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  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cited financial constraints as the reason for delaying by-elections across Nigeria, including the one to replace the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. Since June 2023, 23 vacancies have emerged in various constituencies due to deaths or resignations of lawmakers who took executive positions. INEC conducted nine by-elections in 2024, but 14 more vacancies have been recorded, posing an ongoing challenge. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, stated that several by-elections are pending, but no date has been fixed due to lack of funds. The commission has approached the National Assembly for additional financial support. INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu emphasized that the commission requires around N126bn to fund its activities for 2025 and prepare for the 2027 general elections. However, the proposed N40bn budget by President Bola Tinubu is inadequate, considering the need to cover increased salaries and all...

Education Ministry Denies Reports on Scrapping JSS, SSS The Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed claims that the government has scrapped the Junior and Senior Secondary School (JSS and SSS) system, clarifying that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, only proposed a 12-year basic education system. In a statement on Friday, the ministry, through its Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo, described reports of an immediate policy change as inaccurate, stating that the proposal is still under review by the National Council on Education (NCE). “At the Extraordinary National Council on Education Meeting held on February 6, 2025, in Abuja, the Minister of Education presented a proposal for discussion—not an immediate policy change. The proposed reform seeks to introduce 12 years of compulsory education while maintaining the 6-3-3 structure,” the statement read. The ministry further explained that one key aspect of the proposal is to remove the examination barrier between JSS and ...

Former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has made a surprising career pivot by joining Nollywood, Nigeria's thriving film industry. This move comes just a few months after her departure from the cabinet, following a reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu in October 2024. Kennedy-Ohanenye, a trailblazer in politics, was appointed as minister in August 2023 but was removed from her position alongside four others. Now, the 51-year-old politician, lawyer, and entrepreneur is exploring her creative side. To announce her acting career, Kennedy-Ohanenye shared a video of her latest project on her X handle, giving her followers a glimpse into her new venture. Her caption, "HATRED," has piqued the interest of many, leaving them wondering what to expect from her upcoming projects. Kennedy-Ohanenye has been a pioneer for women in leadership, joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015 and making history as the party's first female presidential aspirant in 2023...

  A massive asteroid, estimated to be around 300ft (90 meters) in diameter, is currently hurtling towards Earth, with astronomers warning of a significantly increased risk of impact by 2032. According to NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), the chances of the asteroid, designated 2024 YR, striking Earth on December 22, 2032, have risen to 2.3%, or a 1-in-43 chance. This updated assessment represents a substantial increase from the European Space Agency's (ESA) previous estimate of 1.3% just a year ago. While the likelihood of impact remains relatively low, astronomers are closely monitoring the situation. The asteroid's size is comparable to the Tunguska asteroid, which devastated a vast area of remote Siberian forest in 1908. However, astronomers are urging calm, emphasizing that the probability of the asteroid passing by without incident is approximately 99%. The asteroid was first spotted by NASA-funded skywatchers using a telescope in Chile just before t...

  Major General Christopher Jemitola, a former Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, has passed away after collapsing at the IBB Golf Course in Abuja on Thursday. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival, according to sources close to his family. Jemitola had a distinguished military career, serving as the Corp Commander Nigerian Army Signals, Nigeria's Defence Adviser to Brazil, and Director of Army Public Relations. He also held the position of Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) in the Nigerian Army before his retirement. Originally from Ososo in Akoko Edo Local government area of Edo State, Jemitola served as Obasanjo's ADC from 2003 to 2007, during which time he held the rank of colonel. His military background and experience made him a trusted and respected figure in Nigerian politics and military circles.

  Reps Call on FG to Provide Aid for Niger State Explosion Victims The House of Representatives has urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Ministry of Humanitarian and Social Development to swiftly provide relief materials to victims of a fuel tanker explosion in Niger State. The tragic incident, reportedly caused by overspeeding and a dangerous road curve, claimed multiple lives. The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Adamu Tanko, who expressed concern over the devastation caused by the explosion. Beyond providing relief, the House also called for the formation of an ad hoc committee to investigate the causes of such accidents and propose preventive measures. Additionally, lawmakers urged the Nigeria Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intensify awareness campaigns for tanker drivers to prevent similar incidents. The House also deliberated on the rising cases of gas explosions across the country, following a...

  BENUE POLICE ARREST RELATIVE, NATIVE DOCTOR IN EMMANUEL YAJI KIDNAP CASE 7th February, 2025    The Benue State Police Command has said it has arrested more suspects in connection with the kidnap of Mr. Emmanuel Yaji in Vandeikya Local Government Area (LGA) last year. The arrested suspects include the victim’s relative and a native doctor who aided their operation. Yaji is the President-General of Kunav United Development Association (KUDA), the umbrella organisation of the Kunav people from Vandeikya Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. He was kidnapped at his hometown, Tsar Mbaduku, Vandeikya LGA of the state, at about 9 to 10 pm on December 30, 2024. Confirming the new arrests in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Steve Yabanet, said the suspects have already confessed to the crime. The statement read, “You may recall that on 30/12/2024, a case of kidnappi...