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 LAGOS OEQA PRESENTS APPROVAL LETTERS TO 76 PRIVATE SCHOOLS … As Commissioner Charges School Owners to Remain Law-Abiding The Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) has presented approval letters to 76 private schools that met the State Government’s guidelines for the establishment and operation of private educational institutions. The presentation ceremony, which marked Batch 1 of the 2026 approval exercise, was held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Education Resource Centre, Ojodu. Presenting the approval letters to the beneficiaries, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, charged the newly approved school owners to remain law-abiding and strictly adhere to all laws, rules, and directives guiding school operations in Lagos State. The Commissioner urged the proprietors to align their activities with the State Government’s vision of advancing the education sector, adding that schools must always be open to official...

 MINISTER OF HEALTH PATE LAUNCHES EMPOWER ACADEMY NIGERIA The coordinating minister of health and social welfare, prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has  launched empower academy Nigeria in Abuja, a strategic platform to boost skills development and Nigeria's healthcare value chain.  The academy will address the gap in industry-ready professionals training especially in pharmaceutical manufacturing and life sciences, addressing a critical gap in practical skills. Prof. Pate emphasized that  the initiative aligns with president Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision to make Nigeria a manufacturing hub and create quality jobs. The programme is free for qualified Nigerians for the next 2 years which includes classroom learning, lab practice, mentorship, and factory-style training to equip young nigerians with technical skills.

UN SEC. GEN.  COMMISERATES WITH OVER  KWARA ATTACKS The  United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a strong condemnation of a terrorist attack that struck Kwara State in Nigeria leaving scores of people dead. In a statement released by his office, Guterres expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Nigerian people and government.  He also extended  wishes for a swift recovery to those injured in the assault. Reaffirming the UN's unwavering support, the Secretary-General emphasised the organisation's solidarity with Nigeria in its ongoing battle against terrorism and violent extremism.  He underscored the critical need to hold the perpetrators accountable, calling for them to be brought to justice.  UN officials have repeatedly pledged assistance to help strengthen counter-terrorism efforts in West Africa.

 Alleged N738.6m Fraud: Judge Threatens to Revoke Maina’s Bail The trial of Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, continued on Thursday, February 5, 2026 before Justice Abubakar Kutigi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Asokoro with the judge threatening to revoke the defendant’s bail for employing multiple antics to stall his trial. Justice Kutigi’s anger followed the presentation of Maina’s hospital referral in court by the defence lawyer, Mr Achibong and the lawyer’s request for adjournment as a result of the referral, which named no ill health. The judge frowned at the fact that the case has not gathered any momentum in the past four years as result of diverse antics of the defendant to stall his trial, despite all the opportunities being given to him by the court to respond to fraud allegations against him. The judge regretted that Maina’s antics “have stalled proceedings completely,” noting that the last time the defendant was ...

 Trump says he will not get involved in Netflix and Paramount Skydance battle to acquire WBD  President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he will not involve himself in the battle between Netflix and Paramount Skydance to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. “I haven’t been involved,” Trump said, adding that while both sides have reached out to him, he has decided to step aside and let the Justice Department handle the matter. The announcement marks a shift from Trump’s comments in early December, when he suggested he might participate in reviewing the deal. At the time, he expressed concerns about Netflix gaining a large market share if its proposed $72 billion acquisition of WBD, which would include the film studio, HBO, and HBO Max but exclude cable networks like CNN, were approved. Paramount Skydance later launched a competing hostile takeover bid valued at more than $108 billion for all of WBD. Trump noted Wednesday that the two companies are fiercely competing and said, “They’...

Barry Manilow postpones Las Vegas residency dates after lung cancer surgery announcement Singer Barry Manilow provided an update on his health on Wednesday, revealing he is recovering from lung cancer surgery and will postpone his Las Vegas residency dates this month. Manilow had shared in December that a cancerous spot was found on his left lung after he recovered from several weeks of bronchitis. An MRI, ordered as a precaution, revealed the spot that needed surgical removal. On Wednesday, the musician said the procedure went well, and he is now focusing on recovery. "I've been getting exercise and spending some time in the studio, which has been fantastic," Manilow wrote on Instagram. Following his doctor’s advice, he will push back his Westgate Las Vegas residency, originally scheduled for Feb. 12 through Feb. 21, to allow time for healing and to prepare for his upcoming tour, which begins Feb. 27. Manilow had already rescheduled several January tour dates due to reco...

Lee Hamilton, Indiana Democrat and 9/11 Commission vice chair, dies at 94 Former Rep. Lee H. Hamilton, the Indiana Democrat who served as vice chair of the 9/11 Commission and was widely recognized as a leading voice on foreign policy, has died at the age of 94. Hamilton, first elected to Congress in 1964, served 17 terms and remained active after leaving office, holding prominent roles at institutions such as Indiana University’s Center on Representative Government and the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, which he co-names with the late Republican Sen. Richard Lugar. Indiana University President Pamela Whitten praised Hamilton’s lifelong service, saying he profoundly shaped the understanding of democracy, global engagement, and principled leadership, leaving a lasting impact on the nation. Known early on as a moderate and independent-minded legislator, Hamilton in 1965 famously urged President Lyndon B. Johnson to “pause” in the rush to enact Great Society le...

 Argentina seeks extradition of Maduro from the US on charges of crimes against humanity  An Argentine federal judge has requested the extradition of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from the United States so he can face charges of crimes against humanity in Argentina. The request follows Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces last month and his current detention in New York, where he is facing federal charges related to narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. The Argentine case accuses Maduro of directing a brutal crackdown on protesters and political opponents during his presidency, including allegations of torture, arbitrary detention, and enforced disappearances carried out by Venezuelan security and intelligence forces. Victims named in the case include Venezuelans who say they were subjected to severe human rights abuses under Maduro’s rule. The case was filed in Buenos Aires in 2023 by human rights organizations representing those victims and is based on th...

 Elon Musk and State Department employees to be questioned over DOGE’s role in dismantling USAID  A federal judge has ordered Elon Musk and State Department officials to sit for depositions over their involvement in dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development. The ruling comes in a lawsuit brought by anonymous USAID employees who claim officials from Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency acted unlawfully in efforts to weaken the agency. U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang wrote that depositions were necessary because plaintiffs were unable to obtain key information through documents or lower-level officials, whose deposition requests went unanswered. The judge also noted previous findings that Musk made decisions affecting USAID despite lacking formal authority or official approval. USAID, which previously employed about 10,000 staff members, managed roughly $43 billion in aid in fiscal year 2023 and assisted around 130 countries with disaster relief and eco...

 Zambia, Ghana latest African nations to scrap visa for citizens Ghana and Zambia have agreed to implement visa-free travel for citizens of both countries in a landmark deal as Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama visits Lusaka, where he was received by President Hakainde Hichilema, TRT Afrika reported. Mahama’s three-day state visit to Zambia is aimed at deepening diplomatic ties, boosting economic cooperation, and strengthening people-to-people relations. The scrapping of visas for citizens of both countries was one of the key priorities. This is the first-ever such arrangement between Zambia, a country in Southern Africa, and Ghana, which is in West Africa. Ghana is one of five African countries that have offered visa-free entry to all Africans. The other countries where Africans don’t require a visa to enter are Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin. This comes as governments move to ease travel and free trade across the continent, aimed at boosting socio-economic integrat...

 IGP EGBETOKUN ORDERS IMMEDIATE DEPLOYMENT OF TACTICAL AND INTELLIGENCE ASSETS TO KAIAMA, KWARA STATE  ⁃ Assures that perpetrators will be apprehended The Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns the violent attack that occurred on Tuesday, 3rd February, 2026, in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, which has sadly resulted in the confirmed death of seventy-five (75) persons. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Government and people of Kwara State, over this deeply painful and tragic incident. The IGP reassures the public that the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its responsibility to protect lives and property, and will continue to do everything necessary to guarantee the safety and security of all citizens. In response, the Inspector-General of Police has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical, operational, and intelligence assets to Ka...

The Honourable Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs (Dr.) Sule Shu’aibu SAN, joined His Excellency, The Governor of Kaduna State, earlier today to receive and welcome the remaining victims abducted from churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area.  In a major breakthrough for Kaduna State and the Federal Government’s ongoing security efforts, 183 worshippers have been released. 11 of them who were earlier hospitalised have been discharged and reunited with their loved ones. It will be recalled that Senator Uba Sani visited the Kurmin Wali community on January 19, where he commiserated with residents and assured them that his administration would spare no effort to secure the release of the abducted worshippers.  Today’s development is a firm fulfillment of that promise and a clear demonstration of a people-centred government.  Visuals : @Abdallah Yunus Abdallah.  More photos below. 

 Diri Urges Bayelsans To Participate In 6th SDD Marathon Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has flagged off activities for the sixth edition of the SDD Marathon, urging residents of the state to actively take part in the race to promote fitness and healthy living. The 10km (elite runners) and 5km (leisure runners) race will hold on Saturday, February 7, 2026 in Yenagoa, the state capital. Governor Diri made the call on Thursday during the weekly Prosperity Walk at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex after he was presented the official marathon jersey by one of the organisers, Odonkumo Igbeita, on behalf of the organising committee.  He expressed delight that the weekly fitness exercise had resumed after a brief break due to the Yuletide and the demise of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. He said: “Today, we resume from our weekly Prosperity Walk break. The crowd might not be as we expected, but I believe that as we continue, more people will join from next wee...

 The quality of people taking up public offices in Nigeria have been very disappointing— prof. Pat. Utomi Renowned political economist and founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), Prof. Pat Utomi, has expressed deep concern over the quality of leadership in Nigeria, saying the country has suffered painful disappointments from many individuals entrusted with public office. In an interview with Arise TV at his 70th birthday media chat, Utomi lamented that self-interest has increasingly overtaken genuine concern for the people, noting that this trend has undermined the true purpose of public service.  According to him, public office should be anchored on sacrifice and a commitment to the collective good, not personal enrichment or ego. “The ultimate reason for public life should be giving yourself for the common good of all,” Utomi said, stressing that leadership separated from values inevitably fails society. The CVL founder emphasized the need for values-driven lea...

 Anambra State Government set to convert Agulu lake Into a beach and also train 100 Anambra Youth in Filmmaking and entertainment. In an interview with the Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, tourism and entertainment, Hon Don Onyenji, he revealed that Anambra state government through the ministry of culture and tourism is currently fencing Agulu lake to convert it into a beach. He also mentioned that the ministry is also planning to train 100 Anambra Youths in Filmmaking and entertainment, Hon Don Onyenji maintained that all this will be achieved in this second tenure of Governor Soludo.

 Former VP Atiku, Condemns Senate’s Rejection of Real-Time Electronic Transmission of election Results. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised the Nigerian Senate’s decision to reject real-time electronic transmission of election results, describing it as a deliberate assault on electoral transparency and democratic credibility. In a statement he released on social media today, Atiku said the move represents a major setback for electoral reform and shows a clear reluctance by the political establishment to subject elections to public scrutiny.  He argued that electronic transmission of results is a non-partisan democratic safeguard that reduces manipulation, limits human interference, and ensures voters’ choices at polling units are accurately reflected in final outcomes. He warned that rejecting the reform raises serious concerns about the commitment of those in power to free and fair elections ahead of 2027, noting a recurring pattern where transparency...

 President General of  Anambra Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) , Assures Anambra Govt that all markets in Idemili Zone will now be open on Mondays  During a crucial meeting on Wednesday with market leaders from the Idemili Zone at the office of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) in Onitsha, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba (Obannabuenyi), expressed concern that some markets in Idemili zone remained closed last Monday despite repeated warnings by the Prof. Chukwuma Soludo-led administration. Chief Uba warned that any market found closed on Monday would be sealed for two weeks, stressing that the state government would not hesitate to enforce its directive.  He noted that if such action could be taken against the Main Market, no other market would be exempt from similar sanctions. According to him, beyond the temporary closure of markets, the executive of any market or specific ...

 Factories, Companies and business operators in Awka will pay a fine of N300,00, if their environment is found dirty -Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has directed factories, companies and business operators within the capital territory to maintain a clean and safe environment around their premises or face sanctions. The directive, issued by ACTDA Environmental Officer, Mr. Jude Nworah, on behalf of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Dr. Ossy Onuko, stated that operators are required to regularly cut and clear grasses within and around their premises, provide waste bins and ensure proper refuse disposal. ACTDA announced that its enforcement team will commence routine inspections from February 15, 2026, warning that defaulters will be sanctioned with a fine of N300,000 or face legal prosecution. Nworah said the inspection exercise will cover factories, companies and other bu...

 "Igwe Nwokedi must Go" Achalla Community Protests Farmland Insecurity, Calls for Removal of Traditional Ruler. Residents of Achalla in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State have protested rising insecurity in their farmlands, calling on the state government to withdraw the certificate of recognition of their traditional ruler, Igwe Ositadimma Nwokedi.  The protesters alleged misappropriation of security funds, promotion of touting, drug abuse and cultism among youths, and the use of such elements to oppress community members. Led by the Vice President General of Achalla, Mr. Uchenna Nnakwue, the protesters said some residents are missing and farmers now fear going to their farms. Other speakers, including the Eze Ana of Achalla, Mr. Ezewulu Mmaduabueze, youth representative Nwafor Nwanekwe, and women’s representative Mrs. Elizabeth Onwukobi, further claimed that Igwe Nwokedi was not duly coronated and has undermined the community’s customs and traditions. Respond...

 Anambra State House Assembly Passes Anti-Corruption Commission Bill into Law. The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a bill seeking to establish the Anambra State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption Commission into law. The bill was passed during plenary on Thursday following the adoption of a resolution after lawmakers considered amendments made at the Committee of the Whole stage. The Majority Leader of the House, Ikenna Ofodeme, moved the motion for the third reading of the bill, which was seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Nobel Igwe. Presiding over the session, the Speaker of the House, Somtochukwu Udeze, commended the joint committee for its diligence and thorough work in fine-tuning the bill ahead of its passage. The Speaker thereafter put the bill to a voice vote, which received unanimous approval from the lawmakers. Udeze announced that the law establishing the Anambra State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption Commissio...

 LAGOS TO MAKE WASTE SORTING AT SOURCE MANDATORY The Lagos State Government is set to make waste sorting at source mandatory as part of a broader strategy to modernise waste management and unlock the economic value embedded in waste. This was made known on Tuesday by the MD/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, while featuring on a TV programme, “The Conversation”, on LTV. He said that the move, which aligned with global best practices, would be backed by a review of the enabling legal framework, currently underway, to provide the necessary regulatory support for compulsory separation of waste at the point of generation. Under the new direction, waste will no longer be treated solely as a disposal challenge but as an economic resource, as the state is strengthening its waste-to-wealth agenda, positioning recycling and material recovery as key drivers of a more efficient and sustainable waste management system. He explained that the new policy direction was in sync with Governor Baba...

 Protecting Critical Assets : Securing Kaduna The Honourable Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, (Dr.) Sule Shu’aibu, SAN, has been briefed by a multi-agency committee on the disturbing cases of vandalism and sabotage of galvanized iron structures beneath River Kaduna - infrastructure classified as critical national and state assets. Following an on-site inspection, the committee revealed the existence of an organized cartel actively damaging these facilities, warning that urgent government intervention is required to prevent a possible collapse with far-reaching consequences for public safety, transportation, and the environment. Dr. Shu’aibu commended the committee for its diligence and proactive investigation. He reaffirmed the Kaduna State Government’s zero-tolerance stance on vandalism, recalling the swift intervention by the government after a distress call over the attempted vandalization of the new Rabbah Road bridge.  The Commissioner assured the comm...