Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita The Lagos State Government has issued a formal warning to citizens against the assumption of chieftaincy titles and traditional roles without official executive approval, threatening violators with arrest and imprisonment. In a public notice titled ‘Prohibition of Unapproved Chieftaincy Titles In Lagos State’ released on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Bolaji Robert, declared that the state will strictly enforce the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State 2015. The government characterized the rise of self-proclaimed traditional rulers as an “unhealthy development” that has increasingly triggered communal tension and…

Manny Ita The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has implemented a strategic shift in its operational focus, moving away from a reputation historically marred by boat accidents toward a model centered on internal human capital and external collaboration. Former Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, recently detailed this organizational transformation, noting that the agency has intensified efforts to prioritize staff welfare and stakeholder engagement as the primary drivers for safety and efficiency on Nigeria’s waterways. ​Under this reformative agenda, the authority identified that structural safety cannot be achieved through equipment alone but requires a motivated and disciplined workforce. To address…

FG reserves N881m to strengthen non-oil exports Elegbede Abiodun The Federal Government has set aside N881.13m to total capital projects of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, following an all-time high non-oil export record of $6.1bn in 2025. Data from the 2026 budget proposal submitted to the National Assembly showed that the allocation targets institutional strengthening, export infrastructure, certification, market access, and value-chain development across the six geopolitical zones. The allocation is included in the proposed N58.47tn federal budget, and growing policy emphasis on diversifying foreign exchange earnings away from crude oil. A breakdown of…

NECO 2025 SSCE external results recorded over 80% score of five credits Elegbede Abiodun The National Examinations Council has announced the release of the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External results, with over 80 per cent of candidates scoring five credits and above. The results were announced on Tuesday by NECO Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, during a press conference held at the council’s headquarters in Minna, Niger State. Declaring the results in a video posted on NECO’s X handle, Prof. Wushishi said, “It is my pleasure to declare the 2025 SSCE External Results released. “Candidates…

Manny Ita Senator Adams Oshiomhole has come under intense public criticism after a video showing him boarding a private jet circulated widely on social media, shortly after his comments suggesting that food prices in Nigeria were affordable. The backlash followed Oshiomhole’s recent remarks in which he dismissed widespread complaints about the rising cost of food, claiming that staple items were still “cheap” in local markets. The comments sparked outrage among many Nigerians who have struggled with soaring inflation and worsening economic conditions. The controversy deepened when footage emerged online showing the former Edo State governor travelling on a private…

Manny Ita The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a major shift in its communication strategy, formally discontinuing the use of the long-standing pseudonym “Emma Powerful” for its public statements. In a statement issued by its Directorate of State (DOS), the separatist group said the decision is part of a broader move toward a more structured and formal administrative system. IPOB directed that all official press releases and public communications must now be issued strictly on the organisation’s official letterhead or through clearly designated official channels. The directive effectively brings to an end the use of the “Emma…

Electricity: Federal Govt to share subsidy costs with states, councils Elegbede Abiodun * Says fair sharing will encourage better performance in the power sector. Henceforth, States and councils will share the payment of electricity subsidies with the Federal Government, which had solely borne the subsidy cost on electricity. In a year, between September 2024 and October 2025, the Federal Government paid N1.98 trillion. Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu, announced the plan to share the subsidy cost during a meeting with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on the 2026 Budget. Yakubu added that President Bola…

Manny Ita The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has announced his intention to formally enter partisan politics, declaring plans to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on his political future, Musa said he would become a member of the APC “in the near future,” marking a significant shift from his current role as a non-partisan appointee to active participation in party politics. His statement has already sparked debate across political and security circles, given his position at the heart of Nigeria’s defence and intelligence architecture. The declaration came alongside revelations about national security matters, as…

Alison-Madueke spent £140,000 on luxury items in one day at London antiques store ~ Prosecutors * The allegation took place between 2011 and 2015 when she was Nigeria’s oil minister. Proceedings resumed yesterday in London in the corruption and bribery trial of former Nigerian Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. The jurors heard detailed evidence of the former minister’s extravagant spending trail at a luxury antiques store in the British capital city. Prosecutors told the court that as much as £140,000 was spent in a single day on high-end furniture, bespoke lighting and decorative art, allegedly paid for through intermediaries during…

Ogun @50: Obasanjo, Osoba, Abiodun at 50 Interfaith Thanksgiving in Abeokuta By Elegbede Abiodun L-R: The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; wife of former president, Chief (Mrs) Bola Obasanjo; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; wife of the Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, and the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, during the Inter-Faith Prayer and Thanksgiving commemorating, Ogun State’s 50th anniversary held at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Monday. * Ogun is described as the gateway to Nigeria’s prosperity.…