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Atiku, Makinde Hold Closed-Door Meeting with Babangida in Minna

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Atiku, Makinde Hold Closed-Door Meeting with Babangida in Minna







Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, are holding a closed-door meeting with former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (retd.), at his Uphill Residence in Minna, Niger State.


Atiku arrived in Minna at about 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday and proceeded directly from the Minna Airport to Babangida’s residence.


Governor Makinde later joined the meeting at about 2:10 p.m., after which the trio went into a private session.


Details of the meeting were not immediately disclosed, fueling speculation over its political significance.

Senate Holds Emergency Session as Protests Erupt Over Electoral Act Amendments

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Senate Holds Emergency Session as Protests Erupt Over Electoral Act Amendments





The Senate on Tuesday convened an emergency plenary session to deliberate on amendments to the Electoral Act, as protesters gathered at the National Assembly complex over the removal of the clause mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results.


The extraordinary sitting comes just days after the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026, which has triggered widespread criticism from civil society organisations, opposition political parties, labour unions, professional bodies, regional leaders and youth groups.


Critics argue that the removal of the electronic transmission provision could undermine the credibility and transparency of future elections.
Protesters, many of whom arrived at the National Assembly early in the day, carried placards and chanted slogans demanding the reinstatement of electronic transmission of results and greater openness in the legislative process.


Senate President Godswill Akpabio is presiding over the session, which is being attended by the remaining senators following recent changes in the composition of the Upper Chamber.


Within the last six months, the Senate lost Senators Okechukwu Ezea (Enugu) and Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa) to death, while Senator Jimoh Ibrahim exited the chamber after his appointment as an ambassador-designate by President Bola Tinubu. These developments reduced the number of serving senators from 109 to 106.


The emergency sitting was announced on Sunday by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo.


“The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has directed the reconvening of plenary for an emergency sitting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026,” the statement said.


The plenary, which commenced at noon, is expected to focus primarily on the contentious Electoral Act amendments, as protests continue outside the National Assembly complex.

Amaechi Joins Abuja Protest Against Senate’s Rejection of Electronic Transmission of Results

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Amaechi Joins Abuja Protest Against Senate’s Rejection of Electronic Transmission of Results




Former Rivers State Governor and immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday joined protesters in Abuja demonstrating against the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results.


The protest, which began on Monday, was organised in response to the Senate’s decision to block real-time electronic transmission of election results, a move critics say could undermine electoral transparency.


Amaechi attended the demonstration alongside his son, a medical doctor. He explained that he brought him along in case the protest turned violent and medical assistance became necessary.

According to the former governor, his presence at the protest with his son was also symbolic, stressing that leaders should be willing to stand at the forefront of major civic actions alongside their families.


The African Democratic Congress (ADC), one of the organisers of the protest, called on Nigerians to rise against the Senate’s decision, urging opposition parties to actively participate in the demonstration.


Amaechi accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of opposing electronic transmission of election results out of fear of electoral defeat.


“I believe that the opposition parties should come out—PDP, ADC, everybody should be out—to protest against the attempt of one party,” Amaechi said.


“If we come out and they say the opposition has hijacked the protest, what is APC doing? Are they not hijacking? What are they afraid of? I thought they said they have 31 governors. Tinubu is not Jonathan.

The only way a good politician will know he has done well is by the people.”


He questioned why the ruling party would be opposed to electronic transmission despite having several opposition governors and prominent politicians defecting to its ranks.


Amaechi further stated that although Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Tinubu might ignore the demands of protesters, opposition parties and civil society organisations would continue the demonstrations until the decision is reversed.


Meanwhile, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force barricaded major roads leading to the National Assembly ahead of an emergency plenary session scheduled by the Senate on Tuesday.


The protest is being led by human rights activist Aisha Yusuf in collaboration with several civil society organisations that initiated the demonstration on Monday.

Canada Overhauls Visa Rules: Easier Entry for Postgrad Students & Skilled Pros, Start-Up Visa Paused

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Canada Overhauls Visa Rules: Easier Entry for Postgrad Students & Skilled Pros, Start-Up Visa Paused

Canada introduces major 2026 visa and immigration reforms: Start-Up Visa Programme halts new applications, Ontario removes work experience barriers and speeds credential approval to 10 days

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Big Canada Immigration Shake-Up 2026: No More Start-Up Visa Applications, Faster Work Rights for Foreign Pros, Study Permit Relief for Master’s & PhD Students

Canada has unveiled sweeping updates to its visa and immigration system in early 2026, aiming to attract top global talent while streamlining pathways for skilled professionals and postgraduate students—while simultaneously pausing one of its flagship entrepreneur programmes.

The changes signal a strategic pivot: easing entry for high-calibre academics and qualified workers while tightening certain business immigration routes amid domestic housing, labour market, and service pressures.

Key Highlights of the 2026 Reforms

  • Start-Up Visa Programme Suspended for New Applicants Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has stopped accepting new permanent residence applications under the Start-Up Visa Programme. Existing applicants with a valid commitment certificate from a designated organisation can still apply until June 2026. Work permits linked to the programme are now limited to current holders only.
  • Ontario Removes Work Experience Barrier for Foreign-Trained Professionals Effective January 1, 2026, foreign professionals no longer need to show Canadian work experience under the Ontario Employment Standards Act. This removes a major hurdle for internationally trained workers in regulated fields. Under Ontario’s new “As of Right” framework, once a regulatory body approves credentials, qualified individuals in healthcare, engineering, electrical trades, architecture, and similar professions can start working within just 10 business days.
  • Alberta Expands Rural Worker Pathway Foreign workers interested in settling in rural Alberta can now leverage the enhanced Rural Renewal Stream. Participating communities can endorse candidates with valid local job offers, paving the way for provincial nomination and eventual permanent residence.
  • Study Permit Relief for Master’s and Doctoral Students International students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees at public post-secondary institutions are now exempt from submitting a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) when applying for a study permit. The attestation requirement—introduced earlier to manage application volumes—had created additional steps for many postgraduate applicants.

These reforms are widely viewed as a bid to make Canada more competitive in the global race for talent, particularly in high-skill sectors facing shortages, while continuing to manage overall immigration volumes responsibly.

The updates are expected to benefit thousands of prospective students, healthcare workers, engineers, and rural employers in the coming months, reinforcing Canada’s appeal as a destination for education and long-term skilled migration. Read More

Operation Savannah Shield: Tinubu Deploys Troops to Kwara, Niger After Woro Community Massacre

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Operation Savannah Shield: Tinubu Deploys Troops to Kwara, Niger After Woro Community Massacre

Following the brutal killing of over 100 people in Woro, Kaiama LGA, President Tinubu has launched Operation Savannah Shield

Operation Savannah Shield Swings into Action in Kwara After Deadly Terror Attack Leaves Over 100 Dead

In swift response to last week’s horrific terrorist attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State—where more than 100 residents were brutally killed—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate deployment of an entire battalion of troops to the flashpoint zone.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) formally announced the launch of Operation Savannah Shield on Monday, describing it as a targeted, intensive campaign carved out from the existing Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle terrorist enclaves across Kwara and Niger States.

In a statement issued by Defence spokesman Major General Michael Onoja, the military expressed deep condolences to the Kwara State Government and families of the victims killed on February 4, 2026, in Woro and Nuku villages.

“The Chief of Defence Staff wishes to convey his condolences and sympathy to the Government of Kwara State and the families of victims of the killings in Woro and Nuku villages in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State on 4 February 2026.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will work closely with other security agencies to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement read.

The DHQ emphasized that the operation aims to “fish out the terrorists who killed people for justice to be served” and create a secure environment free from fear for all Nigerians.

GOC’s On-the-Ground Visit to Woro Also on Monday, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, visited the devastated Woro community. He met with the village head, consulted with Senator representing Kwara North, Sen. Suleiman Sadiq Umar, and inspected the site of a mass burial carried out after the massacre.

During the assessment, the GOC made real-time operational adjustments, strengthened troop positions, motivated soldiers to remain vigilant, and reassured residents of the military’s unwavering commitment to their protection.

He later proceeded to Wawa Cantonment in Niger State, where he reviewed security arrangements with the Commanding Officer of 221 Battalion and stressed heightened alertness against bandits and criminal elements—especially in border areas. The visit concluded without incident as he returned to Ilorin.

Nationwide Military Gains This Week The DHQ also highlighted recent operational successes across theatres:

  • North East: Over 50 terrorists neutralized, 82 kidnapped hostages rescued, 13 suspects arrested.
  • North West: 19 suspected terrorists arrested, 23 hostages rescued.
  • North Central: 32 suspects arrested, 22 kidnap victims freed.
  • South South: 9 suspected oil thieves and 24 other criminals arrested, 1 kidnap victim rescued.
  • South East: 23 terrorists arrested, 6 hostages rescued.

With Operation Savannah Shield now active, military authorities say the focus remains on swift justice for the Woro victims while preventing future attacks in vulnerable border communities of Kwara and Niger States. Read More

Visa Overstay: US Embassy Tells Nigerians – Breaking Rules Hurts Fellow Citizens’ Chances to Visit America

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Visa Overstay: US Embassy Tells Nigerians – Breaking Rules Hurts Fellow Citizens’ Chances to Visit America

The US Mission in Nigeria cautions against visa overstays, warning that violations by individuals could restrict travel access for other Nigerians

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US Issues Stern Warning to Nigerians: Overstaying Visas Could Harm Travel Chances for Fellow Citizens

The United States has issued a direct warning to Nigerian travellers: overstaying visas not only risks personal consequences but can also damage future visa opportunities for other responsible Nigerian applicants.

In a statement posted on X on Monday, February 10, 2026, the US Mission in Nigeria emphasized that individual violations contribute to broader scrutiny and tighter restrictions—particularly under the current Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies.

“Visa overstays by Nigerian travellers can affect opportunities for their fellow citizens,” the Mission said. “Strengthening compliance helps protect access for students, business travellers and families who travel responsibly.”

The caution arrives against the backdrop of ongoing US immigration crackdowns, including Nigeria’s continued designation as a Country of Particular Concern in some travel-related contexts and recent inclusion in aspects of updated travel restrictions tied to terrorism risks and visa overstay rates.

The US Mission urged Nigerians to play their part in maintaining strong bilateral travel ties by strictly adhering to visa terms and conditions.

It also encouraged the public to report suspected visa fraud or fraudulent schemes directly to the Fraud Prevention Units:

The message serves as both a reminder of personal accountability and a collective appeal: responsible compliance today helps safeguard legitimate travel pathways for thousands of Nigerians pursuing education, business deals, family reunions, and other lawful purposes in the United States tomorrow.

Joe Igbokwe Blasts Lagos Landlords as ‘Greedy and Merciless’ Over Rampant Rent Hikes – Urges LASG to Act Fast

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Joe Igbokwe Blasts Lagos Landlords as ‘Greedy and Merciless’ Over Rampant Rent Hikes – Urges LASG to Act Fast

APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe condemns Lagos’ landlords for ruthless rent increases, saying they show “no mercy” and are pushing tenants toward crime

Joe Igbokwe Blasts Lagos Landlords: ‘Greedy, Merciless, Pushing People to Steal’ – Calls for Urgent Rent Control

A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, has called on the Lagos State Government to urgently intervene and rein in what he describes as unchecked greed by landlords driving sky-high rent increases across the state.

The appeal comes on the heels of a recent street protest by frustrated tenants who accused landlords and property agents of imposing arbitrary and exorbitant rent hikes without justification. Demonstrators marched with placards reading “Enough is enough”, “We say no to overprice house rent”, and “Rent increase should be regulated”.

In a fiery Facebook post, Igbokwe did not mince words, labeling Lagos landlords as ruthless and lacking empathy. He warned that the situation is pushing residents toward desperation and crime.

“Government needs to do something fast to call greedy landlords to order especially in Lagos. There is no control anymore. Landlords are pushing Nigerians to steal in order to rent a house.

“Lagos landlords are something else. They are greedy, they show no mercy, they are vicious, no empathy, no mercy etc.

“They are collecting high rents from houses they built in 1970. LASG can do something fast about the scourge. It is killing businesses. It is inhuman. It is leading Lagosians to steal,” Igbokwe wrote.

The outspoken politician argued that the absence of effective rent regulation is not only inhumane but also economically damaging, stifling small businesses and ordinary citizens who struggle to keep up with the relentless increases—even for decades-old properties.

Tenant complaints have intensified in recent months, with many alleging that annual renewals now come with 50–100% hikes, often without improvements to the buildings or justification tied to inflation or maintenance costs.

Igbokwe’s intervention adds political weight to growing public pressure on the Lagos State Government to introduce stronger rent control measures, revive enforcement of existing tenancy laws, or establish a formal mechanism to cap unreasonable increases.

As Lagos continues to grapple with housing affordability amid rapid urbanization, the call for urgent action highlights a deepening crisis that affects millions of residents and could shape public discourse ahead of future policy reviews. Read More

NAFDAC Seizes N3bn Worth of Fake Malaria Drugs, Cosmetics in Lagos Raid

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NAFDAC Seizes N3bn Worth of Fake Malaria Drugs, Cosmetics in Lagos Raid



The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted more than 10 million doses of counterfeit malaria medicines and cosmetic products valued at approximately N3 billion at the Trade Fair Market in Lagos.

The Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr Martin Iluyomade, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Apapa.

Iluyomade, who also chairs the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods, said the operation followed credible intelligence received by the agency on February 3.

He revealed that the seized items included fake anti-malaria tablets, injections used for the treatment of cerebral malaria, antibiotics, Postinor, and Analgin—an analgesic that has been banned in Nigeria for nearly 15 years—among other counterfeit pharmaceutical products.

According to him, eight truckloads of fake drugs and cosmetics were evacuated from a three-storey building that had been disguised as a spare parts warehouse.

Four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure, while investigations are ongoing. Iluyomade described the raid as one of NAFDAC’s most significant breakthroughs in recent times.

He noted that counterfeiters were increasingly hiding fake medicines in unconventional locations, making detection more difficult for regulatory authorities.

Iluyomade added that many of the seized products were cloned to closely resemble original brands, making it challenging even for authorised manufacturers to differentiate them from genuine products.

He warned that the sheer volume of counterfeit medicines intercepted posed a serious public health risk, stressing that the products could have caused widespread harm if they had found their way into the market.

The NAFDAC official reaffirmed the agency’s commitment, under the leadership of its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to rid the country of fake and unwholesome products and safeguard public health.

He also urged major drug distributors to source medicines only from NAFDAC-accredited manufacturers and advised members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office nationwide.

EFCC Witness Exposes Alleged Trail: How Yahaya Bello’s Nephew Used Kogi Funds to Buy Prime Abuja Properties

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EFCC Witness Exposes Alleged Trail: How Yahaya Bello’s Nephew Used Kogi Funds to Buy Prime Abuja Properties

EFCC prosecution witness PW17 testifies how Ali Bello allegedly diverted hundreds of millions from Kogi State funds to purchase prime Abuja properties

EFCC Witness: How Yahaya Bello’s Nephew Used ₦10bn Kogi Funds to Buy Luxury Abuja Properties

A key Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operative, Deputy Superintendent DCE Ahmed Audu Abubakar (PW17), on Monday, February 9, 2026, laid bare before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, the alleged web of cash withdrawals and property buys linking hundreds of millions of naira from Kogi State’s Government House Administration Account to luxury real estate in the Federal Capital Territory.

The testimony came in the ongoing trial of Ali Bello—Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and nephew of former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello—who faces a 16-count amended charge of criminal misappropriation and money laundering totaling ₦10,270,556,800 alongside co-defendant Dauda Sulaiman. A third accused, former cashier Abdulsalami Hudu, remains at large.

The funds, allegedly siphoned from the Kogi treasury and routed through Bureau de Change operator Rabiu Tafada in Abuja for conversion or safekeeping, were purportedly funneled into high-end acquisitions for personal gain.

PW17 detailed several transactions:

  • ₦900 million for No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama (Spring Hall School): “My Lord, the property belongs to an Honourable from Bauchi State and was put up for sale for that amount. The first defendant procured the services of a lawyer, Barrister Ramalan, to broker the transaction… The payment was made in cash at the office of the Bureau de Change in Zone 4, Abuja, after the naira equivalent was converted to dollars.”

The witness identified Exhibit H as the Deed of Assignment between Pauchi Ventures Nigeria Limited and Y3 Nigeria Limited, noting: “My Lord, Y3 is the company provided by the first defendant to his lawyer for the preparation of the Deed of Assignment.”

  • ₦920 million for No. 2 Justice Chukwudi (Oguta) Street, Asokoro: The deal was allegedly brokered directly by former Governor Yahaya Bello. “My Lord, the transaction was brokered by… His Excellency Yahaya Bello, himself. He approached a contractor friend who had recently acquired the property… Payment was to be made ‘in kind’ because His Excellency had just assumed office and promised to patronize the contractor during his administration.”

Multiple cash deposits serviced an Access Bank loan, with PW17 listing numerous individuals depositing sums ranging from ₦3.65 million to ₦9.6 million at the Lokoja branch on April 8, 2020—all in cash, sourced from the Kogi Government House Account.

  • ₦170 million for Marsin Street, Wuse Zone 4: Located directly behind Yahaya Bello’s former residence at No. 9 Benghazi Street. “Our investigation revealed that the funds were withdrawn from the Kogi State Government House Administration Account. The transaction was brokered by the first defendant in conjunction with his late BDC associate, Murtala Maigari.”

N100 million was paid into the owner’s account (a retired Deputy Comptroller of Prisons), while ₦70 million was converted to dollars.

Additional counts involved ₦100 million for No. 1773 Guzape Street, another property at Plot 4882 Lome Street, Wuse, and ₦66 million for Plot 739 Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II—all allegedly funded from the same state account without official purpose.

The witness stressed that these payments were not on behalf of the Kogi State Government and traced the cash flows directly to diverted public funds.

Justice Omotosho adjourned proceedings to February 16–20, 2026, for continuation of the high-stakes trial, which continues to spotlight alleged abuse of public resources during Yahaya Bello’s administration. Read More

Tinubu Celebrates Sir Emeka Offor, Hails His Humanitarian Impact Through Foundation

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Tinubu Celebrates Sir Emeka Offor, Hails His Humanitarian Impact Through Foundation

Tinubu Celebrates Sir Emeka Offor, Hails His Humanitarian Impact Through Foundation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated oil magnate, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sir Emeka Offor, on the occasion of his birthday, commending his humanitarian contributions to national development through the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation.

In a congratulatory message released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Offor as a business leader with a deep sense of community and humanity, noting that he has consistently channelled his resources toward supporting humanitarian causes across Nigeria.

Sir Emeka Offor is the Chief Executive Officer of Chrome Group, one of West Africa’s leading oil and gas conglomerates, and a former Chairman of ERHC Energy Inc.
He is also the founder of the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, which has implemented wide-ranging interventions in health services, education, youth empowerment and global development programmes.

President Tinubu said Offor’s career reflects the finest ideals of Nigeria’s private sector, particularly in his ability to successfully combine enterprise with social responsibility.

“Sir Emeka Offor is a fine advocate of the Nigerian enterprise and one of the shining examples of Nigeria’s irrepressible entrepreneurs,” the President said.

He urged the business mogul to sustain his philanthropic commitments, especially in areas that impact children and vulnerable communities across the country.

“I urge him to sustain his efforts in impacting the lives of children and communities across the nation through his foundation,” Tinubu added.

The President wished Sir Emeka Offor good health and continued success in his business pursuits and philanthropic endeavours. Read More

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