FG enforces biometric attendance in TVET, links payments strictly verified records
The Federal Government has commenced the full enforcement of biometric attendance verification across all centres participating in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery. The statement, which was signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mrs Folasade Boriowo, said the Ministry has unequivocally stated that biometric verification is now the sole approved method for validating attendance under the TVET Programme. ALSO READ: FG inaugurates national working committee to drive TVET initiative“Consequently, all payments to training centres and monthly stipends to trainees are now processed strictly on the basis of verified biometric attendance records. “Training centres were earlier notified that continued non-compliance would result in removal from the programme, with affected trainees redeployed to fully compliant centres. “The Ministry reiterates that compliance with biometric attendance verification is mandatory and non-negotiable, as it safeguards public funds and ensures that programme benefits reach their intended beneficiaries,” Boriowo stated.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 04, 2026 18:10 UTC
NEDC constructs, donates fire station, other facilities to ATBU
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has constructed and donated a modern, well-equipped Fire Station to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi State. The fire station also has a modern firefighting vehicle, offices for staff and a borehole for water refill, which is to operate 24 hours. He urged the management of the university to own the facilities and maintain them in other to achieve the set objectives of the project. “To our Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, Kauran Bauchi, we say thank you very much and we owe you our unreserved gratitude. May it yield fruits of peace, prosperity, and preservation for generations.Thank you, and God bless ATBU, NEDC, Bauchi State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 04, 2026 18:09 UTC
CVR: INEC registers 4,423 new voters in Anambra
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said a total of 4,423 new voters have so far been registered in Anambra State within four weeks in the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise. The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, disclosed this during a media chat with journalists in Awka, on Wednesday. Agwu said the exercise is currently ongoing across the 21 local government areas of the state. She expressed satisfaction over the figures registered so far within the period under review, adding that the exercise is for the upcoming 2027 general elections. Agwu urged the residents aged 18 to come out en masse and register as soon as possible to avoid rushing.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 04, 2026 18:09 UTC
Uber beats Q4 revenue estimates, posts $14.37bn
Uber reported better-than-expected revenue of $14.37 billion in its fourth-quarter earnings report on Wednesday, although its shares slipped in premarket trading after the results were released. The ride-hailing and delivery company said revenue for the period ended in December reached $14.37 billion, slightly above analysts’ estimate of $14.32 billion. Revenue increased from $12 billion a year earlier, with the mobility segment generating $8.2 billion, up 19% from the previous year, and delivery revenue rising 30% to $4.9 billion. Analysts had expected mobility revenue of $8.3 billion and delivery revenue of $4.72 billion. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said delivery growth was strongest in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 04, 2026 18:09 UTC
Israel Charges 12 in Major Gaza Smuggling Ring Scandal
Prosecutors on Wednesday filed charges against 12 Israeli suspects, including reservist soldiers, for offences including “assisting the enemy in wartime,” over the alleged smuggling of prohibited goods into war-shattered Gaza. It described the operation as a “serious case of organised, systematic, and sophisticated smuggling of various goods into the Gaza Strip for profit,” which began in the summer of 2025, when war was still raging in Gaza. The justice ministry statement said charges had been filed against 12 individuals and one company. A joint statement from the police and Israel’s Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency confirmed they had “arrested several Israeli citizens and Gaza Strip residents who smuggled goods prohibited from entering the Gaza Strip”. Israeli media reported that the brother of Israel’s Shin Bet chief, David Zini, was allegedly linked to smuggling cigarettes into Gaza.
Source:Punch
February 04, 2026 18:01 UTC
Wike: Politics Won't Stop FCT Development Projects in Abuja
Wike gave the assurance on Wednesday while inspecting several ongoing infrastructure projects in the FCT, insisting that governance and service delivery would continue irrespective of political timelines. Politics has its own time, and the work will continue to go on. “The only way to make sure that people will be happy and see that the Renewed Hope Agenda is real is to continue with the work,” Wike said. Wike later visited an extensive road corridor running from Euclid Road through Bright Road to Tungan Madaki, a stretch of about seven kilometres. On Tuesday, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing road and infrastructure projects across Abuja, following an inspection of several key sites.
Source:Punch
February 04, 2026 17:35 UTC
Oyo@50: PUNCH founder Olu Aboderin, Onikepo Akande, Olubadan, others bag icon awards
While the late Aboderin was honoured with the Media Icon Award, Akande received the Merit Award of Excellence. Speaking at the event, Governor Seyi Makinde traced his personal journey to the free education policy of the late Chief Bola Ige, describing it as a defining pillar of the state’s legacy. That is Oyo State, the beauty of what we are celebrating today. “Infrastructure renewal, security reforms and urban modernisation later became defining priorities, helping the state overcome periods of tension and institutional testing. The PUNCH reports that Makinde inaugurated the state’s 50th anniversary on Monday, January 26, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
Source:Punch
February 04, 2026 17:20 UTC
FG calls for applications to UN humanitarian leadership roles
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has invited qualified professionals to express interest in joining the United Nations Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator Talent Pipeline. In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the initiative seeks “high-calibre professionals to join leadership roles within the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator system.”“The RC/HC Talent Pipeline is designed to identify and prepare individuals for leadership positions, while broadening and diversifying the pool of eligible candidates,” the statement said. Applications for this cycle will close on Thursday, 12 February 2026, at 23:59 hours (EST). “We encourage all eligible professionals with leadership capacity and dedication to multilateral cooperation, humanitarian action, and sustainable development to submit their applications within the stipulated time frame,” the statement added. Further information on eligibility requirements, application procedures, and the Talent Pipeline framework is available on the official UN website: unsdg.un.org/2030-agenda/leadership/resident-coordinator-humanitarian-coordinator-rchc-talent-pipeline
Source:Punch
February 04, 2026 17:08 UTC
Kante joins Fenerbahce as Turkish president intervenes
(FILES) France's midfielder NGolo Kante kicks the ball during the Nations League football match between France and Portugal, on October 11, 2020 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)France midfielder Ngolo Kante has signed for Fenerbahce from Saudi outfit Al-Ittihad thanks to “support” from president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish club said on Wednesday. “Our club has successfully completed the transfer of N’Golo Kante, a prominent figure in world football,” Fenerbahce president Sadettin Saran said. “On behalf of myself and our club, I would like to express my gratitude to our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his significant support in ensuring the positive conclusion of this process, which will contribute to the development of both Fenerbahce and Turkish football,” he added. Fenerbahce, 19 times Turkish champions, have also signed Kante’s fellow France midfielder Matteo Guendouzi during the winter transfer window.
Source:Punch
February 04, 2026 17:04 UTC
Lagos govt says $2m earmarked for Makoko rebuilding
The ongoing demolition in Makoko community has been put on hold following a meeting held between the community representatives and the Lagos State Government. Authorities also indicated that discussions around compensation and next steps for affected residents will continue. The decision followed a meeting held today, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, where Makoko representatives laid out grievances over displacement, loss of homes, and the impact of the demolitions on daily life. Residents say the pause offers temporary relief as they await clearer plans for resettlement and compensation.
Source:Punch
February 04, 2026 16:51 UTC
PDP Slams Kwara Gov’s Response to Bandit Attack
The Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State has criticised Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq’s response to the recent bandit attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, describing it as cosmetic and devoid of concrete reassurance for victims. According to the PDP, Kwara state required far more than “propaganda, photo-ops and hollow sympathy messages” to confront insurgency and banditry. “This incident is yet another reminder that what Kwara urgently needs is decisive, practical and people-oriented leadership,” the statement read. The PDP also accused the governor of presenting a distorted picture of the security situation in the state. “Unfortunately, the governor’s statement is riddled with self-adulation and a misleading portrayal of security in Kwara State,” it said, insisting that insecurity remained widespread.
Source:Punch
February 04, 2026 16:41 UTC
Appeal Court thrashes application to stop Abia govt from appointing judges
The Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri, Imo, has dismissed an application seeking to stop Abia State government from appointing judges in the state. Delivering a lead ruling on Wednesday in Owerri, Honourable Justice Ntong Ntong, said the application lay against the Court of Appeal and had no basis in law. The Justice held that the applicants’ claim that the Court of Appeal refused to hear their appeal was a lie. Reacting to the judgment, the Attorney General of Abia State, Sir Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, described it as a liberation for Abia. He said: ‘The Justices have liberated the judiciary in Abia State from shackles of operation.”Recalled that over the past few years, the Abia State judiciary has not been able to appoint judges, and that has stalled the process of administration of justice in Abia.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 04, 2026 16:31 UTC
Sanwo-Olu receives US streamer Kai Cenat in Lagos
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday received popular American streamer and internet personality, Kai Cenat, at the Lagos House, Marina. Gawat said Cenat, who is on his second visit to Lagos, paid the governor a courtesy visit and shared his experiences during his stay in the state. “Kai Cenat is in Lagos to follow up on some projects and initiatives he plans to execute for kids and young people in Lagos State, Nigeria,” Gawat said. Officials of the Lagos State Government did not disclose further details of Cenat’s itinerary or the nature of his engagements during the visit. His visit comes weeks after another American streamer, IShowSpeed, toured Lagos, drawing large crowds and widespread attention on social media.
Source:Punch
February 04, 2026 16:21 UTC
NRC accuses Oyo LG of destroying railway assets
In a statement signed by the NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, on Tuesday, the corporation described the development as a “worrisome report” detailing the destruction and removal of fixed railway assets along its right-of-way in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State. According to the NRC, the incident occurred on Monday and was allegedly carried out by the Chairman of Ibadan South-West Local Government Council, Kehinde Amada, who was said to be personally present at the scene. The NRC described the action as a “grave violation of federal railway assets” and confirmed that it has commenced comprehensive documentation of the incident. The Corporation added that “The Nigerian Railway Corporation will not fold its arms while critical national assets are vandalised,” stressing that the matter goes beyond local governance and touches on national infrastructure protection. In the statement, the Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, appealed directly to the Oyo State Governor to intervene by calling the Ibadan South-West Local Government chairman to order.
Source:Punch
February 04, 2026 16:09 UTC
Ibadan North by-election: Tribunal dismisses SDP’s petition against PDP candidate
The election petition Tribunal sitting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has dismissed the petition brought before it by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) against the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon.Folajimi Oyekunle, in the August 16, 2025, by-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency. The SDP, had prayed the Tribunal to nullify the election that produced Honourable Oyekunle as winner and declare its candidate as the winner. Counsel to Hon.Folajimi and PDP, Tunji Ogunrinde, SAN, while defending the petition, raised an objection to the competence of the petition. Ogunrinde, SAN, further prayed the tribunal to dismiss the petition for the petitioner’s failure to list the candidate as a party to the petition. The petition was consequently dismissed for lacking in merit, and cost of N2million was awarded in favour of the PDP and its candidate, Honourable Folajimi Oyekunle.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 04, 2026 16:01 UTC