The Oyo State Police Command has stepped up efforts to secure the release of the younger sister of former Minister of Power, , and her two children following their abduction in Ibadan.

The victims, identified as Mrs. Busayo John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were reportedly kidnapped by armed men on Wednesday morning while heading to school along the Ring Road area of the Oyo State capital.

Security sources revealed that the vehicle in which the family was travelling was later recovered, prompting an intensive search operation by police tactical units and other security agencies across strategic locations in the state.

Speaking on the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, , disclosed that the Commissioner of Police immediately ordered a coordinated response upon receiving reports of the kidnapping.

According to him, officers from the Challenge Division, supported by specialized tactical teams, were deployed to the scene to begin investigations and pursue leads that could lead to the rescue of the victims.

He assured residents that the command remains committed to ensuring the safe return of Mrs. John-Paul and her children while bringing those responsible for the crime to justice.

The family of Adelabu also confirmed the incident through a statement issued by his media aide, Femi Awogboro. The statement described the abduction as a painful experience and appealed for calm while security agencies carry out rescue operations.

Despite the distressing situation, the family expressed confidence in the ability of law enforcement agencies to secure the release of the victims unharmed. They also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could jeopardize ongoing investigations.

The incident has renewed concerns about the growing challenge of kidnapping and violent crime in Oyo State. Political stakeholders and community leaders have called for stronger security measures to protect residents.

Reacting to the development, the Oyo State chapter of the (APC) urged Governor to strengthen security collaboration and review existing safety strategies across the state.

The opposition party expressed concern over what it described as an increasing wave of abductions affecting different communities, citing previous cases involving students, teachers, and other residents.

Former Vice President also condemned the incident, describing it as further evidence of the country’s worsening security situation. He stressed that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation, social status, or occupation.

Atiku called on the Federal Government to adopt a more intelligence-driven approach in combating criminal networks responsible for kidnappings and other violent crimes.

Similarly, APC governorship aspirant expressed sympathy with Adelabu and his family, urging security agencies to deploy every available resource toward rescuing the victims.

He also encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security authorities, noting that community cooperation remains essential in the fight against crime.

As investigations continue, residents across Oyo State remain hopeful that the victims will be rescued safely and reunited with their family.

The post Police Intensify Search for Adelabu’s Sister and Twin Sons After Ibadan Abduction appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria alongside First Lady Oluremi Tinubu following a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.

The presidential aircraft touched down on Friday, where the couple was received by top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The arrival was confirmed in a video shared by presidential media aide Sunday Dare, who described the trip as successful.

Tinubu had departed Abuja earlier in the week, arriving at London’s Stansted Airport for what has been described as Nigeria’s first formal state visit to the UK in 37 years, the last occurring in 1989.

During the visit, the Nigerian leader and his wife were hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, where they received a ceremonial welcome that included a guard of honour and carriage procession.

The Nigerian delegation also attended a state banquet, where Tinubu reflected on the support he received in the UK during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, while reaffirming the longstanding relationship between both nations. In his remarks, King Charles III described the UK-Nigeria relationship as a partnership built on mutual respect, citing deep cultural and economic ties.

As part of the visit, Tinubu held talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation. Key outcomes included the signing of a £746 million financing agreement involving the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and UK Export Finance.

Both countries also reached a new agreement aimed at addressing migration issues, including the return of failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers, and convicted offenders.

The visit is expected to further deepen diplomatic, economic, and security ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The post Tinubu, First Lady Return After Historic UK State Visit appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Governor lists new Secretariat, Stadium, Education Reforms as State turns 29

YENAGOA — Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has declared that the arrival of a 60-megawatt gas turbine procured by his administration represents “a major milestone” in the state’s quest for uninterrupted electricity supply, describing it as a gift to Bayelsans as the state celebrated its 29th anniversary on October 1, 2025.

The governor made this known in a statewide broadcast on the twin occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day and Bayelsa’s 29th statehood anniversary.

According to a press statement issued by Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Diri said: “The recent arrival of the 60-megawatt gas turbines marks a major milestone and brings us much closer to reliable, round-the-clock power in our state. That development will reduce household expenses, attract investment, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.”

Landmark Projects Underway

Governor Diri stressed that his “Prosperity Administration” was steadily pushing forward with landmark projects that would transform Bayelsa’s socio-economic landscape. These include:
The nine-storey State Secretariat Complex — “advancing steadily” and designed to provide modern, efficient administrative space for civil servants.

The 25,000-capacity Olympic-standard stadium — envisioned to “foster sports and youth development” and position Bayelsa as a national and international sporting hub.

Education on the Rise

Diri further highlighted progress in the education sector, noting Bayelsa’s improved performance in national examinations. “Our schools are improving. Recent NECO results have shown strong performances by our students, with Bayelsa among the top five states in Nigeria. To deepen pragmatic education, we have established science, technical and vocational colleges in every local government area. The ones at Ayamasa, Ofoni, Swali, Sampou and Opume are completed and functional, while others in Brass, Igbeta-Ewoma and Oporoma are nearing completion,” the governor said.

A Call for Unity and Reflection

While congratulating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians, and Bayelsans on the anniversary celebrations, Diri urged his people to reflect on their journey and recommit themselves to unity, sacrifice, and hard work.
“The road has not always been smooth. Some ask why we continue to commemorate this day. The answer is simple: self-determination matters. As Bayelsans, we have spent almost three decades making our own decisions, setting our own course and running our own race. That capacity is a cause for celebration and a responsibility we must discharge with wisdom and humility.”

The Bayelsa Story at 29

Carved out of Rivers State in 1996, Bayelsa has weathered challenges and grown into what Governor Diri described as a “homogeneous Ijaw state whose narrative is now on the upswing.”

The statement emphasized Governor Diri’s belief that there is “much to be grateful for and much to hope for” as Bayelsa charts its future.

The post Diri: 60MW Gas Turbine Marks Bayelsa’s March to Steady Power appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

The unfortunate incident occurred along the Sagbama-Ekeremor road when the vehicle conveying HRH Onakpohor and about 12 other traditional rulers skidded off the road, somersaulted, and plunged into the bush near Sagbama community.

Emergency responders swiftly rescued the vehicle’s occupants, who were rushed to the Sagbama General Hospital. The injured received first aid, while those with severe injuries were stabilized and transferred to the Niger Delta Teaching Hospital in Okolobiri.

Tragically, HRH Onakpohor, a member of the Bayelsa West delegation visiting Governor Diri alongside Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, succumbed to his injuries. The delegation had gathered at the governor’s country home in Sampou for a New Year visit.

Upon receiving news of the accident and the monarch’s passing, Governor Diri immediately directed the cancellation of the scheduled event. He has since been briefed by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who also hails from Ofoni.

In an official statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of HRH Onakpohor and the people of Ofoni Federated Community. He also sympathized with the other accident victims and their families, offering prayers for their speedy recovery.

Governor Diri further commiserated with his predecessor, Senator Dickson, who led the delegation, acknowledging the profound loss to the entire Bayelsa West community.

The state government assured the affected families of its unwavering support during this difficult time.

The post Gov Diri Mourns Tragic Death of Ofoni Paramount Ruler appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has transformed the state into a model of development in the Niger Delta, according to the State Commissioner of Environment, Honourable Ben Ololo. The commissioner made this declaration during a recent environmental inspection tour of the state capital.

Highlighting the governor’s achievements, Hon. Ololo stated, “The developmental strides of Governor Douye Diri across all sectors of Bayelsa’s economy are so glaring that no one can deny the fact that Bayelsa State is now a benchmark for development in the Niger Delta.”

He cited the speed and scale of project execution, including youth development and empowerment initiatives, as evidence of the governor’s impactful leadership. “Almost all shades of opinion, including competitors, have admitted that Governor Diri is far ahead of his peers in terms of development and economic promotion during his tenure,” Ololo remarked.

The commissioner further described Governor Diri as a role model for leadership in Nigeria, emphasizing his potential to turn the nation’s fortunes around. “Governor Diri’s achievements showcase the vision of a man capable of changing the narrative in Nigeria,” he said.

Hon. Ololo also praised the governor’s commitment to empowering Bayelsa’s youth and instilling pride among the state’s citizens through his numerous accomplishments. “The governor has executed many landmark projects that make every citizen of the state proud,” he noted.

Additionally, the commissioner acknowledged Governor Diri’s efforts to navigate and overcome various challenges at both state and national levels. According to Ololo, these battles have positioned Governor Diri as a symbol of democracy and progress, earning him admiration across the country.

“Governor Diri has armed Bayelsans, especially the youth, with a renewed sense of pride and identity,” Hon. Ololo concluded, reaffirming the governor’s status as a transformative leader and a beacon of hope for Bayelsa State.

The post Gov Diri Has Turned Bayelsa into a Development Model – Environmental Commissioner appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, while reacting to the statement credited to the APC said that it was mischievous for the opposition party to attempt to rope the governor into an event that was clearly organised nationwide by pro-democracy groups.

The statement read:

“Contrary to the wild claims by the APC, Governor Seyi Makinde did not organise the June 12 protests in Ibadan. He only ran into the protesters at Osuntokun Junction in Bodija and addressed them.

“As the Chief Security Officer of the state, it behoves the governor to calm down the protesters and ensure they only protest peacefully. And that was what he did.

“What the APC need to do is to advise its members to stop the perennial display of sadism by celebrating every unwarranted incident in the state.

“It is on record that APC elements, rather than join the push to ensure the sanctity of lives and property in the state, has been busy fuelling embers of discord in their bid to gain political benefit from perceived fallout of the crisis they are surreptitiously engineering.

“The APC should forthwith desist from wishing evil for the state. In a short while the veil will be lifted off those who are fanning the embers of discord.”

The post Makinde Didn’t Organise June 12 Rally in Ibadan – CPS appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Tambuwal: I Can’t Accept Honorary Degree While Nigeria Isn’t Secure

Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state has humbly declined the proposed conferment of an honorary degree on him by the Nahda International University College (NIUC), Khartoum, Sudan.

The award has been slated as part of the graduation ceremony of 38 students of Sokoto state extraction who bagged degrees in Medicine/Surgery, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Laboratory Sciences and Information Communication Technology (ICT) at the Ibn Sina University (ISU) and NIUC.

Gov. Tambuwal declined the offer shortly after his arrival in Khartoum on Sunday, informing the management of the two universities that he would not take their offers because of the prevailing situation of insecurity in Nigeria.

“I won’t be able to oblige your humble request because of the condition in which my country finds itself at this time,” he said.

“But you may wish to defer the conferment until a later date. For now, I have come to see my children and wards,” he told the Prof. Qaribullah Abbas, the Acting Dean of NIUC.

In his response, Prof. Qaribullah craved his indulgence to accept an Award of Excellence instead of the honorary degree.

Muhammad Bello is the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Tambuwal

The post Tambuwal rejects Honourary Degree, Says Nigeria isn’t secure appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

A source who is close to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government, Zamfara State Abubakar Ja’afar, said, “The selection process for the lucky participants is right now underway, and the names of the lucky candidates will be made public.”

The Source, who pleaded anonymity, further said that the foundation, through this wonderful initiative, is more concerned with the welfare of Zamfara state teaming youths and the need to have food on their table without considering whether the candidate belongs to APC, PDP or any political party as the case maybe.

Recall that the Wali Foundation has empowered more than 20,000 less privileged citizens, and renovated approximately 50 abandoned boreholes in the rural areas to make life easy for the good people of Zamfara State since the inception of Governor Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle’s Administration.

The post CHAIRMAN, WALI FOUNDATION, ABUBAKAR JA’FAR TO EMPOWER 30O ZAMFARA STATE YOUTHS ON DIFFERENT SKILLS appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

The Governors of the southern Nigeria states have today agreed to put an end to the menace of farmers/herdsmen clashes by banning open grazing of cattle throughout the three regions.

This was part of a number of resolutions agreed upon today by the governors in Asaba, Delta State. The governors also resolved to demand that the President address the nation while also asking for an urge t convocation of a national dialigue.

The nagging issue of restructuring was also addressed with the governors asking the Federal Government to consider the call for restructuring, especially the issue of devolution of power.

More details shortly.

The post SOUTHERN STATE GOVERNORS BAN OPEN GRAZING, CALL FOR NATIONAL CONFERENCE appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

The Management of Champion Newspapers has declared the Governor of the State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, as its Governor of the Year and Man of the Year.

The newspaper’s management said the choice of Oyetola as the Newspaper’s Man of the Year and the Governor of the Year was based on merit, having had an edge over his counterparts in the criteria used to select the winner by the management of the newspaper outfit.

This is even as the Governor pledged to see the award as a challenge to further impact the lives of the people of the State through the implementation of his Administration’s people-oriented policies and programmes.

Recall that Governor Oyetola emerged and received the Business Day Newspaper Best Governor of the Year in February and subsequently emerged the Blueprint Newspaper Governor of the Year. The nomination letter was presented to the Governor in early April this year, while the ceremony is slated for June in Abuja.

Presenting the letter of nomination to the Governor on Monday during a visit to the Governor at Government House, Osogbo, the Group Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Champion Newspaper, Dr. (Mrs.) Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, said the Governor was chosen for his outstanding performance and unprecedented achievements recorded in the last two and half years of his Administration.

Iheakanwa, who was accompanied by other principal officers of the newspaper, attributed the emergence of Governor Oyetola in the selection process to his outstanding performance across sectors of the economy.

The Champion Newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief noted that the performance of the Administration in the last two and half years was weighed and found worthwhile, hence the Governor’s nomination for the prestigious award.

According to her, the Administration had done creditably well in transforming the State and had built a virile and healthy economy in the quest to ensure sustainable socioeconomic and infrastructural growth, development and prosperity.

She said: “I am highly elated to be here and I bring you greetings from the Board and Directorate of the Champion Newspaper. In fact, it gives me great pleasure to also have members of your cabinet here because it is good that they will also witness the presentation of letter of the Governor of the year to you.

“Every year, we do recognise very hard-working Nigerians ranging from public servants, businessmen, clerics and regular Nigerians who have done something outstanding that is worthy of note.

“My visit today is different from any other, with all sense of humility and respect, because you are earning double awards from our company. In every criteria match, you came top. The award is not just given to anybody. We are for a better society and we want to encourage people to do whatever they want to do to make our country good, so that we can also occupy our space in the world for notable good activities.

“It is my pleasure to inform you that you have emerged Best Governor in Nigeria and to crown it up, in the criteria for ‘Man of the Year’, you also emerged ‘Man of the Year’. As we all know, people used to be decorated with one award. But in your own case, it is double.

“Why did we do this? We did so because it is the will of God to have a Governor like you that has been doing great things. In two years down the line, the people of Osun have a lot to celebrate about you. Is it the road network that they are enjoying and flyover that you are building which I saw for myself while coming, among other infrastructural developments springing up across the State.

“We put our ears to the floor and we asked the people of the State, particularly the commoners. As you know, we journalists are very penetrative. It is amazing the kind of accolades and encomiums that the people are pouring on you.

“In terms of human-capital development, your Administration is outstanding. It is on record that during the Covid-19 pandemic, when every family, every business was crying for survival, your Administration paid salaries of workers and ensured prompt support for the citizens.

“It is good to know that your Administration has maintained peace. We don’t hear about any fracas or people doing things that are awkward. We equally recognised the role you played to ensure peaceful management of the crisis of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.

“Your tremendous intervention in the area of agriculture is also commendable as we all know that the importance of agriculture in developing capacity to meet up with demands of the people in respect of food sufficiency is important.

“Your express approval and prompt implementation of minimum wage which your administration had commenced the payment is also a great achievement. As we all know, even up until now, most States haven’t implemented it.

“It is worthy of note that you are paying the minimum wage, and sometimes when I look at the infrastructural development you have done, I wonder how you manage to do all these based on the meagre resources that come in. Indeed, that shows that you have your people at heart and you are conscious about their welfare and well-being.

“In spite the fact that you are developing infrastructure, one major achievement that is also worthy of celebration is your rare passion for youth development. Your love and passion to ensure that youths of today prosper and become great leaders of tomorrow is commendable. I am very happy to be here and I pray that God will continue to be with you, crown all your energies and bless you,” the Champion Newspaper boss added.

In his remarks, Governor Oyetola thanked the Management of the newspaper for considering him worthy of the double awards.

He expressed delight at the fact that some of his Administration’s successes were being noticed and appreciated by the people just as he pledged to see the honour as a challenge to do more.

Governor Oyetola who enumerated some of the achievements of his Administration noted that he was committed to taking the State to enviable heights.

“I must thank you most sincerely, the Champion newspaper entourage led by the GMD/Editor-in-Chief. I am particularly very surprised because I wasn’t expecting this entourage. But I must confess that I am particularly very elated for this visit.

“As said earlier, Champion Newspaper has been in existence for about 33 years, and is one of the strongest voices in Nigeria, particularly in the East. I am happy that the little we are doing is being noted and appreciated.

“Sometime ago, the Business Day Newspaper gave me the Best Governor of the Year, not knowing that we still have a lot of awards coming. This is about integrity and something we are very proud of.

“We came into government on the platform of ‘God’s promise’, and this comes with a high level of responsibility. It is a convenant anyway, and God had performed His own by ensuring the victory of our party and my candidature. And it is important for me to perform mine. To achieve this, we came up with our ‘Development Agenda’ anchored on the basis of quality, qualitative and equitable service to our people.

“It is also anchored on the employment of probity and integrity. It is so far so good. It’s been tough, but when God gives you an assignment and he is with you, you should just put in your best because you can be too sure of delivering on your promises.

“I am particularly very happy. I thank you most sincerely. We have done a lot in the last two years as you mentioned, in road infrastructure, and we have our own model of infrastructural development called ‘alternative project funding approach’, meaning that we don’t have to wait until we have money before we can be able to do a few things. We just have to be creative.

“I am equally happy that we have a very good relationship with our labour. We are paying full salaries as and when due. We have implemented minimum wage. Though it is tough, with determination, we are getting it done.

“We have done so much in the area of health too. We have revitalised about 307 out of 332 primary healthcare centres to ensure that our people have access to quality healthcare delivery within their wards.

“Also, in the area of security, we have done so well. Though everybody is challenged, including the nation, we are putting in our best and our State is still the most peaceful in the country. In the area of education, we have done some reforms to ensure that we are in line with the National Policy on Education.

“As if it is so designed, we now have a situation, without sounding immodest, that the circle is almost complete. I have the Business Day Newspaper award coming from the West, I have the Blueprint Newspaper award coming from the North and the Champion Newspaper award coming from the East. It is an award in unity and I am particularly very proud of this. I am very happy.

“The reward for hardwork is more work. We are highly motivated to do more for our people. We pray for peace in our country to be able to do more. I am surprised that you have given me double award from the prestigious newspaper. This is symbolic, showing that it is not about ethnicity, but purely on merit,” Oyetola added.

Story by Ismail Omipidan, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Oyetola

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