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 Abike Dabiri: Turkish officials were shocked Tinubu stumble dominated Nigerian media Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), says Turkish officials were “shocked” to learn President Bola Tinubu’s stumble in Ankara, Turkey’s capital city, made headlines at home. Tinubu stumbled on Tuesday during a welcome ceremony in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, as he walked alongside President Recep Erdogan. In a tweet on Wednesday, Dabiri-Erewa who was also in Ankara, said officials were “shocked to learn that it was an issue in Nigerian media / blogs”. “One of them described it as ‘silly and mischievous’, and reiterated how their country was excited about the incredible success of the visit by @officialABAT which is all over their media here,” she wrote. But Tinubu’s stumble also made Turkish news, including coverage by Anadolu Ajansı (AA), the state-run news agency that functions much like a wire service.

 ₦5bn World Bank–Ogun Investment Boosts Women Empowerment, Power Sector Reforms — Abiodun Governor Dapo Abiodun says the Ogun State Government and the World Bank have jointly invested over ₦5 billion in women-focused empowerment and livelihood programmes over the past six years, mainly through the Nigeria for Women Project and the state’s Oko’Owo Dapo scheme. He disclosed that about ₦3 billion came from the World Bank and ₦2 billion from the state, with over 55,000 women empowered so far across Ogun State. The governor noted that the initiatives have strengthened financial inclusion, leadership capacity, and household resilience, while also highlighting the impact of OGCARES and OGSTEP in post-COVID recovery, skills development, agriculture, and land reforms. He added that under RAAMP, about 209km of rural roads are being upgraded to improve farm-to-market access. Abiodun also announced that Ogun State will soon commission its Electricity Distribution Company, alongside new Indepen...

Delta launches custom plane to transport Team USA to 2026 Winter Games     Delta Air Lines has revealed a custom Airbus A350 designed to transport Team USA athletes, families, and fans to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. The aircraft was unveiled at Delta’s TechOps hangar in Atlanta, highlighting the airline’s ongoing role as the official carrier for Team USA. Three-time Paralympian and Delta ambassador Amy Purdy attended the event, calling the Olympics “a powerful symbol” that unites the world and showcases resilience. Purdy, who has competed in three Paralympic Games as a snowboarder and took part in the Rio Opening Ceremony, plans to travel to Italy to support Team USA. The A350 sports a new livery, Delta’s first major aircraft redesign in over 30 years, which took four years to complete. Designed by Delta employee Alex Brennon, the exterior features 26 stripes representing the 2026 Games, with flowing lines inspired by the Italian landscape. Delta has previ...

 ‎Every Monday that our markets remain closed, economic activity migrates beyond our borders. Businesses that once thrived in Anambra are relocating to neighbouring states- Rt. Hon. Sir Somtochukwu Nkem Udeze, PhD(‎Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly) ‎Ndi Anambra, it is time to reclaim our Mondays and, with them, our shared economic destiny. ‎ ‎Yesterday at the Anambra State House of Assembly, we undertook a sober and fact-driven assessment of the impact of the recurring Monday sit-at-home across our state. What emerged from that deliberation was deeply troubling and impossible to ignore. The present situation is inflicting severe and avoidable damage on our economy, our livelihoods, and the future of our children. ‎ ‎Every Monday that our markets remain closed and our streets fall silent, economic activity migrates beyond our borders. Businesses that once thrived in Anambra are relocating to neighbouring states, while our traders, artisans, transporters, and daily wage earne...

 Governor Otti's administration has requested the Federal Ministry of Works to map out a strategy that will compel the contractors handling the rehabilitation of two major federal roads in Abia state to return to site immediately. This comes as the motorists and commuters plying the roads have made passionate pleas to both the Federal and Abia State governments to ensure the completion of the road projects before the rainy season, describing the level of dilapidation of roads as horrific. The roads are the 16.3km Aba – Owerri Road – NNPC Depot Way, and the 20.7km Achingali-Obizi Umunwanwa Road, both which connect Abia and Imo States through Isiala Ngwa South and Umuahia South LGAs. Governor Alex Otti of Abia State who made the call while meeting with Chief Tony Chukwu, the chief executive of Roudo Nigeria Ltd and Boliv Nigeria Ltd, the two firms handling the projects to find out the level of work going on, said that the Federal Government should, through the Ministry of Works, ensu...

 Governor Soludo Meets With Markets' Leadership In Anambra, assures adequate Security Architecture Across Markets Markets and shops across Anambra state will open Mondays and every work day, going forward. This formed part of highpoints of an interactive session between Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the leadership of markets across Anambra state, following the closure of the Onitsha Main market. According to the Governor who convened another meeting between himself and Onitsha main market traders, they will have to choose from two options he brought to the table, including leveling the who place to erect a new market or modernizing the market,  The Governor assured to work out adequate security measures in Anambra markets, without exception to main market, to keep traders and their customers safe, especially on Mondays. While narrating the efforts he made since the struggle, the Governor who insisted that the sit-at-home was no longer as a result of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu's detention...

 House of Representatives Passes 58.47 Trillion Naira 2026 Appropriation Bill For Second Reading  The 2026 Appropriation Bill of Fifty Eight Point Four Seven Trillion Naira has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.  The progress of the money bill followed a lead debate on the budget proposals by House Majority Leader Julius Ihonbvere which was unanimously adopted without dissension.  The majority leader urged other lawmakers to support the passage of the budget which prioritizes defence and security, and infrastructural development.  ‎ National Assembly Correspondent Mitaire Ikpen reports that ‎Thursday's plenary began with a valedictory session in honour of the outgoing Clerk of the House, Yahaya Danzaria, with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen commending Danzaria's career of devoted service to the stability, integrity and continuity of Nigeria’s parliament and democracy in general

 EFCC Arraigns BFI Group Corporation, Six others for Alleged €100m Fraud The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  on Thursday, January 29, 2026 arraigned BFI Group Corporation, Reuben M. Jaja, Uzor Chidi Jerry, David Femi James, Imeobong Jumbo Udom, Adeola Edward and Emeka Emmanuel Okorie before Justice M.S Idris of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  High Court, Jabi, Abuja for alleged fraud to the tune of €100 million (One Hundred Million Euros).   They were arraigned on a five-count amended charge bordering on fraud, conspiracy and false pretence.  At Thursday’s  proceedings, prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN drew the attention of the court to an amended charge, dated January, 27, 2026 and filed the same date, asking the court that the same charge be read to the defendants to enable them take their plea. Count one reads: “That you, BFI GROUP CORPORATION, REUBEN  M. JAJA, UZOR CHIDI JERRY, DAVID FEMI JAMES, IMEOBONG JU...

 Gov. Uba Sani Provides Medical Support For Kurmin Wali Attack Victims, Pledges Rescue Of Abductees Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has fulfilled his commitment to victims of the recent kidnapping attack in Kurmin Wali community, ensuring that those injured are receiving full medical attention at the expense of the state government, while efforts continue to secure the release of persons still in captivity. At least eleven residents, including women, children, and men, sustained varying degrees of injuries during the attack. Following an earlier visit to the community, Governor Sani directed that all injured victims be provided with prompt and comprehensive medical care, reaffirming his administration’s support for the affected families. The governor has also intensified collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of those abducted during the incident.  Government sources disclosed that Governor Sani is personally monitoring the situation and has...

 More than 9.5 million people internally displaced in Sudan due to war: UNICEF The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Thursday that Sudan has become the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, with an estimated 9.5 million people uprooted across 18 states during the ongoing civil war. “For nearly three years, Sudanese children have endured a deepening humanitarian emergency driven by violence, displacement, disease and widespread hunger,” the agency said in a statement, Anadolu Agency reported. UNICEF said it continues to operate on the ground with partners to deliver life-saving services to children and families affected by the crisis, including health and nutrition care, access to safe water, psychosocial support and education. However, the agency warned that the crisis in Sudan remains severely under-reported and critically underfunded, limiting the ability of humanitarian actors to respond to growing needs. Children are the most affected UNICEF stressed that children are...

 APC Governors Call for Transparent Congresses and Convention Ahead of Party Activities The Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged transparent, consistent, and accountable management of the party’s upcoming ward, local government, state, zonal congresses, and national convention. The call was made by the Forum’s Chairman and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, while presenting a communiqué at the end of a high-level meeting held Wednesday at the Imo State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. The session included members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), led by National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda. Governor Uzodimma emphasized that these standards must be applied uniformly across all states, including those where the APC currently has no governors. He stressed that transparency, consistency, and accountability at every stage are essential to building trust and credibility within the party. “The PGF reaffirmed its unw...

 FG has provided cash transfers to over 34 million vulnerable Nigerians — Minister The Federal Government has so far provided conditional cash transfers to more than 34 million vulnerable Nigerians as part of its ongoing efforts to cushion the effects of economic hardship and reduce poverty across the country. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, announced the figure on Thursday during the maiden edition of the National Council on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction held in Calabar. According to the minister, the intervention demonstrates the Federal Government’s firm commitment to lifting millions out of poverty through coordinated, inclusive, and data-driven humanitarian programmes. He revealed that the government is targeting 50 million beneficiaries before the end of the year, describing social protection as a central pillar of the Tinubu administration’s poverty reduction strategy. “The Federal Government has so far provided condition...

 Ethiopia suspends Tigray flights as clashes spark fears of renewed war Ethiopian Airlines has cancelled flights to the northern territory of Tigray, and residents were trying to withdraw cash from banks after clashes between regional and national forces raised fears of renewed conflict. "As of today, all flights have been cancelled," the official for Ethiopia's national carrier said on Thursday, without giving a reason. The renewed tensions risk a return to conflict in the volatile region, which around three years ago emerged from a brutal war between Ethiopian federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) that killed at least 600,000 people between November 2020 and November 2022, according to the African Union — a toll some experts say is understated. Hostilities broke out in recent days in Tsemlet, western Tigray, an area claimed by forces from the neighbouring Amhara region who have refused to withdraw despite a peace agreement signed in Pretoria...

 Ghana rewrites mining laws to secure larger share of gold revenues Ghana is preparing to overhaul its mining laws to secure a bigger share of revenues from soaring gold prices, with authorities saying the current framework no longer reflects market realities or national interests. “What we have since 2014 is a policy that has not been reviewed,” Isaac Andrews Tandoh, acting chief executive officer of the Minerals Commission, told AFP. “We had to do something to bridge this gap.” The planned reforms would revise a mining code that regulators say offers foreign mining companies favourable tax and royalty terms, leaving the state with a limited stake in a sector that remains central to Ghana’s economy. The west African nation says it is seeking tighter control over its natural resources as global demand for gold and other critical minerals continues to rise, following similar moves by countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and Tanzania. Climbing gold prices Gold p...

 HUSBAND ALLEGEDLY KILLS WIFE IN KEBBI, NABBED IN SOKOTO WHILE ON THE RUN 29th January, 2026      A middle-aged man, Sule Gurmu, has been arrested for allegedly killing his wife, Umaima Maidawa, in Bayawa town, Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State, in a case that has sparked outrage and fear across the community. The incident, Benue Info-pedia gathered, occurred in the early hours of Wednesday following a heated domestic dispute between the couple. Confirming the development, the Chairman of Augie Local Government Area, Hon. Yahaya Muhammad Augie, said he promptly mobilised security operatives to the scene upon receiving the distress report. Describing the incident as “shocking and totally unacceptable,” the council boss said no justification exists for taking a human life, particularly within the family setting. After allegedly committing the act, the suspect reportedly fled Kebbi State to Sokoto in an attempt to evade arrest.  However, he was later track...

 PRIVATE SCHOOL OWNERS GIVE BENUE GOVT ONE-WEEK ULTIMATUM OVER 'ILLEGAL' LEVIES  29th January, 2026    The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Benue State Chapter, has issued a one-week ultimatum to the Benue State Government to reverse what it described as exorbitant and illegal levies imposed on private schools across the state. The association warned that failure by the government to address its demands within the stipulated period would result in a total and comprehensive shutdown of all private schools in Benue State. NAPPS said the levies have placed unbearable financial pressure on school proprietors and threaten the sustainability of private education in the state. It called on the government to act urgently to avert disruption of academic activities and hardship for parents and students. More photos below. 

 11 killed in South Africa minibus-truck crash, days after similar accident killed 14 children  A collision between a minibus taxi and a truck in South Africa killed at least 11 people on Thursday, officials said, coming just days after a similar crash claimed the lives of 14 schoolchildren. The crash occurred near Durban in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Provincial transport official Siboniso Duma said preliminary reports indicate that 11 people, including a schoolchild, died at the scene. Witnesses alleged that the truck driver made a U-turn, causing a head-on collision. ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson confirmed the fatalities and said several others were critically injured, including the minibus driver, who was trapped in the wreckage. The deadly accident follows a Jan. 19 crash near Johannesburg, in which a minibus transporting schoolchildren collided with a truck. The 22-year-old minibus driver was arrested and initially charged with a manslaughter-type offense;...

 Sabalenka reaches fourth consecutive Australian Open final, set to face Rybakina again  Not even a point penalty for hindrance slowed Aryna Sabalenka as she advanced to her fourth consecutive Australian Open final. The world No. 1 overpowered Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 on Thursday, moving within one win of a third Australian Open title in four years. Sabalenka will face a rematch of the 2023 final against Elena Rybakina, who defeated No. 6 seed Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-6 (7) in the other semifinal. Rybakina’s semifinal was tense until the end. She missed three match points on Pegula’s serve and was broken twice while serving for the match. Pegula had two set points in the tiebreaker but could not convert, and Rybakina finally sealed the victory 29 minutes after her first match point. “Really, really stressful,” Rybakina said, recalling the mental challenge of holding off Pegula. Sabalenka’s win over Svitolina was more straightforward. She hit 29 winners to 12 for her Ukrainian opp...

 Saudi and Israeli officials meet in DC to discuss potential US action against Iran  Senior defense and intelligence officials from Israel and Saudi Arabia are in Washington, D.C., for talks with the Trump administration focused on Iran as the president weighs potential military action. The meetings come amid a U.S. military buildup in the Gulf, with the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier already deployed, signaling heightened preparations for a possible strike. Israeli officials, including military intelligence chief Gen. Shlomi Binder, met with Pentagon, CIA, and White House leaders to provide intelligence on potential targets inside Iran. Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is also in D.C. for discussions at the Pentagon, State Department, and White House, aiming to address regional security concerns and explore ways to avoid conflict. While Trump has warned that any strikes could be “far worse” than previous actions, aides say he remains open to diplomatic op...

AGN Dedicates Nollywood City to Junior Pope, Allocates Plots to Actor’s Sons The Actors Guild of Nigeria has unveiled Junior Pope Nollywood City in Enugu State to honour late actor Junior Pope. The project includes 150 plots of land, with three plots allocated to his sons, and will house a creative hub and AGN offices. The initiative underscores AGN’s commitment to member welfare and preserving the actor’s legacy. More photos below. 

Sicilian landslide forces 1,500 residents to evacuate as homes hang on cliff edge      Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni visited the Sicilian town of Niscemi on Wednesday after a massive landslide, triggered by days of heavy rains from Cyclone Harry, left homes teetering on a cliff and forced the evacuation of over 1,500 residents. The landslide stretched about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles), with images showing cars and buildings plunged 20 meters down the newly formed cliff, while many other houses remain dangerously perched at the edge. Civil protection teams established a 150-meter “no-go zone” around the most unstable areas near the town, which lies just inland from Gela. Officials warned that the waterlogged, shifting ground makes returning unsafe, and long-term relocation may be necessary for families affected. Sicily’s regional authorities estimate damages across the island at 2 billion euros, while the federal government declared a state of emergency for three southern re...

 Athens, PA, woman taken into custody after domestic altercation involving knife.     Athens woman was arrested Monday after a domestic dispute in which police say a man was cut on the hand with a knife. Donan Rae Sherman, 40, faces charges of two counts of second-degree simple assault and one count of first-degree terroristic threats, according to an Athens Township Police Department affidavit. Police responded around 1:20 a.m. Monday, to a home in Athens Township after receiving a report of an ongoing domestic incident. The male victim told officers that Sherman had threatened to kill him while holding a kitchen knife and had poked him in the hand, causing a small cut. He declined medical treatment. Sherman told police the dispute began over a cell phone the man refused to return. She admitted to making threatening statements and holding a knife, but said it was in self-defense, claiming the man had previously been violent and had tried to take the knife from her, ...

 Justin Bieber set to perform at Grammy Awards  Justin Bieber is set to perform at the Grammy Awards this weekend, marking his first appearance on the ceremony’s stage since the 64th Grammys in 2022. The singer, who has kept public performances limited during his break between Justice and Swag, is nominated for four awards this year, including album of the year for Swag, best pop vocal performance, best pop vocal album, and best R&B performance. Bieber is also scheduled to headline Coachella this April, with tickets selling out rapidly after going on sale last fall. The Academy previously confirmed performances from Sabrina Carpenter, Clipse, and Pharrell Williams, along with a special segment featuring all eight nominees for best new artist: Addison Rae, Alex Warren, Katsete, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, Sombr, and The Marías. Additional performers are expected to be announced in the coming days. The awards will air live this Sunday on CBS and Paramount+, startin...