Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo ABUJA – A coalition of civil society groups has thrown its weight behind the recent increase in passport processing fees by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), urging Nigerians to view the reform as a step towards modernising the country’s passport system. The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for National Development (CCSGND), in a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Comrade Ochiaga Judge, described the new fee structure as “progressive, not punitive,” and appealed for patience and understanding from citizens. Last week, the NIS announced a review of passport charges, raising the cost of a 32-page passport with…

By Peter Omopo LIVERPOOL – Dominik Szoboszlai struck late at Anfield on Sunday to hand Liverpool a narrow 1-0 win over Arsenal in a fiercely contested Premier League clash. The Hungarian midfielder broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute with a thunderous long-range free kick that sailed past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, securing a vital three points for Arne Slot’s side. The game had been evenly poised, with both teams struggling to carve out clear openings. Liverpool thought they had taken the lead earlier when Hugo Ekitike found the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Arsenal, missing…

By Peter Omopo ABUJA, Nigeria – The Vice President of Colombia, Francia Márquez, has arrived in Nigeria for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding economic cooperation between both nations. During her stay, Márquez is expected to meet with Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The discussions will focus on trade, investment, and areas of mutual interest, including security cooperation, education, and cultural exchange. According to officials, the Colombian Vice President will also engage Nigerian business leaders and private sector representatives in Lagos, where opportunities for partnerships in energy, technology, agriculture, and…

By Peter Omopo Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has expressed grief over the passing of Ruth Elton, a British-born Nigerian and one of the country’s longest-serving missionaries, who died at the age of 91. In a condolence statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke described Elton’s death as “a great loss” to Nigeria, noting that her life epitomised service, sacrifice, and commitment to humanity. Elton, who first arrived in Nigeria in 1937 with her father, Granville Elton, was renowned for her decades-long dedication to Christian ministry and grassroots medical outreach. She later renounced her British citizenship…

By Peter Omopo August 31, 2025 A non-governmental organisation, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), has urged Nigerians and policymakers to take collective action in addressing public health challenges linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Speaking at the Nigerian Food Festival during the Youth Boot Camp for Food Justice 2025, held on Saturday at the Ikogosi Warm and Cold Springs Resort in Ekiti State, CAPPA’s Assistant Executive Director, Zikora Ibeh, said the rising consumption of unhealthy foods was fueling the spread of NCDs nationwide. “The issue of non-communicable diseases is on the rise in…

By Peter Omopo August 31, 2025 The family of former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, has confirmed his death at the age of 69. A statement released on Sunday by his son, Solomon Arase Jnr., said the retired police chief passed away at about 9 a.m. on August 31, 2025, at Cedercrest Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness. “The Arase family of Benin-City, Edo State, hereby announces the passage of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, former Inspector-General of Police,” the statement read. The family described him as a patriot who served Nigeria with distinction. After retiring as the 18th Inspector-General of…

By Peter Omopo August 31, 2025 An alumnus of Liberty Academy, Ibadan, Wale Aribatise, has appealed to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to urgently renovate classroom blocks and other structures at the school that were destroyed by a rainstorm. Aribatise, who is based in Ekiti State, raised the alarm in a statement titled “SOS to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State”, released on Sunday in Ado Ekiti. He said the school’s infrastructure had been in deplorable condition since June 8, 2025, when a violent rainstorm blew off the roofs of several classrooms and buildings. According to him, although the incident…

By Peter Omopo August 31, 2025 The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has sponsored a robotics training programme aimed at equipping secondary school students with practical skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Girls and Tech Foundation, Dr. Elizabeth Eterigho, said the initiative was more than just a learning exercise, describing robotics as a gateway to innovation and critical thinking required for the 21st-century workforce. “Over the past four months, we have embarked on an inspiring journey of discovery, innovation, and empowerment,” she said. “Teachers and…

By Peter Omopo August 31, 2025 The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned the Federal Government’s recent increase in passport fees, describing the move as arbitrary, unlawful, and discriminatory against poor Nigerians. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) had announced that, effective September 1, 2025, applicants would pay ₦100,000 for a 32-page, five-year validity passport and ₦200,000 for a 64-page, 10-year validity passport. The announcement marks the second upward review in less than a year, following a similar hike in September 2024. In a letter dated August 30, 2025, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP argued…

By Peter Omopo August 31, 2025 Premier League side Nottingham Forest has confirmed the mutual termination of Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Dennis’ contract after three seasons marked by limited impact and multiple loan spells. Dennis joined Forest from Watford in August 2022, following a strong campaign with the Hornets. He managed two goals and three assists in his debut season at the City Ground but struggled to secure a regular role. The 27-year-old later spent time on loan at İstanbul Başakşehir, Watford, and most recently at Blackburn Rovers, where he registered one assist in six appearances during the second half…