The book is to celebrate an enigma, Professor (Mallam) Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, whose legacy is a testament to the power of mentorship, ethical leadership, and a life lived in service to others. The book opens with a compelling exploration of the Kuliya institution’s lasting role in the Ilorin Emirate. Part II: The life and legacy of Yusuf Olaolu AliTransitioning from institution to individual, the book paints a richly textured portrait of Yusuf Ali. READ ALSO: Book review: Finding one’s path to purpose in lifeArchitect of educational and institutional reformBeyond the courtroom, Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, has been a driving force in educational advancement and institutional transformation. Mentor for life: Sustained, personal investmentPerhaps most remarkable is Yusuf Olaolu Ali’s philosophy of mentorship as a lifelong commitment.

For President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, tax reform represents one such necessary but challenging intervention, designed not for political convenience, but for long-term national stability and economic renewal. The recent controversy surrounding the newly enacted tax laws, particularly claims of falsification and lack of transparency, deserves to be addressed with calm, facts, and institutional respect. Much of the current uproar appears driven by speculation rather than careful engagement with the actual provisions of the tax laws. READ ALSO: Tinubu’s tax reform: Curse or blessing? The tax laws are now operational.

The Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has said it has partnered with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to drive digital transformation for sustainability and development in Nigeria. He said that digital government was only successful when inclusive, adding that civil servants should ensure that services reach the last mile. The Senior Deputy Country Director, KOICA, Nigeria Office, Mr Ki-Hyun Baik, said that the training programme was a core component of KOICA’s broader e-Governance project in Nigeria. READ ALSO: NCCE begins review of NCE minimum standards, curriculumAccording to him, KOICA has trained both federal and state civil servants in digital service delivery. He applauded the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, for organising DevsInGovernment programme to shape the digital future of Nigeria.

Telecoms operators in Nigeria invested more than $1 billion in 2025 to deploy over 2,850 new sites, boosting nationwide coverage and capacity, according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Investment details emerged in the just-released 2025 Network Performance Reports, announced by Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), NCC. The video Quality of Experience gap between urban and rural zones has also narrowed, bolstered by a stronger 4G backbone. Operators have committed to surpassing their 2025 investment levels in 2026, with infrastructure rollout set to intensify. “We look forward to continued collaboration with industry stakeholders as we translate these insights into better connectivity, improved service quality, and a more inclusive digital future for all Nigerians,” the EVC concluded.

In a landmark educational innovation, New Horizons Nigeria has become the first institution to integrate the Chinese (Mandarin) language into its ICT curriculum as an elective, thereby positioning Nigerian students for relevance in the rapidly changing world order. New Horizons Nigeria is a leading ICT training and solutions provider committed to providing individuals and institutions with future-ready skills. As global economic power dynamics evolve, the labour market is increasingly tilting towards China, making Mandarin proficiency a critical competitive advantage. READ ALSO: NCCE begins review of NCE minimum standards, curriculumTherefore, New Horizons Nigeria has officially launched a Mandarin Scholarship Programme with China Advancement Opportunity, selecting 100 outstanding students from five prominent Nigerian secondary schools. This initiative is designed not only to build language proficiency but also to enhance global competence, international exposure, and cultural intelligence among Nigerian students.

It is with an immense sense of sorrow (but with gratitude to the Almighty) that I bid farewell to my childhood friend and brother, Afolabi Peter Akerele. I went off to King’s College while he preferred St. Gregory’s College, Obalende. Apart from the sports competitions between King’s College and St. Gregory’s College, we would attend football matches at Onikan Stadium and Horse Racing at the Race Course (known as Tafawa Square). Afolabi spoke French fluently, and when he chose Lome as his final destination, he raised a second family. His branch of the family lived upstairs while his uncle Alaba lived downstairs along with two aunties.

American Christian worship leader, singer and songwriter Ron Kenoly has died at the age of 81. Reacting to the news, Nigerian gospel minister Nathaniel Bassey paid tribute to Kenoly, describing him as a generational inspiration. “Dr Ron Kenoly crosses to yonder side. Another album, Welcome Home, produced by Tom Brooks, was critically acclaimed and topped Billboard’s Contemporary Christian Music charts. Ron Kenoly leaves behind a lasting legacy in gospel music, having inspired countless worship leaders, musicians and believers worldwide through his sound, spirit and message of praise.

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been killed in Libya. According to AlJazeera, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was believed to have been shot and killed in Zintan, a western Libyan city where he had been based for the past decade. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi never held an official government position but was widely regarded as his father’s second-in-command from 2000 to 2011, when opposition forces killed Muammar Gaddafi and ended his decades-long rule. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi faced allegations of torture and extreme violence against his father’s opponents. From 2016, he was permitted to contact people inside and outside Libya, according to Mustafa Fetouri, a Libyan analyst with contacts in Saif al-Islam Gaddafi’s inner circle.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​(AlJazeera)

To what do I owe this august call in January?”My friend: “Jide, you’re not serious. Ekiti is the traditional home of pounded yams as well as vegetable soup that has federal character now.”My friend: “Jide, you have come again! Don’t you know that the vegetable or stew that has assorted meat and fish is the one that has federal character?”My friend: “Ha, ha ha ha ha! Hope other illustrious sons and daughters of Ekiti can emulate Baba and help to industrialise Ekiti so that the state can be better developed.”Me: “Actually, my visit to Ekiti State has shown that things are changing fast for the better. None of them should work to undermine the process.”My friend: “You’re right.

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Photo: NTAThe Department of State Services on Tuesday arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms. Malami was charged in count one with knowingly abetting terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office while he served as AGF in November 2022. The PUNCH reports that the DSS had earlier sought the continued detention of the former AGF to conclude investigations into alleged terrorism financing following his release from Kuje Correctional Centre in December 2025. All three defendants were arraigned on December 29, 2025, before a Federal High Court in Abuja on 16 counts bordering on money laundering and conspiracy, and they all pleaded not guilty.

Albacete created several chances in the last half hour and Javi Moreno headed home with three minutes to go to give Hansi Flick’s Barca a scare. Dani Olmo should have doubled Barca’s lead early in the second half when Rashford put the ball on a plate for him but his shot was blocked. Araujo headed in Rashford’s corner as Barcelona doubled their lead and seemed set to cruise to victory, before some late Albacete resistance threatened to upset them. – Holding on –Jefte Betancor, who scored Albacete’s stunning winner against Real Madrid, cut inside Araujo and whipped a shot just wide. Gerard Martin headed Fran Gamez’s effort off the line as Barca endured a nervy five minutes of stoppage time to triumph.

The United States has sent a small team of troops to Nigeria, the general in charge of the U.S. command for Africa (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. The top commander, while addressing journalists during a press briefing, said the decision to send troops to Nigeria was after both countries agreed that more needed to be done to combat the terrorist threat in West Africa. “That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” General Anderson said. According to Reuters, Nigeria’s Defense Minister, Christopher Musa, confirmed that a team was working in Nigeria but did not provide further details. Meanwhile, Nigeria has come under intense pressure by Washington to act after President Trump accused the country of failing to protect Christians from Islamist militants operating in the northwest.

Stop waiting for motivationIf you truly want to set new year goals that’ll work in 2026, you need to understand that motivation comes and goes. Redefine what a goal isYour goals don’t have to be dramatic and life-altering. Review without shameIn 2026, it’s not enough to set new year goals; you need to check in on your goals. Set goals from self-awarenessIf your new year goals are shaped by what others are doing, you’ll feel burdened. Set goals that make sense for you and to you, not to feel among.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have uncovered and destroyed three terrorists’ detention facilities in the Timbuktu Triangle, which stretches across Borno and Yobe states, leading to the escape of 70 captives and the killing of 32 insurgents. “Their exposure and destruction clearly demonstrate that troops of OPHK have advanced well into the inner sanctuaries of ISWAP terrorists, denying the group both physical space and psychological advantage,” he said. He also said, “From January 21, 2026, to date, troops uncovered and destroyed three major terrorists’ detention facilities concealed within the Timbuktu Triangle forest, which stretches across Borno and Yobe states. “Preliminary assessments indicated that the facilities had the capacity to hold up to 300 detainees, highlighting their strategic importance to ISWAP terrorists’ operational and coercive framework,” he added. “Following thorough clearance of the area, the three detention facilities were deliberately demolished, permanently denying ISWAP the ability to reuse or reoccupy the sites,” he noted.

In the ongoing twists and turns to the leadership crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the senior management members of staff and other workers on Tuesday declared their loyalty and allegiance to the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC). The decision came after Friday’s judgment of the Ibadan Federal High Court, which nullified the November 15, 2025 national convention that produced the NWC. The Turaki-led NWC immediately appealed the judgment and also filed for a stay of execution of the judgment. ALSO READ: Ibadan Convention: Court judgment technically-academic —Turaki-led PDPOn Tuesday, the PDP members of staff and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) jointly rejected the decision of the court, insisting that the Turaki-led NWC, having emerged in line with the provisions of the constitution of the PDP and the Electoral Act, 2022, remained legitimate and recognised by them. A total of 76 PDP members of staff and PDI officials signed to declare support for the NWC.