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  • Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Reaffirm Partnership on Hajj, Umrah Administration

    Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Reaffirm Partnership on Hajj, Umrah Administration

    Abuja — Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the administration of Hajj and Umrah, following a historic high-level engagement held in Abuja.

    The reaffirmation was disclosed in a statement by Ahmad Muazu, Technical Assistant (Media) in the Office of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Usman.

    According to the statement, the commitment was expressed during talks between Nigerian authorities and a Saudi delegation led by the Kingdom’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.

    Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Usman described the visit as a landmark in Nigeria–Saudi relations and a strong signal of the Kingdom’s continued partnership with Nigeria in serving the “Guests of Allah.” He commended Saudi Arabia’s sustained investments in pilgrim welfare, infrastructure, safety, and service delivery.

    Usman said Saudi Vision 2030 had significantly improved the efficiency and quality of Hajj and Umrah operations globally. He also acknowledged challenges related to Umrah visa access for Nigerians, particularly overstaying by a segment of pilgrims.

    He said Nigeria was working with Saudi authorities to address the issue through stricter regulation of licensed operators, improved data accountability, and community-based sensitisation to ensure compliance and timely return.

    Usman reaffirmed NAHCON’s readiness to comply fully with all guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, stressing Nigeria’s resolve to protect the integrity of Hajj and Umrah operations while safeguarding pilgrims’ interests.

    Speaking at the meeting, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, described the visit as historic, noting that it was the first time a Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah was visiting Nigeria.

    “This is the first time ever that a Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is visiting Nigeria. It is history in the making,” Tuggar said.

    He conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and to the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

    Tuggar said cooperation in Hajj and Umrah administration remains a key pillar of Nigeria–Saudi relations, rooted in faith, mutual respect, and long-standing people-to-people ties. He also called for future discussions on quota expansion in view of Nigeria’s growing population.

    In his remarks, Al-Rabiah reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to institutional cooperation with Nigeria, aimed at ensuring a safe and seamless experience for Nigerian pilgrims.

    He disclosed that about 89,000 Nigerians performed Umrah in 2025, with 92 per cent arriving on Umrah visas, supported by approximately 420 flights through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

    Al-Rabiah expressed optimism about preparations for the 1447 Hijri Hajj season, with emphasis on operational readiness, safety, service quality, and procedural efficiency.

    “Insha Allah, Hajj 2026 will be the best ever,” he said.

    Both sides agreed to sustain close coordination, strengthen regulatory compliance, and pursue practical solutions to enhance the experience of Nigerian pilgrims while preserving the integrity of Hajj and Umrah systems.

  • Senate Seeks Mandatory Anti-Venoms in Hospitals After Singer’s Death

    Senate Seeks Mandatory Anti-Venoms in Hospitals After Singer’s Death

    The Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to mandate the availability of snake anti-venoms and other critical antidotes in hospitals across the country following the death of Abuja-based singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah.

    Nwangene reportedly died after she was bitten by a snake at her residence, a development lawmakers described as a reflection of serious gaps in emergency healthcare delivery.

    During plenary on Tuesday, the Senate called on the Federal Ministry of Health to formulate and enforce national guidelines stipulating minimum stock levels of anti-venoms, antidotes, and emergency medicines in both public and private hospitals.

    The upper chamber also resolved that private hospitals that fail to maintain these essential medicines should not be granted operating licences, stressing that emergency care must meet minimum safety standards nationwide.

    In addition, lawmakers urged the Federal Government to ensure adequate funding and sustained supply of anti-venoms in public health facilities to prevent avoidable deaths arising from snake bites, poisonings, scorpion stings, and drug overdoses.

    The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule (APC, Lagos West), who noted that Nigeria continues to record increasing cases of envenomation and poisoning requiring urgent medical attention.

    She warned that the absence of life-saving antidotes in hospitals often results in deaths that could otherwise be prevented with timely intervention.

    Contributing to the debate, senators observed that Nwangene’s death highlighted deficiencies in emergency preparedness, adding that prompt access to anti-venoms might have altered the outcome.

    The Senate further directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to work with the Ministry of Health to oversee the procurement, quality control, storage, and nationwide distribution of safe and affordable anti-venoms, with priority given to high-risk areas.

    State governments were also urged to conduct immediate audits of hospitals within their jurisdictions to ensure compliance with approved standards for antidote stocking and emergency response.

    The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of Nwangene, who died at the age of 26.

  • Olofu Engages Benue South Stakeholders in Lagos Over Senate Agenda

    Olofu Engages Benue South Stakeholders in Lagos Over Senate Agenda

    Breaking from conventional campaign outreach, Dr. David Olofu at the weekend used a Lagos engagement to deepen consultations for his Senate race, convening diaspora stakeholders alongside leaders from the home front in the Benue South Senatorial District.

    The meeting brought together representatives from the district’s nine local government areas, including community leaders, professionals, retired public officers, party stakeholders, and members of the Benue South diaspora, to examine development priorities and the future of representation.

    Addressing the gathering, Olofu said his decision to seek elective office followed extensive consultations and growing dissatisfaction with the state of representation in the district. He described Lagos as a strategic venue, noting its position as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and home to a significant population of Benue South indigenes.

    According to him, consultations with traditional rulers, professionals, and grassroots leaders informed a legislative agenda anchored on four pillars, People, Power, Prosperity, and Progress, aimed at converting the district’s agricultural, human, and economic potential into sustainable development.

    He stressed that effective representation must translate into equitable policies, balanced development, and fair resource allocation across all communities.

    Olofu also announced plans to establish the Benue South Peoples Assembly (BSPA) and the Benue South Peoples Council (BSPC), which he said would institutionalise inclusive, bottom-up policymaking and sustained citizen participation.

    He outlined twelve priority areas for legislative intervention, including agriculture and food security, education, health, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment, ICT and innovation, infrastructure and road networks, local government reforms, security and peacebuilding, law and justice, industry and energy partnerships, diaspora engagement, and women and sports development.

    The event featured goodwill messages from several leaders. Chief Abu Abdul opened the session with prayers, while Rt. Hon. John Ngbede, who led the delegation, said the engagement was notable for its inclusiveness, with representatives from various Idoma dialect groups and communities present.

    Former Secretary to the State Government, Prof. David Salihu, and governorship aspirant Dr. Peter Adejo commended the consultative approach and stressed the need for leadership grounded in broad stakeholder input.

    Dr. Olofu Addressing the Stakeholders at Ikeja, Lagos

    Other speakers included Chief Patrick Ogbu; former Okpokwu Local Government Chairman Barr. Jacob Ogwuche; former Oju Local Government Chairman Hon. Edwin Okpe; retired Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Odaudu Salihu; retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tony Olofu; Dr. Michael Adah, Chairman of Opiatoha K’Idoma Lagos; retired Rear Admiral Andy Onoja Odeh; Dr. Mike Adah, General Secretary of Opiatoha Club Lagos; and Godwin Onyeke, President of Okpotuche Club Lagos.

    An elder statesman and party stalwart, Alhaji Usman Lungu, urged loyalists to mobilise effectively for the aspirant’s success, pledging to work across party lines toward that objective.

    Also speaking, Chief Luke Akubo, the Och’Idoma in Lagos, offered prayers and blessings for Olofu, praising his philanthropy, governance experience, and commitment to the emancipation of the Idoma nation.

    Popular activist Chris Adaba Aba, also known as Mad Lion, described the engagement as a call for Idoma unity, while a prominent woman leader and community organiser, Madam Cynthia Egwa, said the consultations were unprecedented, citing years of neglect of the senatorial district.

    Some speakers likened the consultations to a “know-your-customer” governance model, arguing that understanding community needs should precede policy formulation.

    The Lagos engagement concluded with prayers and goodwill messages and forms part of Olofu’s wider consultation tour across Benue State as he seeks the Senate seat on the platform of the African Democratic Congress.

  • Olofu to Hold Diaspora Dialogue in Lagos as Part of Senate Bid

    Olofu to Hold Diaspora Dialogue in Lagos as Part of Senate Bid

    … ADC senatorial aspirant to host focus group discussion ahead of Benue South party primaries

    In line with a growing shift toward participatory and forward-looking politics, David Olofu, senatorial aspirant for the Benue South Senatorial District is expected to continue his stakeholder engagement drive this Saturday with a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) involving Idoma socio-cultural groupings based in Lagos.

    Dr. Olofu is a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    The engagement, which will form part of Olofu’s evolving bottom-up consultative strategy, is aimed at harnessing diaspora perspectives to shape responsive representation ahead of the forthcoming elections.

    Political observers note that such consultations increasingly reflect a transition toward citizen-driven politics, where policy priorities are informed by structured dialogue with constituents.

    According to the campaign, the Lagos-based Idoma diaspora is expected to contribute views on governance, development priorities, and effective legislative representation for Benue South.

    The aspirant has maintained that opinions formed within the diaspora often influence voting behavior and political conversations at the grassroots level back home.

    The FGD is also anticipated to provide a platform for building sustainable interpersonal relationships between the aspirant and a broad spectrum of his constituents, while encouraging participatory engagement beyond the electoral cycle.

    Discussions are expected to touch on governance innovation, youth inclusion, economic development, and future-ready leadership.

    Olofu is expected to reiterate his commitment to inclusive, transparent, and people-centered leadership, with assurances that similar stakeholder engagements will be extended to other demographic and professional groups as part of a long-term vision for effective representation in the National Assembly.

  • Turaki Rejects Ibadan Judgment, Vows Legal Battle as Opposing Faction Claims Victory

    Turaki Rejects Ibadan Judgment, Vows Legal Battle as Opposing Faction Claims Victory

    The Chairman of the embattled faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has furiously rejected Friday’s judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, describing it as perverse, politically motivated and a dangerous assault on internal party democracy.

    In a strongly worded statement, Turaki said the ruling nullifying the party’s National Convention of Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, 2025, was a clear travesty of justice that failed to reflect the facts, evidence and binding legal authorities presented before the court.

    He accused the court of overreaching its jurisdiction, insisting that the conduct of the convention fell squarely within the internal affairs of the party and was carried out in substantial compliance with the PDP Constitution and the Electoral Act.

    “This judgment represents a disturbing departure from settled judicial principles. It amounts to judicial endorsement of impunity and rewards those who chose chaos, disobedience and manipulation over lawful party processes,” Turaki declared.

    The senior advocate further alleged that the opposing faction deliberately engaged in forum shopping, misleading the court and weaponising the judiciary to seize control of the party through the back door after failing to gain legitimacy from PDP stakeholders.

    Turaki maintained that his leadership enjoys overwhelming support across the states and warned that the judgment, if allowed to stand, would set a dangerous precedent capable of destabilising political parties nationwide.

    “We will not surrender the PDP to impostors masquerading under court orders obtained through deception. Our legal team has been instructed to immediately challenge this judgment at the appellate court,” he said.

    He urged PDP members loyal to his leadership to remain resolute, describing the ruling as a temporary setback that would be overturned, while cautioning against any attempt by the opposing faction to forcefully take over party structures.

    Reacting with equal force, the PDP National Caretaker Working Committee dismissed Turaki’s claims as baseless, reckless and contemptuous of the judiciary, insisting that the judgment had exposed what it described as the illegality underpinning the Turaki-led faction.

    In a statement issued in Abuja, Jungude Mohammed, National Publicity Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, said the ruling of the Federal High Court was a crushing blow to “years of impersonation, lawlessness and constitutional violations.”

    Mohammed said the court’s decision conclusively proved that the Ibadan convention was convened in blatant defiance of subsisting court orders and in total disregard of the PDP Constitution.

    “The era of self-help and illegal occupation of party offices is over. No amount of propaganda or legal gymnastics can overturn the truth established by the court,” Mohammed said.

    He accused the Turaki faction of deliberately undermining party unity while falsely presenting themselves as reformers.

    “Those who desecrated the PDP Constitution cannot now pretend to be victims. The judgment has stripped them bare and returned the party to the path of legality,” he added.

    Mohammed warned that any attempt by the Turaki-led group to continue parading as party leaders would amount to contempt of court, stressing that the PDP National Caretaker Committee, under Abdulrahman Mohammed, would not hesitate to enforce the ruling through lawful means.

    While reiterating the committee’s openness to reconciliation, Mohammed insisted that it must be based on submission to the rule of law, not intimidation or blackmail.

    “This judgment is final as far as legality is concerned. Anyone genuinely interested in the future of the PDP must first respect the law and the party constitution,” he said.

  • Police Crack Down on Protest Against Forced Evictions in Lagos

    Police Crack Down on Protest Against Forced Evictions in Lagos

    Police officers attached to the Lagos State Police Command, including members of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), on Wednesday fired tear gas to disperse residents protesting the demolition of homes in several parts of Lagos.

    The protesters, drawn from communities such as Makoko, Iyana-Oworo, Otumara and Owode-Onirin, said their homes were destroyed without proper notice, consultation or plans for resettlement. They described the demolitions as forced evictions that have left many families homeless and without livelihoods.

    The protest, organised by the Coalition Against Demolition, Forced Eviction, Land Grabbing and Displacement in Lagos, began peacefully at Ikeja Bridge and moved towards Alausa before stopping at the Lagos State House of Assembly, where protesters hoped lawmakers would intervene.

    Witnesses said police fired tear gas outside the Assembly complex, causing panic and injuries. Several protesters, including the protest leader popularly known as Comrade Soweto, were arrested. Blood stains were seen on the ground, while the exact number of injured or detained persons remained unclear.

    Rights advocates say both the police response and the demolitions raise serious concerns. They point to previous rulings by the Lagos State High Court, which have declared that demolishing homes without proper notice, consultation or alternative housing violates the dignity and basic rights of residents. Courts have also ordered the Lagos State Government to stop such evictions unless due process is followed.

    Protesters carried placards reading, “Lagos is not for the rich alone” and “A megacity cannot be built on the bones and blood of the poor,” highlighting fears that development projects are pushing poor communities out of the city.

    Human rights groups have called on the Lagos State Government to stop further demolitions, release those arrested during the protest, and engage affected communities to find fair and humane solutions.

    As of mid-afternoon, security operatives remained stationed around the state secretariat, while tension lingered in the area.

  • ADC Signals Ideas-First Politics With 50-Member Policy Committee

    ADC Signals Ideas-First Politics With 50-Member Policy Committee

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has constituted a 50-member Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee to provide strategic direction and shape the party’s ideological and policy framework ahead of future political engagements.

    The committee is chaired by former National Chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun, bringing decades of political leadership experience to the role. Serving as Deputy Chairman is renowned political economist and public intellectual Pat Utomi, while seasoned political organiser Salihu Lukman will act as Secretary, overseeing coordination and documentation.

    Other prominent members of the committee include former Senator Gershon Bassey, former Deputy Governor of Kogi State Simon Achuba, former Chief of Defence Staff Sadique Abubakar(rtd.), and respected diplomat Abioye Mohammed.

    The committee also features leading academics and policy experts, including Chidi Odinkalu, Remi Sonaiya, Anthony Kila, Sam Amadi, Jude Njoku, and Ibrahim Garba, underscoring the party’s emphasis on intellectual depth and evidence-based governance.

    Civil society representation is strong, with the inclusion of Oseloka Obaze, Otive Igbuzor, Nkoyo Toyo, Yemi Adamolekun, and Usman Bugaje.

    Gender inclusion is reinforced through the participation of figures such as Funke Awolowo, Hafsat Moji Bello, Jumoke Olawoyin, and Salametu Izuagie.

    Also listed is David Olofu, an emerging political figure in Benue State and aspirant for the Benue South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general election.

    According to the party, the committee reflects the ADC’s commitment to inclusivity, national spread, and cross-sector expertise, drawing members from politics, academia, security, civil society, and professional practice.

    The formal inauguration of the committee is scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, at the ADC National Secretariat in Abuja, where members are expected to commence deliberations on the party’s manifesto and long-term policy vision.

  • ADC Warns Aspirants’ Supporters Against Divisive Rhetoric Ahead of June Primaries

    ADC Warns Aspirants’ Supporters Against Divisive Rhetoric Ahead of June Primaries

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned supporters of its presidential aspirants to desist from promoting division and claims of exceptionality ahead of the party’s June primaries.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, issued the warning on Saturday while speaking during a live audio conversation on X (formerly Twitter) on the state of the nation and the polity in Abuja.

    Abdullahi said divisive rhetoric among aspirants’ supporters could weaken the party and work to the advantage of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that unity was critical to ADC’s chances in the next general elections.

    He also described the proposal to hold the 2027 general elections in 2026 as a “double-edged sword” for the party, noting that while an early election could make it difficult for ADC to heal internal wounds, it could also benefit the party as Nigerians were increasingly dissatisfied with the current administration.

    According to him, the party leadership is actively engaging key political figures to strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the elections.

    “I spent time talking to Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai on uniting the party and improving Nigeria,” Abdullahi said.

    “Our leaders are aware of the task ahead, and every one of them is committed to ensuring that we win this election together resolutely.”

    Speaking further on the timing of the elections, Abdullahi said, “Whether elections hold this year or next year, it will work for and against us as opposition.”

    He warned supporters against adopting an “all-or-nothing” posture around any aspirant, saying such attitudes undermine the party’s broader goal of winning elections.

    “Saying it is either this candidate or nothing is not helpful; winning the election matters, and divisiveness cannot deliver victory for the party,” he said.

    Abdullahi added that all ADC aspirants were qualified, cautioning against the vilification of individuals or regions, which he said complicates efforts to build nationwide support.

    “We will ignore people creating exceptionality and focus on our work because we want to win these elections credibly, peacefully and inclusively nationwide together as one,” he stated.

    He specifically criticised slogans suggesting “Peter Obi or nothing,” arguing that such rhetoric limits outreach and hardens positions needed for electoral success across regions.

    The ADC spokesman also said the party was taking the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections seriously, following its poor showing in the Anambra off-season governorship election, and hoped to make a strong statement in the FCT polls.

    In addition, Abdullahi expressed concern over reports that some state governments were allegedly compelling civil servants with National Identification Numbers (NIN) to register as members of their political parties.

  • Presidency Slams Wike’s Actions, Reaffirms Fubara’s Authority in Rivers

    Presidency Slams Wike’s Actions, Reaffirms Fubara’s Authority in Rivers

    In what appears to be the clearest expression yet of official disapproval of his actions, the Presidency has reportedly cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to desist from further actions perceived as undermining the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

    The directive was conveyed through the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Policy Implementation, Daniel Bwala, who spoke on behalf of the Presidency amid the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.

    According to Bwala, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made it clear that Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has been “adequately compensated” by his appointment into the Federal Executive Council and therefore should not pursue personal or political interests at the expense of national stability and governance.

    The Presidency emphasized that the ongoing tensions in Rivers State must not be allowed to disrupt governance or undermine democratic institutions, stressing that all parties involved should place the interests of Nigeria above individual political ambitions.

    Regarding the purported plan of the Rivers House of Assembly to impeach Gov. Fubara, Mr. Bwala advised the governor to take necessary legal steps to quash the move.

    In a significant political statement, the President also reaffirmed Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the undisputed leader of the ruling party in Rivers State, a declaration widely seen as a strong show of support for the embattled governor.

    Disclosing these details on a Channel TV programme titled “Hard Copy,” the Presidency warned that no individual or group should obstruct the governor from freely carrying out his constitutional responsibilities as the duly elected chief executive of the state.

    The Rivers State political crisis, which has been marked by a power struggle between Wike and his former political ally, Fubara, has generated widespread concern within political circles and among the public.

    Analysts believe the Presidency’s intervention signals a decisive move to de-escalate the conflict and reinforce party discipline and constitutional order.

    Observers also interpret the President’s remarks as a reminder to political actors that federal appointments are not licenses to interfere in state governance, particularly where such actions threaten political stability.

    As tensions persist, stakeholders are calling for reconciliation, restraint, and respect for democratic norms to ensure peace and effective governance in Rivers State.

  • Nigerian Navy Seeks Advanced Maritime Platforms, Technology Transfer at DIMDEX 2026

    Nigerian Navy Seeks Advanced Maritime Platforms, Technology Transfer at DIMDEX 2026

    The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has said the Nigerian Navy is pursuing advanced maritime platforms and enhanced technology transfer to strengthen its operational capacity.

    Abbas made this known at the 9th Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) held in Qatar.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu.

    According to the CNS, the Nigerian Navy has made significant progress in local shipbuilding, having constructed five seagoing platforms domestically. These include MV Sauka Lafia, NNS Andoni, NNS Karaduwa and NNS Oji.

    He noted that improved technology transfer would further reposition the Nigerian Navy as a leading manufacturer of warships on the African continent.

    DIMDEX 2026, held from January 19 to January 22 under the patronage of the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, was hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces.

    The exhibition, regarded as the largest maritime defence and security showcase in the Middle East, offered the Nigerian Navy opportunities to explore cutting-edge maritime technologies and innovative naval platforms.

    During the four-day event, Vice Admiral Abbas engaged with leading global defence solution providers on emerging trends in shipbuilding, acquisition of naval platforms and technology transfer aimed at enhancing indigenous ship production.

    Several warships from partner nations were also berthed at Hamad Port and opened for inspection by dignitaries and participants.

    DIMDEX 2026 also enabled the Nigerian Navy to preview a range of precision-guided munitions suitable for maritime security operations and naval gunfire support within Nigerian waters.

    The CNS said the Navy’s participation aligns with his vision of building a modern, agile and professional naval force capable of securing Nigeria’s maritime interests in collaboration with other security agencies.