Day: January 23, 2026

FG assures timely completion of Otukpo Multipurpose Dam as Water Minister inspects project

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has assured residents of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State of the Federal Government’s commitment to the timely completion of the Otukpo Multipurpose Dam, following an on-the-spot inspection of the project. The inspection, carried out on Thursday, January 22, at Otobi Akpa, formed part of the Minister’s nationwide tour of dams, irrigation, water supply and sanitation projects in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure sustainable water resources management and improved quality…

DAPR charges NASPRI students to rise to greater responsibilities as 2026 courses begin

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Acting Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Colonel Appolonia Anele, has charged students of the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI) to rise to greater responsibilities as they commence their First Quarter 2026 professional courses. Colonel Anele gave the charge during the formal inauguration ceremony held at the Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja Auditorium, Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja. Represented by the Acting Commandant of NASPRI, Lieutenant Colonel Shuaib Umar, the DAPR emphasized that contemporary counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria are increasingly information-driven. He explained that…

Translate training into victory – COAS charges Restore Hope IX Graduates

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged officers and soldiers graduating from Exercise Restore Hope IX to convert their intensive training into operational victories as they deploy to various theatres to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges. Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the charge during the Final Exercise and Graduation Ceremony held on Friday, 23 January 2026, at the Nigerian Army Training Camp, Kachia, Kaduna State, where he underscored the importance of combat excellence, discipline, adaptability and teamwork in modern warfare. Describing Exercise Restore Hope as a key…

NASS; How CNA is Prioritizing Welfare of Staffers BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF

Emporium Reporters

On assumption of duty , the Clerk to the National Assembly, CNA, Barrister Kamorudeen Ogunlana promised not only to restore and activate due process in the National Assembly ,but improved the welfare of staffers. One year down the line, Kamoru has commenced the process of prioritizing staff welfare in earnest without further delay . With two categories of workers at the National Assembly consisting the core staff who are civil servants and Legislative Aides attached to the 469 members of the lower and upper chamber. Aside staff welfare , the…

BREAKING: Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, 21 lawmakers, others resign from NNPP amid APC defection speculation

Emporium Reporters

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has officially resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), SaharaReporters has confirmed. The governor tendered his resignation on Friday, alongside 21 members of the State Assembly, 8 members of the House of Representatives, and 44 Local Government Chairmen in Kano State. In a letter to the Chairman of the Diso-Chiranchi Ward, NNPP, in Gwale Local Government Area, Yusuf cited persistent internal party challenges and growing disenfranchisement among members as reasons for his resignation. The governor emphasized that his decision was in the best…

NDLEA Chairman Marwa sets 2026 targets to crush drug cartels, intensify anti-drug campaigns

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has commenced the year 2026 with a strong resolve to dismantle drug cartels and intensify sensitization efforts nationwide, following directives from its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd). Marwa outlined the Agency’s operational priorities during a high-level annual review and planning meeting at NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja, which brought together directors, zonal and state commanders, as well as heads of the Seaports, International Airports, Marine Unit, Strike Force, and Special Operations Units. According to Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s…

8 Division Nigerian Army, Air Warfare Doctrine Centre strengthen joint operations against Terrorism in North-West

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Army’s 8 Division and Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have deepened operational collaboration with the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC) as part of renewed efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in the North-West. The partnership was reinforced during a courtesy visit by the Commandant of the AWDC, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Jibia, to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2 OPFY, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna. Speaking during the visit, Major General Koughna commended Air Vice Marshal Jibia for…

Niger Police debunks rumours of human exhumation at Kpakungu burial ground

Emporium Reporters

The Niger State Police Command has dismissed reports alleged that a person trespassed into the Kpakungu Burial Ground, Minna, to exhume human parts, clarified that the incident involved a dog. A report was received at about 8:15 p.m. on 22 January 2026 that a dog entered the burial ground through a damaged fence and attempted to dig one of the graves. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the dog was attacked by a security guard and some residents in the area…

Nigeria, Austria reaffirm strategic partnership, multilateral cooperation, sustainable development

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Nigeria and the Republic of Austria have reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and advancing sustainable development, following a high-level engagement between the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumiegwu-Ojukwu, and Austria’s Secretary-General of the Federal Ministry of International and European Affairs, His Excellency Nikolaus Marschik. The meeting, held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, provided an opportunity for both countries to review the trajectory of Nigeria–Austria relations, exchange views on evolving global and regional challenges, and explore practical avenues for expanding cooperation…

Ooni, Alaafin and dynamic colour of reality By Dare Babarinsa

Emporium Reporters

Prince Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi and Prince Okunade Sijuwade were good friends in the 1960s and early 70s. Adeyemi, a prince of Oyo and direct descendant of Alaafin Atiba, was a boxer before he became an insurance broker. Sijuwade was a journalist briefly when he worked with the Nigerian Tribune and from there he moved into private business, becoming a millionaire when he was barely 30. Sijuwade was a prince from Ile-Ife, the source of Yoruba civilization and kingship system. Both of them were ambitious to ascend the thrones of their…