Year: 2026

El-Rufai: Tinubu’s angry kingmaker By Lasisi Olagunju

Emporium Reporters

Alhaji Shehu Shagari first met General Murtala Mohammed in August 1974. Newly appointed Federal Commissioner for Communications, Murtala, wrote a memo for cabinet approval and needed financial clearance from Shagari, then Commissioner for Finance.   Shagari recalled the encounter: “I studied the memo carefully and made a number of comments and suggestions. He replied it was too late to make any amendments given the urgency. Thereupon I expressed my regret for being unable to support the memo. He took leave of me, apparently disappointed. When the memo came before the…

Troops repel coordinated terrorist attacks in Pulka, Mandaragirau

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled coordinated terrorist attacks on military formations in Pulka and Mandaragirau communities of Borno State, reinforcing ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East. The military disclosed that the attacks occurred late on February 14, 2026, when terrorists launched coordinated offensives aimed at overrunning defensive positions in both locations. According to a statement issued by the task force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, troops demonstrated discipline, tactical coordination and superior firepower, ultimately forcing the attackers to retreat…

NSCIA calls for Ramadan moon sighting, urges muslims to remain steadfast amid challenges

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged Muslims across the country to look out for the crescent moon signalling the commencement of Ramadan 1447 A.H. after sunset on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Council congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the approaching fasting season and called for spiritual preparedness as believers anticipate the holy month. The Council disclosed that the moon sighting exercise would be coordinated by the National Moon Sighting Committee in consultation with the National Space…

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…