Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo  The Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, has recorded its first international flight with the airlift of 315 Muslim pilgrims to Medina, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s operational history. Vice President Kashim Shettima officially inaugurated the historic flight on Saturday, as part of the commencement of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. According to a statement by Air Peace, which operated the non-stop flight, the departure signals a new chapter for both the airport and the South-East region, highlighting their growing capacity for international travel. The flight was operated using a wide-body…

By Peter Omopo  The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed nine electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to compensate Band A customers across 557 streets for failing to meet the minimum power supply threshold in April 2025. Under the revised Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) for April, NERC mandated the DisCos to either provide electricity credit or ensure improved power supply to affected customers connected to 152 feeders that underperformed during the review period. Band A customers are entitled to a minimum of 20 hours of electricity daily and pay the highest tariffs. However, many have complained about erratic service despite a…

By Peter Omopo  Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has secured the release of eight female inmates — including four pregnant women and nursing mothers — by settling their fines during an unannounced visit to the Goron-Dutse Correctional Centre on Friday. The intervention is part of the governor’s broader commitment to reforming the state’s correctional system and improving the welfare of inmates. According to a statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Tofa, Governor Yusuf’s visit was aimed at assessing the living conditions within the facility and identifying areas where the state government could provide immediate support and long-term rehabilitation…

By Peter Omopo  Amid mounting defections and escalating internal crises, governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have convened an emergency meeting with key party stakeholders in Abuja to address urgent concerns threatening the party’s unity and future. The high-stakes meeting, taking place on Sunday night, brings together serving PDP governors, former governors, members of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), and past presiding officers of the National Assembly. Top on the agenda are the recent spate of defections, the forthcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, and preparations for the party’s National Elective Convention scheduled for August. Party insiders…

By Peter Omopo  The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recorded a sharp decline in interest income from the Federal Government’s overdraft facility in 2024, earning just N3.1 billion compared to N1.6 trillion in 2023, according to the apex bank’s latest audited financial statements. The earnings, listed under “loans and receivables,” stem from the controversial Ways and Means facility—a short-term overdraft mechanism used by the Federal Government to cover fiscal deficits. The interest was charged at the Monetary Policy Rate plus three percentage points. The 99.8 percent year-on-year decline highlights a major policy shift as the CBN moves to curb the…

By Peter Omopo  Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area in Lagos State, Dele Oshinowo, has dismissed reports suggesting he is working against President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ambition in 2027. Oshinowo described the allegations as “fabricated, baseless, and laughable,” reaffirming his unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The rebuttal was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Principal Assistant and Media Executive, Abideen Olamilekan, following reports that some of the chairman’s aides were threatening to withdraw support for Tinubu’s second-term bid unless Oshinowo secured the party’s chairmanship ticket. Reacting to the claims, Oshinowo…

By Peter Omopo  The 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) took centre stage at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos on Saturday night, honouring the finest talents in African film, television, and digital content. The event, widely regarded as the continent’s most prestigious film and TV awards, saw fierce competition across 28 categories, blending industry veterans with emerging creatives. Freedom Way emerged as the night’s biggest winner, clinching the coveted Best Movie award, while Seven Doors shone brightly in acting categories. Chioma Akpotha and Femi Adebayo were named Best Actress and Best Actor respectively for their…

By Peter Omopo  Nigerian filmmaker Kayode Kasum has been honoured with the Trailblazer Award at the 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), held on Saturday night in Lagos. The award recognises rising stars in the African film industry who have demonstrated exceptional talent and promise. Kasum, a director and producer, has carved a niche for himself with his innovative storytelling and technical expertise. In 2025, he directed and produced REEL LOVE, a film by Timini Egbuson, further cementing his reputation as a creative force. He is also credited with directing Dognapped, Nigeria’s first live-action animated feature,…

By Peter Omopo  The stage is set at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos as the 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) kicks off tonight, promising an unforgettable evening of glamour, celebration, and recognition of Africa’s finest in film and television. The prestigious event, which will be broadcast live across Africa Magic channels, will bring millions of viewers across the continent closer to the continent’s top cinematic talents. Since its inception, the AMVCA has grown to become Africa’s foremost film and television awards ceremony, spotlighting the creativity and excellence within the industry. This year’s awards feature…

By Peter Omopo  The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has raised the alarm over the inadequate allocation for pension arrears in the 2025 national budget signed by President Bola Tinubu. In a statement issued on Friday by PTAD’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Olugbenga Ajayi, the agency expressed concern that despite the N54.99 trillion budget being higher than previous years, it still fails to adequately cover accumulated pension liabilities. Executive Secretary of PTAD, Ms. Tolulope Odunaiya, voiced the concerns during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Tanimu Yakubu, in Abuja. “The 2025…