NEDC rehabilitates Tafawa Balewa’s tomb, adjoining facilities
commissions mega school, office complexAfter several years of neglect, the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has rehabilitated the tomb of Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Hon Uba Maigari Ahmadu, disclosed this during a visit to Tafawa Balewa’s tomb, while inspecting and commissioning completed NEDC projects across Bauchi State. ALSO READ: Bauchi agency condemns self-immolation incident at Tafawa Balewa’s residenceThe Minister commended the NEDC for delivering quality work worthy of the legacy of Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister. Bala Mohammed noted that NEDC’s interventions have complemented the Bauchi State Government’s development agenda, particularly in critical sectors such as education. The Minister expressed confidence that the Bauchi State Government would ensure effective management and optimal use of the facility.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 06, 2026 11:36 UTC
Oyo govt assures readiness for WAEC CBT, plans 60,000 laptops
The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its preparedness for the official commencement of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations. This is in line with the Federal Government’s directive for a gradual transition from pen-and-paper to full digital testing. Olayiwola revealed that Governor Seyi Makinde has directed that the cost implications for the procurement of over 60,000 laptops for public senior secondary schools across the state be worked out, noting that the move is aimed at positioning Oyo State ahead of the full adoption of CBT examinations. In his remarks, Amode said the visit was to appreciate the Oyo State Ministry of Education for its support during the 2025 WAEC examinations and for its consistent collaboration with the Council over the years, describing the Ministry as a key stakeholder in the success of WAEC operations. Amode also warned that severe penalties await any candidate caught with a mobile phone in the examination hall.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 06, 2026 11:35 UTC
2027: Taraba people will mobilise support for Tinubu, APC — Gov Kefas
Taraba governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, on Friday, assured that citizens of the state will fully mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, and ensure victory for all APC candidates. Governor Kefas, who described his relationship with the former Minister of Defence as “sound, firm and solid,” disclosed that some people were going behind to criticize him before the elder statesman. “Some people are going to him to criticize me to ensure that he opts for his support for my re-election, but thank God, Gen. Danjuma knows me more than they do. “I thank God for the grace to lead Taraba State and for opening my mind to see Taraba beyond Wukari,” Kefas said. According to the monarch, the projects would have a lasting economic and social impact on the people of Taraba State.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 06, 2026 11:35 UTC
Bitcoin price drops 13% to $62,000, lowest since October 2024
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.
Source:The Guardian
February 06, 2026 11:31 UTC
A snakebite death is the latest high-profile tragedy in Nigeria: they all connect to map a system in collapse | Cheta Nwanze
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.
Source:The Guardian
February 06, 2026 11:30 UTC
Stakeholders seek investment in clean cooking
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.
Source:The Guardian
February 06, 2026 11:15 UTC
US condemns Kwara killings, backs Tinubu’s security measures
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.
Source:The Guardian
February 06, 2026 11:15 UTC
Arlovski: Joshua breaking Paul's jaw taught him a lesson
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.
Source:Punch
February 06, 2026 11:12 UTC
FG unveils halal economy strategy to unlock $12b
• 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.
Source:The Guardian
February 06, 2026 11:10 UTC
Snakebite: Doctors defend treatment, push back on public criticisms
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.
Source:The Guardian
February 06, 2026 11:10 UTC
2026 Tata Punch EV Launch Confirmed On February 20: Expected Design, Interior, Features, Safety, Powertrain And Rivals Explained
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).
Source:Punch
February 06, 2026 10:56 UTC
Punch tour confirms casting
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
Source:Punch
February 06, 2026 10:44 UTC
Saudi Arabia sets deadline for Hajj registration, data capturing, others
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.
Source:Punch
February 06, 2026 10:13 UTC
Ex-NEXIM Bank MD Jailed 10 Years for N2.4bn Bank Fraud
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.
Source:Punch
February 06, 2026 09:57 UTC
Tata Punch EV Facelift to Launch in India on February 20: Here's What to Expect
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.
Source:Punch
February 06, 2026 09:40 UTC