith freely, without fear of persecution or discrimination. Syria’s ancient Christian communities, a vital part of the region’s historical and cultural fabric, have endured severe hardships throughout the years of conflict, including displacement, violence,…

By  Hope O’Rukevbe Eghagha Uyi: There’s hunger in the land. Ebi ń pa wá! People can barely feed. Inflation is creating havoc on our salaries! People are dying like flies because of depression. Too many suicides are taking place. Those claim it was their turn to rule, let them now say that it is their turn to feed the nation. How much longer can this go on? Dedan: Bloomberg says that two out of three Nigerian households are going hungry. Families skip meals as they cannot afford enough food. The report says that ‘the number of households not having enough…

By Our Correspondent Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has transformed the state into a model of development in the Niger Delta, according to the State Commissioner of Environment, Honourable Ben Ololo. The commissioner made this declaration during a recent environmental inspection tour of the state capital. Highlighting the governor’s achievements, Hon. Ololo stated, “The developmental strides of Governor Douye Diri across all sectors of Bayelsa’s economy are so glaring that no one can deny the fact that Bayelsa State is now a benchmark for development in the Niger Delta.” He cited the speed and scale of project execution, including youth…

By Hon. Gabriel Ogbara Abraham Lincoln, the revered former American President, once declared that “While the statesman thinks of the next generation, the politician thinks of the next election.” These profound words, uttered centuries ago, resonate deeply in the heart of Africa today, encapsulating the leadership philosophy of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State. In just a few years, Governor Diri has emerged as a statesman of extraordinary caliber, embodying the conscience of his people and redefining governance with transformational leadership. Governor Diri has distinguished himself as one of the most effective leaders of this political era, steering Bayelsa State…

The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise and an economist, Dr Muda Yusuf, in a chat with The PUNCH on Sunday, welcomed the appreciation of the naira. He, however, highlighted some efforts that can be made to sustain the rise. He said, “The recent improvement in the value of the naira, I’m talking about the naira exchange rate, is a welcome development. It is a development that gladdens the hearts of individuals and corporations because the exchange rate issue has been one of the biggest challenges facing the economy. It has been one of…

By Sola Ojewusi Damascus, Syria – December 8, 2024 President Bashir Assad of Syria was ousted this morning in a dramatic and swift coup led by a coalition of Syrian rebel forces. Assad, whose rule has been marked by a brutal civil war and international condemnation, reportedly fled the country with his close family and aides. Sources suggest he is seeking refuge in an undisclosed location, potentially with one of his few remaining allies. The fall of Assad marks the end of his 24-year grip on power and has sent shockwaves through the Middle East. For Syrians, this moment represents…

By Sola Ojewusi The recent wave of anti-French sentiment sweeping through Francophone Africa, accompanied by coups and declarations of independence from France, has sparked a heated debate about the region’s problems. While some place the blame squarely on France for its neocolonial policies and exploitation, this argument oversimplifies the issue. The reality is that the deeper problem lies within the Francophone countries themselves—their choices, leadership, and failure to fully assert their independence at critical moments in history. A Contrast: Nigeria’s Republic Mentality At independence, some African nations, like Nigeria, demonstrated discernment by rejecting the colonial mentality and asserting true independence.…

By Sola Ojewusi In recent weeks, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to France has garnered mixed reactions. While critics have raised concerns, calling it a diplomatic faux pas, a closer analysis reveals the trip as a calculated move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s position on the global stage, fostering bilateral ties, and reinforcing its leadership role in Africa. The visit, far from being a misstep, underscores Nigeria’s strategic priorities in economic revitalization, regional stability, and global influence. Economic Gains and Bilateral Agreements France, as one of Europe’s major economic powers, has long been a key partner for African nations. Nigeria,…

By: Godknows Igali It was former Prince of Wales and now King Charles III of England who once said that “the art of diplomacy is not just about negotiating agreements but it is about building trust and understanding amongst people”. It is for this reason that kings, princes, and the nobility have always been the patrons of the craft of keeping the countries of the world talking to one another and building bridges between cultures and the nations. The Nigerian nation recently came to regurgitate on this realism, as one of its very best, Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, a blue blooded…