Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo | September 14, 2025 Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Sunday paid a courtesy visit to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, Oyo State. Obi said his visit was to congratulate the former Oyo governor on his appointment as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, while also commending his record of service and leadership. “My visit is to congratulate him as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland. This is about Nigeria, about selfless leadership—leadership committed to turning our society around. I believe Oba Ladoja will bring his wealth of experience to bear…

By Peter Omopo | September 14, 2025 The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an Indian businessman, Gupta Ravi Kumar, and three Nigerian accomplices following the interception of a consignment of 2,248,000 tramadol pills worth an estimated N3.99 billion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. According to a statement on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the shipment—concealed as multivitamins in 114 cartons—arrived from Delhi, India, on an Ethiopian Airlines flight on September 8. Babafemi said operatives kept the cargo under surveillance before intercepting a clearing agent and two drivers attempting to move the goods…

By Peter Omopo September 14, 2025 — Nigerian sprinter Konyinsola Ajayi has stormed into the men’s 100m final at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, marking a historic milestone for the country. On his 21st birthday, Ajayi ran an impressive 9.93 seconds in the semi-finals on Sunday, finishing second behind Olympic champion Noah Lyles (9.92s). South Africa’s Akani Simbine followed closely in third with 9.96s. This achievement makes Ajayi the first Nigerian in 18 years to reach the men’s 100m final at the World Championships. The last was Olusoji Fasuba, national record holder and former African record holder, who…

By Peter Omopo September 14, 2025 — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed media reports claiming that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed and released a list of its state chairmen across the country. In a statement on Sunday, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi said the report was false and intended to mislead party members and the public. “The attention of the national leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been drawn to a widely circulated statement titled ‘Coalition Update: INEC Confirms ADC State Chairmen Nationwide’, which purports that INEC has released and validated a list of…

By Peter Omopo Enugu, September 14, 2025 — The Enugu State branch of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has resumed its suspended strike action, citing the non-payment of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUS) and outstanding salary arrears. In a circular dated September 12 and signed by the branch chairman, Comrade Sampson Ifedimma, and secretary, Comrade Onyia Jonas, JUSUN directed all judiciary workers in the state to withdraw their services effective 6:00 pm on Friday, September 12. The union said the strike became inevitable despite Governor Peter Mbah’s recent announcement of full implementation of judicial financial autonomy. JUSUN…

By Peter Omopo Burnley, September 14, 2025 — Mohamed Salah struck a dramatic stoppage-time penalty as Liverpool edged past Burnley 1–0 at Turf Moor on Sunday, maintaining their perfect start to the Premier League season. The Egyptian forward converted from the spot in the 95th minute after Jeremie Frimpong’s cross struck Hannibal Mejbri’s arm, leaving referee Michael Oliver with no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Liverpool, who dominated possession but struggled to break down Burnley’s compact defence, had been frustrated for much of the afternoon. Goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka produced a key late save to deny the visitors before the…

By Peter Omopo | September 14, 2025 The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sanction politicians and political parties engaging in premature election campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement on Sunday, the group warned that failure to enforce existing electoral laws against early campaigning could compel it to initiate legal action against the commission. SERAP stressed that the Electoral Act clearly defines the timeline for political campaigns and prohibits politicians from canvassing for votes before the official window. It argued that ongoing rallies and public declarations by…

By Peter Omopo | September 14, 2025 ZARIA, KADUNA — A two-day torrential downpour in Zaria, Kaduna State, has left more than 470 children displaced and destroyed at least 270 homes across several communities. The rains, which began on Thursday night and lasted until Friday morning, submerged farmlands, collapsed mud walls, and forced families to seek shelter in schools, mosques, and makeshift camps. “This is the worst flood I have seen in my lifetime,” lamented 70-year-old Alhaji Bala of Magume community. “The water came so fast. It carried away food, clothes, even my provision shop. Now, we have nothing left.”…

By Peter Omopo | September 14, 2025 The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch, has called for a transparent investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 22-year-old preacher, Moses Mba, by policemen attached to the former residence of Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu. Mba was reportedly shot on August 1, 2025, after requesting permission to preach to the governor at his former residence in the State Housing area of Calabar. He succumbed to his injuries on August 9 while receiving treatment in hospital. The incident sparked outrage among residents and on social media, with the victim’s family demanding…

By Peter Omopo | September 14, 2025 A major row is brewing in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector as fuel importers have accused the Dangote refinery of selling petrol to international traders at lower prices than it offers to Nigerian marketers. The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) confirmed in separate interviews with Sunday PUNCH that Dangote’s petrol sells for about ₦65 per litre cheaper in Lomé, Togo, than in Nigeria. The refinery recently announced it would cut domestic pump prices to ₦841 per litre in Lagos…