Veteran American actor, Robert Duvall, best known for his roles in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died at 95. His wife, Luciana Duvall, announced his passing in a statement shared on his Facebook page on Monday. “To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. “For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented.

February 17, 2026 09:41 UTC

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has outlined a three-step process for electricity consumers seeking resolution to power supply, billing and metering challenges. The advisory read, “Having issues with your electricity supply? They are your first point of contact for technical or billing issues. If you are in a state that has transitioned to a State Electricity Regulator (SER), escalate your complaint to them. Step 3: For all other states, or if you need further help, contact the NERC Call Centre.

February 17, 2026 07:35 UTC

Open Access Data Centres has expanded its infrastructure capacity to more than 25 megawatts after completing the acquisition of seven data centres from NTT Ltd in South Africa, the company said. The deal, which was finalised on 31 December 2025 following approval from the country’s Competition Commission, significantly increases OADC’s national footprint by adding seven facilities to its existing operations. With operations across South Africa, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Open Access Data Centres are among the continent’s largest data centre providers. The latest acquisition strengthens its “core-to-edge” strategy aimed at meeting growing demand for digital infrastructure across Southern Africa. Coker said OADC also plans to upgrade the newly acquired facilities as part of its ongoing enhancement programme, introducing advanced operational measures to improve efficiency and reliability.

February 17, 2026 01:09 UTC

The national leadership of the Labour Party (LP), under the chairmanship of Nenadi Usman and the national secretary, Darlington Nwokocha, on Monday, called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Julius Abure and others over the alleged criminal invasion of the party’s national secretariat. The party reiterated its commitment to peace and reconciliation through its National Peace and Reconciliation Committee. He referenced the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered on April 4, 2025, in Suit No. SC/CV/56/2025, which he said affirmed Senator Nenadi Usman as National Chairman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as National Secretary of the Labour Party. He called on the Attorney General of the Federation to activate a criminal prosecution order dated March 7, 2025, concerning alleged indictments for perjury, forgery, and conspiracy.

February 17, 2026 00:33 UTC

Punch was born on July 26, 2025, weighing around 500 grams. His mother, weakened after her first birth, was unable to care for the infant, prompting specialists to begin artificial feeding. As Punch did not have this opportunity, caretakers provided alternatives such as towels and soft toys. At first, the young macaque faced cautious reactions from adult animals and remained somewhat isolated, rarely letting go of his toy. Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that crowds gathered in Tokyo for the final public viewing of the giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei at the Ueno Zoological Gardens.

February 17, 2026 00:33 UTC





South Australian senator Andrew McLachlan said managing immigration levels was important but warned his party against copying One Nation on hardline anti-immigration rhetoric. “The Liberal party must resist the calls by some in its ranks to hand over our policy development to One Nation. “Do I think the Liberal party will go there? Another senior moderate said they were “very concerned” that, under Taylor, the party would move to the right. “I don’t think they can beat One Nation on immigration.

February 16, 2026 23:00 UTC

The Premier League and English Football League (EFL) have confirmed that matches will include brief pauses during Ramadan to allow Muslim players and match officials to break their fast after sunset. The EPL explained how the breaks will work: “Play will not stop while matches are in mid-flow. Clubs and match officials discuss the stoppage before each relevant match, agreeing on whether it will be required and roughly when it should happen. Notable Muslim players in English football include Mohamed Salah, William Saliba, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Amad Diallo, all of whom could benefit from the mid-match breaks this month. The move reflects ongoing efforts by English football authorities to accommodate religious practices while maintaining the competitive integrity of matches.

February 16, 2026 21:36 UTC

A lawmaker representing Ibadan North-West State Constituency at the Oyo State House of Assembly, Dawood Olalere, on Monday, officially resigned his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the African Democratic Congress in the state. He was also the only PDP senator elected in the South-West from 2011 to 2015. He, therefore, led scores of his teeming supporters to St. Patrick Primary School, Abebi, Ibadan, where the ADC state Chairman, Yinka Olona, officially received them. He said, “The state Chairman, Yinka Olona recieved Dawood Olalere, the current member of the state House of Assembly representing Ibadan North-West State Constituency, into ADC today, Monday, February 16. “With the defection, the party membership strength has received a boost as well as a seat at the State House of Assembly.”

February 16, 2026 21:14 UTC

Benfica manager José Mourinho has issued a stark warning ahead of the UEFA Champions League play-off clash against Real Madrid, describing the Spanish giants as “wounded and dangerous” following their dramatic defeat against his side last month. The defeat in Lisbon saw the 15-time European champions drop from third to ninth, missing out on automatic qualification. And a wounded king is dangerous,” Mourinho said, reflecting on the psychological edge his side may hold. Mourinho, speaking ahead of the rematch, emphasized the challenge ahead:“The tie will be very demanding, without a doubt. Real Madrid, however, remain a formidable force, currently topping La Liga, two points ahead of rivals Barcelona.

February 16, 2026 20:52 UTC

Senator Kwankwaso arrived in Abuja this afternoon, where he was met with party officials and NNPP chieftains before heading home,” he said. The legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 (HR 7457), was introduced by Riley Moore (R-West Virginia) and co-sponsored by Chris Smith (R-New Jersey). 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. Those listed include Kwankwaso, Fulani-ethnic nomad militias, and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, along with Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore. Aside from the defence put up by the party, Kwankwaso has yet to comment publicly on the proposed US sanctions.

February 16, 2026 20:02 UTC

While Washington tightens the noose on terror-linked networks, the Federal Government is turning up the legal heat on former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Meanwhile, the National Assembly convened an emergency plenary to consider shifting the 2027 presidential election date. National Assembly may shift 2027 presidential election dateIn a surprise move, the National Assembly reconvened for an emergency plenary session, cutting short its recess to discuss possible adjustments to the scheduled 2027 presidential election date. Super Eagles set friendly against Jordan as World Cup decision loomsThe Nigeria national football team are scheduled to play an international friendly against Jordan national football team in Amman during the March 23–31 FIFA window, according to reports. However, Nigeria’s participation is contingent on the pending FIFA ruling on the country’s eligibility protest concerning the DR Congo national football team.

February 16, 2026 19:34 UTC

6 for his global hit Calm Down, which features U.S. pop singer Selena Gomez. In the article, the magazine stated that while the original version of the song gained traction on its U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, the remix with Gomez pushed it into mainstream success, peaking at No. It added that the singer had not returned to that chart since, though he recorded six top-10 entries on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart as of June 7, 2025. “‎After releasing the original “lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-wo-wo-wo-wo”-ing version of “Calm Down” in 2023, Nigeria’s Rema noticed it breaking on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. To list Rema is outrageous, ew,” Wanderlust who identifies as #Erinma_2809 added.

February 16, 2026 19:30 UTC

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment in Nigeria. “The Defence Headquarters wishes to announce the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment at Bauchi Airfield. He further stated that Nigerian troops and the U.S. advisers would commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives. “Nigerian troops, alongside these advisers, will commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives. “These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralise extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilise the nation.

February 16, 2026 19:19 UTC

advertisementUnable to integrate immediately into the troop’s social structure, Punch found comfort in an unusual companion, a plush orangutan toy given by a zookeeper. Even as he interacts with other monkeys, the toy remains close by, acting as a source of emotional security. The research revealed that emotional comfort is as important as physical survival in development. The plush toy acts as what psychologists call a “transitional object,” something that helps an individual cope with stress, uncertainty, or loneliness. Punch’s story highlights a broader truth about human and animal psychology: early relationships shape how individuals handle fear, belonging, and change.

February 16, 2026 19:17 UTC

President Bola Tinubu on Monday praised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, during a visit to Adamawa State, describing him as committed and courageous in the discharge of his duties. Speaking during the unveiling of some projects in the state, Tinubu commended Ribadu’s performance and expressed confidence in his leadership. “The National Security Adviser, the son of the soil, Nuhu Ribadu, I will say clearly here that you are doing an excellent job and we are seeing the results,” the President said. The President’s remarks come amid recent allegations made by the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the NSA. However, the Office of the National Security Adviser has reportedly directed El-Rufai to submit evidence of the alleged procurement of Thallium Sulphate to the Department of State Services for further investigation.

February 16, 2026 18:14 UTC