Author: TheLagosianMagazine

August 2, 2025 – By Peter Omopo  Rahaman Ali, the younger brother of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and a former professional fighter himself, has died at the age of 82. The Muhammad Ali Centre confirmed his passing in a Facebook statement on Saturday, describing Rahaman as a lifelong supporter of his iconic brother. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed. “You can’t tell Muhammad’s story without mentioning Rahaman,” said DeVone Holt, President and CEO of the Ali Centre. “He was one of the most constant sources of support for Muhammad during his career, and their relationship was a true…

August 2, 2025 – By Peter Omopo  The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has formally transferred regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Nasarawa State to the newly established Nasarawa State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NASERC). In a statement posted on its official social media platforms on Saturday, NERC said the decision was in line with the Electricity Act 2023 (Amended) and the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which empower states to regulate electricity markets within their territories. “In compliance with the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electricity Act 2023, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has…

August 2, 2025 / By Peter Omopo  President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada on his turbaning as the Magajin Dangin Lafia, describing the honour as a well-deserved recognition of his service, leadership, and enduring contributions to Nasarawa State and Nigeria. The title was conferred by the Emir of Lafia and Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, Justice Sidi Bage (retd), in a ceremony that attracted dignitaries and traditional leaders. In a statement issued Saturday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised Senator Wadada’s dedication to public service and his…

August 2, 2025 By Peter Omopo  The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has issued a scathing warning against electricity theft, likening the act of bypassing power meters to a crime more damaging than kidnapping. In a message posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, the company, using Pidgin English for broader public reach, said those who bypass electricity connections are worse than kidnappers due to the widespread, daily impact of their actions. “Person wey dey bypass light, worse pass kidnapper. You go soon understand why,” the message read. Expanding on the comparison, BEDC explained that while a…

By Peter Omopo  / August 2, 2025 A prominent Benin socio-cultural organisation, Ogbakha-Edo, has strongly rejected a provision in a proposed bill before the National Assembly that seeks to establish a National Council of Traditional Rulers with permanent co-chairmen. The bill, which names the Ooni of Ife and the Sultan of Sokoto as permanent co-chairmen of the council, has drawn sharp criticism from the Benin group, which described the provision as “provocative, divisive, and culturally offensive.” In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Prof. Sam Guobadia, and Secretary, Dr. Andrew Osaretin Izekor, and released on Saturday, Ogbakha-Edo called for…

By: Godknows Igali In what appeared like a whispering tale, the news of the death of Nigeria’s 15th President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, which occurred on 13th July, 2025 in a London hospital, came to the entire world with surprise and flurry of reactions. Expectedly, from all over the globe, condolences and salutations over his service to Nigeria and the global community poured in. This is not unexpected, taking account of the fact that the man, Muhammadu Buhari had served Nigeria on two occasions as Head of State and on both outings, consistently raised Nigeria’s profile as the largest black nation…

By Peter Omopo  / August 2, 2025 The United States government has imposed a 15 per cent import tariff on Nigerian exports, as part of a sweeping new executive order signed by President Donald Trump, in a move expected to further strain economic relations between both countries. The tariff hike, which also affects several other African and developing nations, was announced Thursday under Trump’s expanded “reciprocal tariff rates” policy, aimed at restructuring U.S. global trade relationships. This marks a significant escalation from an earlier 14 per cent tariff placed on Nigerian goods in April, which was temporarily suspended for 90…

By Peter Omopo / 2nd August 2025 Over 300 Nigerian students who secured admission into various universities across the United States have raised the alarm over prolonged delays in the issuance of their student visas, jeopardizing their ability to meet school resumption deadlines. The affected applicants, who formed a WhatsApp group named “Administrative Processing Support Group,” voiced their frustrations over the lack of communication and indefinite administrative processing following their interviews at U.S. embassies in Lagos and Abuja. The group currently comprises 301 members. The delay follows new immigration protocols introduced under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which…

By Peter Omopo  Ibadan, August 1, 2025 – Prince Adeyemi Akinrinade, a notable contestant to the Eleruwa of Eruwa stool, has called for peace and reconciliation among members of the Laribikusi Ruling House in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State, urging them to set aside grievances for the sake of the town’s unity and development. In a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday, Akinrinade appealed to his fellow royal family members, particularly those of the Omoni lineage, to avoid actions that could jeopardize the peaceful coexistence of Eruwa residents. “I want to appeal to all members of the…

By Peter Omopo  Uyo, August 1, 2025 – The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Akwa Ibom State Directorate, has issued a public alert over the widespread circulation of counterfeit ₦1000 notes across several coastal communities in the state. In a statement released on Friday in Uyo, the State Director of NOA, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, warned that criminal syndicates are targeting major market areas in Udung Uko, Mbo, Oron, Okobo, and Ibeno Local Government Areas, using the peak commercial hours to distribute fake currency and defraud unsuspecting traders and Point of Sale (POS) operators. “There have been confirmed intelligence reports of syndicates…