Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said an educated populace remains one of the major factors capable of guaranteeing good governance. Adeleke, while commending the founders of the institution for choosing Osun State as its host, said an educated population would engender good governance through constant scrutiny of those in power. That legacy was built upon in the new Osun State to guarantee an active citizenry that is ready and capable of resisting tyranny, impunity, and lawlessness,” the governor said. “With Minaret University and other upcoming private institutions, alongside existing colleges and universities, Osun will continue to advance in scholarship and good governance,” he said. Minaret University is strategically positioned to respond to these challenges through quality teaching, relevant research, innovation, and community engagement,” he said.

Oyo State began mass vaccination of animals against major Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) as part of a nationwide effort to strengthen animal health services, boost livestock productivity, and enhance food security. According to him, the vaccines were provided by the Federal Government through the L-PRES project to support Oyo State in controlling animal diseases and improving livestock productivity. He noted that the intervention aligns with the core objectives of the L-PRES project, which include controlling livestock diseases, improving animal health, enhancing productivity and increasing farmers’ incomes. “These vaccines will help protect cattle, small ruminants and poultry, safeguard farmers’ livestock assets and ultimately improve livelihoods across the state,” he added. Azeez reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure the vaccines are deployed efficiently and reach farmers across Oyo State.

Stakeholders in Maiduguri have opened a fresh community-government dialogue aimed at tackling rising cases of insecurity, like kidnapping, gangsterism and drug-related violence in parts of Borno identified as security hot spots. The engagement, convened by the Peace Action for Community Engagement (PACHE), brought together security agencies, traditional rulers, government representatives and residents of Maimusari and neighbouring settlements in Ngomari Gana. The area has, in recent years, recorded repeated incidents of youth violence, abductions and other social vices. The findings, he noted, resulted in a set of recommendations that will be forwarded to relevant agencies. The meeting drew participation from local authorities, security operatives, youth groups and women’s associations, all of whom pledged support for the implementation of the recommendations.

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki, has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its recognition of a caretaker committee reportedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The faction, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, described INEC’s action as unconstitutional, provocative and capable of escalating tensions within the party. Ememobong said the faction was aware that INEC recently invited leaders of political parties to a meeting and extended the invitation to individuals claiming to represent the PDP as members of a so-called National Caretaker Committee. The faction, led by the Turaki (SAN)-headed National Working Committee, also expressed optimism that the party would overcome its current challenges. According to Ememobong, the PDP’s ongoing rebirth movement remains “steady and secure” and will ultimately produce a stronger and more united party capable of offering Nigerians a credible alternative to the ruling party.

Former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s handling of rising insecurity, warning that Nigeria is sleepwalking into the next tragedy as violence continues in parts of the country. Reacting to reports of the Nigerian Army’s deployment to Kwara State following fresh attacks, Adebayo argued that the Federal Government’s approach to security remains reactive rather than strategic. “Tinubu has now deployed the army in Kwara State to respond to the violence. His comments come amid renewed public concern over persistent insecurity across several states, despite repeated assurances from federal authorities that measures are being implemented to curb attacks. The remarks have also reignited debate over whether Nigeria’s current security architecture is structured to prevent attacks or primarily to respond after they occur.

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili has cautioned Nigerian senators that they are “playing with fire” by retaining ambiguities in the amended Electoral Act. This is as she insisted that Nigerians are calling for the real-time electronic upload of election results at polling units. Ezekwesili said Nigerians had embraced the Electoral Act amendment process as an opportunity to close loopholes and restore confidence in democracy. Ezekwesili called on the Senate to reverse course and adopt a clear provision mandating electronic transmission of results. Transparency is better.”The controversyThe controversy surrounds the Nigerian Senate’s recent efforts to amend the 2022 Electoral Act as part of broader electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Several journalists covering the commissioning of projects by the North East Development Commission in Bauchi State were injured on Friday in a road accident. The journalists, drawn from various media organisations, were part of an NEDC delegation led by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari, for the handover of completed projects to the Bauchi State Government. The accident occurred along the Yashi–Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area, shortly after the delegation commissioned a Government Secondary School project in Yelwan Duguri. They were first taken to the Yelwan Duguri General Hospital for emergency treatment before being transferred to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital and Bauchi Specialist Hospital for further care. Those injured include media personnel from Channels Television, African Independent Television, the Nigerian Television Authority, Arise Television, and members of the Correspondents’ Chapel from other organisations.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu at wreath laying ceremony in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of late General Murtala Muhammed, GCFR at his cenotaph in Ikoyi, on Friday, February 6, 2026. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State attended a wreath-laying ceremony on Friday to mark the 50th anniversary of the passing of late General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, GCFR. The ceremony involved the laying of wreaths at the cenotaph in honor of General Muhammed, commemorating his life and contributions. Who is the late General Murtala Ramat Muhammed? PUNCH Online reports that the late General Murtala Ramat Muhammed was Nigeria’s Head of State from July 1975 until his assassination on 13 February 1976.

The Island Club has mourned the passing of its former Chairman, renowned businessman and advertising mogul, Olumuyiwa Falomo, who died at the age of 87. The club said it had lost a consummate gentleman, master wordsmith and deep philosophical thinker whose contributions left a lasting legacy. In a statement titled “A Tribute to a Life of Impact and Excellence,” Emokpae described the late Falomo as a man whose life was marked by generosity, inspiration and service. “We are profoundly grateful for a life that gave generously, inspired excellence and touched countless lives,” Emokpae said. “To us, Falomo was not merely a patron but a father — a constant source of wisdom, guidance and encouragement.

A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), the International Society for Poverty Elimination/New End Hunger, Malnutrition and Poverty (NEHMAP), has described the recently inaugurated US–Nigeria working group on security as a timely intervention amid rising killings and banditry across the country, particularly in northern Nigeria. ALSO READ: Tinubu approves Nigerian team for US-Nigeria security working groupAccording to Rotimi, the world is grappling with complex systemic problems such as poverty, inequality, climate change and pandemics, which directly fuel insecurity. “We need a holistic approach to address these challenges, involving the whole of society, governments, universities, banks, media, and civil society. “The US-Nigeria Working Group on security is a step in the right direction, but it’s not enough. We need to move beyond traditional security approaches and prioritise comprehensive, sustainable solutions to complex systemic problems.

A socio-political group, the Southern Coalition for Tinubu 2027, has announced plans to officially launch in Abuja as part of efforts to mobilise support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election. The coalition, which claims a wide membership across the three geopolitical zones of southern Nigeria, said similar launch events would also be held in Lagos, Enugu, Ibadan, Owerri, Calabar, Port Harcourt and other major cities in the region. Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, the National Coordinator of the group, Pastor Bassey James, said the coalition was established to coordinate grassroots mobilisation among youths, men and women in southern Nigeria in support of President Tinubu’s second-term bid. According to him, the coalition will focus on voter enlightenment, political sensitisation, engagement and advocacy, with the aim of consolidating support for the President’s policies and programmes across the southern states. He added that the coalition plans to collaborate with pro-Tinubu support groups in northern Nigeria as part of a broader national mobilisation strategy.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says plans have been concluded to roll out a nationwide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in 12 southern states from February 4 to 13, targeting children aged nine months to 14 years, as part of efforts to curb preventable childhood diseases. The campaign was announced during a zonal virtual media briefing with on-air personalities and digital content creators, organised by the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia (BCA) in collaboration with the UNICEF Enugu Field Office. Speaking at the briefing, the Chief of UNICEF Enugu Field Office, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, urged media practitioners to amplify campaign messaging and engage community gatekeepers, including religious leaders, parents and caregivers, to ensure wide coverage. UNICEF Communications Officer, Enugu Field Office, Dr Ijeoma Onuoha Ogwe, said the media engagement was designed to strengthen coordinated digital and broadcast messaging across the southern states. In his welcome address, BCA Director General, Mr Francia Nwubani, described the exercise as the second phase of the national MR campaign, following its earlier rollout in northern Nigeria.

commissions mega school, office complexAfter several years of neglect, the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has rehabilitated the tomb of Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Hon Uba Maigari Ahmadu, disclosed this during a visit to Tafawa Balewa’s tomb, while inspecting and commissioning completed NEDC projects across Bauchi State. ALSO READ: Bauchi agency condemns self-immolation incident at Tafawa Balewa’s residenceThe Minister commended the NEDC for delivering quality work worthy of the legacy of Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister. Bala Mohammed noted that NEDC’s interventions have complemented the Bauchi State Government’s development agenda, particularly in critical sectors such as education. The Minister expressed confidence that the Bauchi State Government would ensure effective management and optimal use of the facility.

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its preparedness for the official commencement of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations. This is in line with the Federal Government’s directive for a gradual transition from pen-and-paper to full digital testing. Olayiwola revealed that Governor Seyi Makinde has directed that the cost implications for the procurement of over 60,000 laptops for public senior secondary schools across the state be worked out, noting that the move is aimed at positioning Oyo State ahead of the full adoption of CBT examinations. In his remarks, Amode said the visit was to appreciate the Oyo State Ministry of Education for its support during the 2025 WAEC examinations and for its consistent collaboration with the Council over the years, describing the Ministry as a key stakeholder in the success of WAEC operations. Amode also warned that severe penalties await any candidate caught with a mobile phone in the examination hall.

Taraba governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, on Friday, assured that citizens of the state will fully mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, and ensure victory for all APC candidates. Governor Kefas, who described his relationship with the former Minister of Defence as “sound, firm and solid,” disclosed that some people were going behind to criticize him before the elder statesman. “Some people are going to him to criticize me to ensure that he opts for his support for my re-election, but thank God, Gen. Danjuma knows me more than they do. “I thank God for the grace to lead Taraba State and for opening my mind to see Taraba beyond Wukari,” Kefas said. According to the monarch, the projects would have a lasting economic and social impact on the people of Taraba State.