Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Kolawole Omotola Olaide A witness to the recent abduction of pupils in Ahoro-Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has recounted how the attackers moved the children after invading the school on May 16, 2026. Speaking during an interview with News Central TV, Kehinde Akintola described the operation carried out by the bandits, saying they arrived in the community on motorcycles before launching the attack on the school. According to her, the assailants not only came with their motorcycles but also forcefully took motorcycles belonging to residents, which were later used to transport some of the abducted…

By Bimbo Esho When the history of Nigeria’s indigenous music is written with authenticity and accuracy, one name that will always stand out is Benson Idonije. I was in my twenties when I first began following the works of this remarkable man. My father had spoken extensively about him, especially when I embarked on my final-year project on Highlife music. According to him, my research would be incomplete if I did not interview Benson Idonije. Naturally, I became curious about this highly respected figure whose name was mentioned with such reverence. My dad explained that Benson Idonije had played a…

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Prof Adebayo Bamire; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon Bello Adejare, Chairman of Green Energy International Limited, Prof Anthony Adegbulugbe and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof Ade Aderounmu, during the presentation of the OAU’s 65th Anniversary Award of Excellence to Adegbulugbe at Ile-Ife, Osun State … on Monday.

By Peter Omopo Controversial relationship coach and social media personality, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has expressed optimism despite being remanded in custody over fraud charges brought against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The social media influencer was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the perfection of her bail conditions after pleading not guilty to multiple charges filed against her by the anti-graft agency. Reacting to the development in a series of posts shared on her Instagram page on Wednesday, Blessing CEO maintained her innocence and described the ongoing legal battle as a…

By Peter Omopo The Zamfara State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against banditry, following the neutralisation of a notorious bandit kingpin during a coordinated security operation in Gummi Local Government Area of the state. The operation, conducted by operatives of the Police Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), also resulted in the arrest of three suspected bandits and the recovery of firearms and motorcycles believed to have been used for criminal activities. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, the operation was carried out on June 9, 2026,…

By Peter Omopo British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly condemned the recent outbreak of violence in Belfast, describing the disturbances as unacceptable and warning that those responsible would face the full weight of the law. Reacting to the unrest, Starmer expressed concern over the scenes that unfolded in parts of the Northern Ireland capital, stressing that violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society. The Prime Minister said there could be no justification for the disorder, particularly incidents in which individuals were reportedly targeted because of their ethnic background or identity. He emphasised that such actions undermine…

By Peter Omopo Africa’s largest banking group, Standard Bank, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth ambitions of Dangote Industries Limited, including the planned public listing of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and future expansion projects across the African continent. The assurance was given during a strategic visit by Standard Bank Group Chief Executive Officer, Sim Tshabalala, and a delegation of senior executives to the Dangote Refinery and Fertiliser Complex in Lagos. The visit underscored the longstanding relationship between both organisations and highlighted growing international confidence in one of Africa’s most ambitious industrial projects. Speaking after touring the facilities, Tshabalala…

By Peter Omopo The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election, Damilola Sonayon-James, has pledged to work with the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, to sustain and deepen the developmental strides that have defined governance in the state over the years. Sonayon-James made the commitment on Wednesday while reacting to her emergence as the running mate to Hamzat, describing her nomination as a demonstration of the opportunities available to citizens under Lagos State’s progressive political tradition. The APC had earlier announced her selection as deputy governorship candidate for the 2027…

By Peter Omopo Nigeria has intensified efforts to attract global investment into its gas sector, presenting itself as a strategic energy destination at the 2026 Global Energy Show in Calgary, Canada. The Federal Government used the international platform to showcase the country’s abundant gas resources, ongoing infrastructure development and investor-friendly policies aimed at unlocking growth across the energy value chain. Leading Nigeria’s delegation at the conference, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the country as a critical player in the global gas market, noting that its vast reserves position it to contribute significantly to future energy…

By Peter Omopo Actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo has renewed allegations of corruption within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), claiming that aspirants seeking elective positions were pressured to make financial payments to secure party tickets during the party’s primary elections. Okonkwo accused NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and some political leaders from the South-East of allegedly overseeing the process, which he said involved monetary demands from aspirants contesting various positions under the party’s platform. The allegations come amid reports that Obi’s camp has issued a pre-litigation notice in response to earlier comments made by Okonkwo during an appearance on a television programme,…