Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Sola Ojewusi The recent conferment of the 2024 Vanguard Newspaper Education Icon Award on Ọba Adedokun Abolarin, the Orangun of Òkè Ila, is not just a personal accolade; it is a watershed moment in the evolving role of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s educational and philanthropic landscape. This recognition has sparked deeper reflections on how visionary leadership, rooted in culture and compassion, can reshape the future of education for the underserved. Ọba Abolarin, widely known for his establishment of Abolarin College — a tuition-free school for brilliant but indigent students — has consistently used his throne not merely for ceremonial…

By Sola Ojewusi  Lahti, Finland – April 18, 2025 In a landmark decision with significant implications for transnational justice and regional stability, a Finnish court has approved the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, to Nigeria. The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti ruled on April 18 that Ekpa will be handed over to Nigerian authorities on July 15, 2025. Ekpa, who refers to himself as the “Prime Minister” of the self-proclaimed Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has gained notoriety for promoting violent separatist rhetoric from abroad. He is alleged to be the leader of a self-styled group called “Autopilot” and…

As the world unites under the 2025 Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” LAPO Microfinance Bank is demonstrating what it means to wield institutional power for planetary good. With the climate crisis escalating and environmental degradation threatening livelihoods across Africa and the world at large, the bank is leading the charge in Nigeria through transformative partnerships and sustainable practices that reflect the spirit of this year’s global call to action. From the drylands of Northern Nigeria to the urban sprawl of Lagos, LAPO MfB is leveraging its reach and influence to catalyse change—restoring ecosystems, improving public health, and driving…

By Sola Ojewusi  Vatican City — April 22, 2025 The Vatican on Tuesday released the first official photographs of Pope Francis lying in state, following his death on Monday at the age of 88. The images, shared by Agence France-Presse (AFP), show the late pontiff in an open coffin, dressed in a red papal robe, with a mitre on his head and a rosary placed in his hands — a solemn reflection of his lifelong devotion to the Catholic faith. The Vatican said the body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing before funeral rites commence…

By Sola Ojewusi Vatican City – Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. According to the Vatican’s TV channel and a video statement by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Pope Francis passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at the Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City The Pope had been battling health issues, including chronic lung disease and a prolonged hospitalization earlier this year for respiratory complications, specifically double pneumonia. Despite his declining health, Pope Francis continued to fulfill his papal duties until his passing Details of the…

— Organiser Modesayo Okeniyi Champions Youth Creativity Uyo, Nigeria – April 17, 2025 — A wave of excitement is sweeping through schools across Nigeria following the announcement that selected secondary schools have been invited to participate in the prestigious Genius Sparkk Secondary School Movie Contest — a groundbreaking initiative aimed at nurturing the creative talents of young Nigerians through the power of film. The contest, championed by Chief Event Organiser, Modesayo Okeniyi, is designed to showcase the storytelling skills and cinematic imagination of students, providing a national platform where their voices, perspectives, and talents can shine. “This contest is not…

By Sola Ojewusi  Abuja, April 17, 2025 — The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Godknows B. Igali, has written an open letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, GCON, commending the National Assembly’s recent action on the situation in Rivers State and calling for the immediate restoration of democratic governance. In the letter dated April 16, 2025, Igali, a former diplomat and respected elder statesman, praised the Speaker and the 10th House of Representatives for the timely constitution and inauguration of an Adhoc Oversight Committee to investigate the…

• As BoI MD Olusi, Doris Uboh, others get FIN Awards The Foreign Investment Network (FIN), a leading London-based investment organisation, has honoured two Nigerian State Governors, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Monday Okpebholo (Edo ), Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II and other top personalities during its international award ceremony in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The epoch-making award ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at the Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf during the 2025 Net Zero MEA Summit, had top CEOs, MDs, innovators, founders and other stakeholders from different countries…

By Jimmy Fatunbi In the heart of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, a constellation of media moguls, political stalwarts, and industry leaders recently assembled to honor Ismail Omipidan, the esteemed journalist and former Chief Press Secretary to Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, on the occasion of his 50th birthday. The event was a testament to Omipidan’s indelible mark on the realms of journalism and public service. Colleagues and dignitaries extolled his unwavering commitment to truth and his adeptness in navigating the intricate corridors of power. His tenure as Chief Press Secretary was highlighted as a period marked by professionalism and integrity, earning…

By Jimmy Fatunbi In the heart of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, a constellation of media moguls, political stalwarts, and industry leaders recently assembled to honor Ismail Omipidan, the esteemed journalist and former Chief Press Secretary to Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, on the occasion of his 50th birthday. The event was a testament to Omipidan’s indelible mark on the realms of journalism and public service. Colleagues and dignitaries extolled his unwavering commitment to truth and his adeptness in navigating the intricate corridors of power. His tenure as Chief Press Secretary was highlighted as a period marked by professionalism and integrity, earning…