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 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE SHELL GLOBAL CEO HAILS PRESIDENT TINUBU, SAYS HIS LEADERSHIP AND VISION THE REASONS SHELL IS KEEN TO INVEST $20 BILLION IN NIGERIA   Mr Wael Sawan, the Chief Executive of Shell Plc, has praised President Bola Tinubu's leadership for creating a healthy climate for investments to thrive and restoring investor confidence.   At a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Mr Sawan said Shell is deepening and expanding its investments in Nigeria, and the company is ready, alongside its partners, to invest an additional $20 billion, primarily because of the robust and bold leadership of the President.   He emphasised that Nigeria, under the Tinubu administration, is one of the countries attracting significant investment from global oil companies.   Highlighting Shell's recent investments, such as $5 billion in Bonga North, $2 billion in HI, and the gas project to NLNG, Sawan stated that the corporation is committed to long-term ...

Olukoyede Charges Staff on Integrity at 2025 Recognition & Reward Ceremony   The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has charged officers and men of the Commission to uphold integrity to remain relevant and credible as foremost fighters of economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.   He gave the charge on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the 2025 Recognition  and Reward  Ceremony  of the Commission , where staff were honoured for exemplary performance in the discharge of their duties.    The EFCC Chairman reiterated his insistence on integrity as a driver of credibility,  stressing that the Commission can only sustain its status as an anti-corruption agency to beat if its rating is higher on the score sheet of integrity. “Let me say for the umpteenth time that, as operatives of the EFCC, we are as strong as our integrity and as weak as our compromises.  Integrity is t...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU TO UNDERTAKE STATE VISIT TO TÜRKIYE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Monday, January 26, for a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye.   The visit is aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relations between the two countries and exploring further areas of cooperation in security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation.   Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid an official visit to Nigeria from October 19 to 20, 2021.   During President Tinubu's visit, both countries will engage in strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values in finance, communication, trade and investment.   The agenda will include meetings between high-ranking officials of both nations and the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in scientific research, energy,  technical cooperation, media and communications, military cooperation and protocol, among others.   A business for...

 First Lady Harps On Humanity-Driven Innovation  As Nigeria embraces artificial intelligence and innovation,  policies and frameworks must be emplaced to sustain and ensure that technology serves humanity, and not the other way around. Nigeria's First Lady,  Oluremi Tinubu stated this while reflecting on this year's  International Day of Education,  with the theme “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.” Harping on the need for humans to be the drivers of AI, harnessing innovation and preserving the values that define and sustain development, the First Lady  in a message marking the celebration, notes that education remains the most powerful tool for acquiring knowledge, values and ethical judgment crucial to thrive in a technology-driven world. She says investment in quality and inclusive education that empowers citizens to think critically, act responsibly, and embrace the future with confidence and compassion remains a N...

 Gov. Kabir Yusuf Set to Rejoin APC in Kano on Monday Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is set to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, 26 January 2026, following his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) last Friday. This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Sunday. The statement recalled that Governor Yusuf first joined the APC in 2014 when he won the party’s primary election for the Kano Central Senatorial seat, a position he later conceded to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. It noted that after years of political engagement across different platforms, including his most recent stint in the NNPP, prevailing realities of governance, national cohesion and development necessitated his return to the APC, which he described as a familiar and structured platform for progressive governance. Governor Yusuf stated that rejoining the APC would further strengthen cooperation with the Feder...

 Egypt calls for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, reopening of Rafah crossing Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has called for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, as well as the reopening of the Rafah border crossing in fulfilment of last year’s ceasefire agreement. The call was made during Abdelatty’s meeting in Cairo with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on Sunday to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments. The two diplomats reviewed ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between Egypt and the US, and means of developing bilateral relations in the political and economic fields, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The discussions also dwelt on developments in Gaza, Sudan, the Horn of Africa region, and Egypt’s water security. Gaza peace and reconstruction Abdelatty welcomed Egypt’s joining US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace.” The board is an international organisation that seeks to promote stability, re-establish good governance and ...

 Anambra Church ordian 3 women bishops at the 61st National convention of the church  The National Holy Ghost Church of Christ International (NHGCC),with headquarters in Ubaha Ndiowu community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State has continued to raise the voices and status of women in the church and ministry. At the recent 61st National Convention of the church, nine priests of the church, including three females, were elevated to the position of Bishops by the General Overseer and Presiding Prelate of the Church, Archbishop Cynthia Adaoma Josephson The ordination service, which took place at the All Soul’s Cathedral, Ubaha Ndiowu, saw other bishops, members of the clergy and legal team of the church in attendance. Among them was renowned Nollywood actress turned evangelist, Eucharia Anunobi. Among the newly ordained female Bishops are Juliet Eme, Anyaeneh Josephine, and Grace Agagwo. The other seven are Okey Eze, Joel Okeke, Ikechukwu Ifejilika, Peter Chukwu,...

 APC national leadership did not support Anambra Governorship candidate enough to unseat Soludo in the last Anambra Governorship Election- Uche Ekwunife Deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the Anambra gubernatorial election, Senator Uche Ekwunife, says the party’s national leadership failed to give its candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the support needed to unsit Governor Chukwuma Soludo. Ekwunife spoke during a stakeholders meeting in Awka, to appraise the ongoing e-registration process. The outspoken former lawmaker said the November 8, 2025 governorship election witnessed massive commitment from party members in the state, but the party’s national leaders failed to show same level of commitment. She added that just 20 percent support from the party would have aided them to unseat Soludo She said: “The extent of support and commitment we saw in the last election among members of APC in Anambra State has never happened before. If the party (...

 Anambra ADC chairman confirms massive influx into party since Peter Obi’s entry The Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Anambra State, Mr Patrick Obianyo, has confirmed that since the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, joined the party on December 31, there has been a huge influx of persons into the party Obianyo disclosed this on Saturday during a political event organised by the party to receive Hon. Barr. Lawrence Ezeudu, a former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, alongside over 200 of his supporters. Speaking at the event, which was held at the home of the decamping politician, who was also the Chief Whip of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Obianyo said party officials have not had any rest. "There have been requests in our offices every day for us to visit and receive politicians into our party since Mr Peter Obi joined us. We are here today in Ifitedunu, in Dunukofia Local Government Area, to receive Hon. Barr....

  Knight of St John international Expels Sir Louis Okoye(Akacham) orders him to stop wearing their uniform and using their insignia, title and properties In a letter dated 21st January, the knights of St John's international, assumption commandery Nnewi, under Catholic Church have formerly expelled sir James Louis Okoye, in relation to the incident of 14th January. According to sir Noble cyprian Egbosi, the president of the assumption commandery Nnewi, the decision comes after a proper investigation and probe into the incident that led to Sir James denouncing Roman Catholic and subsequently resorting to apostasy.  The letter also highlighted that, the major reasons for expelling him(James) from Knight of St John's is 1. He has denounce Catholic Church  2. He has resorted to apostasy  3. His attitude is unbecoming of a knight  The letter also mandates James Louis Okoye to desist from laying claims to all the rights and privileges of members of knights, including ...

 The introduction of 15 new Entrepreneurial Subjects into the state's Junior Secondary School (JSS) Curriculum is to ensure that, every Anambra child is a solution provider -Dr Nonye Soludo (First Lady of Anambra) The new subjects include: Solar installation, garment making, GSM repairs, agriculture and processing, plumbing, tiling, POP installation and event management, bakery, hairstyling, make-up, interior design, CCTV/intercom installation, digital literacy, information technology and robotics. In today's fast-changing world where skills have also become a major driver of human capital demand, we want to ensure that every school child in Anambra State is provided the best opportunity to not just learn the best skills, but to become solution providers and succeed in them. Here in Anambra State, our administration is always very intentional about the kind of future we wish to prepare every child for. With our totally FREE education policy now fully in place in both primary an...

 Anambra Education Commissioner Commends Community Partnership with Fidelity bank as ₦23m Projects was Commissioned at CSS Enugwuabor, Ufuma The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has lauded the Enugwuabor community for its strong collaboration with government and private partners following the commissioning of major infrastructure projects at Community Secondary School (CSS), Enugwuabor, Ufuma in Orumba North Local Government Area. The projects include a ₦23 million renovation of the school’s administrative block funded by Fidelity Bank Plc, as well as a newly constructed Physics, chemistry and biology laboratories and two classroom blocks provided by the Enugwuabor Oganiru Union, made up of members at home and in the diaspora. Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Chuma-Udeh expressed satisfaction with the transformation of the school, recalling her visit in 2003 when its dilapidated condition led to its classification as a state of emergency. She describ...

 Actress Tonto Dikeh speaks on reconciliation with her child's father and healing after 10 years of public battles Actress Tonto Dikeh has shared an emotional message reflecting on what she described as a long season of conflict, pain and eventual restoration involving the father of her child. In a lengthy post, the actress said the journey spanned over ten years of public disagreements, broken communication, bitterness and deep wounds, before peace was finally restored. According to her, what human effort could not resolve was healed through faith, humility and prayers. Tonto stated that the reconciliation did not come through strength or strategy, but through what she believes was divine intervention. She explained that hearts were softened, pride gave way, and respect returned where there had once been anger, especially for the sake of their child. She expressed gratitude to the father of her child, Dr Kunle, for choosing peace and yielding to what she described as God’s directi...

 “A lot of women need to live alone before marriage” — Actress Teniola Aladese says Actress Teniola Aladese has shared her thoughts on marriage, saying many women rush into it without first understanding themselves. According to her, a lot of women move straight from their family house into marriage without ever experiencing life on their own. She explained that because of this, many do not truly know what they like, what they can tolerate, or the kind of traits they want in a partner. Teniola noted that this lack of self-awareness often leads to shock when women finally settle into marriage and begin to experience habits and mannerisms they were not prepared for. She added that living alone helps a woman discover herself, her boundaries, and the things she will or will not accept, stressing that this self-knowledge can prevent the common “this is not what I signed up for” situation many face after marriage. 📹: YT/that's what she said.  Watch video below. 

 Gmail experiencing problems with spam and message misclassification Gmail users are experiencing widespread issues on Saturday, with many reporting problems with email sorting and spam warnings. According to Google Workspace’s status dashboard, the disruptions began around 5 a.m. Pacific, affecting inbox organization and the accuracy of spam filtering. Some users noted that emails normally sorted into Promotions, Social, or Updates folders were appearing in their Primary inbox, while messages from known senders were incorrectly flagged with spam warnings. Social media posts described the situation as Gmail’s filters being “completely busted,” with spam flooding main inboxes. Google stated it is actively working to resolve the problem and advised users to continue following best practices when handling messages from unknown senders.

 Gas explosion ignites Bronx apartment fire, killing 1 and leaving dozens without heat A gas explosion tore through the upper floors of a Bronx high-rise apartment building early Saturday, killing one person and injuring 14 others as temperatures dropped into the single digits overnight. Firefighters arrived shortly before 12:30 a.m. at the 17-story building, where residents were seen leaning out of windows calling for help as flames engulfed the top floors. Fire Department officials said the explosion occurred amid reports of a gas odor on the 15th and 16th floors. The blast caused major structural damage to roughly a dozen apartments, with fires reported in 10 units across the 16th and 17th floors. One resident died, another was critically injured, five suffered serious injuries, and eight sustained minor injuries. The building, which had been undergoing renovations, had recently completed and inspected natural gas system work. Formerly managed by the New York City Housing Author...

Alex Honnold completes rope-free climb of Taipei 101 during Netflix’s Skyscraper Live  Alex Honnold, the world-renowned free solo climber, successfully completed his rope-free ascent of Taipei 101 in Taiwan, achieving a record as the tallest urban free solo climb in history. At the top, Honnold stood on the building’s small sphere, waving to fans, taking selfies, and soaking in the view before descending using a neon green harness. He later reunited with his wife, Sanni McCandless, sharing a celebratory embrace and acknowledging their two children. The climb, part of Netflix’s Skyscraper Live, had been delayed by a day due to weather, with the live broadcast finally airing Saturday evening Pacific Time. Hosting duties were shared among Elle Duncan, WWE star Seth Rollins, mountaineer Emily Harrington, and NASA alum Mark Rober, who monitored the climb for potential seismic or weather-related hazards. Thousands of spectators gathered outside a three-acre exclusion zone to watch as Hon...

 Iranians resume normal life in capital marked by deadly protests Massive protests that gripped Iran in recent weeks appear to have largely ended following a brutal government crackdown that has left at least 3,117 people dead, according to official figures, though human rights organizations estimate a much higher toll. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported Friday that the death count may have reached 5,137, based on information gathered from supporters in Iran and verified through internal cross-checks. The demonstrations initially erupted over economic struggles, including a collapsing rial and soaring inflation, but quickly escalated into one of the most significant challenges to the Islamic Republic in its 47-year history, as protesters called for the end of clerical rule. An ongoing internet blackout lasting more than two weeks has made independent verification of events difficult, but Tehran’s streets show clear signs of the unrest. Burned and sca...

 Florida hospital dismisses nurse for profane social media post about Leavitt’s pregnancy A nurse at a South Florida hospital has been terminated after posting a video on social media making profane remarks about White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s pregnancy. Baptist Health South Florida confirmed the dismissal in a statement Friday, saying the nurse’s comments “do not reflect our values or the standards we expect of healthcare professionals.” The health system added that, while personal opinions are respected, language or behavior that undermines trust or calls into question a caregiver’s ability to provide compassionate care has no place in healthcare. The nurse, identified as Lexie Lawler, a labor and delivery nurse at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital, reportedly shared a now-deleted TikTok in which she made a graphic remark about Leavitt’s pregnancy. Screen recordings circulated online showed Lawler wishing Leavitt an injury related to childbirth while usi...

 PRESS RELEASE  OPERATION HADIN KAI MARKS COMBINED WASA 2025; THEATRE COMMANDER REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO END INSURGENCY The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF) (North East) , Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has reaffirmed the military’s resolve to intensify operations aimed at decisively ending insurgency in the North-East.region . Major General  Abubakar made this known on Saturday, January, 24, 2026, during the combined West African Social Activity (WASA) of the  year  2025, co-hosted by Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK and Headquarters 7 Division, Nigerian Army, at the 212 Parade Ground, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri. He described WASA as an enduring tradition of the Nigerian Army designed to preserve its ethics , traditions and customs through social interaction among troops, their families and well-wishers, while also marking the conclusion of activities for the year 2025. “The event offers us the opportunity to reflec...

 I rely on Allah for reelection in 2027 – Governor Yusuf Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, for the first time since the controversies surrounding his defection to the All Progressives Congress, has stated that he believes in Allah as the ultimate source of power and guidance. “In 2023, it was God who gave me power, not anybody else, and I still thank and appreciate Him as the only one who will allow me to continue in 2027,” Governor Yusuf declared while presenting motorcycles to his social media handlers on Saturday. Governor Yusuf added, “Even all the talk about 2027 is a misplaced priority, because who knows whether he will make it to tomorrow, let alone 2027.” He emphasised that his major concern at present is Kano, saying, “We have to get it right to have our full peace and security before talking about anything, and that is my major concern now, not anything else. “Let me remind everybody that, to me, Kano comes first, not loyalty to anybody. Everyone should know that n...

 Kano govt cautions Yusuf’s supporters over comments against Kwankwaso The Kano State Government has warned supporters of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to refrain from insulting or making provocative statements about the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The warning was issued on Saturday by the Director General of Media and Publicity at Government House, Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, during the distribution of motorcycles to party members at the Open Space Theatre, Government House. Governor Yusuf was present at the event. Bature said the government would not tolerate disrespect or indiscipline directed at Kwankwaso, noting that his contributions to Kano politics remain significant despite recent political developments. He cautioned that anyone found insulting the Kwankwasiyya leader would be sanctioned, stressing that such actions would not be condoned. The government spokesperson urged supporters of the governor to show restraint and political ma...

 I miss Osinbajo as vice president; things not same under Tinubu, says Seyi Makinde Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has slammed President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima over the new tax administration. This was as the governor said he misses the administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Mr Makinde spoke on Saturday during the 60th birthday ceremony of Samson Ajetomobi, president of The Men of Issachar Vision Incorporated (MIV) and overseer of the Redemption Faith Churches in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, where Mr Osinbajo was also in attendance. “Sir, I personally miss you in that position (presidency). A lot of people may not know why things are not really the same. It’s not a political talk because I’m not on that podium,” Mr Makinde said while facing Mr Osinbajo. He reminisced about how Mr Osinbajo’s intervention prevented him from locking down Oyo State during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. “I remember I was b...