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

by Folarin Kehinde
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.

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Bandits
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Insecurity: Kidnappers demand 17 motorcycles for release of 177 worshippers

by Folarin Kehinde
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.

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Polytechnic and Degrees
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FG to Abolish Hnd-Degree Dichotomy, Allow Polytechnics to Offer Degree

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
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.

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Headlines

Obasanjo: I’ll Never Stop Having Children

by Folarin Kehinde
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.

 

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Headlines

JUST IN: Bandits abduct over 100 worshippers in Kaduna church attacks

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Bandits abducted over 100 worshippers on Sunday after attacking multiple churches in Kurmin Wali area of Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state.

The attack occurred during church services when the assailants reportedly stormed the churches and forced congregants to follow them.

A source with family members among the victims told Sahara Reporters that the attackers struck several churches simultaneously.

The source said about 10 people considered vulnerable were later released by the bandits.

Authorities and security agencies in the area have been notified, while details of the incident are still emerging.

Kaduna state has witnessed repeated deadly attacks by bandits in recent months.

On January 3, bandits killed four members of a family during an overnight attack in Kachia town, southern Kaduna.

The attack occurred near the newly established Federal University of Applied Science, the headquarters of Kachia local government area.

A family member identified the victims as Bitrus Bahago, his wife Justina Bitrus Bahago, their son Ibrahim Bitrus Bahago, and another relative, Adam Waziri.

“They are all four killed by the bandits,” the source said.

The source said the attackers arrived in large numbers and opened fire on residents, leaving several others injured.

The injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment..

 

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Non-oil Exports
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Nigeria’s Non-oil exports hit record $6.1bn – NEPC

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Nigeria’s non-oil exports rose to a record high of $6.1bn in 2025, marking the strongest performance in the sector since the establishment of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) nearly five decades ago.

The figure represents an 11.5 per cent increase over the $5.4bn recorded in 2024, highlighting growing momentum in the country’s drive to diversify its economy away from crude oil dependence.

The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during her annual progress report and the 2026 non-oil export outlook briefing.

Ayeni said data obtained from pre-shipment inspection agencies showed that Nigeria had surpassed its previous best performance, describing the 2025 outcome as a historic milestone for formal, documented trade.

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Tincan Bridge
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Fuel Tanker Overturns at Tincan Bridge Lagos

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

A fuel tanker conveying petroleum motor spirit (PMS) has overturned at the Tincan Liverpool Bridge in Apapa, Lagos.

A video of the incident shared by Channels Television on Monday morning showed residents scooping fuel from the fallen tanker beneath the bridge.

“Happening now at Tincan Liverpool Bridge, Apapa: A tanker overturned, with people scooping its contents from underneath the bridge,” Channels TV reported.

As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding the cause of the accident and possible casualties remain unclear.

More details later.

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gianni infantino
Headlines

Fifa President Condemns Senegal Over Unprofessional Conduct in Afcon Final

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has condemned the conduct of some Senegal players, officials and supporters following chaotic scenes that overshadowed Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.

In a statement sent to AFP, Infantino described the behaviour as “unacceptable” after several Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest at a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Infantino said. “Violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right.”

The incident occurred deep into injury time with the final locked at 0–0, when Morocco were awarded a spot-kick following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz. Most of the Senegal team left the field in protest, delaying the match for almost 20 minutes.

Senegal captain and former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane stayed on the pitch and was seen urging his teammates to return so the match could resume.

The Senegal players were already angered after having a goal disallowed moments earlier for what appeared to be a soft foul.

Meanwhile, disorder also broke out in the stands as some Senegalese fans attempted to enter the pitch and clashed with security personnel.

After play eventually resumed, Diaz’s attempted panenka penalty was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Despite the dramatic finish, the controversy has now drawn sharp criticism from world football’s governing body, with Infantino insisting such conduct has no place in the game.

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Headlines

FCTA, FCDA Workers Embark on Indefinite Strike, Close Offices

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) workers have commenced an indefinite strike, leading to the closure of government offices across the FCT.

The industrial action follows a prior warning issued last Friday, when the workers announced their intention to down tools over unresolved labour and welfare-related issues.

The strike was initiated by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which directed employees at all levels within the FCT public service to withdraw their services.

JUAC accused the FCTA authorities of ignoring long-standing demands, stating that the strike was triggered after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the administration.

According to the unions, several meetings were held with management during the ultimatum period, but none produced tangible results.

The ultimatum, which began on January 7, 2026, was formally communicated in a statement dated January 8 and jointly signed by the JUAC President, Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Comrade Abdullahi Saleh.

The notice was also copied to key officials, including the Minister of State for the FCT, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service, and the Director of Security Services.

Among the grievances highlighted by the unions are unpaid promotion arrears, delays in staff promotions, and continued service extensions granted to directors and permanent secretaries due for retirement.

JUAC further alleged that the administration has failed to remit statutory deductions, including pension contributions and National Housing Fund payments.

In addition, the unions raised concerns over the handling of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the process as “poorly managed and unfair to many affected workers.”

 

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