The United States has ordered the departure of non-emergency government employees and their family members from Niger, citing heightened security risks following reports of explosions and sustained gunfire near Niamey’s international airport.
The evacuation directive, issued on January 30, was confirmed by the U.S. Department of State, which also warned American citizens not to travel to Niger under any circumstances.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, the State Department said it can no longer provide routine or emergency assistance to U.S. citizens outside the capital due to safety concerns.
“The Department of State ordered non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave Niger on January 30 due to safety risks,” the statement read.
“The U.S. government cannot offer routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Niamey due to safety risks. Do not travel to Niger for any reason.”
The department also announced stricter movement conditions for U.S. personnel remaining in the country, including mandatory travel in armoured vehicles and compliance with a curfew.
It added that all restaurants and open-air markets have been declared off-limits to U.S. government employees, advising American citizens in Niger to take similar precautions.
The security alert follows reports of loud explosions and heavy gunfire early Thursday around the international airport in Niamey. A witness told Reuters that the gunfire began nearly an hour earlier and was still ongoing as of 0012 GMT.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show flashes of light in the night sky, loud blasts, and scenes of fire and damaged vehicles.
On Friday, SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks extremist activity worldwide, said the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the airport attack.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, condemned the violence and expressed deep concern over extremist attacks in the country.
He also referenced a separate attack on January 18 in the village of Bosiye in western Niger, where about 30 civilians were reportedly killed.
“These heinous acts form part of the campaign of terror conducted by violent extremist groups deliberately targeting civilian populations and public infrastructure,” Youssouf said.
He praised the Nigerien security forces for what he described as a swift response that helped contain the airport attack.
The United States government entered a partial shutdown early Saturday after Congress failed to pass a 2026 budget before the midnight deadline.
Lawmakers from both parties said the shutdown is expected to be short, with the House of Representatives likely to vote early next week on a Senate-backed agreement aimed at restoring funding.
Budget negotiations broke down after Senate Democrats refused to approve additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), insisting that new oversight measures must be introduced before more money is released for immigration enforcement.
The standoff intensified following the killing of two protesters in Minneapolis by federal immigration agents, an incident that has sparked fresh outrage and deepened political divisions over the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
Senator Dick Durbin accused the administration of prioritising protesters over criminals, arguing that enforcement resources were being misdirected.
“Instead of going after drug smugglers, child predators, and human traffickers, the Trump Administration is wasting valuable resources targeting peaceful protestors in Chicago and Minneapolis,” Durbin wrote in a social media post.
He added that the approach was making the country less safe.
With the shutdown now in effect, about three-quarters of federal government operations are expected to be impacted. Agencies responsible for education, health, housing and defence began implementing shutdown preparations overnight.
Officials say the effects may remain limited if funding is restored within a few days. However, if the shutdown drags on, tens of thousands of federal workers could be furloughed or required to work without pay until Congress approves a new spending plan.
Late Friday, the Senate passed a package that cleared five outstanding funding bills to keep most federal agencies running through September. The deal also included a two-week stopgap measure to keep DHS funded temporarily while lawmakers continue negotiations over immigration enforcement policy.
The House, however, was not in session when the deadline passed and is scheduled to return on Monday. If lawmakers approve the Senate’s proposal, government funding could be restored within days.
President Donald Trump has endorsed the Senate plan and urged Congress to act quickly to end the shutdown.
“I am working hard with Congress to ensure that we are able to fully fund the government without delay,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday evening.
Meanwhile, the Office of Management and Budget directed federal agencies late Friday to prepare for what it described as an “orderly shutdown,” expressing hope that the disruption would be brief.
(DDM) – Delta North communities have officially launched the Green4Life Initiative (G4LI), a transformative rural development program led by Kenneth Gbandi, in collaboration with GLI Europe.
The program, branded as Gbandi4RuralDev, aims to establish green agro-enclaves across the nine local government areas of Delta North, targeting sustainable agriculture, job creation, and environmental protection. Organizers are calling on 4,000 co-owners to participate in the initiative.
According to Stephen Adeoye of GLI Europe, the program draws inspiration from groundbreaking efforts such as those led by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasizing that “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” This sentiment, echoed by Adeoye, underlines the ambition behind the project to create self-sufficient agro-business communities that combine innovation with sustainability.
The Green4Life Initiative will establish environmentally conscious, closed-loop agro-enclaves that produce high-value crops for national and international markets. Each enclave is designed to support smallholder farmers, integrating modern agricultural practices and value chain optimization.
The program promises significant economic benefits for Delta North. Organizers anticipate creating over 4,000 direct jobs and up to 10,000 indirect jobs initially, with projections of 120,000 total jobs generated over four years. These positions aim to empower youth, women, and marginalized groups, promoting social equity alongside economic development.
Ecological sustainability remains a core focus. The initiative will convert bio-waste into electricity and promote extensive tree planting to sequester CO₂, demonstrating a commitment to mitigating climate change while supporting local communities.
Kenneth Gbandi highlighted that the project prioritizes collaboration and community ownership. “Green4Life is not just about agriculture; it’s about empowering people, creating jobs, and protecting our environment for future generations,” he said.
The Green4Life Initiative represents a landmark step in rural development for Delta North. By combining agro-innovation, job creation, and ecological stewardship, the program seeks to demonstrate that ambitious, community-driven projects can achieve lasting impact when bold leadership meets committed execution.
Diaspora4Gbandi, the international support arm, has pledged continued collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure that the initiative scales effectively and sustainably across the region.
Fresh revelations have emerged on why prolonged efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to strike a political alliance with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ultimately collapsed, despite months of quiet engagements and back-channel negotiations. Once widely regarded as Kano’s political “beautiful bride” and a potential game-changer ahead of future elections, Kwankwaso’s negotiating position appears to have weakened considerably, leaving him increasingly isolated within Nigeria’s shifting political landscape.
Sources with direct knowledge of the discussions say that talks between Kwankwaso and the presidency stretched over several months, with multiple meetings held mainly in Abuja. At the early stages, APC power brokers and presidential strategists viewed the former Kano governor as a valuable asset, largely because of the perceived electoral strength of his Kwankwasiyya movement and the NNPP’s surprise showing in Kano during the 2023 general elections.
Within the ruling party, there was a strong belief that Kwankwaso could serve as a strategic bridge into Kano and the wider North-west, a region that remains critical to any winning national coalition. His red-cap political base, cultivated over decades, was seen as an organised structure that could be leveraged to shore up APC dominance ahead of the 2027 polls.
However, optimism around the talks gradually gave way to concern as the scale and tone of Kwankwaso’s demands became clearer. What initially began as exploratory political engagement soon stalled over what insiders described as excessive, unrealistic, and politically untenable conditions.
Central to the collapse of the negotiations was Kwankwaso’s reported demand for control of up to 20 per cent of the APC’s national political structure. Party leaders were said to be stunned by the request, viewing it as a non-starter that cut against the very foundations of the ruling party. One highly placed APC source told DDM NEWS that even President Tinubu, as party leader and sitting president, had never sought or demanded any formal percentage ownership of the APC’s structure.
“That single demand changed the entire tone of the conversation,” the source explained. “Asking for 20 per cent of the APC nationwide was simply unrealistic. It raised immediate red flags and made it clear that we were not dealing with a conventional alliance discussion.”
Beyond structural control, Kwankwaso was also said to have pushed strongly for the vice-presidential slot, despite the fact that the position was already occupied and not subject to renegotiation. APC negotiators reportedly made it clear from the outset that the vice presidency was not vacant and could not be part of any deal.
Even more troubling for APC leaders, DDM NEWS gathered, was Kwankwaso’s insistence on long-term guarantees stretching far beyond the immediate political cycle. Sources said he sought assurances that would extend to 2031, signalling an ambition not just for short-term accommodation but for sustained influence over the party’s future leadership and succession plans.
To APC strategists and the presidency, the package of demands painted the picture of a politician negotiating not as a prospective ally, but as a near-equal stakeholder in a party he neither founded nor nurtured. “He was clearly overreaching,” a senior APC chieftain said, adding that the demands suggested an inflated sense of indispensability at a time when political realities were shifting.
Indeed, as negotiations dragged on, presidency insiders began to reassess Kwankwaso’s actual grip on Kano politics. While he had long projected himself as the undisputed political leader of the state, growing cracks within the NNPP, particularly his deteriorating relationship with Governor Abba Yusuf, raised doubts about his capacity to deliver a unified Kano bloc.
According to reliable sources, APC strategists identified the friction between Kwankwaso and Yusuf as a critical weakness. They reasoned that the governor’s incumbency, combined with federal influence and direct engagement, could yield more tangible political dividends than continued courtship of Kwankwaso. This recalibration marked a decisive turning point in the negotiations.
“Once it became clear that Kwankwaso no longer controlled the entire Kano political space the way he claimed, especially with divisions between him and his former political protégé, the presidency shifted focus,” another source familiar with the talks disclosed. “At that point, it made more sense to deal directly with the governor.”
The strategic pivot proved costly for Kwankwaso. His bargaining power, once rooted in the assumption that he alone could deliver Kano, diminished rapidly. Without the ability to guarantee a cohesive political bloc, his expansive demands appeared increasingly disconnected from political realities.
This backdrop also helps explain the growing internal crisis within the NNPP. The Dr. Boniface Aniebonam-led bloc of the party has openly accused Kwankwaso of domineering behaviour and “slavish intentions,” alleging that his leadership style played a key role in Governor Yusuf’s eventual defection to the APC.
In a statement monitored by DDM NEWS, the NNPP National Vice Chairman (North-west), Alhaji Sani Danmasani, dismissed claims by Kwankwaso ally Buba Galadima that Yusuf’s defection was an act of betrayal. Instead, Danmasani argued that Yusuf was forced out by what he described as Kwankwaso’s suffocating control and intolerance of dissent.
According to Danmasani, Yusuf’s move was not driven by selfish ambition but by a desire to escape an overbearing political environment. He accused Kwankwaso of betraying the trust of NNPP founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, and attempting to hijack the party’s structure for personal gain.
Danmasani also recalled the sacrifices made by Aniebonam to provide a political platform for Kwankwaso and his allies ahead of the 2023 elections, suggesting that those now crying foul were themselves guilty of betrayal. He described the outrage expressed by Kwankwaso and Galadima as hypocritical, given their alleged role in sidelining the party’s founder.
“The bitterness and pain are evident in their speeches,” Danmasani said, reacting to Galadima’s appearance on Arise News Television. He added that rather than disturb public peace with accusations, Kwankwaso and his group should reflect on their actions and seek reconciliation.
As the dust settles, DDM NEWS observes that Kwankwaso’s failed negotiations with the APC highlight a broader lesson in Nigeria’s evolving power politics: influence is fluid, and past dominance does not always translate into present leverage. With the APC consolidating its grip on Kano through direct engagement with the sitting governor, Kwankwaso now faces the challenge of redefining his relevance in a political environment that appears to be moving on without him.
A growing sense of fear and uncertainty has swept through Nigerian immigrant communities across the United States as intensified enforcement operations by President Donald Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency trigger panic, displacement, and a quiet wave of self-deportation. From major cities to suburban enclaves, Nigerians are increasingly withdrawing from public life, abandoning jobs, going into hiding, or secretly returning home in response to what many describe as an aggressive and deadly immigration crackdown.
Findings by DDM NEWS indicate that the renewed enforcement drive, marked by house-to-house raids and high-profile arrests, has reshaped daily life for thousands of immigrants. Many Nigerians, both documented and undocumented, have reportedly stopped going to work, limited their movements, and severed routine social interactions after President Trump reiterated his full support for ICE’s actions, despite mounting criticism and protests nationwide.
The current situation traces back to January 2025, when President Trump, immediately after his inauguration, rolled out a hard-line immigration policy focused on the swift arrest and removal of illegal immigrants. While the administration framed the policy as a necessary step to enforce immigration laws, human rights groups, immigrant advocates, and foreign governments have condemned the approach as cruel, indiscriminate, and dangerously excessive.
What has intensified anxiety within immigrant communities are reports of deadly encounters involving ICE officers. According to available data, at least 32 people died in ICE custody in 2025 alone, making it the deadliest year for ICE-related deaths in over two decades. The UK-based Guardian further reported that in 2026, no fewer than eight people have already died in incidents involving ICE officers, deepening public outrage and fear.
Two recent cases in Minneapolis, Minnesota, have become flashpoints for national and international concern. On January 7, 37-year-old Renée Good was fatally shot by an ICE agent during an enforcement operation. A medical examiner later ruled her death a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds, igniting protests and renewed scrutiny of ICE’s use of force. Barely weeks later, on January 24, 2026, another 37-year-old, Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, was shot and killed during a separate federal enforcement action. The killings sent shockwaves through immigrant communities, including Nigerians, who now fear that no one is truly safe during enforcement operations.
ICE officials have continued large-scale raids, reportedly detaining about 70,000 people since the latest crackdown began, while an estimated 540,000 immigrants have been deported to their countries of origin. These numbers, DDM NEWS gathered, have amplified panic among immigrants who fear sudden arrest without the opportunity to contact family members or seek legal counsel.
The emotional toll of the situation was captured in a viral Instagram video by a Nigerian woman who broke down in tears while describing the trauma immigrants are facing. Speaking from the US, she lamented what she described as the indiscriminate treatment of immigrants, insisting that ICE agents no longer distinguish between citizens and non-citizens during operations.
“It is very traumatising the way these people are treating immigrants,” she said in the video monitored by DDM NEWS. “President Trump, if you want immigrants to leave America, just say it clearly. Don’t hunt people like animals.”
In a later interview with Saturday PUNCH, the woman, who requested anonymity and identified herself simply as a senior immigrant, revealed that fear has forced many Nigerians to abandon their jobs and seek alternative means of survival. According to her, some now rely on online trading, home-based businesses, or community support to avoid exposure to ICE raids.
She recounted how her shop assistant stopped coming to work in mid-December after ICE agents conducted operations in her area, first in New Jersey and later near her residence. “Since then, she has lived with constant anxiety,” the woman said. She also disclosed that families who once worked in factories have quit their jobs entirely, turning instead to selling goods or cooked meals from their homes through online orders.
“People are staying indoors because of fear,” she added. “We now contribute money to support families who can no longer work. That is the reality many immigrants are facing.”
Corroborating these accounts, the President of the Nigerian Community in Maryland, Mrs. Chris Ademiluyi, confirmed to DDM NEWS that many Nigerians have chosen to go into hiding rather than return to Nigeria. She explained that worsening economic and security conditions back home make return an unattractive option for many.
“Nigeria is not any better,” Ademiluyi said. “Some people would like to speak, but they are afraid. They prefer to stay hidden and survive quietly.”
Religious leaders have also raised concerns. Pastor Shola Adeoye of the Lighthouse/Rejuvenation Church in Rosenberg, Texas, warned on Facebook that fear of the Trump administration was pushing Nigerians to leave the US prematurely. “Some Nigerians are moving back home due to fear. It’s not wise to bury yourself before death,” he cautioned, sparking widespread debate on social media.
While some Nigerians support self-deportation as a way to avoid trauma, others argue that leaving involuntarily could have lasting psychological consequences. One Facebook user, Ben Ijeh, wrote that deportation trauma could permanently discourage return to the US, while another, Olukunle Durodolu, said controlled self-return allows individuals to preserve dignity and mental stability.
Beyond enforcement raids, broader policy changes have compounded immigrants’ fears. A Washington DC-based non-profit, the Nigerian Center, reported a surge in Nigerians seeking help amid the crackdown. Its Executive Director, Mr. Gbenga Ogunjimi, said the crisis is multi-layered, pointing to visa restrictions and Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern.
According to Ogunjimi, a partial visa ban imposed in December 2025 suspended several visa categories and restricted Nigerians’ access to citizenship processing, green cards, work authorisation, and asylum pathways. “Many people were not told that these policies would affect their ability to regularise their status,” he said.
DDM NEWS gathered that as a result, many Nigerians are now weighing their options, with self-deportation increasingly seen as a last resort. Ogunjimi admitted that while many have sought advice, exact numbers of those who have returned home remain unclear.
As ICE operations continue and policy uncertainty deepens, Nigerian immigrants remain caught between fear abroad and hardship at home, navigating a precarious existence shaped by enforcement raids, legal barriers, and the struggle to survive.
The Nigerian naira has continued its upward march against the United States dollar, strengthening further during the midweek trading session to settle at N1,394 per dollar, marking one of its strongest performances in recent times and breaking decisively below the psychological N1,400 threshold.
The latest appreciation reflects growing optimism in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market, driven by a combination of improving macroeconomic indicators at home and mounting pressure on the US dollar globally. On Tuesday, the naira had already signalled renewed strength after closing at N1,400.66/$ in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), its highest level in weeks. That momentum carried into Wednesday’s session, when the local currency advanced further to N1,394/$, representing a notable gain over its previous close of N1,401.2/$.
According to DDM NEWS market monitoring, the naira’s sustained rally has been one of the most consistent currency stories of early 2026, extending a recovery trend that gathered pace throughout 2025. Analysts note that while the appreciation has been gradual, its persistence suggests a deeper structural shift rather than a short-lived speculative spike.
The official market’s sharp gains were mirrored, albeit more cautiously, in the parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market. Dealers in the informal segment reported only modest movements compared to the official rate, indicating a calmer response and reduced panic trading. Although a gap still exists between the official and parallel rates, analysts say the premium has narrowed significantly compared to periods of extreme naira volatility witnessed in previous years.
Currency experts observing developments told DDM NEWS that the reduced spread between the two markets is an encouraging sign, suggesting improved confidence in official pricing mechanisms and better alignment of supply and demand conditions. “The gap hasn’t disappeared, but it’s no longer widening aggressively, which is a positive signal for stability,” one Lagos-based financial analyst noted.
A key factor underpinning the naira’s recent strength is Nigeria’s improving external reserve position. Data released earlier this week show that the country’s foreign reserves climbed to $46.04 billion as of January 26, 2026, providing stronger buffers for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to meet legitimate foreign exchange demand and manage market liquidity. The steady rise in reserves has bolstered investor confidence and reassured market participants about Nigeria’s ability to withstand external shocks.
DDM NEWS reports that the naira has now recorded gains across multiple consecutive trading sessions, reinforcing the view that the currency has entered a more stable phase after years of sharp depreciation and volatility. This stability has been further supported by tighter monetary controls, improved transparency in FX allocations, and renewed interest from foreign portfolio investors.
Beyond domestic factors, global currency dynamics are also playing a significant role. The US dollar has come under increasing pressure in international markets, with analysts pointing to uncertainty surrounding US economic policy and leadership signals. Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organisations, recently warned that the dominance of the US dollar is beginning to weaken.
“The dollar’s supremacy is cracking, and markets are building an escape route,” Green said in a widely circulated report monitored by DDM NEWS. His comments come amid a broad-based sell-off of the dollar, triggered by concerns over erratic policymaking and mixed economic signals from Washington.
Those concerns intensified after US President Donald Trump publicly downplayed the significance of the dollar’s recent sharp declines, stating that he was not worried by the currency’s dramatic falls. Currency markets, however, interpreted the remarks differently, with traders reacting nervously to what they perceive as policy unpredictability. The resulting uncertainty has pushed investors to reassess their exposure to the dollar and explore alternative currencies and assets.
For emerging market currencies like the naira, this global shift has created a window of opportunity. With the dollar weakening and capital flows seeking better yields, Nigeria’s improving fundamentals have made the naira more attractive than it has been in years. Analysts told DDM NEWS that while Nigeria is not immune to global shocks, the current environment has clearly worked in its favour.
The naira’s performance in early 2026 builds on what was already a remarkable year in 2025, when the currency recorded a decade-high performance of between 7 and 9 percent against the US dollar. That recovery marked a turning point after years of sustained pressure caused by declining oil revenues, FX backlogs, and confidence issues.
Market watchers caution, however, that sustaining the gains will require continued policy discipline. While the recent appreciation has been welcomed by businesses and consumers alike, experts warn that complacency could reverse the trend. “The naira’s strength must be supported by consistent reforms, export growth, and prudent reserve management,” a senior economist told DDM NEWS.
Importers have particularly welcomed the stronger currency, noting that it could help ease inflationary pressures by reducing the cost of imported goods. Manufacturers, on the other hand, are watching closely to see whether FX availability continues to improve, as access remains as important as pricing.
Despite these cautious notes, sentiment around the naira remains largely positive. Traders say the market mood has shifted from survival to cautious optimism, with fewer panic-driven transactions and more orderly price discovery. This change in behaviour, analysts argue, is just as important as the numerical gains recorded on trading screens.
As Nigeria navigates the evolving global financial landscape, the naira’s recent appreciation stands out as a rare bright spot. While challenges remain, the combination of rising reserves, improving market confidence, and a weakening US dollar has, at least for now, given Africa’s largest economy some much-needed breathing room.
DDM NEWS will continue to monitor developments in the foreign exchange market and provide updates on how global and domestic factors shape the trajectory of the naira in the weeks ahead.
(DDM) – Otunba Abdul-Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, Olori Ebi of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, has provided a detailed account of Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1 or K1 De Ultimate, and his attempt to contest for the Awujale of Ijebuland throne.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, January 30, 2026, Owoyemi addressed claims by Kwam 1 regarding alleged exclusion and bias in the selection process for the Awujale crown.
Owoyemi revealed that he had never met Kwam 1 in person until after the passing of the previous Awujale. “For quite some time, I had heard great things about Wasiu,” he said. “I didn’t meet him until after the Royal Highness passed away, during an Otumbas gathering at a group member’s home.”
During their first meeting, Kwam 1 asked a surprising question about lineage. “Sir, did you know that Fidipote was Fusengbuwa’s son?” Owoyemi recalled. He admitted the information was new to him and said, “I’m learning every day.”
Owoyemi explained that Kwam 1 officially expressed interest in the throne just before the nomination deadline. The musician sent a letter requesting assistance and declaring his intent to be named Awujale.
He further clarified that formal documentation is required to verify membership in the ruling house. “Thousands have previously claimed membership,” Owoyemi said. Prospective candidates must submit specific forms detailing their ancestry, lineage, and connection to the ruling house. Validation is then conducted by the relevant family unit commander.
The deadline for submission coincided with Kwam 1’s letter, but Owoyemi said an extension of seven days was granted to allow completion of the forms. However, during the vetting process, concerns arose regarding his eligibility. “Who signed as his family unit head?” Owoyemi said the council asked. Ultimately, the musician could not be verified as a legitimate member of the governing house.
Owoyemi recounted that a polite letter was sent to Kwam 1 informing him of the ruling. “We have not been persuaded that you are an authentic and lawful member,” he said. The matter was reportedly taken to court by the musician, but the litigation was later withdrawn voluntarily.
Following this, nominations proceeded according to traditional procedures. “Since 1959, no family head or individual can influence the outcome,” Owoyemi stated. He added that the final list of nominees is handled exclusively by the key decision-makers of the ruling house.
The Fusengbuwa insider emphasized that the Awujale selection process is governed strictly by documented lineage, proper vetting, and traditional customs, not personal influence or public popularity, underscoring the transparency and integrity of the ruling house procedures.
(DDM) – Annie Mthembu’s story is not one of overnight transformation, but of gradual healing shaped by honesty, resilience, and self-reflection.
In a candid reflection on her personal journey, Mthembu describes a period marked by difficulty, emotional strain, and moments of self-doubt, experiences she says ultimately pushed her toward rediscovering her sense of identity.
A journey shaped by challenge
Mthembu explains that the process of finding herself again did not follow a straight path.
She faced personal setbacks that forced her to confront uncomfortable truths about her life, her relationships, and her own expectations.
Rather than presenting her experience as a polished success story, she acknowledges the emotional weight of starting over and the vulnerability that comes with it.
Healing as an active process
Central to Mthembu’s recovery was a deliberate focus on healing.
She describes learning to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and allow herself the space to process pain instead of suppressing it.
According to her, healing required patience and a willingness to accept growth as a slow and sometimes uneven process.
She emphasizes that rebuilding confidence did not come from external validation, but from learning to trust herself again.
Rediscovering identity and purpose
Mthembu says one of the most difficult parts of her journey was reclaiming her identity after periods where she felt disconnected from who she truly was.
Through introspection and personal growth, she began redefining her goals and values.
That process, she explains, helped her approach new beginnings with clarity rather than fear.
Why her story resonates
Mthembu’s reflections speak to a wider audience navigating transitions — whether after personal loss, career disruption, or emotional burnout.
Her story highlights how vulnerability can become a strength, especially when paired with intention and self-awareness.
She encourages others in similar situations to view change not as failure, but as an opportunity to realign with their authentic selves.
Looking forward
Rather than framing her experience as a conclusion, Mthembu presents it as an ongoing journey.
She says starting over is less about erasing the past and more about learning from it.
For those standing at the edge of a new chapter, her message is clear: growth often begins where certainty ends, and courage is built through choosing to continue, even when the path forward feels unclear.
In telling her story, Annie Mthembu offers a reminder that healing is personal, progress is non-linear, and new beginnings are possible, even after the most difficult seasons.
(DDM) – Victor Osimhen’s impact on Italian football continues to resonate long after his controversial exit from Napoli, with even legendary defenders admitting they struggled to contain him.
That reputation was reinforced this week when former Juventus and Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini openly acknowledged that he could no longer cope with the Nigerian striker at the peak of his powers.
Chiellini’s remarks offer rare insight into how Osimhen is viewed by defenders who defined an era of Italian football built on tactical discipline and defensive excellence.
Osimhen’s Napoli legacy
Osimhen spent four seasons at Napoli, where he established himself as one of the most dominant strikers in Europe.
Across 133 appearances for the club, he scored 76 goals and provided 18 assists.
His most defining campaign came during Napoli’s title-winning season three years ago, when he finished as the league’s top scorer and helped deliver the club’s first Serie A title in over three decades.
That season elevated Osimhen from a promising forward to a global star and a benchmark for modern center-forwards.
A difficult exit, lasting impact
Despite his success, Osimhen’s departure from Napoli was marked by tension.
His relationship with the club and sections of the fan base reportedly deteriorated, turning his exit into one of the most controversial in the club’s recent history.
Yet even amid that fallout, his influence on opponents remained undeniable.
Italian defenders who faced him during his Napoli years have continued to reference the unique problems he posed.
What Chiellini said, and why it matters
When asked whether he would have liked to face Osimhen during his career, Chiellini responded with honesty and humility.
“Right now, I couldn’t cope,” he said, smiling.
He added that he would have loved to mark Osimhen for 45 minutes but noted that the only time they faced each other came late in his career, when his physical abilities had declined.
Chiellini explained that Osimhen’s game combines strength, explosive movement, and an instinctive hunger for goals — qualities that make him particularly dangerous.
For a defender renowned for his intelligence, positioning, and resilience, the admission underscores Osimhen’s physical and mental intensity.
Why defenders struggled against him
Osimhen’s style breaks from the traditional profile Italian defenses were built to stop.
He attacks space relentlessly, presses defenders, and blends power with pace in a way that disrupts structured defensive systems.
His constant movement forces defenders into uncomfortable decisions, often stretching defensive lines and creating openings for teammates.
The bigger picture
Chiellini’s comments highlight Osimhen’s lasting legacy in Serie A.
They also reflect a broader shift in modern football, where elite forwards combine athleticism, tactical awareness, and psychological edge.
Even after leaving Napoli, Osimhen remains a reference point in Italian football, a striker whose presence forced even the most experienced defenders to rethink their limits.
In the words of one of Italy’s greatest defenders, Osimhen wasn’t just hard to stop.
(DDM) – Akwa United’s bid to return to Nigeria’s top football division has moved beyond the pitch, drawing direct involvement from the Akwa Ibom State Government as the season enters a decisive phase.
The club, popularly known as the Promise Keepers, currently competes in the Nigeria National League (NNL), the country’s second-tier division, after suffering relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) last season.
That relegation marked a sharp fall for a team that had, in recent years, established itself as one of Nigeria’s more competitive sides.
Now, with the second stanza of the NNL set to begin, state officials are stepping in to reinforce expectations and maintain momentum.
What the government is saying
During a visit to Akwa United’s training session in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, delivered a clear message to players and officials.
He urged the team to remain focused, disciplined, and professional as the league intensifies.
Bassey warned that early success in the first half of the season does not guarantee promotion.
He stressed that the second half of the NNL often proves more demanding, as promotion contenders face heightened pressure and tougher opposition.
According to him, complacency at this stage could derail the club’s ambitions.
Where Akwa United stands now
Akwa United currently tops Conference B of the Nigeria National League.
The club has collected 19 points from nine matches, placing it in a strong position ahead of the league’s resumption.
That standing has fueled optimism among supporters and state officials alike.
However, analysts note that the NNL remains one of Nigeria’s most competitive domestic leagues, with narrow margins separating success from disappointment.
What comes next
Akwa United will open the second stanza of the season against Rovers FC on February 14, 2026.
The fixture is widely viewed as an early test of the team’s readiness for the decisive phase of the campaign.
Coaching staff have reportedly intensified preparations, focusing on tactical discipline, physical fitness, and mental resilience.
Why this matters
For Akwa Ibom State, Akwa United’s return to the NPFL carries symbolic and economic significance.
Top-flight football boosts state visibility, fan engagement, and commercial opportunities.
For the players, promotion represents a chance to restore pride after last season’s setback.
Government involvement underscores how closely football success is tied to regional identity and public expectation in Nigeria.
As the second half of the NNL season begins, Akwa United’s promotion push is no longer just a sporting objective.
It has become a test of consistency, pressure management, and the club’s ability to respond when expectations are highest.
China has lifted sanctions imposed on six serving UK parliamentarians, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed, following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to the country.
Speaking to the BBC in Shanghai, Starmer said the travel bans and restrictions placed on the lawmakers “no longer apply,” describing the move as the removal of “all restrictions” on the group.
He added that the development supported his government’s strategy of engagement with Beijing and expressed hope that President Xi would visit the UK when it hosts the G20 summit in 2027.
The sanctions were originally introduced by China in 2021 and targeted several members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, a group known for criticising Beijing’s policies and alleged human rights abuses.
Among those sanctioned were Conservative MPs Sir Iain Duncan Smith, Nusrat Ghani, Tom Tugendhat, Neil O’Brien and former MP Tim Loughton, alongside Labour peer Baroness Kennedy and crossbench peer Lord Alton.
The measures included bans on entry into mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, the freezing of assets in China, and restrictions preventing Chinese citizens and institutions from conducting business with them.
While the UK government has confirmed that it has not lifted sanctions on any Chinese individuals, it remains unclear whether China has removed restrictions on others beyond the six serving parliamentarians.
In a joint statement, the six MPs and peers said they were informed of the change through media reports and stressed they “take no comfort” in the decision, arguing that others remain under sanction.
They also called for assurances that UK sanctions on Chinese officials accused of involvement in serious abuses remain firmly in place.
The lawmakers criticised what they described as the “selective lifting” of sanctions, warning that it could send a harmful message that some public officials are more deserving of protection than others.
They also referenced the continued detention of pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai and ongoing concerns about the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
China has repeatedly denied accusations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang, where it has been accused of crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other mostly-Muslim ethnic groups.
Reacting to the development, China’s foreign ministry said both sides had agreed in principle to resume normal exchanges between the UK and Chinese legislatures, adding that Beijing welcomed British parliamentarians willing to visit and “experience the real China.”
Starmer’s three-day trip to China—the first by a UK prime minister since 2018—has been widely viewed as an attempt to reset relations with the world’s second-largest economy. The prime minister said earlier that the UK-China relationship was now in a “good, strong place,” and defended his approach against critics who accuse him of being too accommodating.
“It would be foolhardy to sit with your head in the sand and refuse to engage,” Starmer said, insisting the UK had used the trip to pursue economic opportunities while also raising sensitive issues.
Downing Street has described the lifting of sanctions as one of the “clear wins” from the visit, alongside trade developments including a deal to halve import taxes on British whisky, expected to take effect from Monday.
Starmer was also asked about remarks by US President Donald Trump, who described closer UK business ties with China as “very dangerous.” Starmer suggested Trump’s comments appeared more directed at Canada than Britain, and said the UK had discussed the trip with the Trump administration in advance.
The prime minister is concluding his visit in Shanghai before travelling to Tokyo for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Veteran actress and comedian Catherine O’Hara, widely celebrated for her standout roles in Home Alone, Beetlejuice and the award-winning TV series Schitt’s Creek, has died at the age of 71.
A statement from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), which represented the actress, said O’Hara died on Friday at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness.
O’Hara rose to prominence after beginning her career with Canada’s famed comedy institution, Second City, before transitioning into film and television where she became known for portraying unforgettable comedic characters—particularly iconic mother roles that resonated with audiences worldwide.
One of her most memorable performances came in 1988’s Beetlejuice, where she played Delia Deetz, a character known for her eccentric personality and sharp humour. She later reprised the role in the 2024 sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
In 1990, O’Hara delivered what became one of the most iconic lines in holiday film history as Kate McCallister in Home Alone, famously shouting “KEVIN!” while portraying a frantic mother racing to reunite with her son after he was accidentally left behind. The film later spawned a sequel released in 1992.
In recent years, O’Hara reunited publicly with Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin during his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. Following news of her death, Culkin paid tribute on social media, describing her as “mama” and expressing grief over her passing.
Home Alone director Chris Columbus also mourned the actress, describing himself as heartbroken and praising her for bringing emotional weight and balance to the film. He said her performance carried much of the movie’s success and legacy.
After Home Alone, O’Hara became a key figure in Christopher Guest’s popular mockumentary films, including Waiting for Guffman (1996) and Best in Show (2000), earning acclaim for her improvisational brilliance. Guest described her death as a major loss, calling her one of the greatest comic talents of her generation.
O’Hara later gained renewed global recognition through her role as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, co-starring alongside Eugene Levy and Dan Levy. Her performance earned her an Emmy Award in 2020 and a Golden Globe in 2021, with fans praising her for turning Moira’s eccentricity into a cultural phenomenon.
Most recently, she appeared in Apple TV+ series The Studio, earning major award nominations, and also featured in Season 2 of HBO Max’s The Last of Us, where she received another Emmy nomination.
Actor Pedro Pascal described O’Hara as a “genius” in a tribute posted online.
O’Hara is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, and their sons, Matthew and Luke. Her agency said the family will hold a private celebration of life.
(DDM) – The Abia State Government has explained why residents of Aba continued to enjoy electricity supply despite the recent collapse of Nigeria’s national power grid.
Governor Alex Otti disclosed that Aba’s immunity from the blackout was the result of deliberate investments in alternative and renewable energy solutions.
He made the explanation while speaking in a video sighted by journalists following the nationwide grid failure recorded on Tuesday, January 27.
The governor said Abia State has begun transitioning away from total dependence on the national grid by embracing clean and sustainable energy initiatives.
According to him, the state is currently deploying biogas technology to generate electricity for parts of Aba.
He explained that the initiative converts organic waste into clean and renewable energy capable of powering homes and businesses.
Governor Otti described the biogas project as a pilot programme designed to ensure stable electricity supply regardless of national grid disruptions.
He said the programme allows the state to turn waste materials that would ordinarily be discarded into valuable energy resources.
The governor added that the renewable energy initiative aligns with global best practices in sustainable power generation.
He stressed that the approach not only guarantees power stability but also promotes environmental protection.
Governor Otti revealed that the Aba model would be expanded to other parts of the state.
He specifically mentioned Umuahia, the Abia State capital, as the next major beneficiary of the programme.
He said the Umuahia Ring Fence is already part of the administration’s long-term energy independence plan.
According to the governor, his administration has formally engaged the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company over the acquisition of the Umuahia Ring Fence.
He disclosed that the state government’s offer to the electricity distribution company has already been accepted.
Governor Otti said the Abia State Government is currently in the process of raising funds to complete the financial requirements of the acquisition.
He explained that the move would allow Abia State to fully control power distribution, generation, and regulation within its territory.
The governor recalled that on December 24, regulatory authority over electricity in Abia State was officially transferred to the Abia State Electricity Authority.
He said the transfer marked a major milestone in the state’s journey toward energy autonomy.
Governor Otti emphasized that the new regulatory framework empowers the state to make independent decisions on power generation and supply.
He noted that Aba Power already provides electricity within the Aba Ring Fence under the state-controlled system.
He explained that this structure ensured that Aba remained unaffected by recent national power disruptions.
Governor Otti said the broader objective is to replicate Aba’s power stability across the entire state.
He added that acquiring the Umuahia Ring Fence would protect residents from future grid-related failures.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far in the energy sector.
He described the ongoing reforms as critical to economic growth, industrial productivity, and improved quality of life.
Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency and independence for Abia State.
He concluded that the state’s power strategy is designed to shield residents from recurring national infrastructure challenges.
(DDM) – A Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Stanley Amandi, has been arrested in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, according to security sources and industry officials.
The arrest, which reportedly took place in September 2025, has drawn attention because of Amandi’s prominence in Nigeria’s film industry and the seriousness of the allegations tied to serving military officers.
Who is Stanley Amandi?
Amandi is a well-known Nollywood figure with experience as an actor, director, producer and production manager.
He previously served as chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Enugu State chapter, giving him influence within the creative community.
His film credits include directing The Album, directing and producing Tiger King (2008), working on Cornerstone (2019), and acting in Once Upon a Dream (2024).
A review of his public social media activity shows his last Instagram post was shared on September 19, 2025, shortly before his reported arrest.
What authorities allege
According to sources familiar with the investigation, Amandi was arrested alongside several serving military officers accused of planning a violent removal of the current government.
Investigators allege that the officers were working toward a forcible takeover of power, with claims that the plot extended beyond regime change to include plans to assassinate senior government officials.
Those allegedly targeted, according to earlier official briefings, included President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
Security sources claim Amandi was recruited by the alleged coup planners to function as a media propagandist, helping to shape public messaging around the planned action.
What the military has said
On Monday, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters publicly confirmed the existence of what it described as an unlawful scheme aimed at destabilising the Tinubu administration.
In a statement, the military said investigations into the matter had been completed and forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with existing regulations.
The Defence Headquarters described the probe as comprehensive, saying it examined “all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.”
It added that the investigation uncovered “a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” stressing that such conduct violates the ethics, values, and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The officers involved are expected to face trial before military judicial panels.
What remains unclear
Authorities have not publicly detailed the exact role Amandi is alleged to have played, nor have they disclosed whether formal charges have been filed against him in a civilian court.
There has also been no public statement from Amandi or his legal representatives as of the time of this report.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria has yet to issue an official response, though sources within the organisation confirmed his arrest.
Why this matters
Nigeria has a long history of military interventions in politics, making allegations of coup plotting particularly sensitive.
The involvement of a public figure from the entertainment industry adds a new dimension to the case, raising questions about the intersection of media influence, politics and national security.
As investigations proceed, attention will remain on how the military handles the trials and whether further arrests or disclosures will follow.
For now, authorities say the case underscores their commitment to safeguarding constitutional order and civilian rule.
IPOB Alleges Existence of Secret Detention Centers in Nigeria
(DDM) – The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced a region-wide sit-at-home across Nigeria’s Southeast on Monday, February 2, 2026, escalating tensions between the separatist group and the Anambra State government.
The planned shutdown will affect Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states, according to a statement released by IPOB on Friday.
Why IPOB is calling the sit-at-home
IPOB says the action is in solidarity with traders at the Onitsha Main Market, Nigeria’s largest market by volume, following its recent closure by the Anambra State government.
Earlier this week, Governor Chukwuma Soludo ordered the market shut for one week, citing what he described as continued compliance by traders with IPOB’s long-running Monday sit-at-home directive.
Soludo warned that the weekly shutdowns were crippling Anambra’s economy and said the government would no longer tolerate economic paralysis driven by separatist actions.
IPOB, however, argues that the sit-at-home is a voluntary expression of solidarity with its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is facing terrorism-related charges brought by the federal government.
What IPOB is saying
In its statement, IPOB accused Governor Soludo of collaborating with “Abuja interests” to undermine Igbo traders and the broader Biafran self-determination movement.
The group described the closure of Onitsha Main Market as an attack on livelihoods and announced what it called a “Biafra-wide solidarity strike.”
IPOB called on residents across the Southeast and other areas it considers part of Biafra to stay indoors and suspend all commercial activities on February 2.
At the same time, the group urged supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the sit-at-home.
Traders caught in the middle
Many traders in the Southeast say they are trapped between fear of violence and pressure from the government.
While IPOB insists it does not enforce compliance, past sit-at-home orders have been followed by attacks, arson and intimidation by unidentified gunmen, leading many residents to stay indoors out of caution.
State governments across the Southeast have repeatedly blamed IPOB and affiliated groups for the violence, claims the group denies.
The broader context
IPOB has maintained varying degrees of sit-at-home actions since July 2021, shortly after Nnamdi Kanu was rearrested and extradited to Nigeria.
Although IPOB later announced the suspension of weekly sit-at-home orders, compliance has continued sporadically, particularly on days Kanu appears in court.
The federal government has designated IPOB a terrorist organization, a label the group rejects.
What happens next
As of the time of this report, the Anambra State government has not issued a response to IPOB’s latest declaration.
Security agencies are expected to monitor developments closely as February 2 approaches, amid concerns about economic disruption and public safety.
For residents of the Southeast, the announcement once again raises familiar questions about security, governance, and the unresolved political tensions surrounding the Biafra movement.
Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Duke was formally registered as a member of the ADC in Ward 5, Calabar Municipality, where he received his membership card amid cheers from supporters.
The move marks the second time the former governor has left the PDP. He had previously defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he emerged as the party’s presidential candidate, a decision that generated controversy at the time.
Meanwhile, the ADC leadership in Bakassi Local Government Area has urged Cross River residents to embrace the party, describing it as a credible platform for transformative change in Nigeria.
The call followed a stakeholders’ meeting involving chapter executive members, ward chairmen and secretaries of the party in Bakassi. Party leaders also encouraged Nigerians to reclaim the country from what they described as the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement made available to journalists in Calabar on Friday, the party said:
“We invite our family and friends who are still undecided to join the ADC today, as the party is poised to bring about transformative change in Nigeria.”
The statement, signed by the Bakassi Chapter Chairman, Emmanuel Asuquo, and Secretary, Eko Boco, reaffirmed the chapter’s loyalty to the national leadership of the party.
“We express our unwavering support and confidence in the leadership of Senator David Mark, National Chairman, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary, and pledge our loyalty to all recognised organs and structures of the party at all levels as we work towards building a strong and united ADC,” the statement added.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed its 2026 National Convention for March 25 to March 28, 2026, as the party intensifies efforts to strengthen its internal structure and expand membership nationwide.
The decision was announced on Thursday in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Barrister Felix Morka, while briefing journalists after the 183rd meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC).
Morka disclosed that the NWC resolved to extend the deadline for the ongoing electronic membership registration exercise from January 31 to February 8, 2026, to allow more Nigerians to participate.
According to the party, the e-registration process commenced with a nationwide electronic membership registration exercise initially scheduled to run from December 1, 2025, to January 30, 2026.
As part of preparations for the convention, the APC also released a timeline for its congresses across the country. The key dates include:
Ward Congresses: February 18, 2026
Local Government Congresses: February 20, 2026
State Congresses: March 7, 2026
Zonal Congresses: March 21, 2026
National Convention: March 25–28, 2026
Speaking on the development, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said the APC’s digital registration drive reflects its commitment to innovation and internal reforms.
Basiru projected that the APC’s membership strength would exceed 12.5 million by the time the registration exercise closes in February.
He added that the party’s congresses and convention are aimed at electing new leaders at all levels, from ward to national, while ensuring the process remains transparent and inclusive.
The APC also noted that it has continued to welcome new members into its fold, including Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who recently defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared Monday, February 2, 2026, a sit-at-home across the South-East covering Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states saying the action is in solidarity with traders at the Onitsha Main Market.
The development follows the decision of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who on Monday ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week, citing the continued observance of the sit-at-home that has been ongoing since July 30, 2021.
Soludo had warned that the sit-at-home was crippling the state’s economy and urged residents to stop complying with it.
However, traders at the market maintained that their participation in the sit-at-home was in solidarity with IPOB’s detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently standing trial over charges linked to separatist agitation.
In a statement issued on Friday, IPOB accused Soludo of working with “Abuja collaborators” to undermine the rights of Igbo traders and the Biafran self-determination movement.
The group announced what it described as a “Biafra-wide solidarity strike,” calling for a complete shutdown of economic activities across the South-East and other Biafran territories on February 2.
“The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under the leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, hereby declares a Biafra-wide solidarity strike, a complete lockdown of all economic activities across Igboland and wider Biafran territories, on Monday, February 2, 2026,” the statement read in part.
IPOB described the market closure as an attack on traders’ livelihoods, insisting that the sit-at-home was a voluntary act of solidarity and not enforced by the group.
The group urged residents to remain indoors and refrain from commercial activities, while calling on supporters to act peacefully and lawfully.
“As of the time of filing this report, the Anambra State Government has yet to respond to the latest declaration.”
Gunmen have launched a vicious attack on Okporojo community in Oso Edda, within Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, leaving scores of people dead.
This medium gathered that the attackers invaded the community in the wee hours of Friday, unleashing terror that left several residents killed, many abducted, and multiple houses razed.
A source who doesn’t want to be quoted revealed that the gunmen carried out gruesome killings during the raid.
“The gunmen beheaded five persons and took their heads away,” the source said, adding that “many people were also kidnapped, and several houses were set on fire.”
Another source said the community had been thrown into confusion, with many villagers fleeing into nearby bushes and neighbouring communities for safety.
“We don’t know who these people are. They came suddenly and started shooting and burning houses. People are running for their lives,” the source said.
The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and no group has so far taken responsibility.
Meanwhile, Ebonyi state government has confirmed the attack, describing it as “barbaric”.
Residents are appealing to the state government and security agencies to urgently deploy security forces to the area to restore calm and prevent further loss of lives.
Okporojo community is one of several rural settlements in Ebonyi State that have in recent years experienced sporadic violent attacks, raising concerns about worsening insecurity in parts of the state.
In April 2025, four people were killed during a land dispute with the neighbouring community of Amasiri.
Model and media personality Amber Rose has sparked intense online debate after publicly criticizing Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande for allegedly distancing themselves from Nicki Minaj over her political views.
Speaking during an appearance on Sneako’s livestream, Amber Rose accused the two pop stars of cutting ties with Nicki Minaj because of her support for U.S. President Donald Trump. She also reacted strongly to calls from some celebrities urging fans to protest against ICE, expressing frustration over what she described as selective outrage and hypocrisy within the entertainment industry.
Amber Rose did not hold back, using extremely harsh language to express her disbelief that Nicki Minaj’s political stance could be enough to end long-standing professional or personal relationships. While her wording immediately drew backlash, her core argument centered on freedom of opinion and the idea that political differences should not dictate personal alliances.
The comments quickly went viral, with social media users divided. Some supported Amber Rose’s stance, arguing that artists should be allowed to hold differing political beliefs without being ostracized. Others criticized both her tone and her defense of Nicki Minaj, calling the remarks unnecessary and inflammatory.
Neither Billie Eilish nor Ariana Grande has publicly responded to Amber Rose’s comments, and there has been no official confirmation from either artist regarding claims that they cut ties with Nicki Minaj for political reasons.
The controversy highlights the growing tension between politics and pop culture, as artists increasingly find their personal beliefs placed under public scrutiny—often leading to heated discourse both online and within the industry.
A tragic accident occurred earlier today along the Toru-Orua axis of the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road in Bayelsa State, claiming the lives of over 10 people.
The victims were passengers on an 18-seater bus heading to the burial of the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on December 11, 2025, at the age of 60.
Several others were injured and are receiving medical attention.
The burial is scheduled to take place today in Ofoni, Sagbama Local Government Area, with notable attendees including former President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Douye Diri.
President Bola Tinubu and Turkish President, Erdogan
President Bola Tinubu is yet to return home after his official state visit to Turkiye, which started on January 26.
Recall that his Special Adviser, Chief Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, said he’d return after completing the visit, but no specific date was given.
Though, efforts to determine whether the visit had formally concluded or to confirm the president’s return date were unsuccessful.
Mr Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, could not be reached for comments.
A message sent to his phone number, including WhatsApp message, had not been replied to.
Sources said Tinubu is having business meetings with Turkish leaders and entrepreneurs, and some engagements might still be ongoing.
“The fact that the President is not seen physically in Türkiye today (Thursday) does not mean that meetings and engagements are not ongoing.
“Not everything will be on television immediately. The important thing is that when the President and members of his entourage return, Nigerians will be fully briefed on the outcomes,” the source said.
Nine agreements were signed to boost cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye in areas like defense, trade, and education.
Cattle market in Kano gets multi-million naira upgrade
The Federal Government has approved a ₦1 trillion Metropolitan Rail Service project in Kano State, aimed at enhancing urban transportation, boosting economic activities, and easing traffic congestion.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Bature, in Kano on Thursday
He said governor Abba Yusuf revealed this while speaking to members of the Kano State contingent who took part in the 2025 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition in Borno State.
The project is designed to deliver a modern, efficient, and affordable mass transit system, linking key districts and improving resident mobility.
“The project aims to provide a modern, efficient, and affordable mass transit system, connecting key districts and enhancing mobility for the residents.
“It is expected to stimulate trade and investment, improve quality of life, and position Kano as a major transportation hub in Northern Nigeria.
“The Kano State Government would work closely with federal agencies to ensure smooth implementation and transparency,” the Governor added.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for approving the project and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to aligning with supportive policies and infrastructure development initiatives
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved direct payment of monthly allocations to the state’s 27 local government councils.
This move aims to strengthen grassroots governance and promote transparency, following the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy and President Bola Tinubu’s directive.
Acting Governor, Umar Kadafur, announced the approval, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in managing the funds.
He urged council chairmen to prioritize staff welfare, security, and service delivery, focusing on projects that directly improve lives.
This decision positions Borno as a leader in implementing local government autonomy, eliminating bureaucratic delays and ensuring councils receive their funds directly.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced that it will begin implementing a revised tariff regime for cargo operations from February 2, 2026.
This adjustment aims to boost revenue after FAAN plugged significant leakages and improved operational efficiency.
The authority said it consulted with IATA and stakeholders before making the decision.
FAAN had on June 23, 2025, unveiled plans to review its tariffs, citing revenue losses linked to obsolete charges. However, implementation was postponed.
In a report on Thursday, the agency explained that the adjustment, initially planned for 2025, “was deliberately deferred to allow the authority address systemic inefficiencies”.
A senior FAAN official, quoted in the report, said an earlier rollout would not have resulted in meaningful revenue growth because operational lapses would still have eroded income.
“With the operational corrections now firmly in place, the Authority is confident that the tariff adjustment will translate directly into improved revenue performance,” the official said.
It was gathered that the revised charges apply strictly to cargo-related activities.
According to a source familiar with the policy, the tariff covers port charges, air cargo at import and export levels, transshipments, and a surcharge on cargo vehicles.
Under the new structure, port charges will rise from N7 to N20 per kilogramme, air cargo fees from N5 to N15 per kilogramme, while transhipment, courier and perishable goods charges will increase from N20 to N40.
Although this represents the first cargo tariff review in two decades, stakeholders say it could increase trade costs, as importers and exporters may pay more for cargo services.
“It’s not a general tariff. This one is just on cargo,” the insider said.
“It has not been reviewed since 2006. So the term value for money has been eroded.”
The source defended the adjustment by pointing out that customs has raised cargo tariffs “more than 15 times”, while ground handlers and agents have increased their charges “more than 20 times and 10 times”, respectively.
“This FAAN charge has not been increased since 2006, and FAAN is the one creating the enabling environment for them to come and do this business,” he said.
“Runway maintenance, tarmac, apron maintenance, security in the terminal, lightning, access road, water… everything, for these agents to come and do business there. But that tariff has not been increased for the past 19 years.”
He added that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) supported the review and that FAAN engaged trade associations and other stakeholders before taking the decision.
