Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) nationwide, directing that the officers be reassigned to core policing duties to strengthen security across the country. The directive was announced on Sunday following a high-level security meeting held in Abuja with service chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services. According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIPs who require protection will henceforth be guarded by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), not the…

By Peter Omopo The Edo State Special Security Squad has arrested two suspected kidnappers and demolished their operational hideout in the Egbai community of Ovia North-East Local Government Area. The development was disclosed on Sunday in a statement issued by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo. According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended on Saturday after a “high-level, intelligence-driven surveillance” operation. During their parade, the suspects reportedly confessed to kidnapping one Blessing Nosa, for whose release they collected a ransom of ₦30 million. Authorities said the pair came under intensified scrutiny after they abducted another businessperson…

By Peter Omopo South African authorities have launched an investigation into allegations that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, played a role in recruiting South African men to fight as mercenaries for Russia in the ongoing Ukraine war. Police confirmed on Sunday that the allegations were detailed in an affidavit submitted by one of Zuma-Sambudla’s sisters, requesting a formal probe into her alleged involvement. Zuma-Sambudla, who currently serves as a Member of Parliament for her father’s MK (uMkhonto weSizwe) political party, is accused alongside two others of coordinating the recruitment of at least 17 South African nationals. According…

By Peter Omopo The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, has honoured the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation and Senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola, with its prestigious Fellowship Award in recognition of his long-standing contributions to educational development in Nigeria. The award was presented during the institution’s 37th convocation ceremony, according to a statement released on Sunday by the senator’s media aide, Kayode Odunaro. Speaking at the event, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, described Senator Adeola—widely known as Yayi—as a consistent advocate for technological education and national development. Abdul noted that the senator had played…

By Peter Omopo The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed speculation surrounding the absence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi at the unveiling of its new national secretariat in Abuja on November 17. Both Atiku and Obi, key figures in the ADC-led coalition ahead of the 2027 general election, were noticeably missing from the high-profile event. Their absence had sparked rumours of internal disagreement, particularly suggestions that Obi boycotted the ceremony because the building previously served as Atiku’s campaign office. However, the ADC leadership has debunked the reports, insisting there is no rift…

By Peter Omopo Prominent leaders from the South-East, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, have renewed calls for dialogue following the conviction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu was on Thursday sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, after being found guilty on seven terrorism-related charges. The court handed him life terms on five counts, 20 years on one, and five years on another, all without the option of a fine. Justice Omotosho also observed that the Kuje Correctional Centre…

By Peter Omopo Johannesburg, South Africa – Tensions escalated over the weekend between the United States and South Africa following a diplomatic dispute at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, where the White House criticized Pretoria for what it described as a “weaponized” G20 presidency. The row intensified after South Africa declined a U.S. request to have its chargé d’affaires represent Washington at the summit’s closing ceremony. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office insisted that the ceremonial handover of the G20 presidency could not be done to a junior diplomat. The U.S. is scheduled to assume the G20 leadership in 2026. White…

By Peter Omopo Football fever intensified across England on a busy matchday as Premier League clubs delivered drama, tension, and high-stakes storylines. The spotlight remained firmly on North London, where Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur continued preparations for one of the league’s fiercest derbies, while Liverpool were left searching for answers after yet another disappointing defeat. In Sheffield, derby updates kept the atmosphere charged as fans followed every development in one of English football’s oldest rivalries. North London Derby: Atmosphere Heats Up With kickoff approaching, Arsenal and Tottenham fans filled the airwaves and online platforms with predictions, debates, and mounting tension.…

Cohabiting—Is When people live together in harmony, they create an atmosphere where peace becomes natural, love becomes visible, and growth becomes possible. Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity.” Unity does not happen by accident; it is the result of intentional effort, patience, understanding, and mutual honour. * In relationships and marriages, cohabiting should reflect partnership, teamwork, and genuine care. It means creating a home where love is nurtured, communication is open, and each person feels valued. It is not just about sharing rooms but sharing hearts, dreams, and responsibilities. * In our…

By ‘dayo Adedayo Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu*, has ignited something new in Lagos. Something quietly revolutionary, something many citizens are only just beginning to recognise. And I felt this deeply, almost spiritually, as I stepped into the *2025 Ake Arts and Book Festival.* Before any artwork, author, or performance could call my attention, what first welcomed me were the vibrant sponsor banners, each proudly bearing the Lagos State logo. It felt as though the city itself reached out its hands to embrace me. This was my second time attending the Ake Festival; the first was many years ago in…