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Senate Seeks Support For Army Against Terrorism

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  The Senate on Tuesday, called on Nigerians to rally behind the Army in its fight against terrorism in the country. The red chamber made the plea in a statement issued by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Yar’ Adua (APC, Katsina Central). While commending the Army for its bravery in the campaign against terrorism, the Committee noted that collective support for the troops will go a long way in making the country safer for habitation for Nigerians and citizens of other nations of the world. The statement read, “The Senate Committee on Army commends the Nigerian Army for their exceptional bravery and resilience in combating terrorism. The recent operation on Saturday, January 25, 2025, showcased the Army’s professionalism and dedication as they reclaimed a major insurgent camp in the Mai-Saleh area, bordering Borno and Yobe States. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice during this operation. The nation is forever grateful for their bravery and selflessness. The Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the North East and other parts of the country is truly commendable.” The Senate urged the President Bola Tinubu-led government to prioritize the needs of the Army, adding that the recent successes recorded against insurgents must be sustained. “The achievement marks a significant milestone in the war against terrorism, and we must continue to encourage our military to persevere in their efforts. The progress made so far indicates that we are gaining ground, and the Army is giving its best efforts,” Yar’ Adua further said. The Senate further called on all Nigerians to rally behind the Army and support their endeavours to eradicate terrorism. “Together, we can achieve this goal,” the statement concluded.

Oyo Gov’t To Clamp Down On Street Trading

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  The Oyo State government has announced its readiness to clamp down on the traders selling by the road sides and that serious steps were being taken to address street trading and other vices in the state. The Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA, Honourable Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd.) stated this while participating in a radio program that highlights the activities, achievements and prospects of the Oyo State Government tagged ‘Oro Oyo’. Justice Aderemi charged citizens to embrace lawfulness, desist from the indecent act of display of wares in walkways and roadsides as this now attracts fines and penalties with immediate enforcement. ‘’We need to maintain a clean environment, orderliness, coordination and sustainability of the infrastructural architecture of the State in order to attract foreign and local investors for the social-economic development of our dear State” she added. Noting that it has become worrisome having to spend many hours in traffic caused by illegal display of wares by the roads thereby impeding traffic flow, coupled with the negative and harmful effects street trading is having on the lives of residents and State’s image at large. In her words, “Road side traders should get ready to face the full weight of the law and instant legal consequences” Speaking further, Justice Aderemi said enforcement team from OYRLEA in collaboration with the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources would be deployed to carry out an all-around operation on intense sensitization and awareness drive in major market areas like , Bodija, Sanngo, New Bola Ige, Oje, Gate, Dugbe, Challenge -Orita, Aleshinloye, Eleyele, Akobo-General Gas, Bashorun amongst others. Adding that town criers will move round with the team to create maximum awareness before enforcement would then take place. She maintained that it is now illegal to dump refuse on road medians, roundabouts, drainage channels and gutters. However, The enforcement of the order is not to cause panic or misconception among the traders conducting business in the affected areas but to ensure compliance, safety and a thriving environment that is law abiding and safe for all’ in her words.

We’ve Created Enabling Environment For Tech Companies To Thrive – Makinde

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  IBADAN – Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has stated that his government has done a number of things to create an enabling environment for technology-oriented companies and others to thrive in the state. The governor stated this at the weekend while delivering a remark at the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) Summit 1.0 with the theme “The Rain of Transformation Is Upon Us: CEOs Arise,” held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Speaking at the summit, which was attended by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Governor Makinde, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Information Communication Technology, Mr Bayo Akande, said the government has undertaken several efforts towards making the state a conducive environment for technological innovations. He added that his administration has remained focused on creating and nurturing a supportive ecosystem for tech-driven initiatives. He said: “There are few things that the state government is doing such as creating an enabling environment for companies like RAIN to thrive. “This is very important and we have built institutes like Seyi Makinde Innovation and Technology Hub (SMITH), which helps in training students in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. “If you look at our tertiary institutions, we have brought in digital tools to unify our students’ information and management system, which enables companies like RAIN and others. “This is a discussion we are looking to have to then put some of their courses on platforms like this, which can give it a wider reach to citizens of Oyo State in partnership with RAIN. “Oyo State, as at a year ago, charged about N145 per linear meter. That’s in line with the NCC suggested rate. So, we are fully keyed into that to ease the cost of doing business for people who are trying to deliver infrastructure.” Earlier, the convener of the summit, Dr Olusola Ayoola, said that the RAIN summit was convened to bring innovators, entrepreneurs and youths together, saying: “The entrepreneurs are the ones that will pursue the commercial aspect of learning and development of our society while the young people are the ones that represent human capacity to develop such solutions. Olusola emphasised the importance of technology as a transformative force, stating that “technology is not just a tool; it is the backbone of our progress.” Dr. Ayoola called for partnerships and collaborations among stakeholders to harness technological advancements for national development. He articulated a vision where technology serves as a bridge to opportunities, saying that: “We must leverage our collective expertise to turn challenges into opportunities for our youths.”  

Ibadan Chiefs, ICPI, Others Condemn Prolonged Power Outage At UCH

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  IBADAN – The traditional institution in Ibadanland, Chiefs, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), prominent sons and daughters of the ancient city, and other stakeholders has lamented unending power outrage at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. They alleged that many poor people were badly affected on daily basis as a result of power outage at critical units in the hospital, saying Ibadan people and entire people in the state are not happy with the situation. Recall that some patients at the hospital few months ago protested inadequate healthcare delivery as a result of power outrage in the hospital. Recently, students of University of Ibadan (UI) also showed their grievances and protested over the power outrage at the hospital. A statement by ICPI Coordinator on behalf of the stakeholders charged government and concern authorities to wade in and save the hospital, which according to them was an heritage not only to Ibadan but entire southwest and Nigeria as a whole from total collapsing. The stakeholders noted that Ibadan people and entire Oyo state owned 90% of patients at UCH, saying how many Ibadan people or people from Oyo state will have to die before the needful is done. The statement reads, “We are inaundated with the ongoing power outage at UCH, our investigation revealed that UCH are helpless because IBEDC took them from Band B to Band A, how will an hospital that was not able to meet it’s financial requireme being in B and will be to pay now that it has been upgraded to band A? where will they get money to pay? “Their bill monthly was increased from N20m to N40m, and its now N99m per month, where would they see such money? Was the same bill giving to other teaching hospitals across the country, shouldn’t be a concession IBEDC should be doing for teaching hospitals like UCH considering it’s service delivery in health sector? “All effort of UCH management on the issue has been frustrated by IBEDC, for now, UCH didn’t have enough fund to go into alternative power supply like solar and others. “Can we say President Tinubu is not kind enough to Ibadan by giving us Ibadan son as Minister for Power? Adelabu said he is making plan to savage this issues, how many people will have to die as a result of power outage at critical section of UCH? “Where is our political office holders in this matter, UCH has written several letters to the Governor of the state, to federal government and management of IBEDC on the issue to no avail . The management has contacted the Indigenous Group like Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and other Pressure groups, yet no result. “When will the Independent Power Project (IPP) by the state government take effect? How many people will have to die before the magic from the federal ministry of power begin. “Let’s IBEDC restore the light immediately, they shouldn’t allow poor people to die, our leaders and politicians know how to run abroad to seek for medical care whenever the need arises “Ibadan people are not happy, Mogajis are not happy, poor people are dying on daily basis, power must be restore to UCH now unconditionally.”

Aare Olayinka Segelu Commiserates With Governor Makinde Over Elder Brother’s Demise

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  IBADAN – A Germany-based Ibadan-born businessman and politician of high repute, Hon Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu, has commiserated with the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde over the demise of his elder brother, Engr Sunday Makinde. Hon. Segelu, a philanthropist and former Personal Assistant (PA) to ex-Speaker Dimeji Bankole, recently installed as Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland, in a statement, said: “As a gubernatorial aspirant under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, I, Aare Chief Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu, extend my heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, and the entire Makinde family on the tragic loss of their elder brother, the late Engineer Sunday Makinde. “Engineer Sunday Makinde, who died on January 24, 2025, at the age of 65, will be remembered for his contributions to our state and his role as a beloved family member. The sudden nature of his departure leaves a profound void that will be felt by many. “In this trying time, I stand with Governor Makinde and his family, offering my deepest sympathies. May the memories of Engineer Sunday Makinde and his legacy of service provide solace to his loved ones, including his children and grandchildren. “Let us all come together to honor his life and contributions to society as we support the Makinde family through this period of grief. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Governor Makinde.”

US-Based Nigerians Panic Over Trump’s Mass Deportation Threat

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  Nigerians and other African illegal immigrants in the United States may be the next target for deportation by the American government. The fear of deportation has gripped many Nigerians who are illegally staying in the US, following President Donald Trump’s declaration of war against illegal immigration Trump on his inauguration day as the 47th President of the US signed a series of executive orders aimed at hardening immigration policies, including the stoppage of citizenship by birth for children of illegal immigrants. Trump has signed orders to declare a national emergency at the Mexico-US southern border, stating the deployment of more troops to the area as he threatened to deport “criminal aliens.” The US Justice Department threatened to prosecute local and state authorities that fail to comply with Trump’s immigration directives, which include a pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Following the directive, 538 illegal immigrants were deported from the United States on Thursday. Meanwhile, Trump’s Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, disclosed on her official X handle that ‘the largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway.’ The development has created anxiety amongst the Nigerian communities in the US, as many of them feared deportation. Some US-based Nigerians disclosed that the government would clamp down on Nigerian illegal immigrants after the deportation of Mexicans, Haitians, and Indians. Trump’s staunch supporter and Nigerian-American, Jacob Adegoke, said the current focus was on Mexicans and Haitians, while “The next will be Africans.” A Nigerian media entrepreneur, Obi-West Utchaychukwu, corroborated Adegoke’s statement saying Nigerians had been monitoring the situation but none had yet to be arrested. A lot of Nigerians had become cautious about their movement around the streets. A source in New York who identified as Adebayo for security reasons said, “There’s a lot of apprehension in the Nigerian community right now.” “While I haven’t personally witnessed any arrest, many undocumented Nigerian immigrants are deeply worried about the policies of the new government. My neighbour even called me yesterday, warning me to be cautious when going out, as there are reports of even people with valid papers being targeted by ICE.” In carrying out Trump’s deportation order, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have raided several establishments suspected of harbouring illegal immigrants and making arrests. Immigration officials raided a business in Newark on Wednesday, detaining an American military veteran and multiple undocumented residents. Confirming the incident, another source in New Jersey said, “The viral case of an American veteran being arrested alongside undocumented immigrants has only heightened the panic. However, the fact that some US states are challenging the executive orders is offering a bit of reassurance.” Also, a Nigerian immigration lawyer in Maryland spoke with Sunday PUNCH, saying, “For example, in Newark, New Jersey, they went to a frozen food store to search for illegal immigrants. “More Nigerians fall into that category. Again, people on student visas and similar kinds of visas hoping to transition into something more are also in this group.” Among those who can fall victims are unlawful immigrants with criminal records. Their criminal records may begin to haunt them. The source also revealed that those in the US with student visas and other schemes were also scared of deportation. Punch

JUST IN: “I Remain Lagos Assembly Speaker ” — Hon Mudashiru Obasa

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  LAGOS – The impeached speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Mudashiru Obasa, has declared that he remained the speaker of the House despite his removal by the lawmakers. In an attempt President Bola Tinubu described as a coup, Obasa was removed on January 13, 2025, by 32 out of the 40 lawmakers of the House. He was away in the United States of America when he was removed. Upon his return from vacation to returned to Lagos for the first time after his removal, the lawmaker representing Agege Constituency 1 was welcomed by members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) including LG ward Executives, members and stakeholders in the Lagos politics. Addressing journalists during the reception, the ousted Speaker said his removal was unconstitutional and remain so until the process was followed constitutionally. He declared that he is not afraid to be removed and that due process must be followed. He said, “In the whole of Lagos State, let any leader come out that I approached him or her that I wanted to be a governor. To impeach a speaker, the Constitution must be followed. I’m not bothered but with that man who alleged that I took part in the removal of former Speaker Jokotade Pelumi, Deputy Speaker, Funmi Tejuosho and suspended lawmakers due process was followed. “Pelumi was on the floor when he was removed. Likewise, Tejuosho and those that were suspended were in the House and there was no involvement of the police. “But in my case, how can a multitude of Police officers led by the commissioner of police invade the House and another team evade my residence, lock up my children outside the gate of the residence while my wife was inside. “I was Speaker for 10 years, if I’m no longer wanted, from Allah we come and to him, we shall return but you cannot impeach a speaker with a fake mace.” Tribune

Makinde Pays Oyo Workers New Minimum Wage

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  The Oyo State Government, on Friday, paid a total sum of ₦12 billion to the state government workers. In a statement on Saturday, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said the money paid is a result of a promise kept by Governor Seyi Makinde on the ₦80,000 minimum wage for the state workers from January 1, 2025. He said, “One of the implications of the new wage is that workers on Grade Levels I to VI now enjoy a minimum of ₦50,000 increment while the salaries of those on Grade Level 17 shoot up by over ₦180,000. “In this same month of January, pensioners are not left behind in the comprehensive welfare. “A minimum pension of ₦25,000 and a 33 percent pension increment for over 40,000 retirees have been approved with immediate effect.” Meanwhile, the commissioner revealed that the state government has abolished the payment of ₦4,000 for retirement forms to further ease financial pressure on those planning to retire. Oyelade added that almost ₦20 million will go back into the pockets of about 4,500 workers who will retire soon.  

Passengers Injured As US-Bound Plane Develops Technical Fault, Returns To Lagos

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  A United Airlines flight, a Boeing 787-8 outbound from Lagos to Washington Dulles, on Thursday, declared emergency and made an air return to Lagos. Having established a return track to Lagos, PUNCH Online gathered that the aircraft crew maintained the emergency transponder code 7700 (Emergency signal) with the control tower till it landed. The aircraft, initially bound for Washington Dulles International Airport with registered N27903, is an over 13-year-old widebody aircraft belonging to the US carrier United Airlines. It had 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots on board. Some of those on board reportedly sustained injuries. Videos and pictures from the distressed passengers in the aircraft sent to our correspondent showed that food and passengers’ luggage were scattered, littering the aircraft owing to the shaky nature of the flight. The real cause of the pandemonium is yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report but the passengers are of the opinion that it was an engine-related issue. However, only the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau can ascertain the real cause of such incidents. When contacted, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Micheal Achimugu, confirmed the development saying the passengers have been lodged into a hotel as stipulated by the regulatory act. “Yes, it is true, and no problems, the passengers have been lodged into a hotel as stipulated by the NCAA Act,” he said. The airline also confirmed the development in a terse statement, attributing it to “a technical issue.” “Flight UA613 from Lagos to Washington D.C. returned to Lagos to address a technical issue. “After landing safely, the aircraft was met by first responders to address reports of minor injuries to several passengers and crew,” the statement read. Punch

Govt Approves N4bn Cash Transfer For Vulnerable Households

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  The Federal Government has approved N4bn for conditional cash transfers to vulnerable households in Nigeria. During the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan at the United Nations House in Abuja on Thursday, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof Nentawe Yilwada announced the interventions to address the country’s deepening humanitarian crisis. This move is expected to support at least 10 million displaced households, primarily targeting the most vulnerable members of society. The cash transfer programme is set to begin in February and continue through April, aiming to alleviate the immediate needs of families affected by displacement, particularly in the Northeast. Additionally, the government has approved N2bn in interest-free loans to farmers, specifically those in rural communities, to boost food production and self-sufficiency. “We are prioritizing women, especially widows, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. The experiences of displaced women, particularly those facing pregnancy or disability, are especially challenging. We understand these vulnerabilities and will continue to support those who are most in need,” he said. “The President has approved the Ministry’s plan to begin paying conditional cash transfers to 10 million displaced households between February and April. This initiative aims to support those most in need, particularly vulnerable families affected by displacement,” he added. “Additionally, the government has allocated N2bn to provide interest-free loans to farmers in rural communities. These loans will range from N300,000 to N400,000 per household, helping farmers access necessary resources and linking them to market opportunities. “Furthermore, a N4bn provision has been approved to support vulnerable groups through cash transfers, targeting families affected by natural disasters and other crises. These interventions are part of the government’s broader strategy to alleviate poverty and provide relief to those in urgent need,” the minister stated. He further emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of internally displaced persons, returnees, and affected communities across Nigeria. The HNRP, he noted, was developed through extensive consultations and is designed to address the humanitarian challenges in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and other conflict-affected regions. “We are combining the efforts of humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding platforms to ensure long-term resilience and sustainable solutions for these communities,” he added. Highlighting the gender dynamics within these interventions, Yilwada underscored the priority given to female-headed households, who often face greater challenges, including gender-based violence, child marriage, and food insecurity. “Female-headed households experience higher rates of hunger than male-headed ones, and this is where we will focus much of our efforts. Ensuring access to food, water, healthcare, and safety for these women is one of our top priorities,” he added. Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Trond Jensen provided an overview of the situation, noting that 7.8 million women, men, and children across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states will require humanitarian assistance in 2025. Punch

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