Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo 1st September 2025 Dr. Sidi Ould Tah has been sworn in as the ninth President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), formally assuming office in a ceremony held on Monday at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire, Côte d’Ivoire. The swearing-in, which began at 12:05 GMT, saw Tah take the oath of office before the Bank’s governors—comprising Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of AfDB member countries. He succeeds Nigeria’s Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, whose ten-year tenure is credited with major reforms and significant achievements in Africa’s development landscape. The ceremony drew high-level dignitaries including Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane…

By Peter Omopo 1st September 2025 Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has dissolved the state’s executive council, directing permanent secretaries to oversee the ministries until new commissioners are appointed. The governor announced the decision on Monday during the State Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chamber in Minna. According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Bago thanked the outgoing commissioners for their service to the state and wished them success in their future endeavours. Despite the dissolution, the governor retained the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff,…

By Peter Omopo September 1, 2025 Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, were among the dignitaries who graced the coronation of Oba Oluseyi Adediran as the Towulade of Owu-Akinale in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State. The ceremony, held on Saturday, was confirmed in a statement issued by Oba Adediran on Monday. In his goodwill message, Senator Amosun described Akinale as an important town within the Owu Kingdom and urged the new monarch to promote unity and inclusiveness. He prayed for wisdom and strength for…

By Peter Omopo ABUJA – The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has dismissed allegations made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that the Federal Government has been coordinating payments and inducements to bandits. In a statement issued on Monday by Zakari Mijinyawa, ONSA described the claims as false and baseless, insisting that the government has never engaged in ransom payments or incentives to criminal groups. El-Rufai, speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, accused the administration of adopting a “kiss-the-bandits” approach, alleging that security agencies negotiate with and compensate armed groups instead of…

As preparation gather momentum for this year’s edition of *Ariya Eko Music Festival holding at the prestigious Shell Hall, Muson Center on Sunday October 5, 2025*, and dedicated to recognizing and celebrating outstanding personalities in the cultural sector. Some notable icons shall be awarded for their toil and creativity at this year’s Ariya Eko Festival. This no doubt will be another time in Lagos history that we shall witness the gatherings of Stars. Notable icons such as *Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey MFR (84, Juju Music Legend), King Jossy Friday (85) Bolojo Music Pioneer), Ken Caleb Olumese (81, the King of…

By Peter Omopo ABUJA – The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre has urged Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to immediately commence the process of dethroning the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, following his conviction for fraud in the United States. On August 26, Judge Christopher Boyko of the Northern District of Ohio sentenced the monarch to five years in prison for his role in a multi-million-dollar scheme that diverted U.S. COVID-19 relief funds. He was also ordered to repay $4.4 million to victims. According to court records, Oba Oloyede admitted to using six companies to…

By Peter Omopo LAGOS – Nigerian rapper Tochukwu Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck, has called out the organisers of the Headies Awards over an unfulfilled gift he claims is still owed to him. In a post shared on Sunday, the “Declan Rice” crooner said he recently remembered that he had not received the car prize promised to him by the award body. Odumodublvck, who won Rookie of the Year at the 2023 Headies, wrote: “Where is my car? I just remembered I never got it. Headies, where is it?” The post has sparked reactions among fans, with many demanding accountability…

By Peter Omopo LAGOS – Reality TV star and winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has lost her sister to a fatal truck accident. The tragic news was announced on Sunday evening in a statement shared via Phyna’s official Instagram page. Details of the accident remain sketchy, but the family confirmed that her sister succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. The post read in part: “With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved sister who lost her life in a tragic truck accident. We ask for privacy and prayers…

By Peter Omopo AKUNGBA-AKOKO – The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) Branch, has declared an indefinite strike over alleged non-payment of salaries and arrears by the Ondo State Government. The decision followed a resolution reached at the union’s congress on Thursday, August 21. In a memo to the university management on Sunday, the branch chairman, Dr. Boluwaji Oshodi, directed members to suspend all academic activities until their demands are met. “By this notice, our members have been directed to suspend all academic activities until all outstanding salaries and arrears are fully paid,” the memo…

By Peter Omopo ABUJA – A coalition of civil society groups has thrown its weight behind the recent increase in passport processing fees by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), urging Nigerians to view the reform as a step towards modernising the country’s passport system. The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for National Development (CCSGND), in a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Comrade Ochiaga Judge, described the new fee structure as “progressive, not punitive,” and appealed for patience and understanding from citizens. Last week, the NIS announced a review of passport charges, raising the cost of a 32-page passport with…