Iyabo made the confirmation on Saturday during an interview with Nigerian football legend, Segun Odegbami, on Eagle7 Sports Radio (103.7FM), monitored in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The Obasanjo’s daughter noted that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was also considered but observed that the coalition party was still putting its structure in place. The Obasanjo’s daughter added that extensive consultations informed her decision to join the APC, stressing that many of those who encouraged her return to politics are already members of the ruling party. “So, I think APC is my natural home. I don’t have any animosity towards any individual or group within the APC.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 07, 2026 12:51 UTC
Nigeria and China on Saturday reaffirmed their commitment to people-centred development, pledging that the next phase of their bilateral partnership will focus on projects that directly improve livelihoods, create jobs and deepen mutual understanding between citizens of both countries. Director General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, said the celebration of the Year of the Horse captured the shared values underpinning the relationship, noting that both nations place people at the centre of development. In Nigeria, it represents dignity, courage and the forward march of our people. China’s Chargé d’Affaires in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, said the anniversary underscored decades of people-to-people engagement that had strengthened bilateral ties. These values reflected the spirit of China–Nigeria relations and their shared commitment to development that benefits ordinary people,” he added.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 07, 2026 12:51 UTC
From garden lounges and boutique cafes to stylish lounges and classic restaurants, couples can plan a memorable Valentine’s dinner without spending more than N50,000 for two. Tamberma Ibadan (Iyaganku)Tamberma’s mix of Indian, continental, and Nigerian dishes makes it a fun choice for couples who want to try a bit of everything. It’s a good choice if you want a bit of music with your meal that you can afford under a N50k budget. IBACHI – Ibadan Chinese Restaurant (Akinyele Way, New Bodija)For something a bit different, IBACHI serves Chinese-inspired dishes in a modern setting. Saire Restaurants (New Bodija Extension)A lesser-known but well-reviewed spot, Saire offers fine dining style at mid-range prices, with portions and starters that fit comfortably into a two-person Valentine’s budget.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 07, 2026 12:51 UTC
US lawmaker Riley Moore has warned that efforts to encourage separatist agendas in Nigeria could worsen insecurity and put Christians at greater risk across the country and the continent. Efforts to embolden separatists hurt Christians in Nigeria — especially in the North and Middle Belt,” Moore said. The lawmaker warned that destabilising Nigeria could embolden terrorists and put Christians at greater risk. “A destabilised Nigeria would embolden terrorists and make Christians less safe in Nigeria and across the continent,” he said. Moore also highlighted recent security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria as a key step in tackling violence.
Source:Punch
February 07, 2026 12:50 UTC
The Kwara State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project has received allocated vaccines from the L-PRES National Coordination office in Abuja. The vaccines are designated for a mass vaccination campaign targeting major trans border animal diseases across the country. Receiving the consignment in Ilorin, the State Project Coordinator, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye, stated that the programme aimed to improve animal health, enhance livestock productivity, and bolster food safety and security. Dr Omolola-Aminu highlighted the utility of the vaccines in combating transboundary and emerging diseases to improve productivity and food security. Mr. Ageh stated that the purpose of the nationwide distribution is to guard against transboundary animal diseases.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 07, 2026 12:48 UTC
Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ekiti local government area of Kwara state, under the aegis of the G7 Group of APC, have raised the alarm over alleged sabotage, imposition and anti democratic practices in the membership e-registration exercise of the ruling party. It also called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the State APC leadership, and the National Working Committee to investigate the alleged anti-party activities, towards putting an end to the alleged injustice in the Ekiti local government. “What is currently happening within Ekiti APC is a direct assault on internal democracy, party unity, and the collective sacrifices of loyal members. “We condemn deliberate sabotage of the APC E-registration exercise in Ekiti Local Government. These actions are divisive, reckless, and capable of destroying the party structure from within.”
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 07, 2026 12:48 UTC
The Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmed, has commissioned about 10 projects executed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and inspected other ongoing projects in Bauchi State, as part of efforts to boost socio-economic development in the region. All the completed projects were handed over to the Bauchi State Government and are aimed at improving the welfare and living standards of the people, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He commended President Tinubu for his strong commitment to regional development and sustainable interventions in the North East. In his response, Governor Bala Mohammed commended the NEDC for what he described as its hard work and professionalism, noting that the Commission’s interventions are visible and impactful across Bauchi State. The minister also inspected ongoing projects at GSS Bauchi, which include two blocks of classrooms, an administration block and a laboratory, in addition to the ongoing construction of the Gombe Abba–Kirfi Road.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 07, 2026 12:46 UTC
The programme held on Friday at the House of Chiefs/Western Hall, Parliament Building, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan. Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Government of Oyo State, Professor Musibau Babatunde Adetunji, described the Proof of Address initiative as a cornerstone of effective governance and citizen identification. Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Abiodun Muhammed Fadeyi, said the PoA initiative would significantly enhance security by improving the identification of individuals within communities. Oyo State remains the first state in Nigeria to approve and sign all enabling laws associated with the Proof of Address initiative and to host the maiden statewide sensitisation programme.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 07, 2026 12:46 UTC
Leading the headlines is the unveiling of the terrorist leader behind Tuesday’s massacre in Woro, a remote community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, which reportedly left an estimated 176 residents dead. Abubakar Saidu, popularly known as Sadiku, is a terrorist commander whose violent trail spans more than a decade across northern Nigeria. In politics, the rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results, alongside concerns over the ongoing Electoral Amendment Bill, has continued to generate debate between members of the National Assembly and Nigerians. Meanwhile, a United States congressional hearing on global religious freedom has criticised the Federal Government’s reported $9 million lobbying contract in Washington, with lawmakers warning that the deal appeared aimed at downplaying serious human rights and religious freedom violations. US Congress panel slams FG’s $9m lobbying dealA United States congressional hearing on global religious freedom has criticised the Federal Government’s reported $9m lobbying contract in Washington, with lawmakers warning that the deal appeared to be aimed at downplaying serious human rights and religious freedom violations.
Source:Punch
February 07, 2026 12:46 UTC
Muslims on Friday in Kano attended special prayers for the late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, organised by the Murtala Mohammed Foundation as part of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of his death. Gen. Murtala was Nigeria’s Military Head of State from July 1975 until his assassination on Friday, 13 February 1976. The Chief Imam of the mosque, Sheikh Kabiru Dan-Taura, led the prayer session, which featured recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an. Speaking after the prayer session, Sheikh Dan-Taura said the deceased would continue to be remembered for a long time because of what he did for the country. “I thank the Almighty God for witnessing this prayer session.
Source:Punch
February 07, 2026 12:23 UTC
The National Salaries, Wages and Income Commission has approved an upward review of the uniform allowance for nurses under Federal Government employment from N20,000 to N80,000 per annum. “I hereby convey approval for the implementation of the uniform allowance of N80,000 per annum for nurses in Federal hospitals, medical centres and clinics in MDAs through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System with effect from 1st January 2026. Some of the demands of the nurses include the upward review of shift allowance, adjustment of uniform allowance, a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance, mass employment of nurses, and the establishment of a nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health, among others. However, at the heart of the protest was the Federal Government’s N20,000 yearly budget per nurse, a figure the leadership of the healthcare workers described as insulting. Aside from the yearly N20,000 budget, the nurses also revealed that they had been forced to work with inadequate tools and equipment, including gloves, without complaints for several years.
Source:Punch
February 07, 2026 12:10 UTC
US President Donald Trump said that Washington had “very good talks” on Iran after the two sides held an indirect dialogue in Oman, pledging another round of negotiations next week. Iran, for its part, said it expected to hold more negotiations with the United States, hailing a “positive atmosphere” during a day of talks in the Gulf sultanate. “We likewise had very good talks on Iran,” Trump told reporters on board Air Force One en route to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Shortly after the talks concluded, the US announced new sanctions against shipping entities and vessels, aimed at curbing Iran’s oil exports. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Friday that Iran should stop being a “destabilising power,” citing its nuclear program and support for “terrorist” groups.
Source:Punch
February 07, 2026 12:00 UTC
Deputy Governor Gobir captured this ethos succinctly when he reaffirmed the Nine-Point Smart Agenda as the compass guiding the actions of the Aliyu administration. The pragmatic objective is to ensure the Nine-Point Smart Agenda continues to respond robustly and meaningfully to the evolving needs of the people, emerging socio-economic realities, and lessons learned from its implementation over the last two and a half years. In that sense, interrogating the Nine-Point Smart Agenda has direct implications for how resources are deployed and how success is measured. The inclusion of technocrats, including professionals from outside government, reflects recognition of the value of independent expertise and objective analysis in policy review. In a broader sense, the interrogation of the Nine-Point Smart Agenda represents a quiet but meaningful departure from Nigeria’s dominant political tradition.
Source:The Guardian
February 07, 2026 11:46 UTC
A university don, Prof. Christian Ezeibe, has called on governments at all levels to declare a ‘national skills emergency’ as a strategic response to Nigeria’s persistent underdevelopment and widespread poverty. Prof. Ezeibe made the call on Friday while delivering the convocation lecture at the 5th Combined Convocation Ceremony of Kogi State Polytechnic, Idah. “Under Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore made Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) the cornerstone of its economic strategy. The Institute of Technical Education is not for academic failures; it is prestigious and highly sought-after. Addressing the graduating students directly, Prof. Ezeibe advised:“Do not go looking for a job where someone else will solve your problems.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 07, 2026 10:45 UTC
The President General of Ogidi community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Iwuka Okoye and one other unidentified person has been shot dead by suspected cultists. The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the killing in a statement in Awka, on Saturday. Following the report, police operatives swiftly took over the scene of the incident and commenced investigations. The Anambra State Police Command assures members of the public that all efforts are being intensified to bring those responsible to justice. In a similar development, the Chairman of Umueri village- Ogbunike community in Oyi local government area of the State, Hon Lovi Elobisi has escaped assassination by gunmen in the area.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 07, 2026 09:48 UTC