The Obalufe of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Oba Idowu Adediwura, who is the Second-in-Command to Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for executing infrastructural projects in the ancient town. He said the projects have helped preserve the town’s cultural heritage and saved it from global embarrassment. ‎Adediwura, however, said the ongoing N14bn flyover and 17 road projects initiated by the Adeleke’s administration had improved access to cultural centres across the town. ‎According to him, the projects would promote culture and bring honour to Ile-Ife as the origin of the Yoruba race. ‎“I want to commend Governor Adeleke for saving us from global embarrassment through the ongoing flyover project and other township roads.

Ademola Lookman will face Barcelona when Atletico Madrid welcome the Catalan giants to the Metropolitano on Thursday (today) for the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final clash, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The Copa del Rey represents a significant opportunity for Diego Simeone’s side, who secured their semi-final spot emphatically by dismantling Real Betis 5-0 in the quarter-finals, with Lookman scoring on his debut. Lookman has added an attacking edge to Simeone’s side since joining from Atalanta during the winter transfer window. Barcelona, meanwhile, arrive in formidable form, having won their last six matches in all competitions, scoring at least twice in each of those victories. They remain in contention for multiple trophies, having progressed to the Champions League last 16 and eyeing another Copa del Rey final appearance as part of a potential treble charge.

Operatives of the New Juaben South Municipal Police Command in Koforidua, Eastern Region of Ghana, have arrested 13 suspected commercial sex workers, consisting of 12 Nigerians and one Ghanaian, during a special operation targeting prostitution and human trafficking. Further enquiries led officers to a suspected brothel in the same area, resulting in the arrest of 12 additional suspects. So far, about 15 persons, the youngest aged between 15 and 32 years, are in police custody and will be put before the court immediately,” Superintendent Nsiah said. Police said about 15 suspects aged between 15 and 31 are currently in custody and will be arraigned in court after investigations. The suspects, police said, have violated Sections 273, 274, and 277 of the Act, which prohibit prostitution, human trafficking, and brothel operations.

The bill recommends visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act against individuals and entities accused of involvement in religious freedom abuses. Reacting at a press conference heldin Abuja, the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, dismissed any suggestion that Kwankwaso was responsible for religious freedom violations. “In a statement posted on his X handle at the time, Senator Kwankwaso cautioned against what he described as oversimplified characterisations of Nigeria’s internal challenges. Questioning the allegation, the NNPP asked, “But is this enough to accuse Kwankwaso of severe religious freedom violations? Tensions over religious freedom have intensified amid persistent violence in parts of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt.

The Gombe State Police Command on Wednesday announced the successful rescue of a businessman kidnapped in Tingile Village, Birin Fulani area of Nafada Local Government Area. In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said the victim was abducted after a violent attack on his cattle ranch, during which his son was also injured. “On February 11, 2026, at about 3:00 a.m., unknown assailants armed with sticks, cutlasses, and knives invaded the cattle range of Alhaji Adamu Bappah, 48, of Tingile Village via Birin Fulani,” Abdullahi stated. “The victim was safely rescued in the Dawo bush area of Kwani Local Government and taken to the hospital for medical examination before being reunited with his family,” he added. “The command reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents within Gombe State,” Abdullahi said.

Experts and decision-makers from both the public and private sectors will, on Tuesday, 17 February, converge in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to discuss how engineering and planning could help to enhance national security. The discussion at the 12th Waheed Kadiri Lecture Series, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Ogun State Chapter, will focus on the topic ‘Designing a Safer Nigeria: Engineering, Planning and the Fight against Insecurity’. The event is scheduled for 11am at Ogun Pensioners Hall, opposite Waheed Kadiri House, NITP Ogun State Secretariat, off Moshood Abiola Way, Ijeun-Lukosi, Abeokuta. The chairman of the organising committee, Oladunjoye Arowosegbe, said the choice of topic for the lecture series was part of the institute’s contributions towards the development of the country. The annual lecture coincides with his birthday and brings together professionals and dignitaries from far and wide in an atmosphere of professional excellence and community service.

AS the world marks the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism on February 12, Nigeria has no cause for ceremonial speeches. According to local officials, the attackers opened fire randomly, leaving families searching for missing loved ones and entire communities traumatised. On the same day, gunmen stormed Woro and a neighbouring town in Kwara State, massacring about 200 people. On this Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism, Nigeria must move beyond rhetoric. Beyond the killings, violent extremism tramples other fundamental rights: the right to education, worship and free movement.

/Manchester City ramped up the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal by strolling to a 3-0 win over Fulham on Wednesday to cut the gap at the top to three points. Pep Guardiola has sought solutions to his side’s second-half slumps that have cost them precious points in the title race. But the Gunners’ advantage has reduced from nine points to three in four days to give City hope of denying them a first league title in 22 years. The January signings of Semenyo and Marc Guehi have added firepower up front and steel at the back to reignite City’s title charge. Haaland scored his first non-penalty Premier League goal since December 20 when he drilled into the bottom corner from outside the box on 39 minutes.

The Nigeria Customs Service has assured onion farmers and export-focused stakeholders of the service’s commitment to removing non-tariff barriers to boost the onion sector valued at N1.17tn. This is even as the service vowed to tackle operational bottlenecks and work with relevant agencies to create an enabling environment for export trade and boost the N1.17tn onion sector. “So let me assure onion farmers and other export-oriented stakeholders that the NCS will stand solidly behind you. We will remove all known non-tariff barriers and work with other government agencies and stakeholders to create a more facilitating environment for your trade,” Adeniyi said. According to him, while discussions on transit corridors often focus on imports, the engagement with onion exporters presents an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s export narrative and unlock broader economic benefits.

A suspected improvised explosive device detonated early Wednesday at the Bayelsa State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa, prompting an emergency response by security agencies and a temporary disruption of official activities. Following the incident, the Bayelsa State Government ordered a temporary four-hour suspension of work at the secretariat as a precautionary measure, affecting over 6,000 state employees. Security operatives, including anti-bomb units, cordoned off access roads leading to the Secretariat and the Bayelsa State Government House while investigations and safety procedures were carried out. Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah, assured residents that no casualties were recorded and no property was damaged. “The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a suspected IED explosion which occurred today, 11th February 2026, at about 0600hrs within the State Secretariat Complex.

… says tardiness gives terrorists edgeThe Senate on Wednesday cautioned against delay in the implementation of Nigeria’s defence budget. Senator representing Yobe North and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan, expressed concern at a budget defence session where the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, presented the ministry’s 2025 performance review and 2026 budget proposal. Lawan said the Senate is ever willing to partner with the executive in ensuring that the needs of the Armed Forces are met, timeously. How are we prepared to move forward if we are unable to implement the 2025 budget fully? “It is defence; you cannot postpone the implementation of the defence budget because that gives an edge to the enemy.

A heated exchange between the Deputy Whip of the Senate, Senator Peter Nwaebonyi, and the Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Rufai Hanga, disrupted a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works on Wednesday. Tension flared shortly after Senator Adams Oshiomhole concluded his presentation and it was Senator Nwaebonyi’s turn to speak. Umahi, the Minister of Works, is a former governor of Ebonyi — the same state represented by Nwaebonyi. “Please, don’t interrupt me because you allowed Senator Oshiomhole to spend not less than 15 minutes to make his remarks, observations and ask questions without any interruption. Earlier in his presentation, the Minister of Works lamented funding constraints hampering the completion of ongoing federal road rehabilitation projects.

Leo Edochie, the eldest son of legendary Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, has warned that those wishing his father’s death will die before him, as the family dismissed viral rumours claiming the film icon is dead. Reacting in a video shared on his Instagram page recently, Leo described the reports as false and malicious. “I’ve been receiving text messages and calls over the nonsense post by some people that our father, Chief Pete Edochie, is dead. ALSO READ: Why Pete Edochie is trending on X in Nigeria – Tribune OnlineLeo added that the actor is alive and in good health, condemning those responsible for spreading the rumour. Tribune Online reports that Pete Edochie recently trended on X in Nigeria following the rapid spread of the unverified claims, which alleged that the 78-year-old actor had been rushed to the hospital and passed away.

ALSO READ: Dangote makes history, becomes first refinery in the World to hit 650,000bpd capacityWhile noting that local content policies have matured across Africa, the GMD said countries are currently mulling over local content plans, training commitments, and supplier development pathways. Indigenous suppliers reduce import dependence, shorten downtime, and localise maintenance capability. “Across Africa, local content policies have matured. Many countries now require local content plans, training commitments and supplier development pathways. “Nigeria’s local content framework demonstrates a strong legislation and empowered implementing institutions on giant strides that can be achieved- driving participation, in-country fabrication and service growth,” he added.

Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has stated that the relaunch of the Renewed Hope Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) 3.0 would not only stimulate micro and small enterprises but also strengthen household incomes and community resilience. The Minister made the statement at the official launch of GEEP 3.0 and the flag-off of the FarmerMoni Dry/Wet Season Disbursement, held in Abuja on Wednesday. Mahmoud praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership for sustaining people-centred interventions that combat poverty, foster inclusive growth, and empower citizens. She described GEEP 3.0 as a strategic and timely demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda, expanding affordable financing to traders, artisans, farmers, women, and youth to boost micro-enterprises, household incomes, and community resilience. She also called on implementing partners to maintain diligence and innovation.