Author: TheLagosianMagazine

By Peter Omopo  Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor has urged Chelsea to prioritise the signing of Nigerian international Victor Osimhen in the upcoming summer transfer window, describing him as a significant upgrade on current forward Nicolas Jackson. Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor said Osimhen’s qualities make him an ideal fit for Chelsea’s attack under incoming manager Enzo Maresca. “I think Osimhen is a Chelsea player,” Agbonlahor said. “He’s a better option than Nicolas Jackson, a better finisher. He’s outstanding in the air, can hold the ball up, and get in behind as well. Surely that’s a no-brainer to go and…

By Peter Omopo  Lagos State has pledged immediate rewards for athletes who excel at the upcoming 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, as part of efforts to boost morale and performance. The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, made the announcement during a visit to the state’s athletes’ camp at Akinde Anglican Church Hostel in Bariga, ahead of their departure on Friday. “Mr. Governor is deeply inspired by excellence and events that position Lagos as a leader, especially in sports,” Fatodu said, assuring the athletes of the government’s full support and commitment to their…

By Peter Omopo  The Ekiti State Government has received 110 solar-powered pumps and accompanying equipment for the construction of new water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities across the state, in a major step toward improving basic infrastructure and public health. Speaking during the delivery of the items in Ado Ekiti on Friday, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, said the facilities would be installed in 55 schools and 55 health centres. He noted that the initiative is part of the state’s commitment to expanding access to potable water and proper sanitation in both urban and rural…

By Peter Omopo  Families of Nigerian soldiers killed in recent battles against insurgents in the North-East have called on the Federal Government to urgently address the escalating insecurity, lamenting the persistent loss of lives and what they describe as the government’s inadequate support for bereaved military families. Their pleas come in the aftermath of a deadly attack on a Forward Operating Base in Marte, Borno State, on Monday, which claimed the lives of at least five soldiers. According to military sources, insurgents overran the base, looted weapons, and fled with military vehicles. The Defence Headquarters, however, said the attack was…

By Peter Omopo  The Federal Government has confirmed 2.3 million households for payment under its ongoing conditional cash transfer programme, as part of renewed efforts to cushion the economic impact of recent reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification. The confirmation follows the commencement of a revalidation exercise of the National Social Register, aimed at ensuring that only eligible Nigerians benefit from the government’s palliative initiative. Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote, disclosed this at a press briefing held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. She explained that the revalidation is being conducted…

By Peter Omopo  The Israeli military has launched a new large-scale offensive in the Gaza Strip, dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots, resulting in the deaths of at least 100 people, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency. In a statement on Saturday, the Israeli army said it had begun the “initial stages” of a renewed campaign aimed at regaining operational control in Gaza, rescuing hostages, and defeating Hamas. The army reported that more than 150 targets across the enclave were hit in the last 24 hours. “The expansion of the battle in the Gaza Strip is intended to achieve all of the…

By Peter Omopo  Finnish authorities have filed terrorism-related charges against a man believed to be Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish national and self-styled leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile. In a statement released on Friday, Finland’s National Prosecution Authority announced that a Finnish citizen had been charged with “public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent” and “participation in the activities of a terrorist group.” The alleged offences reportedly took place in the city of Lahti between 2021 and 2024. Although the statement did not name the suspect, Finnish public broadcaster YLE identified him as Simon Ekpa, a controversial…

By Peter Omopo  Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has raised alarm over the declining integrity of the legal profession in the country, warning that it is crumbling under the weight of corruption, ethical misconduct, and resistance to change. Speaking on Friday at the 2025 Law Week Plenary Session of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, held at the Nigerian Content Tower in Bayelsa State, Osinbajo lamented the deepening perception of corruption within the judiciary and legal practice. “The legal profession is crumbling under the weight of corruption, ethical violations, and poor standards,” Osinbajo said. “Stories of…

By Peter Omopo  The Federal Government, 36 states, and 774 local government councils have shared a total of N1.681 trillion as revenue from the Federation Account for April 2025, marking a 6.5% increase from the N1.578 trillion distributed in March. This was announced on Friday in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa. The allocation was finalized at the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting held in Abuja. According to the breakdown, the total distributable revenue consisted of N962.88 billion from statutory revenue, N598.08 billion…

By Peter Omopo  President Bola Tinubu on Friday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing education and healthcare as essential pillars of national development during a meeting with the newly crowned 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The President also emphasized the pivotal role of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s progress and called for greater collaboration between the government and royal fathers to effectively implement policies that directly impact citizens. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Tinubu congratulated the Alaafin…