Ambassador Ismaila Yusuf: Hitting the Ground Running at NAHCON, BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF

No doubt the appointment of Ambassador Ismaila Yusuf was hailed by Nigerians as a perfect match for National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON capable of ending erratic leadership, internal rancour among many others.   With versed wealth of experience both administratively and technocratic, the new leadership has set the ball rolling through the outlining of a riot act to guide the modes , model of operation and guidelines that will be devoid of red tapism among many others.   Therefore, in preparation for the 2026 Hajj arrangements, despite at middle…

Alausa defends ₦2.4trn Education Budget, prioritises Teachers, Infrastructure, Skills Development

The Honourable Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, has defended the Federal Ministry of Education’s proposed ₦2.4 trillion budget for 2026 before the National Assembly, outlined key priorities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education sector through improved staffing, infrastructure, and skills development. According to a statement issued by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, measurable outcomes, and the completion of ongoing educational projects nationwide during the budget defence before the National Assembly’s Joint Committees…

FG Flags Off Food and Nutrition Assistance in Niger State to Strengthen Poverty Response System

The Federal Government has launched the Presidential Food and Nutrition Assistance programme in Niger State as part of efforts to deepen coordinated humanitarian support and accelerate poverty reduction across vulnerable communities. The initiative, implemented through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, was officially flagged off on Saturday at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, described the intervention as a people-centred response designed to tackle food insecurity, prevent…

Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder dismantles illegal refineries in Rivers State

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft with the successful deactivation of multiple illegal refinery sites in Rivers State under Operation DELTA SENTINEL. According to a release by the Navy, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder dismantled three illegal refinery sites, five refining ovens, and 25 dugout pits located in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni area of the state. The operation significantly disrupted a major crude oil theft network operating in the region. During the operation, naval personnel uncovered a wellhead that had been illegally tapped to siphon crude oil…

Nigerian Navy Commissions Primary Healthcare Centre in Enugu Community

The Nigerian Navy has commissioned a modern Primary Health Care Centre in Umunisu Ugbawka, located in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, in a move aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services in rural communities. The facility was established in honour of Rear Admiral Patrick Chibueze Nwatu (Rtd) under the Navy’s Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects initiative designed to support community development and enhance civil-military relations. Representing the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Director of Veteran Affairs, Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, said…

FG issues urgent Safety Advisory to Nigerians in Iran, Gulf States Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

The Federal Government has issued a safety advisory to Nigerians residing in the Islamic Republic of Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries following escalating military actions in the Middle East involving Israel, the United States and Iran. In a press release issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, the government said it is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving security situation triggered by reported military strikes against targets in Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions affecting parts of the Gulf region. According to the statement signed by the Ministry’s…

Yoruba Nation: prospects and perils post-2031 – (2) By abiodun KOMOLAFE

In the words of Frantz Fanon: “Each generation must discover its mission, fulfill it or betray it, in relative opacity.” Let there be no doubt – and we say this to emphasize the gravity of the moment – Yorubas stand at a critical crossroads. Without being alarmist, it is make or break, now or never! Yoruba leadership must interrogate a sobering report released last Saturday, February 21, 2026, by a respected, independent British agency. Its findings have already sent ripples through government circles, trade unions, and the private sector alike.…

CBN RATE CUT OF 26.5: VOICES, UPSETS AND PROSPECTS By Adefolarin A. Olamilekan

Arguably, the latest 26.5% Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) interest rate decisions may have cut some analysts off guard in their projections, others predictions may have been cut short, even as other groups may see it has a long over expectation.   For instance, some analysts were of the view that this is the right time for the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to cut down the MPR by 100 bps to 26.00 per cent.   Alter the Asymmetric Corridor from +50bps/-450bps to +200/-300bps around the MPR…

Troops overrun IPOB/ESN Stronghold in Anambra, destroy ‘Mother Valley’ Camp

Troops of the Joint Task Force South East under Operation UDO KA (OPUK) have stormed and dismantled a major stronghold linked to suspected IPOB/ESN elements at Mother Valley in Nkwere area of Anambra State, following a coordinated ground assault carried out on February 26, 2026. The operation, executed by combined personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), reportedly marked a decisive push against criminal enclaves in the South-East region. According to military sources, the troops advanced for over three hours…

NAOWA President commissions modern educational facilities, reaffirms commitment to continuity

The President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to sustaining legacy projects with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre, an ultra-modern dining hall and a students’ preparatory hall at NAOWA College, Asokoro, Abuja. Speaking during the commissioning ceremony held on Wednesday, Mrs Shaibu described the event as a significant milestone reflecting purposeful leadership, institutional continuity and strategic investment in education for students drawn from both military and civilian communities. She noted that the newly inaugurated facilities…