Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed claims by the Presidency that he remained silent following the rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing the allegation as a deliberate misrepresentation of facts. In a statement issued on Saturday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President said the Presidency either failed to verify publicly available information or deliberately ignored his earlier statement acknowledging the rescue. According to Atiku, it was surprising that the Presidency accused him of remaining silent despite the…

By Peter Omopo Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s North-East have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for retaining Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group described the President’s decision as a demonstration of loyalty, competence, fairness, and inclusiveness, saying it has further strengthened confidence in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The position was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Coordinating Chairman of the North-East APC Youth Critical Stakeholders Forum, Haruna Sardauna. According to the forum, Shettima’s re-nomination reflects the strategic importance of the North-East in…

By Peter Omopo Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has visited the pupils and teachers rescued from captivity in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, as they continue to receive medical treatment and care at the Military Hospital in Ibadan. The governor’s visit came a day after the Federal Government confirmed the successful rescue of the victims, who had spent more than 50 days in captivity following their abduction by gunmen on May 15, 2026. During the visit on Saturday, Makinde met with the rescued pupils and teachers, assessing their condition and offering support as they recover from their ordeal.…

By Peter Omopo The United Kingdom has announced a major overhaul of its immigration system, introducing stricter visa requirements, expanded deportation powers, and significant changes affecting work, study, family migration, and asylum applications. The reforms are contained in the Statement of Changes HC 259, laid before Parliament on July 9, 2026. The new measures amend 42 sections of the UK’s Immigration Rules and are expected to affect employers, educational institutions, migrants, and visa sponsors. One of the most significant changes expands the country’s deportation rules. Under the revised framework, foreign nationals convicted on or after March 22, 2026, who receive…

By Peter Omopo Pupils and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom following efforts by Nigerian security agencies. The development was announced on Friday by the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post shared on his official X account. Confirming the successful rescue, Onanuga stated that all the kidnapped pupils and teachers had been freed through coordinated security operations. “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he wrote. He further disclosed that…

By Peter Omopo A Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed judgment in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) suit seeking the final forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN). Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who had earlier scheduled judgment after hearing final arguments, adjourned the matter to July 15 following her unavailability. The case had initially been fixed for judgment on July 6 but was first moved to July 10 before being postponed again when the court did not sit. The EFCC is seeking a final forfeiture…

By Peter Omopo The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of three additional AW109 Trekker helicopters in Italy as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s air power and enhance counter-terrorism and internal security operations. The helicopters were formally handed over to a Nigerian delegation during an official acceptance ceremony in Italy, marking another milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise the Air Force and improve its operational capabilities. According to the NAF, the newly acquired aircraft will significantly enhance its capacity to carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, provide close air support, execute rapid…

By Peter Omopo Nigeria has secured the hosting rights for the 2027 Africa Beach Volleyball Championship, in another major boost to the country’s growing profile as a destination for international sporting events. The National Sports Commission (NSC) announced that the continental championship will be staged in Lagos, marking another milestone in Nigeria’s strategic partnership with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA). The development follows the recent award of the hosting rights for the second edition of the African School Games, which Nigeria is also scheduled to host in 2027. Speaking in Abuja, ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf said…

The first half of 2026 has tested the resilience of Nigeria’s financial institutions. Persistent inflation, rising business costs and changing customer expectations have required leaders to think beyond traditional banking. For LAPO Microfinance Bank (LAPO MfB), the response under its Managing Director Cynthia Ikponmwosa has been defined by purposeful innovation, deeper financial inclusion and a stronger commitment to enterprise development. Rather than merely expanding banking services, LAPO MfB has focused on expanding economic opportunities. Central to this has been an accelerated digital transformation agenda aimed at making banking more accessible, efficient and customer-centric. Through investments in digital channels and technology-enabled…

m Theatre enthusiasts, literary scholars and lovers of Nigerian arts are set for a memorable cultural experience as Return of Jero, a contemporary reimagining inspired by Professor Wole Soyinka’s iconic The Trials of Brother Jero, comes to the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos. Written by storyteller, poet and playwright Babatunde Odubanwo, Return of Jero revisits one of African literature’s most memorable satirical characters, Brother Jero, placing him squarely within the realities of present-day Nigeria. The production explores themes of power, deception, faith, ambition and human vulnerability through…