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TINUBU REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO STABLE ACADEMIC CALENDAR, STAFF WELFARE, AND UNINTERRUPTED POWER IN UNIVERSITIES President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s dedication to maintaining a stable academic calendar, improving staff welfare, and ensuring uninterrupted power supply across Nigerian universities, emphasizing that education remains a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda. Speaking at the 45th convocation ceremony of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, where he was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Tinubu also announced a new Staff Loan Scheme for academic and non-academic workers in tertiary institutions. The initiative is aimed at alleviating financial pressures and enhancing productivity, with a total of ₦40 billion earmarked for disbursement this year. Individual loan amounts will range from ₦1 million to ₦10 million. Congratulating the university community, Tinubu described the convocation as “a testam...

NAAS AAUA CHAPTER IGNITES STUDENT UNITY AND CULTURE WITH EXCITING 3-DAY FESTIVAL The National Association of Akungba Students (NAAS), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) Chapter, led by Hon. Comr. Adedayo Yetunde Stella (P.K.A. Joyfulheart), successfully organized a three-day programme designed to foster unity, celebrate cultural heritage, and strengthen social bonds among students. The event kicked off with a football tournament and the official launch of the NAAS association jersey, bringing together undergraduates and graduates in an atmosphere of sportsmanship and camaraderie. The jersey was unveiled by Hon. Lawal Oladele (P.K.A. Holynation), alongside the NAAS AAUA Chapter President and other stakeholders. The opening match ended in a thrilling 6–6 draw, showcasing the competitive spirit of participants. To recognise the players’ efforts, the association distributed books and pens to all participants. On the second day, members paid a courtesy visit to the palace of t...

NSCDC ARRESTS OYO HOUSEWIFE OVER HUMAN TRAFFICKING TO CÔTE D’IVOIRE The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has arrested a 28-year-old housewife for allegedly trafficking a 17-year-old girl to Côte d’Ivoire for prostitution. The command disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the suspect’s husband remains at large, and authorities are actively pursuing him. According to the NSCDC, the arrest followed a report by the victim’s sister to the command’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit on January 20, 2026, leading to the woman’s apprehension on January 22. The Oyo State Command’s spokesman, Mr. Samuel Opebiyi, stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the trafficking incident occurred on November 25, 2025, when the couple allegedly orchestrated the victim’s movement abroad under false promises of employment. “The suspect and her husband lured the victim with deceptive job opportunities, ultimately facilitating her trafficking for prostitution,” Op...

APGA CHIEFTAIN BACKS SOLUDO’S MOVE TO END MONDAY SIT-AT-HOME IN ANAMBRA A senior member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chinedu Obigwe, has publicly supported Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo on his decision to terminate the Monday sit-at-home directive, describing it as a measure in the best interest of residents and the South-East region at large. Obigwe, National Coordinator of the APGA Media Warriors Forum, urged citizens to heed the governor’s call, stating that leadership often requires making difficult decisions to secure the future. In a press statement issued on Saturday, Obigwe said: “Residents of Anambra must support Governor Soludo’s commendable move to end the Monday sit-at-home because it is clearly in our best interest. This decision will restore normal economic activity and protect the livelihoods of traders and citizens.” He further explained that misinformation and social media campaigns aimed at discouraging residents from resuming work ...

ARSENAL DOMINATES LEEDS 4-0 TO RESTORE SEVEN-POINT LEAD IN EPL Arsenal reinforced their Premier League supremacy with a commanding 4-0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday, reclaiming a seven-point lead at the top of the table. The Gunners overcame an unexpected pre-match setback when Bukayo Saka pulled up during warm-ups, with Noni Madueke stepping in to make an immediate impact. The winger provided a decisive assist for Martin Zubimendi’s opener before delivering a corner that resulted in an own goal by Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow, giving Arsenal a 2-0 lead by halftime. “It was disappointing to lose Saka before kick-off, but Noni showed great composure and creativity,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. After the break, Viktor Gyokeres added a third goal in the 69th minute, displaying strength and precision to outmuscle the Leeds defence. Gabriel Jesus completed the scoring late in the game, converting a pinpoint pass from Martin Ødegaard to make it 4-0, marking h...

OTEDOLA DEFENDS ₦748BN BAD LOAN WRITE-OFF, SAYS MOVE STRENGTHENS FIRST BANK FOR LONG-TERM GROWTH The Group Chairman of First Bank Holdings Plc, Mr. Femi Otedola, has defended the company’s decision to write off ₦748 billion in legacy non-performing loans, describing the move as a necessary and strategic step to strengthen the bank’s long-term stability and restore confidence in its financial position. Otedola disclosed this in a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, explaining that the one-time provisioning significantly affected the group’s reported earnings, leading to a 92 per cent decline in profit for the period. According to him, the decision was in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) directive urging banks to address non-performing loans transparently rather than postponing or masking financial risks. “At First HoldCo, we chose to clean house properly. We took a one-time hit of ₦748bn to recognise old bad loans instead of preten...

 PDP GOES INTO EXTINCTION AS ANOTHER GOV DUMPS PARTY FOR APC Jalingo, Taraba State — January 31, 2026 Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political realignment in the North-East region. The governor was formally received on Saturday in Jalingo by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ceremony attended by party leaders, government officials, and supporters. Speaking at the event, Vice President Shettima described Governor Kefas’ decision as a timely and strategic move that aligns with the founding ideals of the APC, which he said was established as a broad coalition of Nigerians committed to national development. According to Shettima, Taraba State remains a vital part of Nigeria’s growth trajectory due to its diversity and abundant resources, stressing that the governor’s inclusive leadership style makes him a nat...

FILE TAX RETURNS BY MARCH 31 OR FACE CONSEQUENCES, OYEDELE WARNS NIGERIANS The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has urged Nigerians, including employers and individual taxpayers, to comply with the law by filing their annual tax returns on or before March 31. Oyedele made the call during a webinar organised for human resource managers, payroll officers, chief financial officers, and tax managers, in collaboration with the Joint Revenue Board. The session, which was later published on YouTube, focused on improving tax compliance under Nigeria’s evolving fiscal framework. Speaking at the event, Oyedele stressed that filing annual tax returns is a statutory obligation, noting that compliance remains significantly low across the country. He explained that employers are required to file annual returns for their employees, including projections of staff remuneration and tax deductions for the year. “Many employers have already compl...

ONDO @ 50: AIYEDATIWA DECLARES FEBRUARY 2 AND 3 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS The Ondo State Government has declared Monday, February 2, and Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as public holidays to enable residents to participate fully in activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State. The declaration was approved by the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, as part of events lined up to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the state. According to a statement issued on Friday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the public holidays are aimed at giving citizens the opportunity to actively engage in the celebrations commemorating five decades of Ondo State’s existence. The statement described the anniversary as a historic milestone that reflects 50 years of growth, resilience, and collective progress, noting that the celebration provides an opportunity for reflection on the state’s developmental journey since its creation. Gov...

ADC WARNS DELAY IN ELECTORAL BILL COULD JEOPARDISE 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised fresh concerns over delays in the passage of the Electoral Bill 2025, warning that prolonged legislative bottlenecks could weaken electoral reforms and threaten the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. In a statement issued on Saturday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the bill, describing the slow pace as a potential risk to the integrity of the country’s democratic process. The ADC specifically accused the APC-led Senate of stalling critical amendments designed to strengthen transparency in elections, including provisions on electronic voter accreditation and electronic transmission of election results. The warning comes amid recent developments in the Senate, where lawmakers on Thursday inaugurated a seven-member ad hoc committee tasked with reviewing, harmonising, and ...

APC E-REGISTRATION DEADLINE LOOMS AS ONDO SOUTH FALLS BEHIND IN MEMBERSHIP DRIVE The Ondo South Senatorial District of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing mounting pressure to intensify mobilisation efforts following an eight-day extension of the party’s ongoing electronic membership registration exercise approved by the National Working Committee (NWC). Latest figures obtained as of 8:15 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2026, indicate that Ondo South currently trails behind Ondo North and Ondo Central in total registered members across the state. According to the data, Ondo North leads with 57,830 registered members, representing 35.6 per cent of the state total, followed closely by Ondo Central with 56,364 members (34.7 per cent). Ondo South, however, recorded 48,201 members, accounting for 29.7 per cent of the overall registrations. The cumulative number of registered APC members in Ondo State currently stands at 162,395. Ondo South Breakdown Raises Concern A further breakdown ...

FEMI ADESINA URGES FULL ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF RESULTS FOR 2027 ELECTIONS Ibadan, January 31, 2026: Former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to late President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina, has called on the Nigerian media to reject fake news, strengthen election monitoring, and ensure the full implementation of electronic transmission of results ahead of the 2027 general elections. Adesina made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the Melody 100.7 FM Anniversary Media Lecture, themed: “The Media and National Stability: Navigating the 2027 Elections with Responsibility and Patriotism.” The lecture took place at Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, opposite the University College Hospital, Ibadan. He warned that the overreliance on social media for breaking news has weakened professional journalism standards, stressing that journalists must verify facts before reporting. “If in doubt, leave out,” he advised, calling for ethical gatekeeping to prevent mi...

TINUBU URGES REACTIVATION OF REGIONAL STANDBY FORCE TO TACKLE WEST AFRICA, SAHEL INSECURITY Accra, Ghana – January 31, 2026: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for the reactivation of a regional standby force to bolster collective security in West Africa and the Sahel. He urged countries in the region to leverage Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja as a hub for intelligence coordination and operational planning. The president’s position was delivered through the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during the Conference on Security Situation, Operational Challenges, and Future Risk Trajectories in West Africa and the Sahel, held in Accra from January 29 to 30, 2026. According to a statement released in Abuja by the minister’s Special Assistant on Communications, Magnus Eze, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and stability, emphasizing that stronger multilateral cooperation is critical in addressing e...

GOV AIYEDATIWA LEADS 5KM HEALTH WALK IN AKURE, HAILS FITNESS AND SPIRITUAL RENEWAL As part of Ondo State’s golden jubilee celebrations, Governor Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Saturday led a 5-kilometre health walk from the Government House, Alagbaka, to the Akure Township Stadium, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness and spiritual renewal for effective service and healthy living. Members of the State Executive Council, political appointees, party faithful, and residents participated in the exercise, with large crowds expressing elation at the governor’s initiative. Speaking at the stadium, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged citizens to commit to strengthening both body and spirit. Drawing on biblical references, he said waiting upon God renews strength, highlighting that the participants demonstrated resilience by completing the walk without fainting. “The health walk is a vital component of our anniversary programme. The body, which carries the soul and spirit, must be kept in g...

FULL LIST OF NOMINEES FOR NIGERIA COURT OF APPEAL JUSTICES The National Judicial Council (NJC) has released the names of nominees under consideration for appointment as Justices of the Court of Appeal across Nigeria. The nominees, drawn from various High Courts, Customary Courts, Sharia Courts, and Federal Courts, are as follows: Benue State Hon. Justice Ibrahim I. Mohammed — High Court Hon. Justice Augustine Lorhemen Ityonyiman — High Court Hon. Justice Ijohor Mbalamen Jennifer — High Court Hon. Justice Dennis Mbaafumega Igyuse — High Court Plateau State Hon. Justice Jacob Azi Atsen — Customary Court of Appeal Hon. Justice Veronica Julcit Dadom — Customary Court of Appeal Hon. Justice Nankwat Dawat Shaseet — High Court Federal High Court Hon. Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite Hon. Justice James Kolawole Omotosho Gombe State Hon. Justice Abdulhameed Mohammed Yakubu — High Court Hon. Justice Suleiman Yahaya Abubakar — High Court Hon. Justice Mohammed Auwal Haruna — Hig...

KANO EMIR SANUSI FACES UNCERTAIN FUTURE AFTER GOVERNOR YUSUF JOINS APC Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has clarified that Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II will continue to hold his position as the Emir of Kano, following speculations triggered by the governor’s recent defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor’s move on Monday, January 26, 2026, prompted questions about whether Sanusi’s reinstatement could be affected. Governor Yusuf’s administration had previously restored Kano’s single-emir structure, reinstating Sanusi while deposing Aminu Ado-Bayero, who had been installed during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Ganduje. Addressing the rumors, Sanusi Bature, director general of media and publicity to Governor Yusuf, emphasized that “there is absolutely no plan or agreement to replace Emir Sanusi on the throne of Kano.” He added that the emirates’ law had already been repealed under Yusuf’s administrati...

ONDO POLICE CRACK DOWN ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING, RESCUE 14 VICTIMS, ARREST SUSPECTS In a major operational success against human trafficking and trans-national criminal networks, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested multiple suspects and rescued 14 victims across Ondo State. Under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, the command acted swiftly after receiving reports of victims being lured into Nigeria under false promises of employment abroad. On Thursday, January 22, 2026, a Togolese national, Meale Yaoili, escaped from a human trafficking syndicate and reported the case at Yaba Police Station. He stated that he was deceived into leaving Togo for Nigeria with the promise of securing employment in Canada, only to have his personal belongings confiscated and be held against his will. Following coordinated action, police arrested six suspects linked to the syndicate, identified as Cleude Grao, Samuel Dsiwa, Michael Amissa, Olayiwola Kazeem, Akinubi Adebayo...

 MASSIVE FIRE DESTROYS SHOPS, RESTAURANTS ALONG GOMBE–YOLA ROAD A devastating fire outbreak early Saturday morning razed shops, roadside containers, and restaurant outlets at New Mile 3 along the Gombe–Yola Road in Gombe State, destroying properties worth millions of naira. The incident occurred around 3:00 a.m., rapidly spreading across the commercial area and affecting over 80 per cent of the establishments in the vicinity. Despite the scale of destruction, no casualties or injuries were reported. Confirming the incident, Amb. Yusuf Danbayo, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters and Intergovernmental Affairs, credited the timely response of security and emergency agencies for preventing a more catastrophic outcome. “The fire outbreak destroyed shops, mini containers, and restaurant outlets, but thankfully, no lives were lost,” Danbayo said. He commended the professionalism of security personnel from the DPO Tumfure Division, Pantami Division, and Operation...

FIRE RAZES OFFICES, DESTROYS DOCUMENTS AT KWARA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION A late-night fire outbreak gutted parts of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, on Friday, January 30, 2026, destroying offices and valuable documents. The fire, which started around 9:14 p.m., engulfed a building on the college premises, prompting a swift response from the Kwara State Fire Service. The affected structure contained offices primarily used as storage spaces, and several sensitive materials, including documents, files, and journals, were damaged. According to Hassan Adekunle, spokesperson for the fire service, “Three out of four offices in the building were affected, but through the prompt response of our team, nearby facilities, including the Biology Laboratory and other academic buildings, were saved from the blaze.” Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by an individual setting undergrowth ablaze, which subsequently spread to the college building. No casualties were...

AAUA WELCOMES OVER 8,000 FRESH STUDENTS AT 2025/2026 MATRICULATION, VC ISSUES STRONG WARNING AGAINST CAMPUS VICES The Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, yesterday matriculated over 8,000 newly admitted students for the 2025/2026 academic session, formally admitting them into the university’s academic community. The matriculation ceremony, held on the university campus, was attended by principal officers of the institution, academic staff, parents, guardians, and other stakeholders. Addressing the fresh students, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, warned against social vices, indiscipline, and academic laziness, stressing that such behaviours could undermine their academic success and future prospects. Prof. Ige reminded the matriculants that admission into AAUA comes with responsibilities, urging them to comply with the institution’s rules and regulations, uphold good moral conduct, and remain committed to academic excellence. He reiterated the univer...

PDP STATE CHAIRMEN DECLARE FULL SUPPORT FOR NWC, INSIST IBADAN CONVENTION LEADERSHIP REMAINS LAWFUL The Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its full support for the National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), and the National Working Committee (NWC) constituted at the party’s Ibadan National Convention. In a press statement issued on Friday, the Forum—comprising PDP chairmen from 30 states of the federation—said it had carefully reviewed the judgment recently delivered by the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, alongside the official position already articulated by the party’s national leadership. The Forum expressed concern that while the court declined the relief of mandamus sought by the PDP, it proceeded to grant reliefs that were neither requested nor canvassed by the parties before it. According to the statement, the judgment also appears to conflict with existing decisions of courts of coordinate jurisdiction on the same subject matt...

PETROL PRICE COULD HIT N1,000/LITRE AS GLOBAL CRUDE SOARS PAST $70 Nigerian fuel marketers have warned that petrol prices may rise to N1,000 per litre if global crude oil prices continue their upward trend, recently crossing the $70 per barrel mark. Industry sources said that the increase in international crude costs could have a direct impact on domestic fuel prices, given Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products. Marketers highlighted that rising logistical costs and currency fluctuations may further intensify the potential hike. Speaking on the issue, a spokesperson for the Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) noted that the increase is not yet official but warned that consumers should prepare for a possible adjustment. “The global oil market is volatile. With crude trading above $70 per barrel, it is likely that the pump price may exceed current levels,” the spokesperson said. Economists have also cautioned that a sustained increase in petrol prices...

ONE MONTH ON, KWARA VICTIMS OF US MISSILE STRIKE REMAIN HOMELESS AND UNCOMPENSATED One month after a missile strike, reportedly from a United States operation, struck parts of Kwara State, residents affected by the incident remain homeless, injured, and without compensation for destroyed homes and businesses. Eyewitnesses and local community leaders say the strike caused extensive property damage and displaced dozens of families, leaving some residents to live in makeshift shelters while awaiting government assistance. Many victims also sustained injuries during the attack, and access to adequate medical care remains limited. Affected residents have expressed frustration over delays in relief and compensation, noting that bureaucratic hurdles have slowed the recovery process. “It has been very difficult. We lost everything, and we are still waiting for help,” said one displaced resident. Local authorities acknowledged the incident but have yet to provide a clear timeline for compensat...