Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation, has fallen below $63,000, hitting its lowest level since October 2024 amid weakening investor confidence. Data from CoinMarketCap showed that bitcoin traded 13.9 per cent lower on Thursday, dropping to $62,965 as of 10:20 p.m. Meanwhile, Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation, also declined sharply, falling 13 per cent to $1,863. CoinMarketCap further reported that the global cryptocurrency market capitalisation shrank to $2.19 trillion, with total trading volume exceeding $263 billion as of 10:00 p.m. on Thursday. On October 5, the cryptocurrency reached an all-time high of over $125,000, representing a 97 per cent increase from levels around $62,000 recorded earlier in October 2024.

They represent a diagnostic map of a health system in collapse, a system where survival is determined by a lethal lottery of geography, wealth, and sheer chance. It rated Nigeria’s health system as “dangerously unprepared” nationally, with not a single state achieving even 30% readiness for a health crisis. View image in fullscreen Ifunanya Nwangene, who was known by her stage name Nanyah, competing on The Voice Nigeria. They reveal a total system failure. The fundamental truth laid bare by these three tragedies is that Nigeria’s health system is not just under resourced: it is fundamentally unreliable.

The advocacy for a shift to clean cooking is part of the recommendations towards limiting emissions and climate change impacts in developing countries like Nigeria. Over 95,000-recorded deaths have been linked to smoke from firewood cooking in Nigeria, but clean cook stoves offer cleaner, safer and healthier alternatives. The experts said clean cooking that include fuel efficient biomass cookstoves (wood and charcoal), LPG cooking appliances, ethanol stoves, complementary cookware and electric & induction cooking solutions are climate friendly cooking solutionsNigeria can scale quickly, credibly, at household level and urged the government to prioritise support for investors in the manufacturing of clean stoves and position Nigeria towards attainment of 2030 universal clean cooking access target. Speaking at a media roundtable entitled: “Unlocking Nigeria’s clean cooking future: Carbon markets, tax policy and local manufacturing” organised by Burn Manufacturing Nigeria, the Country Manager, Burn Manufacturing Nigeria, Etulan Ikpoki, said “Clean cooking is one of the few climate solutions Nigeria can scale quickly, credibly, and at household level. He welcomed the government’s leadership in putting policy frameworks in place that support credible carbon markets and clean energy investment.

The United States has condemned the deadly attack on communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, as conflicting casualty figures continue to emerge from the incident that has triggered national and international outrage. “The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara State in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for,” the statement said. “We express our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence.”The US also welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to deploy security forces to the affected areas. The reaction adds to growing international condemnation of the attack, which has also drawn criticism from the United Nations and the Republic of Türkiye. Following the killings in Woro and Nuku communities, President Tinubu ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and approved the establishment of a new military command to coordinate security operations in the area.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski believes Jake Paul learned a valuable lesson after Anthony Joshua broke his jaw in two places during their December bout, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The end came in the sixth after Joshua connected with a brutal right hand that broke Paul’s jaw in two places, ending the fight via knockout. Broken jaw in two places is going to take some time to heal it to get recovered. People spend their lives over there.”Arlovski criticised Paul’s approach to boxing, suggesting the YouTuber-turned-boxer had been disrespectful to professional athletes. “To me, it’s all the time it was kind of disrespectful to professional athletes, to boxers and MMA,” Arlovski said.

• Aims at millions of women in new empowerment driveFEDERAL Government yesterday launched Nigeria’s National Halal Economy Strategy, a comprehensive framework designed to position the country within the estimated $7.7 trillion global halal market and unlock up to $12 billion in domestic economic value over the next decade. He added that the strategy was projected to contribute an estimated $1.5 billion to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product by 2027 if effectively implemented. He disclosed that the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment would chair the National Halal Strategy Committee to coordinate implementation across ministries, departments and agencies as well as the private sector. He noted that the administration had deliberately placed women at the forefront of decision-making, describing them as “authors” of Nigeria’s development story rather than passive beneficiaries. The Gates Foundation equally endorsed the scale-up, describing women-centred investments as among the smartest economic decisions Nigeria could make.

The reactions came yesterday after public debate trailed reports that the young artist died from complications of a snakebite at a hospital in the Federal Capital Territory. The doctors also defended the use of intravenous fluids in snakebite victims. NARD added: “It is incorrect and misleading to suggest that intravenous fluids are a treatment for malaria. Rather, they are a fundamental supportive intervention used across a wide range of medical emergencies.”The association stressed that snake antivenom remains the definitive treatment for envenomation. The statement, signed by its Chairman, Dr Babajide Kehinde Saheed, described the comments questioning the use of intravenous fluids during resuscitation as misleading and unprofessional.

The launch timeline is now out, with the Punch EV prices set to be announced on February 20. [Note: Image used is of the Punch ICE for reference]Note: The Punch EV should also bring a refreshed colour palette like the Punch ICE, inheriting Tata’s new colour nomenclature. Interior And FeaturesInside, the Punch EV can feature a new upholstery theme and slightly tweaked elements in the dashboard layout. The existing Tata Punch EV is already loaded with plenty of features, which are likely to be carried forward. Expected Price & RivalsThe Tata Punch EV is expected to start from a similar price of around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).

Nottingham Playhouse has announced a new cast for James Graham’s Punch as the production returns to Nottingham before touring to Leeds Playhouse and Theatre Royal Plymouth. The production premiered at Nottingham Playhouse in 2024 and later ran at the Young Vic. Laura Tebbutt will play Jacob’s mum and Wendy, while Finty Williams will play Joan, James’ mother. The production will be accompanied by community engagement activity linked to the themes of the play. The original creative team returns, including production designer Anna Fleischle, lighting designer Robbie Butler, sound designer and composer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, movement director Leanne Pinder and casting director Christopher Worrall

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reiterated that February 8, 2026, remains the firm deadline for submitting pilgrims’ data and forming groups on the Nusuk Masar registration platform, which is essential for Hajj visa issuance. The announcement was made during a virtual meeting with all Hajj-participating countries and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on 4th February 2026. Another crucial requirement is the conclusion of a medical service contract on Nusuk Masar. Submission of pilgrims’ data and group formation on Nusuk Masar by 8th February 2026. Adherence to bilateral air service agreements and visa regulations; tour operators must ensure pilgrims return within visa validity.

The Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, has convicted and sentenced a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Roberts Orya, to 10 years’ imprisonment for bank fraud involving N2.4bn. The prosecution counsel, Samuel Ugwuebulam, told the court that the former bank chief abused his position to fraudulently induce NEXIM Bank to release huge sums of money to companies under false pretences. The court further noted that the offences were serious breaches of trust, particularly given the strategic role of NEXIM Bank in Nigeria’s economic development. Orya served as the Managing Director of NEXIM Bank between 2009 and 2016. The conviction marks one of the most significant fraud cases involving a former chief executive of a federal financial institution in recent years.

The upcoming Tata Punch EV Facelift is expected to feature a new lighting setup and a bigger free-standing infotainment screen. Tata Motors is set to launch the updated Punch EV in India on February 20, 2026, after introducing the facelifted ICE-powered Punch, which is priced from Rs 5.59 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom). Tata Punch EV Facelift: What to Expect? Tata Punch EV Facelift: PowertrainThe Tata Punch EV comes with two battery options: Medium Range (MR) and Long Range (LR). Since its launch in January 2024, the Punch EV has further strengthened Tata’s stronghold in the compact SUV segment.

The Kano State Fire Service has confirmed the death of an 18-year-old, Yusif Malam-Gwani, who drowned in an open water body at Bachirawa, Kwanar Madugu, in Ungogo Local Government Area of the state. He said, “We received a distress call from one Sulaiman Abdullahi-Tela on Thursday afternoon that Malam-Gwani had fallen into an open water. Abdullahi said, “We received a distress call from one of our staff members, Murtala Magaji, about the incident on Thursday afternoon. “Upon receiving the report, a rescue team was immediately deployed to the scene.”He said the child was also brought out dead and subsequently handed over to his father, Malam Musa-Mudi. Abdullahi urged members of the public to take necessary safety precautions around open wells, open water sources and other hazardous areas, especially to protect children.

The move triggered outrage within the camp loyal to the PDP governors, led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as national chairman of the party. On Thursday, the caretaker committee, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and caretaker secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, were invited for the quarterly meeting of the political parties with the Independent National Electoral Commission. “The recent court judgment has effectively resolved the crisis that had been affecting the PDP. Anyanwu assured party supporters that resolving the crisis would enable the PDP to present candidates in the forthcoming elections. The faction, in a statement through its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, criticised INEC for recognising the Wike-backed caretaker committee, calling the move unconstitutional and provocative.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has bid farewell to Chippa United after the South African club granted his request to leave, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Nwabali, who joined Chippa United from Katsina United in 2022, penned an emotional farewell message across his social media pages. “Chippa United Football Club confirms that Stanley Nwabali has formally submitted a request to depart club. “We would like to sincerely thank Stanley Nwabali for the years of service, commitment, and professionalism he has shown during his time at Chippa United Football Club. Chippa United are 14th in the PSL, one point above the relegation places.