Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo  At least 20 people have been confirmed dead and more than 500 injured following a powerful earthquake that struck northern Afghanistan late Sunday, Afghan authorities said on Monday. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the 6.3-magnitude quake occurred at a depth of 28 kilometres (17 miles), with its epicentre near Mazar-i-Sharif, one of Afghanistan’s largest northern cities. Spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Health, Sharafat Zaman, said rescue teams were mobilised in Samangan and Balkh provinces, where most of the casualties were recorded. “Based on the information we have so far, 534 people have been injured and…

By Oluwabukunmi The Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, has said that it would be diplomatically improper and a violation of international law for the United States to undertake any military operation in Nigeria without the express consent of the Federal Government. Bwala made this known during an interview with the BBC World Service on Monday while reacting to comments by US President Donald Trump, who recently designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged persecution of Christians and warned of possible military action. Trump, in a post on his social media platform,…

By Oluwabukunmi The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new turn as former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Ayo Fayose (Ekiti) have declared support for the Nyesom Wike-led faction of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). Their endorsement of the Wike bloc comes amid renewed efforts by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and his loyalists to regroup and remobilise ahead of the party’s National Elective Convention slated for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. In separate statements on Sunday, Ortom and Fayose threw their weight behind the faction led by National Vice Chairman (North Central),…

By Peter Omopo A non-profit organisation, Ashoka Africa, has concluded a year-long professional development programme for 102 teachers across Lagos State, aimed at promoting innovation, social responsibility, and problem-solving in classrooms. The initiative, known as the Changemakers Teacher Activation Programme (CTEACH), culminated in a graduation and induction ceremony held in Lagos, marking the end of a year-long effort to integrate “changemaking education” into the state’s school system. PUNCH Online recalls that in October 2024, Ashoka Africa graduated its first cohort of 52 teachers, drawn from various local government areas across Lagos. This year, the organisation inducted a second cohort of…

By Jimmy Fatunbi The Executive Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo, marked his one hundred days in Office and used the occasion to officially unveil the Onigbongbo Empowerment Committee. This initiative is aimed at ensuring the dividends of democracy reach every nook and cranny of the LCDA. During the inauguration of the committee at Council Secretariat, Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo stated that the vision of the committee aligns with his administration’s FINE AGENDA, a people-centered roadmap designed to rebuild hope, strengthen community development and empower residents across all wards. “Our goal is to ensure that help…

By Tony Amokeodo For those who never believe or see anything good in Nigeria, a first-of-its-kind crude oil export terminal that will change the narrative in the oil and gas sector is unfolding in the South-South geo-political zone of the country. One of the major hindrances to Nigeria’s economic growth is the lack of infrastructure that will signpost dynamic development for a better tomorrow. Incidentally, the country is blessed with abundant human and natural resources that are unparalleled in any African country. Yet, infrastructural deficit is taking its toll on the most populous country in Africa. But a remarkable game…

Sometimes, it feels like our prayers go unheard, especially when we cry out for healing in friendships, peace in marriage, or unity in our community. But unanswered prayers don’t mean God is absent—they often mean He is working in ways we don’t yet understand. God reminds us in Isaiah 55:8: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” He sees the full picture. In the waiting, He shapes our hearts, deepens our trust, and aligns our desires with His perfect will. In friendship and marriage, God may delay answers not to deny us but to refine…

By Peter Omopo NEW YORK, November 2, 2025 — The Orthodox Public Affairs Committee (OPAC) has praised the Trump Administration for what it described as a “renewed and long-overdue commitment” to addressing the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. In a statement released on Sunday, OPAC commended the U.S. government’s decision to restore Nigeria to the “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) list, citing the nation’s persistent record of religious violence and targeted attacks against Christians, particularly in the northern and central regions. “The suffering of Christians in Nigeria has persisted for far too long,” said George Gigicos, Co-Founder and Chairman of…

By Peter Omopo The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for allegedly failing to investigate claims that lawmakers pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions in the National Assembly. The suit, numbered FHC/L/CS/2214/2025, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja by SERAP’s lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo. The organisation is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus compelling Akpabio and Abbas to refer the allegations to…

By Oluwabukunmi The United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, on Sunday warned Washington is prepared to take military action if the Nigerian government fails to protect Christians, echoing a similar threat issued by U.S. President Donald Trump that has drawn international attention. Posting on X, Hegseth said: “The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria — and anywhere — must end immediately. The Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.” The message follows a post by President Trump on his Truth…