Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed security agencies to identify and arrest those responsible for vandalising sections of the Festac-Alakija Bridge, describing the incident as criminal and unacceptable.

The governor gave the directive following reports of damage to parts of the bridge, while assuring Lagos residents that the structure remains safe for use.

Sanwo-Olu said officials from the state’s Office of Infrastructure had inspected the bridge and confirmed that its structural integrity was not compromised.

“I have been informed by officials of the Office of Infrastructure who visited the bridge that the structural integrity of the bridge is intact and remedial work will be executed immediately to protect the columns,” he said.

The governor condemned the vandalism, warning that the state would not tolerate attacks on critical public infrastructure.

“Lagos will not tolerate any act of vandalism because it is barbaric and criminal,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

He vowed that anyone found responsible for the damage would face prosecution.

“Anyone who is found to be culpable in this horrendous, shameful and condemnable incident will surely face the law,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu stressed that vandalism of public infrastructure undermines the state’s development and places critical facilities at risk.

“Lagos has no place for such barbarism and acts of violence against our critical infrastructure and other facilities,” he added.

The governor also urged residents to remain vigilant and assist the government and security agencies by reporting suspicious activities around public infrastructure.

He said protecting government assets was a collective responsibility and called on residents to provide relevant information that could help prevent further vandalism across the state.

The post Sanwo-Olu Orders Crackdown On Festac-Alakija Bridge Vandals appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Liverpool have reached a verbal agreement with Barcelona to sign Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo on a season long loan, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Romano disclosed the development on Friday in a post on X, reporting that the two clubs had agreed on the move, with Barcelona sporting director Deco approving the deal.

“EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool agree loan deal to sign Ronald Araujo from Barcelona, HERE WE GO! ,” Romano stated.

He added that there was a “verbal agreement club to club with Barça now approved by director Deco,” describing the signing as a new centre back addition for Liverpool.

Araujo, 27, is expected to strengthen Liverpool’s defensive options if the transfer is formally completed ahead of the new season.

The Uruguay international has been a key part of Barcelona’s defence in recent seasons, and his proposed move to Anfield would provide Liverpool with additional depth and versatility at centre back.

The agreement is subject to the completion of the remaining formalities before the loan move can be finalised.

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has handed over its Digital Industrial Park and Learning Centre in Enugu to the Enugu State Government under a 15-year operational lease, as part of efforts to expand digital skills, entrepreneurship and technology driven opportunities in the state.

The handover ceremony took place in Enugu, where the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the facilities were established to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital development.

Maida said the centres were designed to strengthen digital skills, support startups, attract investments and create jobs while positioning Nigeria to compete in business process outsourcing, knowledge process outsourcing and other technology enabled services.

“These facilities were conceived as platforms for innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital development. They were designed to deepen digital skills, support startups, attract investment, create jobs and position Nigeria as a competitive destination for business process outsourcing, knowledge process outsourcing and other technology-enabled services,” he said.

The NCC chief said the Commission was confident in transferring the facilities to the state because of the Enugu State Government’s commitment to education, innovation, digital capacity and infrastructure development.

According to him, the value of the facilities would ultimately be determined by the people and businesses they empower rather than the physical structures themselves.

“Buildings alone do not create innovation. People do. Ideas do. Entrepreneurs do. And partnerships bring all these elements together,” Maida said.

He said the partnership supports the Federal Government’s digital economy agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the ambition of building a $1 trillion economy through innovation, productivity and private sector growth.

Maida expressed optimism that the initiative would support Enugu’s ambition to become a major destination for digital services, artificial intelligence, startup incubation, outsourcing, research and other technology driven enterprises.

“Our expectation is that this partnership will support Enugu’s ambition to become a leading destination for digital services, artificial intelligence, startup incubation, outsourcing, research and technology-enabled enterprise,” he said.

The NCC boss also commended Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for what he described as purposeful leadership, particularly investments in infrastructure and education.

He cited the state government’s recruitment of about 6,500 teachers under its Smart Green Schools initiative as evidence of its focus on human capital development.

“No investment delivers more enduring returns than investment in people,” Maida said.

He stressed that infrastructure such as broadband networks, digital learning facilities and technology platforms would have limited impact without citizens possessing the skills required to utilise them effectively.

Maida further called for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments, the private sector, academia and development partners to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation.

“No single institution can build Nigeria’s digital future alone. The Federal Government, state governments, the private sector, academia and development partners all have complementary roles to play,” he said.

The NCC said the Digital Industrial Park and Learning Centre would provide young Nigerians with digital skills, support entrepreneurs in developing innovative businesses and connect local enterprises with opportunities within and outside the country.

The post NCC Hands Over Digital Industrial Park To Enugu On 15-Year Lease appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

A former Caretaker Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has pledged his support for the Rainbow Coalition and declared his readiness to mobilise for President Bola Tinubu and other candidates endorsed by the alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ihunwo, a former strong ally of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara during the prolonged political crisis in the state, said his decision was influenced by the governor’s recent call for reconciliation and political unity.

Speaking during an interview on Beyond the Headlines, Ihunwo said he was following Fubara’s directive to support the coalition as part of efforts to sustain peace in Rivers State.

“Our governor has said there is peace in Rivers State and that we need to move on. If you truly support him, you should join him in the Rainbow Coalition. That is what we are doing for peace to reign in our state,” he said.

Ihunwo said Fubara had directed his supporters to work with the coalition and support President Tinubu as well as other candidates endorsed by the alliance.

“I am following the governor because he is my principal. Whatever he asks me to do, that is what I will do. We are going to work together to ensure that all the members of the Rainbow Coalition are elected, including Mr President,” he stated.

The former council chairman said he would return to Obio/Akpor to begin mobilisation and grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.

He maintained that his support for the coalition should not be interpreted as a betrayal of the governor, insisting that it was part of his commitment to Fubara’s reconciliation efforts and the restoration of political stability in Rivers State.

According to Ihunwo, all supporters of the governor should embrace the reconciliation initiative and work towards preserving peace, stability and development in the state.

His declaration adds to the growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in Rivers State, where former political rivals have increasingly moved towards reconciliation and new alliances.

The post We Will Back Wike, Tinubu Candidates Through Rainbow Coalition, Chijioke Ihunwo Says appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Spanish champions Barcelona have cancelled their scheduled pre-season friendly against Moroccan side Ittihad Riadi Tangier amid heightened tensions surrounding the Ceuta border crisis.

The fixture was scheduled to take place in Tangier on August 15 as part of Barcelona’s preparations for the 2026/27 season. However, the Catalan club announced that the match would no longer go ahead, citing uncertainty surrounding the prevailing circumstances.

In a statement, Barcelona said the situation made it inappropriate to proceed with the fixture.

“In light of the current uncertainty and circumstances, FC Barcelona considers playing the match would be inappropriate,” the club stated.

Although Barcelona did not specifically mention Ceuta in its announcement, the cancellation has been linked to the growing tensions around the Spanish enclave on Morocco’s northern coast.

Ceuta has recently faced a major migration crisis following the arrival of tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco, creating significant security and humanitarian concerns.

Spanish authorities have returned many of those who crossed into the territory, while efforts continue to manage the situation and address the humanitarian challenges.

The cancellation represents another change to Barcelona’s pre-season schedule after an earlier proposed friendly against Preston North End was also called off following the club’s training camp in the United Kingdom.

Barcelona had previously faced Birmingham City during the UK leg of their preparations.

Hansi Flick’s side are now expected to continue their pre-season programme with a friendly against Nottingham Forest in Udine, Italy, before facing Egyptian champions Al Ahly on August 19.

Barcelona will then begin their La Liga title defence on August 23, when they host their opening league fixture against Elche.

The post Barcelona Cancel Friendly Against Moroccan Club Amid Ceuta Border Crisis appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Singer Cynthia Morgan has thrown her support behind music star Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, amid his renewed family dispute, saying entertainers often suppress emotional struggles until they reach a breaking point.

Morgan made this known in a post shared on her Instagram page on Friday while reacting to comments suggesting that Peter’s emotions had become destructive.

Speaking from her own experience in the entertainment industry, the singer said artistes are often conditioned to prioritise their careers over their emotional wellbeing, leaving them to silently deal with heartbreak, grief, abuse and the pressures of fame.

Morgan argued that behaviour perceived by the public as destructive could sometimes be the result of years of suppressed emotions.

“As an artiste, most of us are conditioned to always put our craft over anything. Love, grief, abuse, pressure etc. So when you see an artiste that you think has become destructive, just know they’ve maxed out and can no longer pretend,” she said.

She added that seeking therapy or finding a healthy way to express pent-up emotions could be necessary for artistes dealing with prolonged emotional distress.

Morgan also highlighted the sacrifices entertainers make to build successful careers, particularly older artistes whose public images were sometimes deliberately surrounded by mystery.

According to her, artistes from earlier generations faced intense pressure while maintaining carefully constructed public identities, noting that this was particularly evident within the P-Square circle.

“These new artistes might have it easier because we are in an internet age and people are less judgmental, but the older ones, and especially if you come from the P-Square circle, some of our brands were built on mystery. You think you know us, but you don’t,” she said.

Offering a message of encouragement to Peter, Morgan wrote, “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted #peterpsquare. I wish you peace and salvation.”

Her comments come amid the latest dispute involving Peter and his elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, with the two continuing to make competing claims over the management of P-Square’s affairs and unresolved family disagreements.

The renewed controversy has continued to attract reactions from colleagues and fans, with several entertainers calling for reconciliation and a resolution of the longstanding issues between the brothers.

The post Cynthia Morgan Defends Peter Okoye Amid Renewed Family Dispute appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has released the results of candidates who participated in its 2026/2027 Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post UTME) screening exercise.

The announcement was made on Friday in a notice signed by the university’s Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs. V. Abosede Wickliffe.

According to the notice, candidates who took part in the screening exercise can now access their results through the university’s official Post UTME result portal.

The institution urged candidates to visit the designated portal, enter the required details and check their screening scores as the admission process progresses.

UNILAG also wished all candidates success in the ongoing 2026/2027 admission exercise.

With the release of the screening results, attention is expected to shift to the next phase of the admission process, including the compilation and publication of admission lists.

The university advised candidates to continue monitoring its official communication channels for updates on subsequent stages of the admission exercise and any additional requirements.

The Post UTME screening result forms part of the criteria used by the university in assessing candidates for admission, alongside their Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scores.

However, the institution noted that meeting the required Post UTME performance alone does not guarantee admission, as final admission decisions will also depend on the university’s admission requirements, available spaces and other relevant considerations.

The post UNILAG Releases 2026/2027 Post UTME Screening Results appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

The management of the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH) has clarified the salary structure for its workforce following the institution’s transition from a state owned facility to a federal teaching hospital.

In a statement issued in Akure by the hospital’s Head of Public Relations, Tope Fayehun, the management explained that the institution currently operates with two categories of employees whose salaries are paid by different tiers of government.

According to the statement, permanent staff inherited from the former Ondo State owned hospital remain on the payroll of the Ondo State Government, while the Federal Government is responsible for paying the salaries of non regular staff recruited to sustain the hospital’s operations following its transition to a federal institution.

The clarification follows concerns generated by remarks attributed to the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Olusegun Ojo. The management stated that the comments had been misconstrued and were never intended to suggest that the Federal Government had assumed responsibility for the salaries of all categories of workers.

It explained that the Federal Government’s intervention is limited to the remuneration of non regular personnel employed to ensure uninterrupted healthcare service delivery during the transition period.

FUTATH further noted that the current arrangement is in line with the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Federal Government and the Ondo State Government at the point of the hospital’s transfer.

The management added that both governments have continued to fulfil their respective obligations to ensure the smooth operation of the institution while the transition process is being fully implemented.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and quality healthcare delivery, the hospital urged members of the public and stakeholders to disregard misinformation capable of creating unnecessary anxiety.

The management also expressed appreciation to both the Federal Government and the Ondo State Government for their continued support and called for sustained cooperation as the institution strengthens its role as a federal tertiary healthcare facility.

The post FUTATH Clarifies Salary Structure, Says Ondo Government Continues to Pay Permanent Staff appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has indicated that the ongoing reforms at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) are designed to position the national oil company for a future full listing on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).

The President made the disclosure during a meeting with officials of the Nigerian Exchange Group and members of his economic team, stating that the administration’s reform agenda extends beyond restructuring selected aspects of the company to transforming NNPC Ltd. into a fully listed enterprise.

Tinubu said the government is drawing lessons from the operations of leading global national oil companies, including Saudi Aramco, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and improve the performance of NNPC Ltd.

According to the President, the long term objective is to reform the company comprehensively, making it suitable for listing in its entirety on the Nigerian Exchange rather than listing only individual subsidiaries or business units.

He noted that the planned transformation forms part of broader efforts to promote transparency, efficiency, competitiveness and value creation within the nation’s petroleum industry.

Tinubu also commended members of his economic team, the National Revenue Service and other stakeholders for their contributions to the ongoing economic reform programme.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to supporting policies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy, assuring stakeholders that his administration would continue to provide the necessary backing to drive sustainable economic growth and institutional reforms.

A full listing of NNPC Ltd. on the Nigerian Exchange, if eventually implemented, is expected to mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s petroleum sector by broadening public participation, enhancing corporate governance and increasing transparency in the operations of the national oil company.

The post Tinubu Signals Plans for Full NNPC Listing on Nigerian Exchange appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

The Lagos State Government has commenced the implementation of the Bus Industry Transition Programme (BITP), a major reform initiative aimed at transforming public transportation through improved safety, efficiency and regulation across the state’s bus network.

The programme officially commenced following the signing of a landmark agreement between the Lagos State Government, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), marking what is expected to be one of the most significant overhauls of the state’s public transport system.

According to the state government, the initiative is designed to deliver a more organised and reliable bus transportation system, addressing long standing challenges such as overcrowded bus stops, traffic congestion, fare disputes, reckless driving and unpredictable commuting experiences.

Under the new framework, commuters are expected to benefit from improved safety standards, increased driver accountability and better regulation of commercial bus operations across the state.

The government noted that the transition will be implemented in phases, allowing existing commercial bus operators to continue providing services while gradually integrating them into the new transport system.

The reform is also expected to improve the management of bus parks and terminals, reducing congestion and promoting orderly passenger boarding and alighting.

As implementation progresses, modern buses are expected to replace ageing vehicles, improving passenger comfort, reliability and the overall quality of public transport services.

Authorities further indicated that transport operators will function within a more structured regulatory framework aimed at promoting professionalism and enhancing service delivery throughout the industry.

The programme is also expected to improve travel times by creating a more efficient bus network capable of reducing delays on major routes across the state.

In addition, the BITP is expected to accelerate the adoption of electronic ticketing and other cashless payment systems as part of efforts to modernise public transportation in Lagos.

The Lagos State Government said the long term objective of the programme is to establish a safer, more efficient and sustainable bus transport system capable of meeting the mobility needs of millions of residents while supporting the state’s broader urban development goals.

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