The Spokesman for the House of Representatives, Mr Akintunde RotimiThe Spokesman for the House of Representatives, Mr Akintunde Rotimi, has reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to delivering an acceptable Electoral Reform Bill capable of strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system. Rotimi, who represents Ekiti North Federal Constituency 1, said the National Assembly was currently harmonising inputs from various stakeholders to ensure the passage of a comprehensive and effective electoral reform document. There have been concerns in some quarters over the delay in passing the Electoral Reform Bill, despite its earlier passage by the House of Representatives. However, Rotimi said electoral reforms remained a top priority for the National Assembly, just as they were for Nigerians, assuring that the bill would be concluded soon. Any further delay poses a serious risk to the credibility of the 2027 general elections and the integrity of the entire electoral process,” he said.

A youth group in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adaiza Bello as Director-General of the proposed 2027 Presidential Campaign Council. The call was made on Monday in Abuja by the Asokoro Youth Association for Tinubu 2027 during a press briefing. According to Adah, the group believes the ruling party’s 2027 campaign requires a coordinator with the capacity to manage nationwide mobilisation and respond effectively to opposition strategies. “After careful consideration of current political dynamics and emerging opposition strategies, we are convinced that Alhaji Yahaya Adaiza Bello possesses the experience and leadership required to serve as Director-General of the 2027 Presidential Campaign Council,” he said. According to the association, its activities will focus on grassroots engagement and public awareness as preparations for the 2027 general election gain momentum.

Boxer Jarrell Miller was hit with such a good punch it knocked his hair offBoxer Jarrell Miller has hairpiece knocked upward by punch, throws it into the crowdNEW YORK -- Boxer Jarrell Miller was hit with such a good punch it knocked his hair off. But one of the punches knocked Miller’s head backward, and his hairpiece popped upward from the front, revealing a large bald spot that covered most of his head. Miller finished the round with the hairpiece, then ripped it off in his corner between rounds and tossed it into the crowd at Madison Square Garden. Miller won by split decision, then rubbed the top of his head while doing a celebratory dance. Miller was supposed to fight at the arena against then-heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in 2019, but failed a drug test.

An Abuja-based music talent, Ifunanya Nwangene, has died after being bitten by a snake. Nwangene, a soprano singer with the Amemuso Choir, passed away on Saturday at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja. The Amemuso Choir confirmed her death in a statement issued on Sunday afternoon and signed by its Music Director, Sam Ezugwu. “We regret to announce the sudden demise of our beloved soprano, Ifunanya Nwangene, who passed away yesterday, 31st January 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre due to a snake bite,” the statement partly read. “A rising star, Ifunanya was on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its commitment to deploying technology and strengthening international cooperation to improve border management as the 2026 World Customs Organisation (WCO) Technology Conference and Exhibition opened in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi—who also chairs the WCO Council—said effective border management in today’s complex global environment requires structured international collaboration and intelligent use of technology. The project’s General Manager, Ahmed Ogunsola, spoke on the role of cloud computing and advanced analytics in strengthening customs security and risk management. WCO Secretary-General, Ian Saunders, also underscored the importance of innovation in addressing evolving border threats and safeguarding supply chains. The event includes panel discussions, case studies, and live demonstrations on digital transformation, risk management, and sustainable customs operations, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to modernising its customs system and deepening global partnerships.

Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, and the tattoo inscription on his arm in the video. A renowned relationship coach and head of David Christian Centre, Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, has defended his Bible-inspired tattoo on his arm, describing it as a way of evangelism. One user, @iamqneth, wrote: “The Bible says we should not make a mark on our skin. Does this pastor not know it’s a sin to tattoo his skin? As a pastor, you should be leading members in the right path with what the Bible teaches.”Some offered more measured perspectives.

Kano State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children, and Persons with Special Needs, Hajiya Amina Sani. Credit: Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal AffairsThe Kano State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children, and Persons with Special Needs, Hajiya Amina Sani, has joined the All Progressives Congress. “The commissioner has now aligned with the ‘Kano First’ ideology to ensure the speedy development of our state and promote peaceful coexistence. “This development has set the pace for another defining and historic moment in the political governance of the state. It will neither be weak nor compelled to compromise the mandate given by the good people of Kano State,” the statement added.

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has expressed concern over the legality of an invitation extended to him by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, describing it as constitutionally questionable. The summons was contained in a statement issued by the Head of Media of the House Committee on Public Petitions, Chooks Oko. Zamfara State has for years battled persistent banditry, with frequent attacks, killings, abductions, extortion, and cattle rustling, particularly in rural communities. Similarly, the Zamfara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said while the National Assembly may invite governors on national issues, such invitations are not binding. However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State defended the invitation.

No fewer than 80 worshippers who escaped abduction during a bandit attack on the Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have returned to their homes after spending about two weeks taking refuge in neighbouring villages. The Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, confirmed the development to PUNCH Online in a telephone interview on Sunday. A military source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, attributed the return of the displaced worshippers to sustained security operations targeting bandits’ hideouts across Kajuru and adjoining forest corridors. When contacted, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the police will release a comprehensive report regarding the return of the worshippers. “The Police is going to come out with a comprehensive report surrounding the Kurmin Wali abduction,” Mansir said.

Cowboy westerns where white women were rescued from “savage” Natives spun the genocidal project of “manifest destiny” into a classic image. State violence wielded as protection for white women has long been a touchstone of white racial domination. Portrayed in minstrel blackface by white actors, their political and social gains are motivated solely by their marauding lust for white women. The fact that gender violence against white women is overwhelmingly perpetrated by white men doesn’t dent this propaganda. For the right, a white woman worth protecting is a white woman whose gender role supports white male dominance.

Hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg is mourning his granddaughter, Codi, following a heartbreaking announcement by his daughter, Cori Broadus. In the emotional message, she described Codi as the “love of my life” and revealed that the child had passed away earlier in the week. Codi, Snoop Dogg’s 10-month-old granddaughter, was born three months premature and spent much of her short life receiving medical care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Despite the medical challenges, Cori had recently shared hopeful updates with followers, posting photos and messages expressing gratitude and faith as Codi continued to fight. Just weeks before her death, Cori shared a photo of herself resting alongside her daughter, saying that God had answered their prayers and that Codi was showing signs of improvement.

All four are angling to add to their trophy cabinets by taking home the gala’s most coveted African award, Best African Music Performance. On November 7, 2025, Burna Boy received two nominations — Best African Music Performance for “Love” and Best Global Music Album for No Sign of Weakness — making him the highest-nominated African artist in the cycle. In the Best African Music Performance category, Nigeria’s dominance was unmistakable, with “Love” by Burna Boy, “With You” by Davido featuring Omah Lay, and “Gimme Dat” by Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid all nominated. The song also won Best Afrobeats at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. With such strong entries, the Best African Music Performance category promises a historic moment for the continent’s music scene, regardless of who takes home the prize.

The Labour Party has resolved to commence its congresses from March 2026 and begin a nationwide revalidation of its membership, alongside the registration of new members. The party also expressed regret over the exit of its presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi. The statement said the meeting resolved “to set up a timetable for the Labour Party congresses at the ward, local government, state and zonal levels, culminating in a National Convention. It called on the former National Chairman, Julius Abure, and his team to sheath their swords and return to the party, while also urging Nigerians to join the Labour Party. Otti, the statement concluded, thanked supporters of the party and assured them that the Labour Party would emerge stronger and more united.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised a top Boko Haram leader identified as the second-in-command, alongside 10 other foot soldiers in Sambisa Forest, Borno State. In a statement on Sunday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, said many weapons were also recovered during the operation. “Troops’ morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle, and other known hideouts of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North East region,” he added. He further stated that the Joint Task Force (North East) reaffirms its commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the region. The troops further revealed that, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force, they neutralised three terrorists during an ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State.

However, Nigerian recipients represented just 0.4 per cent of the 219,813 H-1B visas issued globally in FY 2024. Only 1.5 per cent of all H-1B visas were issued to Africans for the Fiscal Year under review. The H-1B visa programme was established under the Immigration Act of 1990, signed into law by President George H.W. The US Congress initially set an annual cap of 65,000 H-1B visas, with an additional 20,000 reserved for applicants holding master’s degrees or higher from US institutions. The fee applies to employers sponsoring workers who are outside the United States and do not hold valid H-1B visas.