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 🇬🇧🇳🇬 The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty The King to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom from Wednesday, 18th March to Thursday, 19th March 2026. The King and Queen will host the State Visit at Windsor Castle. - The message reads on their official website. 

 FRSC PREVENTS MAJOR DISASTER OF A FALLEN FUEL TANKER IN KADUNA Personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kaduna Sector general operation area, has successfully averted a major disaster following a lone tanker crash that occurred at NEPA Roundabout along Ahmadu Bello Way, Kaduna, in the early hours of Sunday, 8th February, 2026. In a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Segun Ogungbemide, the Kaduna Sector Command had received a distress call reporting a fallen fuel tanker at the location and upon arrival, FRSC personnel promptly secured the area by closing all roads leading to the crashed tanker to prevent secondary crashes and possible fire outbreak.  Traffic diversion was swiftly put in place to ensure seamless vehicular movement and minimise congestion within the metropolis.

 Zimbabwean to appear in Makhado court after woman stabbed in Tshikota Village A 22-year-old Zimbabwean national is expected to appear before the Makhado Magistrate’s Court on 9 February 2026 on a charge of attempted murder. Police allege he stabbed and seriously injured a 39-year-old woman during a late-night confrontation in Tshikota Village on 7 February. Community members apprehended and assaulted the suspect before police intervened and transported both parties to hospital. The suspect was later arrested. The case continues in the Makhado Magistrate’s Court.

 Former Police Sergeant Jailed for Stealing Evidence A former police sergeant is heading to prison after stealing evidence from a crime scene. Leonard Madikana Maraka, 51, was found guilty in the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court of theft and defeating the administration of justice. He received 12 months of direct imprisonment and was declared unfit to possess a firearm. The court heard that on 15 March 2024, Maraka was on crime prevention duty in Haenertsburg when officers chased a suspicious vehicle to Makgeng village in the Mankweng policing area. The driver fled, leaving behind chainsaws suspected to be stolen. Police booked the recovered items into the SAPS 13 register. Maraka then stole two chainsaws and sold them for personal gain. The items were later recovered, and the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit opened a case. After several court appearances, the matter concluded on Friday, 6 February 2026, with a direct prison sentence.

 UNIZIK declares state of emergency on infrastructure at Nnewi College of Health Sciences In a bold move towards translating vision into action, the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University has declared a State of Emergency on infrastructural upgrade and facilities at the University College of Health Sciences located at Okofia, Nnewi, Anambra State. Rising from a two-day Council Meeting and facility tour of the College in Nnewi, and Neni, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Barr. Olugbenga Kukoyi gave the immediate approval for the rapid infrastructural development of the College of Health Sciences. Leading other members of the Council and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bond Ugochukwu Anyaehie , to the 2nd Induction/ oath taking ceremony of the Department of Anatomy, the Pro-Chancellor, declared a State of Emergency on infrastructural development of the campus. He informed the students that they are searching for more spaces to build Students hostels while the ones alread...

 When I was governor of Anambra, Anambra was the first state in Nigeria to introduce the use of hydrofoam blocks and technology to promote affordable and sustainable construction.- Mr Peter Obi ‎The former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi visited St. John Bosco Group of Schools on Friday 6th February. He  interacted  with the students of the school and also made a token donation of ₦5 million to support the school’s educational and technical development. ‎ ‎Obi Maintained that Education remains the most critical investment any society can make, and institutions that are shaping young minds deserve strong encouragement and support. ‎ ‎Obi reminded the students that the basic education they are receiving is the most important foundation they will ever have and stated that one of his biggest passions is to child from humble can grow into greatness  ‎ ‎"One of my deepest passions is to help build a country where children from humble backgrounds—the sons and daught...

 "Governor Soludo has promised to compensate all the people affected by the ongoing project in Ndikelionwu, so if you have not written your name, go and do that before Monday 9th Feb. -Hon. Fabian Nwosu Ezeogo Ndikelionwu Hon. Fabian nwosu, the Ezeogo of Ndikelionwu village, has reminded the people of Ndikelionwu of the ongoing registration of people affected by the ongoing project by the Anambra State government.  He highlighted that the reason behind the registration is because Governor Soludo has promised to compensate all the people their farm has been affected by the ongoing project.  He pleaded on the people to promptly adhere to the instruction as there might be no room again after Monday 9th Feb.  According to him, other villages including Omogho and Awgbu have already gone a long way in compiling the list and their own should not be different. He further eulogized governor Soludo for bringing such an amazing project to their communities noting it has been lo...

 Governor Soludo inspects the construction of Solution Innovation District(SID), says the project will be Commissioned Soon Anambra State has officially commenced the transformation of the old Government House into the permanent site for the Solution Innovation District (SID).  Spanning 12 to 13 hectares, the massive tech hub is being designed to rival the infrastructure and output of Silicon Valley, a significant shift in the state’s urban landscape. According to Governor Chukwuma Soludo who embarked on on the-spot inspection, the ambitious project aligns with the administration’s core philosophy of "Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere." The Governor stated that by centralizing innovation within a dedicated physical space, the government aims to integrate digital solutions into every facet of the local economy and governance, stating that construction is currently in its first phase, with a high-intensity work schedule aimed at finishing initial structures within t...

 When Governor Soludo was campaigning for re-election, our borehole in Onitsha was working, now he has won the Election and the Taps have suddenly tried up- Actress Rita Edochie Nollywood Actress, Rita Edochie has called out Anambra state governor, Prof Charles Soludo, over the unavailability of pipeborne water in the state.  In a recent post she shared on Instagram, Rita mentioned that during the campaign for Governor Soludo's re-election,  pipeborne water in Onitsha was working effectively. However, as soon as he won the election, the water stopped flowing. She wrote "IN ANAMBRA STATE , DURING THE LAST CAMPAIGN THAT BROUGHT BACK THE INCUMBENT , PROFESSOR CHARLES SOLUDO , WE WERE ENJOYING PIPE BOURNE WATER , IT HELPED TO EASE OFF THE SUFFERINGS OF THE RESIDENCE OF ONITSHA WHO BEFORE THEN WERE RELYING ON THE SERVICES OF WATER BOREHOLE SUPPLIERS . TODAY WE ARE BACK TO SQUARE ONE , THE TAPS ARE DRIED UP, THE CAMPAIGN SONGS AND PROMISES ARE GONE WITH THE WIND , THE RESIDENTS...

 RENEWED HOPE INTERNATIONAL HORSE RACING DERBY: PRESIDENT TINUBU'S HORSE WINS The Renewed Hope International Horse Racing Derby has ended in Daura, Katsina state, with the horse 'Ramadan', owned by President Bola Tinubu, emerging as the overall winner of the tournament. Auwal Halilu reports that the derby attracted competitors from Nigeria, the Republic of Niger, and Burkina Faso, aims at reviving regional ties, promoting unity and cultural exchange, as well as preserving the rich equestrian heritage of the region.

 MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH SALAKO UNVEILS NMA 5 YEARS  STRATEGIC PLAN The Federal Government has reaffirmed that access to quality and affordable healthcare is a fundamental right of every Nigerian, stressing that no citizen should be left behind in the country’s health-care delivery system. The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Izaiaq Salako stated this at the Nigerian Medical Association’s annual lecture series and the launch of its five-year National Strategic Plan. Dr. Salako urged medical professionals across the country to reposition themselves as catalysts for health-system transformation, innovation, and improved service delivery.  The 5-year national strategic plan 2026–2030  marks a major milestone in the professional body’s efforts to reshape the health sector in Nigeria, as it provides a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen medical practice Beyond organisational development.  The strategic plan emphasizes improving the quality of clinical governanc...

 Italian police use tear gas as protests erupt near Winter Olympics hockey arena  Italian police used tear gas and a water cannon on Saturday to disperse a small group of violent protesters who threw firecrackers and tried to access a highway near a Winter Olympics venue. The confrontation occurred at the tail end of a largely peaceful demonstration by thousands opposing the environmental impact of the Games and the presence of U.S. security personnel in Italy. Authorities contained the aggressive protesters, who appeared to be attempting to reach the Santagiulia Olympic ice hockey rink, while the main body of the march, which included families and students, had already dispersed. Earlier, masked demonstrators set off smoke bombs and firecrackers on a bridge near a construction site about half a mile from the Olympic Village, which houses roughly 1,500 athletes. Roads leading to the village were secured by police vans and temporary fencing, but the protest veered toward the ho...

 Four killed, three undergo liver transplants after consuming death cap mushrooms in California     Four people have died, and three others have required liver transplants after consuming death cap mushrooms in California, health officials reported. The highly toxic fungi, which have flourished this year following a rainy winter, are easily mistaken for edible varieties, prompting the California Department of Public Health to warn residents against foraging altogether. Since November 18, more than three dozen cases of death cap poisoning have been documented, including the four fatalities and three transplants. Victims have ranged in age from 19 months to 67 years old, and many experienced rapid-onset liver injury, liver failure, and required intensive care. The death cap contains amatoxins, potent compounds responsible for 90% of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide. Experts say the mushrooms are appearing in city parks, forests, and often near oak trees. Warm fall t...

Man drives vehicle into pedestrians outside grocery store in California mountain town, injuring four    A driver intentionally rammed his vehicle into pedestrians at the entrance of a grocery store in the California mountain town of Truckee on Saturday afternoon, injuring four people, including children. Police said the 49-year-old man drove into the front of the Safeway store, striking people gathered near the entrance. None of the injuries was considered life-threatening. Authorities said the driver, who is from Coalinga in the San Joaquin Valley, is believed to have deliberately targeted both the pedestrians and the store itself. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as screams erupted and shoppers rushed outside to help those who had been hit. One shopper, Scotty Mathewson, said he was inside the store with his wife when he heard a loud crash followed by panicked yelling. As his wife called 911, he ran outside to help check whether anyone was trapped beneath the debris or th...

 Sanae Takaichi projected to win snap election in Japan by a wide margin, exit polls indicate Japan’s conservative Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has secured a landslide victory in a high-stakes snap election, according to exit polls. Takaichi, who became leader of the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in October, is projected to win between 274 and 326 of the 465 seats in the lower house. Her party surpassed the 233-seat threshold needed for a majority by Sunday evening local time, with the LDP and its coalition partner Ishin expected to capture a combined 302-366 seats amid historically cold winter voter turnout. The far-right Sanseito party, which campaigned on a “Japanese First” platform, may increase its representation to 14 seats, falling short of its 30-seat goal. Takaichi’s decision to call a snap election surprised both her party and the opposition, but her gamble, aided by enthusiasm from younger voters dubbed “Sanamania,” has paid off. Japan’s first female prime mi...

 Taylor Swift releases new music video on Spotify Premium and Apple Music  Taylor Swift released the music video for her song “Opalite” on Spotify Premium and Apple Music on Friday, ahead of its official YouTube debut on Sunday. The video opens with a woman sitting beside a trash can in a tongue-in-cheek infomercial for a fictional product called “Opalite.” A narrator explains, “Introducing ‘Opalite,’ the revolutionary fix for your problems. Just one spray and ‘Opalite’ completely transforms your problems into your paradise. Using our state-of-the-art chemical potion, it works on friendships, couples, pets, and co-workers.” The star-studded video features Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith, Domhnall Gleeson, Lewis Capaldi, Graham Norton, and includes an image of Cillian Murphy. Swift shared the inspiration behind the video on social media, recalling how the idea came to her while promoting The Life of a Showgirl and appearing on The Graham Norton Show with Murphy, Gleeson, Lee, Tur...

 U.S to provide $6M in aid to Cuba  The U.S. State Department announced it will send an additional $6 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba, as the island continues to grapple with worsening conditions following Hurricane Melissa in October. The Category 4 hurricane caused widespread destruction, including toppled roofs, blocked mountain roads, and damaged homes, leaving the country in urgent need of relief. A December report by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies described the situation as “severe.” The aid, which follows an earlier $3 million shipment in the wake of the hurricane, will consist of pre-packaged supplies delivered through local Catholic Church representatives in Miami. The State Department said this approach ensures that the Cuban government cannot interfere with or divert assistance meant for residents in need. Officials emphasized that the U.S. will hold the Cuban government accountable for any attempts to obstruct the aid. Cuba...

Kid Rock and Lee Brice set to headline alternative Super Bowl halftime show Kid Rock and Lee Brice will headline an alternative Super Bowl Halftime Show Sunday night as the Seattle Seahawks face the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. The All-American Halftime Show, organized by the conservative group Turning Point USA, will also feature performances by Brantley Gilbert and Gabby Barrett. The concert will stream live on TPUSA’s social media platforms and on cable channels Real America’s Voice and TBN at around 8 p.m. ET. During the NBC/Peacock broadcast of the Super Bowl, Grammy-winning artist Bad Bunny will perform separately; he has not confirmed any guest appearances. Kid Rock spoke about the rival halftime event during a recent appearance on FOX & Friends, saying the show aims to entertain an underserved portion of the country. "We're just going to go play for our base — people who love America, love football, love Jesus. And it's pretty much...

 Lagos seals Ladipo market over environmental violations The Lagos State Government has sealed Ladipo Spare Parts Market along the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road (Apapa–Oshodi Expressway) over alleged repeated environmental infractions. The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced this in a post shared on his X handle on Sunday, February 7. He wrote “Lagos State government, this morning, sealed Ladipo Spare Parts Market along Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road (Apapa–Oshodi Expressway) over repeated environmental infractions; indiscriminate refuse disposal on the median/highway and illegal street trading. #ZeroToleranceLagos.” The market has in the past shut down on several occasion of the same environmental infraction. More photos below. 

 Alabama schedules execution for man in auto parts store killing    Alabama has set a March execution date for Charles “Sonny” Burton, 75, who was sentenced to death for his role in a 1991 auto parts store robbery that left customer Doug Battle dead, even though Burton did not fire the fatal shot. Gov. Kay Ivey scheduled the execution for March 12 using nitrogen gas. Burton was convicted as an accomplice, with prosecutors portraying him as the ringleader of the robbery in Talladega, while Derrick DeBruce, the man who actually shot Battle, was originally sentenced to death but later had his sentence reduced to life in prison and has since died in custody. Family members of the victim, jurors, and others urged clemency, arguing it is unfair to execute Burton when the triggerman received a lesser sentence. Burton’s attorney, Matt Schulz, criticized the decision, expressing hope that the governor would intervene before the execution. In her notice to the prison commissioner, ...

 Haiti's transitional council hands power to US-backed PM The Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), Haiti’s governing body, dissolved and appointed Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime as the acting head of the Caribbean nation. A favourite of Washington, the newly designated head of state begins his renewed rule amid severe political and social turmoil following the end of the transitional governing council. The CPT was installed in November 2024 and was intended to bring stability and peace to gang-violence-plagued Haiti through a nine-member governing council and a prime minister. On Saturday, the short-lived political body was dismantled after failing to meet expectations and the needs of the Haitian people, as political instability and gang-related violence continue unabated across the country. Haiti’s domestic criminal organisations have exerted control over the country’s major cities through extreme violence. According to the UN, the Viv Ansanm gang coalition continues to...

 South Africa to withdraw troops from UN mission in DRC South Africa will withdraw its 700 troops deployed under the United Nations' peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the presidency said. Pretoria last year repatriated hundreds of troops deployed under another military mission from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) after 17 of its soldiers were killed in escalating conflict between government forces and the M23 rebel group. President Cyril Ramaphosa informed the UN's secretary-general Antonio Guterres of the South African government's decision to "withdraw its contribution of soldiers", the presidency said in a statement, AFP reported. Realigning resources They were withdrawing their soldiers from the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), the statement added. The decision was influenced by the need to "consolidate and realign the resources of the South African N...

 Ogun to Build ₦1bn AI-Powered Digital Classroom at Remo Secondary School — Abiodun The Ogun State Government is constructing a 900-seater Artificial Intelligence-powered digital classroom complex valued at ₦1 billion at Remo Secondary School (RSS), Sagamu, as part of efforts to deepen technology-driven education in the state. Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this during the school’s 80th anniversary celebration held on the school premises, describing the ultra-modern facility as a major investment aimed at equipping students for the demands of the 21st-century knowledge economy. According to the governor, the digital classroom is part of broader smart-learning initiatives within the school, which already include a resource centre and a fully equipped robotics laboratory designed to promote innovation, creativity, and advanced digital skills. “As a first step in providing continuous support, I am pledging the sum of ₦100 million to this institution. “To underscore my commitment, I w...

Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai to receive sentencing following national security conviction         Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and media mogul Jimmy Lai is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday following his conviction in a high-profile national security case that has drawn global scrutiny and highlighted Beijing’s tightening control over dissent in the territory. Lai, 78, faces the possibility of a life sentence. He is one of China’s most prominent critics and has been a vocal advocate for press freedom in Hong Kong. International human rights groups and foreign governments have criticized the case as politically motivated, warning it signals a shrinking space for free expression in the former British colony, which returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. Advocates for press freedom say the verdict will have far-reaching consequences beyond Lai himself. Lai has spent more than 1,800 days in custody, much of it in solitary confinement, raising concerns about h...

 17-YEAR-OLD SEMINARY STUDENT DECLARED MISSING IN BENUE  8th February, 2026     A 17-year-old final-year student of St. James Junior Seminary, Yandev, Asen Amos Aondosoo, has been declared missing after leaving his family residence on January 15, 2026. Benue Info-pedia gathered that the teenager left home for an unknown destination and has not been seen since. His disappearance has raised concerns among family members and the seminary. Efforts to locate the student have so far proved abortive, prompting his family to appeal to the public for assistance. Anyone with useful information that could lead to his whereabouts is urged to contact his father, Mr. Asen Ngutor Felix, on 0907 087 7464 or 0704 034 0700. The family has also appealed to Nigerians to help circulate the information widely to support ongoing efforts to find the missing student.

 KILLING OF TIV YOUTH SPARKS FRESH SECURITY FEARS IN TARABA  8th February, 2026   The killing of Mr. Stephen Terkaa Terkuma, a Tiv youth who was shot dead while riding a motorcycle from Amadu to Takum, has raised fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. The incident, which occurred along the Amadu–Takum route, has left residents in shock, with fears mounting over the safety of road users and traders in the area. Local sources say the assailants are yet to be identified, as community members lament a rise in violent attacks in recent weeks. Residents are calling on security agencies to intensify patrols and investigations, while urging the Taraba State Government to take urgent measures to restore confidence and ensure the safety of lives and property across the local government area.

 South Sudan activist jailed in US for attempting to export arms for coup A South Sudanese activist living in exile in the United States has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison for attempting to traffic military-grade weapons to his country in order to carry out a coup, US authorities announced. Peter Biar Ajak, a government critic and Harvard-educated economist who has worked for the World Bank, was arrested in March 2024 along with Abraham Chol Keech, a South Sudanese national who had become a US citizen. Ajak had lived in the United States since 2020, having sought asylum after accusing South Sudanese President Salva Kiir of trying to have him killed. Both defendants pleaded guilty to violating laws controlling the export of arms and military equipment, the US Department of Justice said in a statement, Reuters reported. A federal court in Arizona sentenced Ajak to 46 months in prison. Keech was sentenced in December to 41 months in prison. ‘Install himself’ "From a su...

IPOB group cancels sit at home on Nnamdi Kanu’s directive  The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, says it has cancelled its sit at home order across the South East. The group announced the decision in a statement on Saturday, saying it followed a directive from its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu. According to IPOB, Kanu instructed the leadership to suspend the action in the interest of peace and the return of normal economic activities in the region. The group said the move is aimed at easing hardship on residents and allowing businesses, schools and other daily activities to run without disruption. IPOB urged people in the South East to go about their lawful activities. It also reaffirmed its commitment to non violence and peaceful engagement. Watch video below. 

 6th SDD Bayelsa Marathon: Gov. Diri increases prize money+ announces Yenagoa City International Marathon in April Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State today witnessed and presented prizes to winners of the 6th edition of the SDD Bayelsa Marathon race in Yenagoa as part of activities marking the sixth year of his administration. The elite athletes who competed for 10kilometres from Etegwe/Edepie roundabout in the male and female categories were rewarded with N1million, N500,000 and N300,000 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd position respectively. Gang James from Plateau State emerged champions in the men’s category followed by Francis James and Israel Sadjo from Cross River State with 3rd position. In the women’s category, it was a clean sweep for the athletes from Plateau State-  Akusho Lydia Thomas, Vivian Obadiah and Tanko Nvou Jyany coming first, second and third respectively. There was also the teens category for the secondary school students. Governor Diri, who appreciated the or...