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Activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance day in Cross River, ended Thursday, with the laying of wreaths by the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, Service Commanders in the state, head of the traditional institution among others. The event, held to celebrate the living while honouring the fallen heroes who at the course of protecting the nation's territory lost their lives in the various world wars, the civil war and other internal peace missions including bandits attack, took place at the Millennium park cenotaph in Calabar. The governor who spoke to newsmen shortly after the event, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of military veterans, widows and families of fallen heroes. Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, he described ...

The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities on Wednesday unveiled a renegotiated agreement that will put paid to incessant strikes and closure of universities in the country.A major provision of the agreement is the upward review of the remuneration of academic staff in federal universities by 40 per cent, with effect from January 1, 2026. Under the new structure, salaries will comprise the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary and a Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, which accounts for the 40 per cent increment. The tools allowance is designed to support core academic activities such as research, journal publications, conference participation, internet access, learned society membership and book procurement, with the broader objective of boos...

Banks and fintechs to collect and remit 7.5 per cent value-added tax on certain electronic banking services, effective Monday, January 19, 2026.The Federal Government gave the directive according to an email issued by payment platforms.The VAT will apply to electronic banking charges, including mobile money transfers, USSD transaction fees, and card issuance fees, according to an email notice on Wednesday shared with customers by Moniepoint.For example, if a bank charges N100 to make a transfer, the 7.5 per cent VAT will be applied to that service fee, not the money being sent.“From Monday, January 19, 2026, we are required to collect a 7.5 per cent VAT, to be remitted to the Nigerian Revenue Service (formerly known as the Federal Inland Revenue Service).“VAT will apply to certain ban...

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties valued at about N213.23 billion, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities linked to a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and two of his sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru-Rahman Malami.The order was made on Tuesday by Justice Emeka Nwite, following an ex parte motion moved by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), seeking the temporary forfeiture of the assets to the Federal Government pending further proceedings. The properties, which run into several billions of naira, are spread across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states, and comprise hotels, schools, shopping plazas, filling station...

More members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have backed out of the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.The Assembly had on January 8, announced the commencement of impeachment proceedings against the governor.The impeachment notice accused Fubara of gross misconduct, citing allegations including the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, and defiance of a Supreme Court ruling on legislative autonomy.The lawmakers, Barile Nwakoh, who represents Khana Constituency I, and Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II, made the appeal on Wednesday, barely 24 hours after two other legislators publicly adopted a similar position.Although they maintained that the governor and his deputy breached constitutional ...

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to withdraw its “No Work, No Pay” circular.TUC also asked the government to immediately restore the salaries of members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), warning that failure to comply would trigger mass industrial resistance across the country.In a press statement, jointly signed by the President-General of TUC, Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, and the Secretary-General, Comrade N. A. Toro described the circular which directed the implementation of “No Work, No Pay” and the stoppage of JOHESU salaries through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) from January 2026 as “reckless, authoritarian and confrontational.”TUC said the ci...

The Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, has disclosed a significant decline in the number of irregular Nigerian migrants in Türkiye, attributing the development to improved bilateral cooperation between both countries. Ambassador Poroy made the disclosure on Tuesday during a strategic meeting with the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, and other officials of the Turkish delegation at NiDCOM’s headquarters in Abuja. According to the Turkish envoy, the number of irregular Nigerian migrants in Türkiye has dropped from about 9,000 to fewer than 5,000, noting that prior to his assumption of office, Nigeria ranked fourth among countri...

…Says Monarchs Make Governance Easier, More Effective In a powerful gesture that underscored the centrality of traditional institutions in governance, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday presented 65 brand new Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs to traditional rulers across the state, describing them as “tools of service” for guardians of peace and stability. The presentation, which took place in Government House, Asaba, saw 60 brand new Prados and five Land Cruisers SUVs handed over to the royal fathers for ease of movement. Governor Oborevwori said the occasion was “a very important and symbolic day in the life of this administration”, noting that the beneficiaries represent “a special class of leaders whose contributions to governance are critical, but o...

In furtherance of efforts to enhance airpower capabilities and strengthen joint force integration in the North East theatre, the Commandant, Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC), Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Jibia, has paid an operational assessment visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in Maiduguri. Speaking during the visit, Air Vice Marshal Jibia explained that the engagement was designed to interface with aircrew deployed under Operation HADIN KAI and to pay a courtesy call on the Theatre Commander following his assumption of duty as Commandant AWDC. He noted that the visit aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s philosophy, which prioritises deliberate training and mission-oriented force development as key pillars for streng...

The management of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, has announced that it will commence the issuance of double certificates in academic and vocational studies for graduating students. The Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Prof. Shadrack Akindele, announced this during the 21st matriculation ceremony of the university in Ede on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Akindele said 1,644 students were matriculated, of which 1,358 were undergraduates and 286 were postgraduate students. He noted that 1,236 of the undergraduate students gained admission through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), while 122 were Direct Entry (DE) students. Akindele further stated that the matriculating students are the first set in the history of the university to graduate wi...

The Nigerian Army has provided free medical care to Tsefe community, a suburb of Sokoto State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day. Inaugurating the exercise on Tuesday, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Sokoto, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, said the initiative aims to improve healthcare delivery in communities. Ajose, who also serves as the Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force Operation FANSAR YANMA, was represented by the Commander of 108 Equipment Support, Brig.-Gen. Aliyu Musa. He said the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is enshrined to reflect on the sacrifices and dedication of fallen heroes who selflessly laid down their lives for the peace, unity, and security of the country. It is also to celebrate the ...

Today marks a historic milestone in Nigeria's trade relations. The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement CEPA that will transform economic ties between our two nations and deliver tangible benefits for Nigerian businesses, professionals, and workers. This Agreement is the product of focused and determined negotiations led by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment under the direction of the Honourable Minister and Chief Negotiator for Nigeria, Dr Jumoke Oduwole MFR. It prioritises market access for Nigerian goods and services, facilitates quality investment inflows, and advances our national economic diversification under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. What Th...

No fewer than five persons sustained injuries when a truck rammed into vehicles in Kaduna State. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, the crash which involved five vehicles happened at the popular PZ area of Zaria on Tuesday. The Zaria Unit Commander of the FRSC, Mr Nasiru Falgore, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the incident. Falgore said the crash involved a truck, a Honda Jazz, a Peugeot 407 and two tricycles, affecting a total of 15 persons. “Out of the 15 persons involved in the crash, five sustained varying degrees of injuries, while 10 others were rescued unhurt,” he said. According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the crash was caused by brake failure, excessive speed and loss of control by the truck driver, who rammed into the ot...

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has warned of the need to ensure biodata integrity, biometric capture, and identity verification for candidates participating in the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry registration exercise. JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is’haq Oloyede in a statement on Tuesday warned candidates against post-registration biodata changes. The statement which was signed by the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, noted “Once a candidate completes 2026 registration with biodata supplied by NIMC, subsequent changes of biodata would not be effected by JAMB for the 2026 admission. No Change Will Be Tolerated.” For 2026, changes in previous data by NIMC will only be updated on existing JAMB records only if the affected candidates go through a process RE-QUERY to retrieve the ...

…Says Monarchs Make Governance Easier, More Effective In a powerful gesture that underscored the centrality of traditional institutions in governance, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday presented 65 brand new Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs to traditional rulers across the state, describing them as “tools of service” for guardians of peace and stability. The presentation, which took place in Government House, Asaba, saw 60 brand new Prados and five Land Cruisers SUVs handed over to the royal fathers for ease of movement. Governor Oborevwori said the occasion was “a very important and symbolic day in the life of this administration”, noting that the beneficiaries represent “a special class of leaders whose contributions to governance are critical, but o...

Cross River is reportedly on track to the World Health Organisation (WHO) roadmap for the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) around the world. This follows its announcement of 48.5 percent rate reduction of Soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and 76.6 percent rate reduction of schistosomiasis, during a day stakeholders engagement on the presentation of the 2016-2024 report on preventive chemotherapy of schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminthiasis in the 18 local government areas of the state. Presenting the report at the Essential Drugs Program office in Calabar, Senior Program Manager of Evidence Action, Eustace Ohaji, said his organisation over the years, supported the state in the programme of neglected tropical diseases especially soil transmitted helminthi...

By Gami Tadanyigbe The Federal Government has thrown its full weight behind the Super Eagles ahead of their highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinal encounter against Morocco, assuring the team of the unwavering support of Nigerians at home and abroad. In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, praised the Super Eagles for their impressive run in the tournament and urged them to rise to the occasion as they chase a place in the final. Idris described the team’s performances so far as “inspiring,” commending their discipline, courage and belief, which he said have once again underscored Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s most respected footballing nations. “Match after match, you have shown...

By Gami Tadanyigbe No fewer than 1, 680,315 registered voters are expected to participate in the February 26 Council poll in the Federal Capital Territory.The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Wednesday published and presented the revised Register of Voters for the Federal Capital Territory to political parties.The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the FCT, Malam Aminu Idris, who made the presentation at a Stakeholders’ Meeting with political parties in Abuja, said the revised Register supersedes all previous registers for the Federal Capital Territory.He noted that the occasion was a critical constitutional and legal requirement in the Commission’s preparations for the polls.Malam Idris recalled that INEC resumed the nationwide Continuous Voter Registratio...

By Aderogba George A Non-Governmental Organisation, Child and Youth Protection Foundation (CYPF), has inaugurated a renovated toilet facility with four seats at the Junior Secondary School (JSS), Piwoyi, Airport Road, Abuja. Speaking with newsmen during the inauguration on Monday in Abuja, the National Coordinator of CYPF, Mr Kolawole Olatosimi, said the initiative was aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and encouraging school attendance among adolescent girls. Olatosimi said the foundation also donated packs of reusable sanitary pads to the school, which he said could last up to two years, as part of efforts to improve hygiene practices among young girls. According to him, menstrual hygiene education should not be limited to commemorative days but should be sustained to ...

By Raymond Iginla (Abuja) An Abuja based law firm, Dynamic Option Chambers, has accused Mr Tonye Clinton Jaja, a lawyer and a Senior Research fellow of publishing a defamatory, malicious statement in the public domain against its client, Dr Monday O. Ubani, SAN. Barrister Nkem Okoro (Esq.), a lawyer from the firm and a solicitor to Ubani made this known in a press statement he made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday. The Barrister also accused Jaja who is also a legislative drafting expert of breaching the court order that had earlier restrained him from issuing further defamatory statement in public domain against his client. He said that the attention of his firm and that of his client, has again been drawn to another reckless, sensational and legally irresponsible...