Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo  The Ekiti State Government has announced plans to host the maiden edition of the Ekiti International Theatre Festival, aimed at promoting tourism, showcasing local talents, and building a global image for the state. The Festival Director, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare, disclosed this on Monday during a sensitisation programme in Ado Ekiti. He said the event, scheduled to hold between August 20 and 25, 2025, at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre, is a collaboration between the Duke of Shomolu Foundation and the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy. According to Bakare, the festival is expected to attract…

By Peter Omopo  The United States has applauded the Federal Government of Nigeria and its security agencies for the arrest of two wanted leaders of the terrorist group, Ansaru. The commendation came after National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, confirmed over the weekend that the arrests were made during a series of “high-risk, intelligence-led counter-terrorism operations” carried out between May and July 2025. According to Ribadu, one of those arrested is Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, who served as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru. He was identified as the coordinator of several terrorist sleeper cells across the country…

By Peter Omopo  The former Governor of Oyo State and Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has arrived in Ibadan, the state capital, ahead of formal processes to confirm his ascension to the throne. Ladoja, who has been unanimously nominated as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, was received at his family house in Isale-Osi, Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, on Monday. He is expected to proceed later to his private residence at Ondo Street, Bodija, in Ibadan North Local Government Area. Confirming his arrival, the media aide to the monarch, Adeola Oloko, said, “The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja, is…

By Peter Omopo  The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned what it described as a coordinated campaign of intimidation against its National Secretary and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola. In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC criticised efforts to brand Aregbesola a traitor to the Yoruba people, describing such moves as “dangerous, undemocratic, and disgraceful.” Aregbesola, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the ADC, has faced mounting criticism from some supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The ADC accused Tinubu’s loyalists of attempting to mobilise the Yoruba…

By Peter Omopo  Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to demonstrate that they are not terrorist organisations, following a Canadian court ruling that classified the two dominant parties as such. In a statement on Monday, Falana urged the APC and PDP to address the serious allegations contained in the judgment of Justice Phuong Ngo of the Federal Court of Canada, rather than dismissing it with insults. Justice Ngo had, in the course of dismissing an asylum appeal filed by Nigerian national…

By Peter Omopo  The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of its pioneer chairman, Chief Solomon Aguele, describing him as a steadfast leader whose commitment shaped the foundation of the party in the state. In a statement issued on Monday, the state chairman of the party, Tony Aziegbemi, said Aguele, who led the PDP in Edo from 1999 to 2007, served with distinction and dedication. “Chief Aguele was a committed leader whose steadfastness, wisdom, and devotion to democratic ideals laid the strong foundation upon which our party continues to stand…

By Peter Omopo  The Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (FCT-MPWB) has commenced registration of intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise with a minimum deposit of N8.5 million. The development was announced in Abuja on Monday in a statement signed by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Malam Muhammad Aliyu, quoting the Director, Alhaji Kadiri Edah. Edah explained that the N8.5 million deposit is required to secure a seat with the board, noting that payment must be made via bank draft from any commercial bank, payable to the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. The deadline for submission is December…

By Peter Omopo The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has attributed the fatal road accident that occurred at Mile 2 on Monday to reckless driving and indiscriminate passenger pickup by commercial bus operators. According to a statement by LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the crash happened when a speeding Toyota Highlander (APP 150 EY) lost control and rammed into a painted T4 commercial bus (KJA 328 XH) that was illegally parked by the roadside to pick up passengers. The Highlander driver died instantly from the impact, while the bus driver, who had parked indiscriminately, escaped unhurt. “Preliminary findings…

By Peter Omopo  Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025, a public holiday for civil servants in commemoration of this year’s Isese Day celebration. The announcement was contained in a circular issued on Monday, August 18, by the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, and addressed to ministries, agencies, parastatals, and local government councils across the state. “It is hereby notified for general information that this year’s Isese Day Celebration will hold on Wednesday, 20th August, 2025,” the circular stated. Reaffirming government’s cultural policy, the circular noted that the declaration aligns with Lagos State’s commitment…

By Peter Omopo  – August 17, 2025 The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the Karim-Lamido I State Constituency by-election in Taraba State. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared APC candidate Abner Shittu the winner on Sunday after results were collated. INEC’s Returning Officer, Mustapha Sa’ad, who announced the outcome, said Shittu fulfilled all legal requirements and polled the highest number of votes. Shittu secured 5,901 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Hon. Ali Kanda of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 5,527 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate received 2,069 votes, while the Social Democratic Party (SDP)…