Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo  The Osun State High Court in Ilesa on Thursday declined a request to halt the coronation of the newly appointed Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Haastrup, which is scheduled to hold today (Friday), citing unresolved issues over court process service. Justice M. Agboola, presiding over the case filed by the Arimoro family of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House, ruled that the application to stop the coronation could not proceed until the court determines whether Oba Haastrup had been properly served with the court papers. The suit, marked HL/8/25, names Oba Haastrup, Governor Ademola Adeleke, Commissioner for…

By Peter Omopo  The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has empowered 531 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with grants of N531,000 each and business starter packs as part of its youth empowerment and entrepreneurship support initiative. The presentation ceremony was held in Abuja on Thursday, with NNPC Ltd’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, represented by the Group Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Roland Ewubare. Ojulari said the programme is a reflection of NNPC Ltd’s commitment to youth development and national progress, describing it as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. “You are exceptional candidates.…

By Peter Omopo  The Nigerian naira recorded a marginal depreciation against the United States dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Thursday, according to data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The exchange rate slipped to N1,584.95/$1, down from N1,584.49/$1 recorded the previous day, reflecting a N0.46 decline on a day-to-day basis. Meanwhile, the parallel market remained stable, with the naira trading at N1,625/$1, the same rate observed on Wednesday. The slight dip in the official rate comes amid continued efforts by monetary authorities to stabilize the foreign exchange market and narrow the gap between official and parallel…

By Peter Omopo  Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has denied harbouring any presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that he has no intention of contesting against President Bola Tinubu. In a statement issued on Friday by his media director, Michael Ohiare, Bello expressed shock over the resurfacing of a video from his 2022 campaign rally, which he said was being falsely portrayed as a fresh move to challenge President Tinubu. “While we state categorically that our principal, Bello, has no 2027 presidential ambition, we also want to stress his unflinching commitment to the re-election…

By Peter Omopo  The Lagos State Government has disbursed a total of N2.46 billion to 8,690 vulnerable residents through the Sanwo-Olu Listens Financial Assistance Programme, an official said on Thursday. Speaking at the 2025 Lagos State Ministerial Press Briefing held in Ikeja, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Tajudeen, highlighted the initiative as part of activities marking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second year in office during his second term. Dr. Afolabi noted that the financial assistance programme, launched in 2020, was established to support residents facing economic hardship, including challenges with medical bills,…

By Peter Omopo  The Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, has called on Nigerians to respect and support security personnel, warning that assaults against them pose a serious threat to national peace and unity. In a statement issued on Thursday, Ochogwu emphasized the essential role played by security agencies—including the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—in safeguarding the country and maintaining law and order. He described security personnel as “symbols of Nigeria’s sovereignty” and urged citizens to foster better cooperation with law enforcement.…

By Peter Omopo  The Federal Government has filed a criminal defamation suit against suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged defamatory comments made during a live television interview. The suit, marked CR/297/25, was filed on May 16, 2025, before a Federal Capital Territory High Court. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the Senate, is the sole defendant. According to court documents, the government accuses the senator of making statements “knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person.” The charge is brought under Section 391 of the Penal Code, which is punishable under Section…

By Peter Omopo  President Bola Tinubu remains firm in his decision-making, guided solely by the national interest and not swayed by external influences, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said on Thursday. Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit in Abuja, Idris emphasized that while Tinubu listens to various viewpoints, his final decisions are independently made and aimed at benefiting the country. “You need to study the president very well. You can have your voice; you can say what you want to say; he will listen to you, but his decision is ultimately his own,” Idris…

By Peter Omopo  Odunayo Alade, father of 14-year-old Kehinde Paul, a secondary school student who was killed by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer in Oyo State, has demanded justice for his son’s death. Kehinde, a Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1) student, was reportedly shot while being driven to school by his father along the Gbagi Market road in Egbeda Local Government Area on Tuesday. The incident occurred during a reported altercation between the vehicle and officials of the Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA) and police officers. In an interview with News Central TV, Mr.…

By Peter Omopo  At least 99 Indonesian pilgrims participating in the ongoing Hajj have been diagnosed with pneumonia in Saudi Arabia, with one fatality recorded, the Indonesian Ministry of Health confirmed on Thursday. Liliek Susilo, head of the ministry’s Hajj Health Centre, raised concerns over the sharp rise in infections, warning that the illness could worsen rapidly if not properly and promptly treated. “The rise in pneumonia cases among our Hajj pilgrims needs careful attention because it can get worse if not treated fast and correctly,” Susilo said. According to the ministry, the affected pilgrims are currently receiving intensive medical…