Oyo@50: Rep Olajide pays tribute to Makinde, Oba Ladoja others
As Oyo State clocks 50 years of its creation, the member representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, has paid glowing tribute to Governor Seyi Makinde, former Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Brig. Olajide extended his felicitations to other legends, technocrats, traditional rulers, civil servants, professionals, artisans and citizens whose sacrifices, he said, have collectively written Oyo state’s history over the last five decades. From our founding leaders to today’s leadership, the story of Oyo state is one of courage and unyielding progress,” Olajide said. “As we celebrate 50 years of Oyo State, we must also renew our collective resolve to protect its legacy and work towards a future defined by inclusion, opportunity and sustainable development,” he added.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 11:22 UTC
FG to share electricity subsidy costs with states, LGs
The Federal Government has announced plans to share electricity subsidy costs with state and local governments from 2026, ending the long-standing practice of bearing the burden alone. He urged MDAs to clearly reflect subsidy-related costs in their 2026 budget submissions and avoid shifting unfunded liabilities into the electricity market. Beyond electricity subsidies, Yakubu said the 2026 Budget would mark a departure from rollover budgeting and fragmented project lists, describing it as a single, coherent implementation framework designed to improve execution and accountability. The Budget Office chief added that the 2026 Budget would prioritise delivery-ready and finance-ready projects, noting that fewer but well-funded projects would deliver greater impact. The workshop is aimed at aligning MDAs with new budget expectations and strengthening the link between planning, financing and delivery in the 2026 fiscal year.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 11:21 UTC
French hospital calls bomb squad after WWI shell found inside patient’s rectum
A hospital in Toulouse, France, called in a bomb disposal unit after doctors discovered a World War I artillery shell lodged inside a patient’s rectum during a medical procedure. According to reports by The Mirror and French outlet La Dépêche, the man told medical staff that he had inserted an object into his body, but did not specify what it was. “At the time of the extraction, the surgeon realised that it was a shell from the First World War, about 16 centimetres long and 4 centimetres wide,” a police source was quoted as saying. A security perimeter was established, and some staff and patients were asked to leave the area as a precaution. After examining the object, explosives experts determined that the shell dated back to the end of World War I and had been decommissioned, posing no danger.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 10:36 UTC
Bauchi’s 50th anniversary worth celebrating — Gov Bala
The Governor made the assertion in a statewide broadcast on the ocassion of the celebration of 50th anniversary of the creation of Bauchi State on 3rd February, 2026. The Governor stated, “Today, I speak to you with a heart filled with gratitude, pride, and responsibility as we mark the 50th Anniversary of the creation of our dear State. The Governor further stated that, “Each administration, in its own way, contributed to the growth, stability, and continuity of Bauchi State. Bauchi State is, no doubt, a product of shared responsibility. Bauchi State occupies a total land area of 49,549 square kilometres representing about 5.3% of Nigeria’s total land mass,” he added.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 10:25 UTC
Nigeria hands over African Energy Bank headquarters
Nigeria has officially handed over the headquarters of the African Energy Bank (AEB), a flagship institution established to mobilise capital for the continent’s energy priorities and strengthen energy value chains. During the event, the President of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) and Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mamadou Colibaly, commended Nigeria’s leadership in advancing the initiative. “The African Energy Bank represents Africa’s commitment to finance, develop and secure its own energy future by Africans, for Africans,” Colibaly said. The African Energy Bank is a joint initiative of APPO member states and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), established with an initial capital of five billion dollars. The African Energy Bank is a pan-African financial institution jointly established by APPO member states and Afreximbank to provide tailored financing solutions for energy projects across Africa, and to finance and strengthen regional energy markets.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 10:25 UTC
US: Trump seeks $1bn in damages from Harvard University
United States President, Donald Trump, has announced plans to seek $1bn in damages from Harvard University, escalating his administration’s long-running dispute with the institution. The announcement follows a report by the New York Times that the Trump administration had retreated from an earlier demand for a $200m payment during negotiations with the university. Officials in the Trump administration have accused Harvard of failing to adequately address antisemitism during pro-Palestinian protests on campus, an allegation the university has rejected. In April last year, Trump revoked about $2bn in research grants awarded to Harvard and froze its federal funding. Other Ivy League institutions, including Columbia, Penn, and Brown, have reached agreements with the Trump administration to protect threatened funding rather than pursue legal action.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 10:25 UTC
Ajadi congratulates Olubadan, Makinde on recent awards
The two awards were presented to Oba Ladoja and Governor Makinde in Saturday in Lagos. Ajadi said he is not surprised that Gov Makinde was given Political Personality of the Year Award . “I stand with the Sun Newspaper on the choice of the Olubadan and Gov Makinde for the outstanding award. “Gov Makinde has remained an ideal Democrat, a strong contributor to the development of Nigerian democracy, good government and great development. “I pray that God will continue to give Gov Makinde more wisdom, strength and understanding as he is wrapping up his Second Term in the office”.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 09:54 UTC
APC’s growth driven by grassroots support, not governors’ defections —Yilwatda
He said the APC remains focused on national development and democratic consolidation, stressing that the party does not take Nigerians for granted. Yilwatda highlighted economic improvements under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying governors are now better positioned to deliver development as a result of improved fiscal policies. Dismissing claims that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state, Yilwatda described such allegations as unfounded. Yilwatda reaffirmed that the APC is a disciplined party that welcomes all Nigerians who believe in its vision, whether or not they are card-carrying members. The APC chairman assured Nigerians that the party’s leadership is not complacent.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 08:44 UTC
Fintechs process 11 billion transactions in 2024 as startups raise $520m in equity —CBN
According to the CBN, the report offers a detailed assessment of Nigeria’s fast-growing digital finance ecosystem and outlines strategic priorities for its next phase of development. The CBN noted that the current growth trajectory aligns with the Payments System Vision 2025, which targets near-universal electronic payment penetration by 2030, underscoring fintech’s central role in Nigeria’s digital economy strategy. Drawing on surveys and extensive stakeholder engagement, the report examined the scale and maturity of Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem, underscoring interoperability, proportional regulation and effective execution as critical enablers of sustainable growth. While this performance reflects resilience amid global macroeconomic headwinds, the report warned that Nigeria’s fintech sector remains heavily dependent on foreign capital, exposing it to global interest rate cycles. Looking ahead, the CBN outlined three strategic anchors for the sector: enabling innovation-friendly regulation, advancing financial inclusion through digital finance, and deepening regional integration through regulatory harmonisation.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 08:44 UTC
NIES: AFRIPERF critical to Africa’s energy future — NUPRC
The Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, has called for the strengthening of the African Petroleum Regulators’ Forum AFRIPERF as a critical platform for harmonising energy regulation across the continent and unlocking large-scale investment in Africa’s oil and gas sector. She made the call while delivering her keynote address at the Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES) which was held at the International Conference Centre ICC on Monday in Abuja. She said, “Investors are not deterred by Africa’s geology; they are deterred by inconsistent rules. According to her, the Africa Energy Bank, headquartered in Nigeria, is mobilising African capital for African energy projects by helping to bridge financing gaps left by global capital withdrawal. Only then can we unlock the full transformative power of Africa’s resources for our people,” the CCE concluded.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 08:44 UTC
Diplomat harps on re-introduction of ‘Back to Land’ programmes
This development, he noted, has largely dampened the morale of students who cultivate school farmlands for practical studies. Akinremi, speaking at a press briefing heralding the 60th anniversary of Iroko Community Grammar School, Iroko, in Akinyele Local Government Area, tasked relevant authorities with putting in place necessary measures to checkmate the trend. ALSO READ: APC’s growth driven by grassroots support, not governors’ defections —YilwatdaHe said such measures include the construction of a perimeter fence, currently being undertaken by the school’s Old Students Association, and the engagement of security agents. He added that the celebration presents an opportunity to reignite pride, restore excellence, and secure a stronger future for Iroko Community Grammar School. “As the Old Students’ Association, we have resolved to take collective responsibility for restoring Iroko Community Grammar School to its old glory.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 08:44 UTC
Ibadan Mega Voice decorates Olaniyan as patron
Ibadan Mega Voice (IMV), one of the affiliate clubs of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has formally decorated Alhaji Qazeem Olaniyan, Chairman of Omoola Travel and Tours, as one of its patrons, in recognition of his support for community development and a commitment to the progress of Ibadan. His love for Ibadan and its people resonates with the ideals of Ibadan Mega Voice. READ ALSO: Power probe: Reps tackle DisCos over unfulfilled obligationsIbadan Mega Voice is a non-partisan association of Ibadan indigenes in the communication field, committed to cultural promotion, responsible media engagement, advocacy and community-driven interventions. Through its activities, IMV has continued to amplify the Ibadan voice while championing initiatives that uplift society. The club expressed profound appreciation to Olaniyan for accepting the honour and for his kind gestures towards the association.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 04:19 UTC
Why my father’s assassination was easy — Murtala Muhammed’s daughter
Aisha Muhammed, daughter of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, has explained that her father’s simple lifestyle and rejection of the trappings of power made it easy for him to be assassinated. Speaking on ARISE News’ Morning Show on Monday, the Chief Executive Officer of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation reflected on her father’s leadership style as Nigeria marked the 50th anniversary of his assassination. “My father’s leadership style was clear. According to her, General Muhammed deliberately avoided heavy security details, motorcades and sirens, insisting on living like the ordinary Nigerian, a decision she said ultimately exposed him to danger. She explained that on the day of his assassination, he was travelling in traffic like every other road user.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 02:26 UTC
2026 budget: Anti-corruption network flags NDE, NPC over ‘mandate abuse’
The Anti-Corruption, Good Governance & Human Rights Network (AGHU-Network) has raised the alarm over what it described as “disturbing, dangerous and deeply troubling” provisions in the 2026 budget of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. The network accused National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the National Productivity Centre (NPC) of earmarking billions of naira for projects outside their statutory mandates. The group noted that the NPC alone was allocated ₦110.68 billion, representing over 60 percent of the entire ministry’s budget, while the NDE received ₦30.41 billion. “These duplications mirror long-standing corruption tendencies in Nigeria’s public finance system, where the same projects are recycled across budgets to inflate spending while unemployment remains stubbornly high,” the statement added. “Public institutions must return to purpose.”
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 02:24 UTC
Chef Hilda: In the news again with third Guinness record!
A couple of years ago, after Hilda Baci, Nigeria’s celebrity chef, set another Guinness World Record—this time for the largest pot of Jollof rice—social media lit up with mockery. Audacity of Hilda: In 2023, she cooked for 93 hours and 11 minutes, breaking the ‘cook-aton’ record for the longest cooking by an individual. Baci’s run for the largest Jollof rice serving began in September 2025. READ ALSO: Hilda Baci receives second Guinness World Record plaqueGender and generation barriers: This cook’s courage carries significant weight as a woman in a society that often overlooks women. A call beyond cynicism: Hilda Baci’s story is not about pots of jollof rice—it is about the audacity of youth.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 03, 2026 00:31 UTC