Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo  A growing number of United States visa applicants, particularly in Nigeria, have reported receiving a decision known as “administrative processing” after their visa interviews—a development that has generated widespread curiosity and concern. Although not new, administrative processing has gained renewed attention among applicants as many take to social media to share their experiences and confusion about the term. Applicants who receive this decision are often informed during their interviews by consular officers that additional checks—ranging from social media scrutiny to verification of submitted documents—are necessary before a final verdict on their application can be reached. According to…

By Peter Omopo  Gunmen have killed at least six people in a deadly attack on Kakuruk village in Gashish District and Marit community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, prompting renewed outrage over the state of security in the region. The attack, which occurred at about 8:11 p.m. on May 4, 2025, left several others injured, including a 7-year-old girl and three women. Victims of the attack include 44-year-old Nyam Davou, 40-year-old Kande Thoma, and her six-month-old baby. Confirming the incident on Tuesday in Jos, the National President of the Berom Youths Moulders Association (BYM), Solomon Dalyop,…

By Peter Omopo  Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has revealed plans by his administration to acquire the Umuahia ringed fence of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) in a bid to extend reliable electricity supply to the remaining eight Local Government Areas not yet served by Geometric Power. Otti disclosed this on Monday during a reception hosted by Geometric Power Aba, following the commissioning and inspection of the newly completed 2x15MVA Ogbor Hill Substation by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Speaking at the event, Governor Otti commended Obasanjo for his foresight in supporting the establishment of the Geometric Power project in…

By Peter Omopo  The Federal Government has approved the rollout of a new National Identification Number (NIN) verification service developed by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to improve identity checks and enhance data protection. NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, announced the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos. He said the new service, known as NIN Authentication, is designed to simplify and secure the process of verifying individuals’ identities using their NINs. According to Adegoke, the Presidency has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt the new service for all identity verification processes.…

By Peter Omopo  The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has revealed that Nigeria suffers losses exceeding N2 billion annually due to inadequate and unreliable electricity supply, with significant consequences for key sectors of the economy. UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, disclosed this on Monday at the ‘First National Legislative Conference and Expo on Renewable Energy’ held in Lagos. The event was organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy in partnership with the UNDP’s Parliamentary Development Programme. Attafuah highlighted the devastating impact of power shortages on the agricultural sector, noting that perishable produce such as yam, fruits, and…

By Peter Omopo  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over what it described as “grave allegations of financial malfeasance.” In a statement issued on Tuesday, the EFCC said Otse was apprehended following his repeated refusal to respond to multiple invitations linked to petitions received by the commission regarding alleged financial crimes. “Martins Innocent Otse was invited owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him,” the statement read. “He refused to show up in spite of several…

By Peter Omopo  Veteran forward and Kano Pillars star, Ahmed Musa, is set to return to the national team as he prepares to captain the Super Eagles at the upcoming Unity Cup exhibition tournament, scheduled to take place from May 26 to 31 at Brentford Stadium in London. Kano Pillars confirmed Musa’s participation in a statement posted on their official X handle on Monday, stating, “Captain Ahmed Musa is set to lead the Super Eagles at the Unity Cup Four-Nation Tourney from May 26-31, 2025, at Brentford Stadium, London.” The 31-year-old has been enjoying a resurgence in form for the…

By Peter Omopo  Nigeria delivered a strong performance at the 40th African Wrestling Championships held in Casablanca, Morocco, finishing second overall behind Egypt in the medal standings. Team Nigeria secured a total of 12 medals—10 gold, one silver, and one bronze—trailing Egypt, which topped the table with 24 medals, including 11 gold, eight silver, and five bronze. The Nigerian women’s team emerged as the highlight of the tournament, dominating the freestyle events by winning nine out of the 10 available gold medals. The sole exception was the 57kg category, claimed by Algeria’s Chaimaa Aouissi. Nigeria’s gold medalists in the women’s…

By Peter Omopo  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 35 individuals suspected of internet fraud in Auchi, Edo State. The arrests, which were carried out in various locations across the town, including Vigilante Street, off Sabo Ibenafo Road, and the Back of Yak area, followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to cybercrime activities. In a statement posted on its verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, the EFCC said the operation was part of its ongoing efforts to clamp down on internet fraud and other economic crimes across the country. “We remain resolute in our mandate to…

By Peter Omopo  The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has announced that it will commence the airlifting of intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj on May 14. This was disclosed on Tuesday in Kaduna by the Executive Chairman of the Agency, Malam Salihu Abubakar, in a statement issued by the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Malam Yunusa Abdullahi. Abubakar revealed that a total of 4,060 pilgrims from Kaduna State are expected to participate in this year’s Hajj exercise. He added that UMZA Airline has been designated as the official carrier for the airlift to the Kingdom of Saudi…