Hollywood Mourn Legendary Actor Robert Duvall Dies at 95
Veteran American actor Robert Duvall, celebrated for his legendary performances in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died at the age of 95.
His wife, Luciana Duvall, announced his passing on his official Facebook page on Monday, revealing that he died peacefully at home on Sunday.
“Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time. Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort,” she wrote.
To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything. His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court.
For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented. In doing so, he leaves something lasting and unforgettable to us all.”
Duvall’s illustrious career spanned over six decades as an actor, director, and producer. He trained at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York alongside Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman and began his career on stage and television in the late 1950s.
He gained early acclaim for his portrayal of Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird and later achieved global recognition as Tom Hagen in The Godfather trilogy. Duvall won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Mac Sledge in Tender Mercies.
Other notable works include Apocalypse Now, The Great Santini, and Lonesome Dove, cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most enduring and respected talents. Read More
From February 25, 2026, Nigerian applicants for UK Visit visas will receive digital eVisas instead of passport stickers
UK Goes Fully Digital: Nigerian Travellers to Get eVisas Instead of Passport Stickers from Feb 25
Nigerian travellers heading to the United Kingdom are set for a major upgrade in the visa process. Starting February 25, 2026, all new UK Visit visa approvals for Nigerians will come as electronic visas (eVisas) — ditching the traditional physical sticker in passports.
The British High Commission in Abuja made the announcement on Monday via a statement from Senior Communications Officer Onyinye Madu.
“From 25 February 2026, all Nigerian nationals applying for a UK Visit visa will receive an eVisa, rather than a vignette (sticker) in their passports,” the statement said.
Under the new system, successful applicants will access their visa details securely through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account — part of the UK’s broader shift to a fully digital immigration border.
Reassuringly, the core requirements stay exactly the same: applicants must still apply online, visit a Visa Application Centre for biometrics, and satisfy all eligibility rules. The only difference is the delivery format — a secure digital record replaces the paper vignette.
Existing physical visa stickers remain valid until expiry or renewal — no action needed for current holders.
The transition promises real perks for Nigerians: quicker passport returns after processing, anytime-anywhere online management of immigration status, and beefed-up security since eVisas can’t be lost, stolen, or forged.
British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, welcomed the change as a win for travellers.
“We are committed to making it easier for Nigerians to travel to the UK. This move to digital visas will streamline a key part of the visa process, making it more secure while reducing dependence on paper documents. We look forward to continuing to welcome Nigerian visitors, students and workers to the UK,” she said.
Once approved, applicants will need to set up a free UKVI account to view and manage their eVisa ahead of travel.
This Nigeria-specific rollout aligns with the UK’s phased global move to eVisas in 2026, modernising border controls while keeping the welcome mat out for legitimate visitors. Read More
Dashcam Horror Nigerian E-Hailing Driver Killed in South Africa, Three Charged with Murder
Three South Africans have been formally charged with the murder of Isaac Satlat, a Nigerian e-hailing driver whose death shocked social media after dashcam footage of the attack circulated widely.
The suspects Dikeledi Mphela (24), Goitsione Machidi (25), and McClaren Mushwana (30) appeared briefly in court in Pretoria on Monday, withdrawing their bail applications. Authorities confirmed that a fourth suspect has voluntarily surrendered and is expected to be arraigned in court today.
Satlat, 22, a Nigerian national living in South Africa, was attacked while working as a driver for Bolt.
Prosecutors said the suspects requested a ride last Wednesday using a phone number not linked to any of them. Two of the accused reportedly entered Satlat’s vehicle while the others followed in another car.
Authorities allege the group forced Satlat to stop, strangled him, and stole his phone and vehicle, which has since been recovered.
Dashcam footage shows a violent struggle, with one passenger appearing to choke the driver until he became unresponsive.
The National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, confirmed that the suspects are also facing robbery charges.
The killing has reignited debates about the safety of e-hailing drivers in South Africa, where attacks on ride-hailing operators have surged amid rising crime.
The E-hailing Partners Council condemned the incident and called on platforms to strengthen passenger verification and safety protocols.
Protests erupted outside the Pretoria courthouse on Monday, with drivers and political groups demanding urgent government action. A driver told Newzroom Afrika that a special task force should be created to protect e-hailing operators and compensate families of slain drivers.
The victim’s family revealed that Satlat’s father has suffered severe health consequences since the killing. The case has been adjourned until next Monday for further proceedings. Read More
The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a renewed warning against visa fraud, stressing that attempts to deceive the system could lead to tighter scrutiny for other applicants.
In a post on X yesterday, the mission emphasised that the U.S. protects its visa system through rigorous screening and called on Nigerians to report any fraudulent activities.
“Those who seek to commit fraud bring increased scrutiny on all visa applicants. We protect the U.S. visa system with rigorous screening, and our officers take fraud very seriously,” the post read.
The mission reiterated that most Nigerians engage lawfully with the United States as temporary workers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors.
It highlighted that compliance ensures continued access for students, business travellers, and families who follow regulations.
This warning follows a similar notice on February 9, which flagged overstays by Nigerian travellers as a major reason for future visa denials.
The advisory comes amid longstanding concerns by U.S. consular authorities about a small number of fraudulent visa applications from Nigeria, which have previously prompted reduced visa validity periods and more intensive background checks.
The mission stressed that strengthening compliance is essential to safeguard legitimate travel and protect the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
FG Confirms Arrival of 100 U.S. Troops in Bauchi for Anti-Terror Training, Tech Support
The Federal Government yesterday confirmed the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel in Bauchi State, clarifying that their presence is strictly for training, intelligence sharing and technological support in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, disclosed this during an interview at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja, popularly known as the Ship House.
According to him, the U.S. troops were deployed with the approval of the Nigerian government to assist in specific areas, particularly in Bauchi State.
“Yes, some of them came. We’re working together… They have permission to come into certain areas in Bauchi to help us in training because of the fight we’re doing,” he said.
Musa explained that the collaboration focuses on advanced military technology, including drones and satellite systems, to strengthen Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations.
“The U.S. has very good technology. They have drones. They have satellites, which are very critical for us,” he added.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) also confirmed the development, announcing the arrival of approximately 100 U.S. military personnel and associated equipment at Bauchi Airfield.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the military described the deployment as a planned outcome of prior engagements between Nigerian and U.S. defence officials.
According to the DHQ, the Federal Government formally requested U.S. support to meet clearly defined military training requirements, enhance intelligence sharing and access specialised technical capabilities.
“The U.S. personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces,” the statement emphasised.
All activities, the military said, will be conducted under Nigerian authority and in close coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Musa stressed that the partnership is temporary and governed by a formal agreement that respects Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“Whatever we’re doing is based on agreement. They respect our sovereignty… Once we finish the objective, they will move,” he assured.
The minister linked Nigeria’s growing security challenges to instability in the Sahel region, particularly following the collapse of Libya, which he said led to the proliferation of arms and criminal networks across West Africa.
“We need the support of friendly nations because the terrorists are everywhere, especially since the Sahel is broken,” Musa noted.
The collaboration is expected to boost Nigeria’s operational capacity to detect and neutralise extremist groups threatening national security.
Nigerian troops will participate in joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable communities.
The DHQ reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to defeating terrorist organisations while pledging transparency in communicating developments surrounding the military partnership.
The deployment marks a renewed phase of security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, as authorities intensify efforts to curb insurgency and restore stability across affected regions. Read More
Food Inflation Drops to 8.89% Lowest in 14 Years as Headline Rate Eases to 15.10%
Nigeria’s food inflation rate declined sharply to 8.89 per cent year-on-year in January 2026 the lowest level recorded in more than 14 years — according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The figure marks the first single-digit food inflation reading in 128 months and the lowest since August 2011, when the rate stood at 8.66 per cent. From June 2015, food inflation remained in double digits until December 2025.
Data from the NBS showed that food inflation plunged from 29.63 per cent in January 2025 to 8.89 per cent in January 2026 — a 20.73 percentage-point drop within one year. On a month-on-month basis, food prices contracted by 6.02 per cent in January, compared with a 0.36 per cent decline recorded in December 2025.
The bureau attributed the slowdown to lower average prices of staples such as yam, eggs, green peas, groundnut oil, soya beans, palm oil, maize, beans, beef and cassava.
Headline inflation also eased marginally to 15.10 per cent in January 2026 from 15.15 per cent in December 2025 — defying earlier projections by analysts who anticipated a spike to 19 per cent.
The CPI declined to 127.4 in January from 131.2 in December, reflecting a 3.8-point drop. Year-on-year, headline inflation was 12.51 percentage points lower than the 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, marking the lowest reading since November 2020.
Month-on-month, headline inflation stood at negative 2.88 per cent, indicating an overall decline in average price levels during the month.
Core inflation which excludes volatile agricultural produce and energy moderated to 17.72 per cent year-on-year, down from 25.27 per cent in January 2025. State Variations
At the state level, Benue recorded the highest year-on-year headline inflation rate at 22.48 per cent, followed by Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory. Ebonyi, Katsina and Imo posted the lowest rates.
For food inflation, Kogi recorded the highest year-on-year rate at 19.84 per cent, while Ebonyi, Abia and Imo recorded the slowest increases.
Despite the encouraging figures, members of the Organised Private Sector cautioned against premature celebration.
The National Vice President of the National Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Kuti-George, attributed the moderation to increased agricultural production and relative exchange rate stability, noting that the naira had steadied around N1,350 to the dollar.
However, Director-General of the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Eke Ubiji, argued that the lower inflation rate had yet to translate into meaningful relief for consumers.
“Cost of living is still very high. Even if you carry N10,000 to the market, what are you going to buy?” he queried, citing persistent increases in the prices of gas, rice and other essentials.
While analysts acknowledge the broad-based easing in price pressures — largely driven by food costs — elevated 12-month averages suggest that the effects of previous inflation spikes are still embedded in the overall price structure.
For many Nigerians, the true test will be whether the slowdown in inflation leads to tangible improvements in purchasing power and living standards in the months ahead. Read More
NIS DG Philip Shaibu, Senator Yayi engage over 100 Ogun youths in Sagamu sports clinic, distribute football and basketball kits
Yayi, NIS Engage Over 100 Ogun Youths in Grassroots Soccer Development Drive
By Lukman OMIKUNLE
Over 100 young athletes and grassroots coaches converged on Gateway International, Sagamu, on Monday as the National Institute for Sports (NIS), in partnership with Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi), representing Ogun West, hosted a one-day training and coaching clinic aimed at boosting grassroots sports development in Ogun State.
The seminar, themed “Training and Coaching Clinic in Soccer for Grassroots Sports Development in Ogun State,” attracted students from various schools and sports academies alongside their coaches.
Leading the NIS delegation was its Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Philip Shaibu, who described the initiative as a powerful tool to redirect youths toward productive and prosperous futures.
In his welcome address, Shaibu commended Senator Adeola for what he termed “selfless commitment to youth development through sports.”
Philip Shaibu, Director General and Chief Executive Officer
“Engaging our youths through sports is one of the most effective ways to put them on the right path to greatness,” Shaibu said. “Sports today is far beyond entertainment — it is a global business worth over 60 billion US dollars. Nigeria has the talent to tap into this enormous opportunity.”
He revealed that many participants expressed ambitions of playing professional basketball in the United States and football in elite European leagues such as the English Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.
“That collaboration between leadership and structured training will help us produce champions,” he added. “What Senator Adeola is doing today may look like a drop of water, but it will surely become a full bucket.”
Shaibu further praised the senator’s youth-focused vision, noting that similar programmes have been held across the South-West and other parts of Nigeria.
Representing Senator Adeola at the event, Chief Segun Ojolowo-Ojuko explained that the Ogun West lawmaker had intended to attend but was unavoidably engaged in official duties in Abuja.
Chief Segun Ojolowo-Ojuko
He emphasised that the Sagamu clinic was part of a broader youth empowerment strategy.
“This is not the first coaching clinic. Similar programmes have been held in Ibadan and Lagos, and more are planned across Ogun State,” Ojolowo-Ojuko said.
“Senator Yayi is a deep lover of youths. He wants them to develop independent minds and excel in their chosen careers.”
He also clarified why the programme was held outside Ogun West Senatorial District.
“Yayi extends development beyond Ogun West not because of personal aspirations, but because he believes in fairness, inclusion and all-inclusive development.”
Speaking on behalf of participating coaches, Ogun State basketball chief coach, Jonathan Fagbemi, described the initiative as timely and impactful.
“Only leaders like Yayi give hope for a better tomorrow for our youths and sports in Nigeria,” Fagbemi said.
Mrs. Kehinde Oladesu, a teacher who accompanied students from Ansar Ud Deen Comprehensive College, Ota, also expressed appreciation.
“This programme has shown that school children can truly be part of structured grassroots sports development,” she said.
The seminar concluded with the distribution of complete football and basketball kits to the over 100 participating youths. Coaches also received balls.
Top NIS officials present included Dr. Mike Majoroh (Consultant), Dr. Joy Madak (Acting Head of Coaching), Coach Iorsue Jeremiah Kuhwa (Football), Coach Lidah Taye Mary (Basketball), and Coach Adamu Bello (Fitness Coach), among others.
As grassroots sports increasingly becomes central to youth empowerment conversations in Ogun State, Monday’s clinic in Sagamu signals what stakeholders describe as a sustained investment in the next generation of Nigerian athletes. Read More
Gabriel Afolayan: Acting Is My Calling, Not Just Family Legacy
Nigerian actor and singer Gabriel Afolayan has opened up about his journey into acting, insisting that his career choice was inspired by a personal calling rather than pressure from his family’s celebrated legacy in the entertainment industry.
Speaking during a recent interview on Channels Television, Afolayan addressed the weight of expectations that often come with belonging to a prominent acting dynasty.
While acknowledging the influence of growing up in a creative household, he maintained that his decision to pursue acting stemmed from an inner conviction.
“Being inspired is one thing. Having your own inner core is another,” he said, explaining that only a few members of his family chose careers in the arts, while others ventured into entirely different fields.
According to him, his passion for acting was evident from an early age and developed independently of his father’s accomplishments.
“I grew up strictly feeling that this is exactly what I wanted… It was within me. For me, I’ll say for a fact that it’s also what I would love to do. I think this is more of a calling than a job,” he stated.
Afolayan admitted that carrying a famous surname comes with its challenges.
He noted that beyond the family reputation, each individual must carve out their own identity and prove their uniqueness.
“It’s a big weight… because one thing is the legacy. Then another thing is what spice do you have as a person? People already know what your dad had done. So what about you? Who are you?” he said.
The actor added that while it may be difficult to separate oneself from a well-known family name, authenticity and consistency eventually define an individual’s path.
“You can’t rule out your legacy. No matter how astute you are with your craft, people will tag you to that legacy. But as time goes by, your own personal dream will start revealing itself… People will know if you’re different,” he said.
Afolayan’s remarks offer insight into the balancing act faced by second-generation entertainers — honouring family heritage while forging a distinct identity in Nigeria’s competitive creative industry. Read More
Dangote Group has signed a $400 million construction equipment agreement with XCMG Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., one of China’s leading manufacturers of construction machinery
Dangote Signs $400 Million Equipment Deal to Fast Track Refinery Expansion to 1.4m bpd
… to become number one construction company in the world
Dangote Group has signed a $400 million construction equipment agreement with XCMG Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., one of China’s leading manufacturers of construction machinery, in a move set to accelerate the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, positioning it to become the largest refinery in the world.
The agreement will enable the Group to acquire additional wide range of advanced construction equipment to support ongoing and forthcoming projects across refining, petrochemicals, agriculture and large-scale infrastructure development. The new equipment will complement existing assets deployed for the refinery expansion, which is expected to be completed within three years.
Beyond refining, the expansion programme will see polypropylene production increase from 900,000 metric tonnes per annum to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum. Urea capacity in Nigeria will be tripled from 3 million to 9 million metric tonnes per annum, in addition to the 3 million metric tonnes per annum capacity in Ethiopia, strengthening the Group’s position as the largest urea producer globally.
Production capacity for Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) will also be increased to 400,000 metric tonnes per annum, positioning the Group as the largest producer in Africa and strengthening supply to the detergent and cleaning agents manufacturing industry. Additional base oil production capacity also forms part of the broader expansion programme.
In a statement, the Group described the agreement as a strategic investment aimed at deepening its construction footprint and accelerating its ambition to build a $100 billion enterprise by 2030.
“The additional equipment we are acquiring under this partnership will significantly enhance execution across our projects. With this investment, we are positioning ourselves to become the number one construction company in the world,” the statement said.
Dangote Group is currently accelerating expansion and regional market development as it advances toward its long-term vision of building a $100 billion enterprise by 2030. Read More
Women Affairs Minister Seeks Higher 2026 Budget as Senate Flags ‘Abysmal’ 2025 Fund Releases
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, on Monday called for an upward review of the N134.2 billion proposed for her ministry in the 2026 fiscal year, citing the need for stronger intervention to address challenges facing women nationwide.
The request was made during the ministry’s budget defence before the Senate Committee on Women Affairs at the National Assembly of Nigeria.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim argued that increasing domestic allocations in the 2026 budget cycle had become necessary to enable the ministry effectively deliver on its social development mandate.
“In line with the plan and need for more domestic allocations in the 2026 fiscal year, an upward review of budget estimates for the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development should be done,” she said.
However, the appeal drew immediate reaction from lawmakers, who expressed concern over what they described as extremely poor releases for the ministry’s 2025 budget.
Chairman of the Committee, Ireti Kingibe, said while the Senate was not opposed to increasing the 2026 allocation, the executive must first address the troubling pattern of fund releases for the current fiscal year.
“We are not against upward review of what is earmarked for your ministry in 2026, but the problem of abysmal releases of funds as reflected in your presentation on the 2025 appropriation is a serious concern.
That problem must be addressed first,” she stated.
Earlier in her presentation, the minister disclosed that out of N89.8 billion appropriated for capital expenditure in 2025, only N394 million was released in December — and remained unused.
Similarly, she revealed that just N471 million was released out of the N2.8 billion approved for overhead costs in 2025.
For 2026, the ministry has been allocated N134.2 billion, comprising N2.1 billion for personnel costs, N131.2 billion for capital projects, and N810.9 million for overhead expenses.
The development highlights growing concerns within the Senate over budget implementation gaps, particularly in ministries tasked with critical social welfare and gender development responsibilities. Read More
