Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo  The Ekiti State Government has treated more than 800,000 residents for malaria in the last 18 months as part of its sustained efforts to combat the disease across the state. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, disclosed this during a media engagement in Ado-Ekiti, according to a statement released on Friday. He noted that the treatment figures include both preventive care for pregnant women and curative services for other residents, provided through the state’s 177 primary healthcare centres and other medical facilities. Filani emphasized that malaria treatment—including drugs, consultations, and other related services—remains free under the…

By Peter Omopo  Political economist and convener of the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government, Professor Pat Utomi, has defended the newly launched initiative following criticism from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and some federal government officials, who have described the effort as unconstitutional and theatrical. In a statement released Friday titled “In Service of Country, In Obedience to Conscience,” Utomi clarified that the shadow government is not a challenge to executive authority or an illegal parallel structure, but rather a constitutionally grounded effort aimed at fostering democratic accountability. “The Shadow Government is not a rebellion. It is not a…

By Peter Omopo  The Abia State Government has announced plans to repurpose the proposed new Government House located at Ogurube Layout in Umuahia into a five-star hotel. Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this during a media tour of the site on Thursday, describing the structure—initiated by the previous administration—as unsuitable for use as a residential or administrative facility. Kanu also revealed that the state government would construct a new governor’s office and lodge within the current Government House complex, contrary to claims that the present facility is a rented apartment. “Let me debunk another lie,” he said. “The current…

By Peter Omopo  Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, and Director of Nutrition, Mrs. Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, have been named among the world’s most influential health leaders in the 2025 TIME100 Health list. The recognition was announced in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Health, Mr. Alaba Balogun. The TIME100 Health list celebrates 100 global figures whose work is shaping the future of healthcare. It honors leaders, innovators, and advocates who are transforming health systems and improving lives worldwide. Balogun noted that…

By Peter Omopo  The United Arab Emirates has become the latest international backer of the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, a multibillion-dollar infrastructure project expected to connect West Africa to Europe through Morocco. Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, confirmed the UAE’s participation while addressing lawmakers on Tuesday. She noted that the ambitious $25 billion project has already secured financial support from several institutions, including the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the OPEC Fund, and the European Investment Bank (EIB). Benali also revealed that all feasibility and engineering studies for the pipeline, now officially named the “African-Atlantic Gas Pipeline,”…

By Peter Omopo  The Kaduna State Residents Identity Management Agency (KADRIMA) has launched a statewide sensitisation campaign to mobilise residents for ongoing registration and identity card enrollment. The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. John Danfulani, led the advocacy tour to several chiefdoms and emirates in Southern Kaduna, where he met with traditional rulers and community leaders to emphasise the importance of the initiative. Speaking during a visit to Kachia on Thursday, Danfulani explained that the exercise is designed to create a comprehensive database of all residents in Kaduna State. He noted that the data will enhance government planning, improve…

By Our Correspondent  Did You Know? Newly Elected Pope LEO XIV Once Visited Ọkà Àkókò in Ondo State! In a revelation that has left many Nigerians stunned and proud, it has been confirmed that the newly installed Pope LEO XIV once visited Ọkà Àkókò, a serene town nestled in Ondo State, Nigeria. His visits occurred twice between 2011 and 2013, during his tenure as Provincial General of the Augustinian Order. On both occasions, the man who would one day become the Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church came to worship and interact with the faithful at Our Lady of…

By Sola Ojewusi  Vatican City, May 8, 2025 — Habemus Papam! In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope, taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV. This marks the first time in history that a pontiff hails from the United States of America. The announcement was made from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, following the traditional white smoke signal that signifies the successful conclusion of the conclave. The Guardian reports that the declaration was met with a mix of jubilation, awe, and emotional…

By Peter Omopo  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former House of Representatives member, Hon. Muhammad Kazaure, in Kano. Kazaure, who represented the Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa, and Yankwashi federal constituency of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was reportedly taken into custody on Wednesday after honouring an invitation at the EFCC’s Kano office. Sources said the former lawmaker was subsequently flown to Abuja for further interrogation. Kazaure, known for his outspoken views on national issues such as insecurity and alleged financial misconduct, previously accused former Central Bank of…

By Peter Omopo  UK-based Nigerian gospel singer and broadcaster, Muyiwa Olarewaju, has alleged that he was treated as a suspect by British police after narrowly escaping a robbery attempt earlier this year. Olarewaju shared the incident in a video posted to his Twitter account, detailing how a white male assailant tried to break into his vehicle at around 5:30 a.m. while he was en route to work in February. According to him, the attacker smashed his car window, prompting him to flee the scene and contact the police upon safely arriving at work. He also informed officers about the presence…