RTEAN backs Tinubu’s re-election bid for 2027
He added that the association plans to convene a national convention to publicly reaffirm its political direction and continued support for President Tinubu. Those who honoured me as Patron of the Jagaban Squad are determined to show the world that we stand firmly with Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said. He disclosed that RTEAN has over five million registered members nationwide and pledged the association’s continued loyalty to the Tinubu administration. Its support will significantly boost grassroots mobilisation for the APC ahead of the 2027 presidential election,” he said. “We are confident that this partnership between RTEAN and the Jagaban Squad will yield positive results and contribute immensely to the success of President Tinubu and the APC in the coming election cycle.”
Source:Punch
February 01, 2026 18:20 UTC
Makinde assures of continued good governance after tenure
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Sunday said that while his tenure will end in May 2027, members of his team, with whom he has delivered good governance, are poised to continue the work in different capacities. He therefore assured the people of continuity of good governance after the expiration of his tenure, stressing that his team is still intact and will carry on the good work. “I want to congratulate all of us for witnessing Oyo State at 50, and I pray that we shall witness many more years on earth. We will continue to operate in accordance with the will and guidance of God for Oyo State,” Makinde assured. Special prayers were offered for Governor Makinde, the state, past leaders/governors, and Nigeria, as well as for the continuity of good governance through a worthy successor.
Source:Punch
February 01, 2026 18:15 UTC
Ebonyi insecurity: Gov shuts schools, imposes curfew
The measures were part of resolutions reached at an emergency meeting of the Ebonyi State Security Council on Saturday night, convened in response to the mayhem in Okporojo village, Oso Edda community. Earlier on Saturday, Nwifuru visited the affected community, commiserated with residents, and directed security agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. “Accordingly, all government and private schools in Amasiri Development Centre and in the Amasiri clan are hereby closed down, and all teachers are to be posted to other schools in other communities. Nwifuru added that the council directed security agencies to swing into action to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killings in Okporojo and to recover the severed heads of the victims at all costs. “These resolutions take immediate effect,” the governor said, warning that the state would not tolerate acts of violence or lawlessness in any part of Ebonyi State.
Source:Punch
February 01, 2026 18:04 UTC
Soldiers Killed as Troops Confront Bandits in Zamfara
Some soldiers have been confirmed dead in a fierce firefight with notorious bandits in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. “Following days of intensive surveillance, ground troops supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) intercepted the bandits on January 31, 2026,” the statement read. The camp was set ablaze before the troops withdrew.”Osoba added that the NAF is conducting interdiction missions to intercept fleeing bandits, while ground troops maintain dominance over the area. He added that the army honours the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers and remains determined in its mission. “Combat efficiency remains high as troops continue to dismantle bandit networks and disrupt their supply chains across the region,” Osoba said.
Source:Punch
February 01, 2026 17:57 UTC
Caterer Says Holy Spirit Cooked iShowSpeed's Nigerian Jollof
“This Jollof rice, na Holy Spirit help me cook am. Sappor recounted that a customer who has never visited Freedom Park before, came to her restaurant to eat the jollof rice she made for iShowSpeed. “She said she has never stepped a foot into Freedom Park, but she came in because of iShowSpeed.We prepared the Jollof rice that iShowSpeed ate when he came to Nigeria. iShowSpeed, during his Africa tour titled Speed Does Africa, praised the Nigerian jollof rice during the livestream at Sappor Cuisine, saying, “I am not gonna lie, this is good. While sampling Nigerian jollof rice at the park, Speed told viewers during his livestream, “I am not gonna lie, this is good.
Source:Punch
February 01, 2026 17:41 UTC
Anxiety as Soludo reopens Onitsha main market
Tension gripped Anambra StateAnambra State on Sunday as Governor Chukwuma Soludo ordered the reopening of the Onitsha Main Market, despite threats by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to enforce a sit-at-home across the South-East. The market was shut for one week last Monday after traders were accused of complying with the sit-at-home order. At the time, Soludo warned that the closure could be extended or parts of the market demolished should traders continue to defy government directives. The decision to reopen the market followed a series of engagements between the state government and market leaders. In a statement titled “Onitsha Main Market Re-opens on Monday, February 2,” the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, confirmed that the governor’s closure order had expired.
Source:The Guardian
February 01, 2026 17:21 UTC
‘I wanted to stop’: The silent gambling epidemic inside Nigeria’s banks
Although gambling is common among almost all age groups and socioeconomic classes in Nigeria, bankers appear particularly vulnerable to developing gambling problems. “The immediate environment of handling cash and financial transactions can greatly increase the risk of gambling addiction,” said Akinniku. The centre provides a safe, confidential environment for individuals seeking counselling, therapy, and structured recovery support for gambling addiction. So far, 47 bankers and former bankers have sought help from our organisation specifically for gambling addiction,” Abiose told The Guardian. Other options available are 7 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days and 120 days.
Source:The Guardian
February 01, 2026 17:13 UTC
Tinubu’s reforms averted economic collapse in 27 states, says Idris
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu saved no fewer than 27 states from economic collapse. “President Tinubu came into office with a clear plan. “These gains are the direct outcome of President Tinubu’s reforms and his leadership strategy,” the minister stated. He added that the reforms helped Nigeria avoid a deeper economic crisis that could have emerged if corrective measures were delayed. The minister also said the ongoing reforms are creating new opportunities for Nigerian youths, urging them to position themselves to benefit from the evolving economic landscape.
Source:The Guardian
February 01, 2026 17:12 UTC
N’Assembly to deliver acceptable electoral reform bill soon — Reps spokesman
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.
Source:Punch
February 01, 2026 17:01 UTC
2027: Group backs Yahaya Bello for Tinubu campaign DG role
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.
Source:The Guardian
February 01, 2026 16:26 UTC
Boxer Jarrell Miller has hairpiece knocked upward by punch, throws it into the crowd
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.
Source:Punch
February 01, 2026 16:05 UTC
Nigerian music star Ifunanya dies after snake bite
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.
Source:Punch
February 01, 2026 15:46 UTC
Customs prioritises technology-driven border management
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.
Source:The Guardian
February 01, 2026 15:27 UTC
Lagos pastor defends Bible verse tattoo as evangelism
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.
Source:Punch
February 01, 2026 15:18 UTC
Kano Commissioner Dumps NNPP, Joins Ruling APC
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.
Source:Punch
February 01, 2026 15:06 UTC