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Monday, January 26, 2026
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FCTA Workers, NLC Storm Industrial Court, Demand Wike...
DisCos reject FG’s free meter plan
Nigerian-born nurse loses licence in Australia for sleeping...
BREAKING: Kano Gov Abba Yusuf dumps NNPP
National Grid Collapse For First Time in 2026
BREAKING: Tinubu approves posting of Ambassadors to U.S.,...
Insecurity: Kidnappers demand 17 motorcycles for release of...
FG to Abolish Hnd-Degree Dichotomy, Allow Polytechnics to...
AFCON Initiative drives stronger Nigeria Morocco cooperation
Obasanjo: I’ll Never Stop Having Children
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FCTA Workers, NLC Storm Industrial Court, Demand Wike...
DisCos reject FG’s free meter plan
Nigerian-born nurse loses licence in Australia for sleeping...
BREAKING: Kano Gov Abba Yusuf dumps NNPP
National Grid Collapse For First Time in 2026
BREAKING: Tinubu approves posting of Ambassadors to U.S.,...
Insecurity: Kidnappers demand 17 motorcycles for release of...
FG to Abolish Hnd-Degree Dichotomy, Allow Polytechnics to...
AFCON Initiative drives stronger Nigeria Morocco cooperation
Obasanjo: I’ll Never Stop Having Children
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FCTA workers
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FCTA Workers, NLC Storm Industrial Court, Demand Wike Sack

by Nelson Ugwuagbo January 26, 2026
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Monday besieged the National Industrial Court in Abuja in continuation of an ongoing total and indefinite strike over unresolved labour disputes.

The protest followed a directive by the NLC endorsing the industrial action, which it described as justified in the face of what it called persistent violations of workers’ rights by the FCTA management and political leadership.

The demonstrators, who carried placards with inscriptions such as “Wike must go”, “Abuja no be Rivers”, “Pay promotion arrears”, “Enough is Enough” and “No working tools”, accused the authorities of failing to address longstanding grievances, including unpaid promotion arrears and poor working conditions.

January 26, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

DisCos reject FG’s free meter plan

by Folarin Kehinde January 26, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

Power distribution companies have expressed doubt over the directive by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, that prepaid meters must be free for all categories of customers.

Operators, who spoke with our correspondent anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the minister made only a political statement without considering the input of other stakeholders, especially the installers and meter providers.

On Thursday, the Federal Government banned electricity distribution companies and installers from collecting any form of payment for meters, warning that DisCo officials and installers found extorting customers would be prosecuted. Adelabu issued the warning during an on-site inspection of newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos.

Adelabu said the meters were procured under the World Bank–funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme and must be installed for consumers free of charge, stressing that any demand for money would be treated as an offence.

He said the meters would be given to all electricity customers, regardless of their band.

“I want to mention that it is unprecedented that these meters are to be installed and distributed to consumers free of charge—free of charge! Nobody should collect money from any consumer. It is an illegality. It is an offence for the officials of distribution companies across Nigeria to request a dime before installation; even the indirect installers cannot ask consumers for a dime. It has to be installed free of charge so that billings and collections will improve for the sector,” Adelabu said.

However, the DisCo operators who spoke with The PUNCH said the meters tagged as free by the Federal Government would still be paid for by the DisCos within a period of 10 years. The operators told our correspondent that the DisCos cannot be the ones paying for installation, wondering why the government wants them to bear the cost of installation.

According to them, meter installers are not DisCo workers, and someone has to bear the cost of installation.

“Those meters you see, someone has to pay for them, and the government expects the DisCos to bear the cost of the so-called free meters. They said the DisCos can pay it over 10 years.

When you ask the DisCos to pay for any capital expenditure, we call it allowable capex. You have to allow it when computing their tariffs; otherwise, it makes their balance sheets toxic,” an official with a distribution company stated.

Another operator said, “We need to know that meter installers are not staff of the DisCos. They are already asking who will pay them if the consumers do not pay. Did the minister consider all those? You said the people should not pay the installers; who should pay them? We, the DisCos, are not the ones installing meters. That role was taken away from the DisCos when Babatunde Fashola was the power minister.

“They said the DisCos have no business with metering. This is the result we are seeing today. Assuming the DisCos are the ones installing meters, you can force them to pay. We will all see the outcome of that pronouncement in the coming days. If the government can pay installers, no problem, but I’m not sure any DisCo will volunteer to pay the installers.”

The officials described Adelabu’s comment as a populist statement from a politician.

“The statement was just a populist statement from a politician. We are not sure if the President sent him that message. He said everything should be free; where is the position of cost recovery? Anything you do in the power sector, you have to first consider who bears the cost. Somebody has to bear the cost to avoid debt piling up.

“The government ought to sit with the Discos and the meter manufacturers to seek advice if the plan is to make sure the people don’t bear any cost, and we will come up with our various contributions. But instead of doing that, the government would go and make unrealistic promises to the public. For instance, the meters are coming in batches, but you have made the masses believe that there are enough meters for everyone. That’s not the reality,” one of the sources stated.

The operators added that the free meter declaration would jeopardise the Meter Asset Providers scheme, which allows the sale of meters to individuals who desire them.

 

“People are now rejecting the Meter Asset Providers scheme because they have heard that meters are free. The minister came up with a very wrong narrative. Has he sat down with stakeholders before going out to say meters are free? How can you say you have enough meters for over five million people? We still have the MAP scheme ongoing, whereby the meter provider sells directly to the customer. MAP is still there because the free meters they are bringing cannot fill the metering gap.

 

January 26, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

Nigerian-born nurse loses licence in Australia for sleeping on duty

by Folarin Kehinde January 24, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

A Nigerian-born nurse, Chimzuruoke Okembunachi, has been stripped of her nursing registration in Australia after a tribunal found that she repeatedly slept during night shifts at an aged care facility, thereby placing elderly residents at serious risk.

According to reports by the Daily Mail, the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal, on January 20, ruled that Ms Okembunachi’s conduct in March 2024 amounted to professional misconduct, ordering the cancellation of her nursing licence.

Ms Okembunachi, 25, had commenced employment at Hardi Aged Care, Guildford, in western Sydney, in February 2024. She was suspended barely a month later and subsequently tendered her resignation.

Tribunal proceedings revealed that between March 13 and March 27, she was the only registered nurse on duty during night shifts, supervising three to four assistants-in-nursing (AINs) while responsible for the care of about 100 residents.

Evidence showed that on six separate nights, Ms Okembunachi failed to carry out her duties after falling asleep on duty. On three occasions, residents reportedly missed prescribed doses of morphine.

On March 21–22, an AIN reportedly switched on the light at the nurses’ station in an attempt to wake her, but she allegedly turned it off shortly afterwards and went back to sleep.

The tribunal also heard that on March 15, she instructed an AIN to administer Panadol to a resident, despite the assistant not being authorised to do so, reportedly saying, “It’s okay, sister, just give it to him.”

Two nurses later reported her conduct on March 27. The following day, she received an email notifying her of her suspension and inviting her to a meeting. However, she resigned about 20 minutes later and declined to attend the meeting.

Ms Okembunachi, who was born in Nigeria, migrated to Australia in 2018. She obtained a Bachelor of Nursing Science in 2021 and was studying medicine at Western Sydney University while working at the aged care facility.

In her submission to the tribunal, she said the incidents caused her “significant stress,” admitting that she should not have accepted the role. “Working night shifts during the week was putting patients’ safety at risk,” she said, adding that sleeping on duty meant she failed in her responsibility to supervise staff and residents.

While the tribunal acknowledged her “remorseful and contrite” attitude, it ruled that deregistration was necessary, stating that her actions “had the potential to endanger the lives of patients under her care.”

Ms Okembunachi is barred from applying for a review of the decision for at least nine months. She has since stepped away from nursing but continues her medical studies, supported by her father and a Centrelink Student Allowance.

January 24, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

BREAKING: Kano Gov Abba Yusuf dumps NNPP

by Folarin Kehinde January 23, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

The governor of Kano state, Abba Yusuf has formally announced his resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Yusuf announced this in a statement issued by his media aide Sunusi Tofa on Friday, January 23.

According to Tofa, the governor cited the growing internal crisis which has continued to rock the party and its leadership.

Tofa added that the governor in a letter addressed to the chairman of the NNPP in Diso-Chiranchi Ward, Gwale Local Government Area said his resignation as a member of the party is with effect.

“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) of my decision to resign my membership of the party,” Yusuf’s letter said.

Continuing, Tofa added that the governor said that in recent times, the NNPP has been confronted with persistent internal challenges arising from leadership disagreements and ongoing legal processes, many of which are presently before the courts for judicial determination.

“The growing disenfranchisement among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable and have generated uncertainty at both state and national levels,” Yusuf said.

He also appreciated members of the party and its leadership for presenting the platform and support to deliver good governance to the people of Kano States.

“I remain sincerely appreciative of the opportunity given to me by the party, its leadership, and members across Kano State to be part of its political journey since 2022, as well as the support, goodwill, and cooperation extended to me during my time in the party.

In addition to this, Tofa said in the statement that the governor will be leaving the party alongside 21 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and 44 local government chairmen across the state.

 

January 23, 2026 0 comments
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National Grid
Headlines

National Grid Collapse For First Time in 2026

by Nelson Ugwuagbo January 23, 2026
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Nigeria’s national electricity grid collapsed on Friday, plunging large parts of the country into blackout in the first such incident recorded in 2026.

Data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) showed that power generation dropped to zero megawatts at about 1 p.m., while electricity supply to all 11 distribution companies fell completely.

The affected distribution companies include Benin, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Abuja and Yola, each of which recorded zero load allocation at the time of the collapse.

The latest incident comes months after a series of nationwide grid failures in 2025, with the most recent occurring on December 29, underscoring persistent challenges in the country’s power sector.

January 23, 2026 0 comments
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Tinubu
Headlines

BREAKING: Tinubu approves posting of Ambassadors to U.S., UK, others

by Folarin Kehinde January 22, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has approved the posting of four ambassador-designates, out of the 68 confirmed by the Senate last December.

Tinubu confirmed the postings of Ambassador Ayodele Oke as the ambassador-designate to France, and Colonel Lateef Are as the ambassador-designate to the United States of America.

Also confirmed by the President is the posting of Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, former ambassador to South Korea, as the high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom.

Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, former governor of Kebbi, is the ambassador-designate to Turkey, where the President is scheduled to begin a state visit next week.

In a memo to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Tinubu urged the ministry to notify the governments of the four countries about the ambassador-designates, in accordance with diplomatic procedures.

January 22, 2026 0 comments
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Bandits
Headlines

Insecurity: Kidnappers demand 17 motorcycles for release of 177 worshippers

by Folarin Kehinde January 22, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

Bandits who abducted 177 worshippers from Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have demanded the return of 17 motorcycles allegedly lost during recent military operations as a condition for the victims’ release.

The worshippers were kidnapped on Sunday morning during coordinated attacks on three churches in the community.

The Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Mr Ishaku Dan’azumi, disclosed this in a telephone interview on Wednesday, saying the bandits contacted a negotiator acting on behalf of the community and insisted that the missing motorcycles must be returned before the captives could regain their freedom.

According to Dan’azumi, the abducted worshippers were taken from Seraphim and Cherubim Church 1 and 2, as well as ECWA Church.

He said the armed men accused members of the Kurmin Wali community of stealing the motorcycles and tampering with others by removing carburetors and spark plugs.

“They called the negotiator on the telephone and said that 17 of their motorcycles disappeared. They insisted that all the motorcycles must be returned and damaged parts replaced before they can release our people,” the village head said.

Dan’azumi added that the bandits had not demanded any monetary ransom so far.

“Apart from the issue of the motorcycles and replacement of some parts, they have not asked for money,” he stated.

He further revealed that the mass abduction was linked to ongoing military offensives against bandit camps in parts of Kajuru Local Government Area.

The abduction of the 177 victims, most of whom are Christian worshippers, has sparked outrage and fear across communities in Southern Kaduna.

Other sources confirmed that the attack was carried out by bandits fleeing sustained military operations in parts of neighbouring Kauru Local Government Area.

According to the sources, troops recently dislodged armed groups from key hideouts, forcing them to abandon their camps and scatter into nearby areas, including Kajuru.

“The assailants were forced out of their camps during intense military offensives and allegedly carried out the mass abduction while attempting to escape mounting pressure from security forces,” one of the sources said.

The affected camps, located around Gabachua, Legede and the Agwalla mountain and forest corridors, were described as long-established enclaves used by bandits to launch kidnappings, cattle rustling, and violent attacks across Kauru, Kajuru and adjoining communities.

While recent offensives have led to the destruction of several bandit camps and the neutralisation of suspected criminals, security analysts warned that dislodged fighters often resort to attacking soft targets while attempting to evade capture.

Residents and community leaders in the affected LGAs have urged the Federal and Kaduna State governments to sustain military pressure, deploy additional troops, and strengthen intelligence gathering to protect vulnerable communities and ensure the safe rescue of the abducted worshippers.

January 22, 2026 0 comments
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Polytechnic and Degrees
Headlines

FG to Abolish Hnd-Degree Dichotomy, Allow Polytechnics to Offer Degree

by Nelson Ugwuagbo January 22, 2026
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Federal Government has announced plans to abolish the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy by granting polytechnics the authority to award degrees, in a major reform aimed at strengthening technical and vocational education in Nigeria.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the disclosure in Abuja on Tuesday while addressing a high-level retreat of council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars.

Describing the initiative as a landmark policy shift, Alausa said the move would end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and reposition polytechnics as centres of excellence within the nation’s higher education system.

He explained that the reform would place polytechnic education on a stronger footing while preserving its core focus on hands-on, industry-driven training, noting that Nigeria’s future competitiveness depended on a workforce capable of creating, building and solving real-world problems.

According to the minister, the policy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, industrial growth and human capital development.

With degree-awarding status, Alausa said polytechnics would be better positioned to attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding opportunities and greater public confidence.

He assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, strict regulation and robust quality-assurance mechanisms to ensure global competitiveness.

Speaking on the theme, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” the minister emphasised that polytechnics were critical to building a skills-driven economy and achieving sustainable national development.

January 22, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

AFCON Initiative drives stronger Nigeria Morocco cooperation

by Folarin Kehinde January 21, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde
January 21, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

Obasanjo: I’ll Never Stop Having Children

by Folarin Kehinde January 20, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday declared that he will “never stop having children.”

Explaining his statement, the former president said that although he no longer father any child, his children are now adults, the cycle of life continues through his grandchildren and future generations.

He maintained that the continuity of generations makes the protection and wellbeing of children a collective and lifelong responsibility.

Obasanjo spoke while hosting the leadership of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), led by its President, Dr. Ekanem Ekure, at his residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State.

“I am no more giving birth to children and my children are now adults. But my children are still having children and my grandchildren are having children, so I will never stop having children.

“Because when I stopped, my children will not stop and when my children stopped, my grandchildren will not stop and the cycle continues,” Obasanjo said.

He described children as the bedrock of any society and pushed for greater commitment to their care, survival and development.

Obasanjo added that the future of nations depends on how well children are protected today.

Obasanjo praised paediatricians for their critical role in safeguarding children’s lives, describing paediatrics as a unique and demanding medical specialty.

“Your profession is a profession of life and death, especially because children cannot always explain what they feel the way adults do,” he said. “You must feel for them, understand them and go the extra mile for them.”

The former president accepted PAN’s request to serve as an advocate for child health and wellbeing, pledging his support for initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children in Nigeria and globally.

Earlier, Ekure hailed Obasanjo as a global statesman whose voice carries weight both locally and internationally, saying PAN deliberately sought his support because of the growing crisis in child health.

 

January 20, 2026 0 comments
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  • FCTA Workers, NLC Storm Industrial Court, Demand Wike Sack

    January 26, 2026
  • DisCos reject FG’s free meter plan

    January 26, 2026
  • Nigerian-born nurse loses licence in Australia for sleeping on duty

    January 24, 2026
  • AI may outsmart humanity in five years — Musk

    January 24, 2026
  • BREAKING: Kano Gov Abba Yusuf dumps NNPP

    January 23, 2026

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