Day: February 15, 2026

Nigeria, Angola seal Visa waiver deal to boost diplomatic engagement

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Nigeria and Angola have signed a bilateral agreement waiving visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports, a move aimed at strengthening government-to-government relations and enhancing regional cooperation across Africa. The agreement was formalised on Sunday on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, signed the agreement on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while Angola’s Minister of External Relations, Tete António, signed for the Republic of Angola. According to officials,…

Fadahunsi dumps PDP, charts new political course for Osun East

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The political landscape of Osun East witnessed a major shift as Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, representing the senatorial district, formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring a new political direction aimed at advancing development across the Ife/Ijesa axis. Addressing supporters and stakeholders, the two-term lawmaker described the decision as a defining moment driven by the need for renewed political alignment, equitable representation, and stronger collaboration to accelerate regional progress. Speaking on behalf of National Assembly members from the district, Fadahunsi…

Nigeria backs African Union reforms, strengthens UK ties at Addis Ababa Summit

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Nigeria has endorsed sweeping institutional reforms within the African Union (AU), reaffirmed its commitment to improved peace and security governance, stronger democratic institutions, and enhanced cooperation with global financial partners and the private sector. The country’s position was presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, during a closed session of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. According to Nigeria’s delegation, the proposed reforms focus on strengthening continental peace and security architecture, deepening democratic…

FG warns Nigerians against illegal recruitment into foreign wars

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has raised alarm over the growing cases of Nigerian citizens being illegally recruited into foreign armed conflicts under deceptive arrangements, warning that such engagements endanger lives and may violate both national and international laws. In a press statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government expressed grave concern over reports indicating that Nigerians are being lured abroad with false promises of lucrative employment, security jobs, educational opportunities, and migration incentives, only to be deployed to active combat zones. According to the statement signed…

Customs unveils digital One-Stop-Shop to slash cargo clearance time to 48 hours

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a digital One-Stop-Shop (OSS) platform aimed at eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks at the nation’s seaports and reducing cargo clearance time to just 48 hours. The initiative was unveiled at a ceremony in Lagos on Friday, February 13, 2026, where the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the platform as a landmark structural reform designed to modernise border operations and enhance Nigeria’s trade competitiveness. According to him, the OSS platform aligns with ongoing economic and business reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, while also…

Rev. Adebisi sets vision for a ‘Decade of Soaring’ at Inspiring Service on “Equipping the Church in the Decade of Soaring.”

Emporium Reporters

By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon       On Sunday, 15 February 2026, the sanctuary of the , Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, was filled with reverence and spiritual expectancy during a deeply impactful service themed “Divine Honour and Dignity.” The atmosphere, enriched by heartfelt worship from the choir, reflected a congregation united in renewal and aligned with a prophetic mandate: “Equipping the Church in the Decade of Soaring.”   Ministering at the service was , Zonal Superintendent of the Wuse District Headquarters. He delivered a stirring, Scripture-rooted message outlining a strategic…

National Assembly set to make key decisions as plenary resumes February 17

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Assembly of Nigeria has scheduled the resumption of plenary sessions for both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday, 17th February 2026, at 11:00 a.m., the Office of the Clerk has announced. In an official statement, Kamoru Ogunlana, Clerk to the National Assembly, directed all Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members to take note of the session and reschedule their engagements to ensure full attendance. The notice emphasized that crucial legislative decisions are expected to be taken by each chamber during the session. The announcement underscored the…

NOWA President commissions classrooms, upgrades music laboratory in Navy Town Ojo

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The President of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), Aisha Idi Abbas, has commissioned a block of four classrooms and a renovated music laboratory at Navy Town, Ojo, aimed at improving educational standards for children of naval personnel. The commissioning ceremony, held on Friday, February 13, 2026, formed part of welfare and education-focused interventions designed to enhance learning conditions within naval communities. The initiative is expected to provide a more conducive academic environment, particularly for students affected by frequent relocations associated with military postings. Mrs. Abbas said the project reflects…

Tinubu reaffirms commitment to professional policing as BIPOGA 2026 opens in Asaba

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a more professional, disciplined and performance-driven Nigeria Police Force as the 15th Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA 2026) officially opened in Asaba, Delta State. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented at the ceremony by the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa(Rtd) conveyed his goodwill to officers and athletes participating in the Games, describing the event as a vital platform for strengthening operational readiness, unity and professionalism within the Force. The President, who was unable to attend due to pressing state engagements, reiterated…

236 Cocaine Pellets excreted as NDLEA busts Airport drug rings, foils prison-coordinated trafficking network

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have recorded major breakthroughs in ongoing nationwide anti-drug operations, arrested a China-based Nigerian businessman and two Angolan nationals who excreted a combined 236 wraps of cocaine after being intercepted at airports in Abuja and Kano. The arrests were disclosed on Sunday by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, who detailed a series of coordinated operations that also uncovered drug consignments concealed in food items, children’s toys, and a synthetic cannabis production facility in Lagos. According to Babafemi, the China-based…