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NCDC Raises Alarm as Lassa Fever Kills Two Health Workers, 15 Infected

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  The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Monday raised an alarm over the increasing spread of Lassa fever among health care workers. The disease control agency noted that so far, two health workers have been killed, while 15 confirmed cases of Lassa fever have been documented among health care workers as Nigeria battles another outbreak of the zoonotic disease. In an advisory released on Monday, the NCDC expressed its sympathy to the affected health workers. “Recent surveillance data indicate a concerning increase in Lassa fever infections among healthcare workers, with 15 confirmed cases and 2 deaths recorded as of Epidemiological Week 7. Healthcare worker infections have been reported across multiple states, including the known high-burden areas such as Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Benue, with specific hotspots often identified at the LGA level. “As part of its mandate, NCDC investigates every healthcare worker infection to identify drivers of transmission and prevent further cases. Recent findings reveal gaps in infection prevention and control practices, as well as missed risks of exposure in certain departments. “These gaps have resulted in IPC strategies that are misaligned with actual exposure risks, with fatal consequences.” Lassa fever, an animal-borne or zoonotic, acute viral illness spread by the common African rat, also known as the Mastomys rat species, is endemic in Nigeria and some other West African countries. Since the last outbreak of the disease in 2016, there has been an increase in the number of recurring cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses. Humans usually become infected with the Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. The disease is endemic in the rodent population in parts of West Africa. Lassa fever is known to be endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Nigeria, but probably exists in other West African countries as well. “Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings in the absence of adequate infection prevention and control measures,” the global health body stated.  

Chief Olayinka Segelu’s Contributions To PDP Highlighted Ahead Of 2027 Elections

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  IBADAN – THE attention of our office has been drawn to recent comments questioning Chief Olayinka Segelu’s electoral value and political relevance. We wish to put on record that Chief Segelu has been a consistent financier, mobilizer, and grassroots coordinator within the party structure in Lagelu Local Government and beyond. His contributions to the party’s growth are well-documented, including branding a campaign bus for Seyi Makinde’s first-term campaign in 2018/2019, and three vehicles for the re-election campaign in 2022/2023. These efforts were acknowledged by prominent party figures, including the late Rt. Hon. Kehinde Ayoola and former Oyo State PDP Chairman, Alhaji Taofeek Oyetunde Olayiwola. A recent video from the last election in Lagelu Local Government showcases Chief Segelu’s grassroots influence across multiple wards and Igbo Elerinland. As 2027 approaches, we believe his proven commitment, leadership, and grassroots acceptance will speak louder than unfounded claims. Chief Olayinka Segelu remains calm, focused, and committed to contributing to the party’s growth and stability.

Oyo Lawmakers Seek To Ban Single-Use Plastics, As Bill Scales First Reading

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  IBADAN – THE Oyo State House of Assembly on Thursday took the first reading of a Bill seeking to prohibit the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of single-use plastics across the State, as part of legislative efforts to curb plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability. The Bill, titled Oyo State Single-Use Plastics Prohibition (SUPs) Bill, 2026, was read on the floor of the House during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin. The proposed legislation is jointly sponsored by the Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Ecology and Water Resources, Hon. Olorunpoto Cephas Rahaman (Oyo East/Oyo West), the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin (Ibarapa East), and the Leader of the House, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin (Ogbomoso South). According to the provisions of the Bill, the law seeks to phase out all forms of single-use plastics in Oyo State, including plastic shopping bags, sachet water bags, plastic straws, cutlery, cups, plates and Styrofoam containers commonly used for food and beverage packaging. The Bill also specifically prohibits the use of plastic straws and cutlery in eateries, event centres and other public places. To allow for a smooth transition, the Bill provides for a twelve-month phase-out period from its commencement, during which public sensitisation and behavioural change campaigns will be intensified. The transition period is also expected to enable manufacturers, vendors and consumers to adopt biodegradable and environmentally friendly alternatives. The Bill vests enforcement powers in the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, which is mandated to establish a Task Force on Plastic Pollution Control to monitor compliance and enforce the law. The Task Force is to collaborate with Local Government Authorities, civil society organisations, environmental marshals and security agencies, while the Ministry may also deploy digital tracking mechanisms and whistleblower reports to strengthen enforcement. The proposed law outlines graduated penalties for offenders, ranging from warnings and mandatory environmental awareness training for first-time offenders to heavy fines, compulsory corporate social responsibility projects and possible closure of business premises for repeat offenders. Companies that continue the production of single-use plastics after the expiration of the phase-out period will also be liable to a special environmental tax of not less than 500 per cent of the regular production tax. In addition, the Bill makes provisions for the promotion of biodegradable and compostable products by supporting local manufacturers, facilitating access to technical assistance and encouraging research and development through partnerships with academic and research institutions. It also proposes incentives such as tax waivers, grants, subsidies and preferential procurement policies for businesses producing eco-friendly alternatives. The Bill further mandates medium and large-scale businesses operating in the State to commit to corporate environmental responsibility through community-based sanitation and periodic environmental clean-up activities. Provisions are also included to promote recycling through investments in waste collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure, as well as public-private partnerships to establish recycling hubs across Local Government Areas.

Police Confirm Abduction Of 12-Year-Old Secondary School Student In Ibadan

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  IBADAN – THE Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a 12-year-old female secondary school student in the Challenge area of Ibadan, describing the incident as a suspected kidnapping and assuring the public that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim. The student, a Junior Secondary School 2 pupil of Monarch Model College, was reportedly abducted in the early hours of Thursday, February 12, 2026, while being dropped off for school. Eyewitnesses said the kidnappers, who were masked and arrived in a vehicle without number plates, allegedly trailed the girl’s mother before striking at a junction leading to the school premises. The gunmen were said to be armed and fired shots into the air to scare residents, while also puncturing the tyre of the mother’s vehicle — a Toyota RAV4 with Lagos registration number KRD 350 GP. The student was reportedly dragged away despite attempting to resist, as the abductors escaped through the Challenge axis. The incident was promptly reported at the Orita Challenge Police Station, where officers visited the scene alongside the victim’s mother for preliminary assessment. Confirming the incident in an official police response, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olusola Olayinka Ayanlade, “An incident of suspected kidnapping was reported in the Challenge area of Ibadan in the early hours of today, Wednesday, 12th February 2026.” According to the Command, “Preliminary information indicates that at about 7:20 a.m., a 12-year-old female student of a private secondary school in the area was allegedly abducted by unknown armed men at a junction leading to the school premises as she was alighting from a vehicle that conveyed her to school.” The Police said detectives were immediately mobilised to the scene. “The incident was promptly reported to the Police, and detectives were immediately deployed to the scene for preliminary assessment and fact-finding. Eyewitnesses at the scene were identified and questioned, and their accounts are providing valuable leads to assist ongoing investigations,”the statement read. The Command further disclosed that the parents of the victim are working closely with the Police. “The parents of the victim have been contacted and are in close contact with the Police as efforts continue to ensure the safe rescue of the child,” it added. Reassuring the public, the Police said the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident. “The Commissioner of Police has directed a comprehensive and intelligence-driven investigation, assuring that all possibilities and options are being explored to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring those responsible to justice,” the statement said. The Command appealed for calm and cooperation from residents. “Members of the public are urged to remain calm and to support the Police with any useful information, assuring that such information will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” it stated, adding that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.  

Oyo PDP Celebrates Ogundoyin’s Exit As Conference of Speakers Chairman, Says “We’re Proud Of You”

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  IBADAN – THE Oyo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Adebo Ogundoyin, on the successful completion of his tenure as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria. In a statement issued and signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Micheal Ogunsina, the PDP described Ogundoyin’s tenure as impactful and exemplary, noting that his leadership brought renewed vigour, inclusiveness and reforms to the Conference. The party said it was proud of the numerous achievements recorded by the Speaker, stressing that since its formation, the PDP has always put forward its best hands in service to the people, a tradition it said was clearly reflected in Ogundoyin’s stewardship both as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers and as Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly. According to the statement, Ogundoyin emerged as the youngest Chairman in the history of the Conference, a development the party described as symbolic of a generational shift that ushered in a reform-driven and inclusive leadership era. The PDP highlighted the digital transformation of state legislatures during his tenure, noting that through a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), legislative processes were modernised to enhance transparency, efficiency, accountability and citizen engagement. The party also commended the strengthening of legislative autonomy under his leadership, which it said further institutionalised the independence and voice of state legislatures across the country. It further stated that Ogundoyin deepened intergovernmental relations between the Conference of Speakers and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, with engagements focusing on constitutional amendments, governance reforms and the strengthening of democracy at sub-national levels. Under his chairmanship, the Conference intensified advocacy for the implementation of financial autonomy for state legislatures and made notable contributions to Nigeria’s constitutional review process. These, the party said, included advocacy for the establishment of state police, devolution of powers to sub-national governments, and expanded international and diplomatic engagements. The statement noted that the Conference held strategic discussions with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria on legislative development and investment opportunities, as well as engagements with the United States Consul General and the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, focusing on democratic values, legislative accountability and institutional capacity building. The PDP assured Nigerians that despite prevailing challenges, the party remains committed to protecting the interests of the people and will continue to present capable and credible leaders in service to Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

I was Never Tinubu’s Friend — El-Rufai

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  A former Kaduna State Governor and ex-Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed claims of a personal fallout with President Bola Tinubu, stating that he never had a personal relationship with the President in the first place. Speaking during an interview on Trust TV on Monday, El-Rufai said his support for Tinubu’s 2023 presidential bid was driven by party loyalty and political arrangements, not friendship. “I was never Tinubu’s friend. We never had a personal relationship like the one I had with General Buhari of blessed memory,” he said. The former governor explained that his involvement in Tinubu’s emergence as president followed consultations within the All Progressives Congress and broader political considerations ahead of the election. “I was approached by certain Islamic stakeholders from the southwest to support the emergence of a southwest Muslim presidential candidate. That is how the discussions started,” El-Rufai stated. He added that the zoning understanding within the APC after President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure made a southern presidency inevitable. “As governor of Kaduna and one of the founders of APC, I knew there was an understanding that after eight years of Buhari, power would return to the south. It wasn’t about Tinubu; he was merely an accidental beneficiary,” he said. El-Rufai noted that once Tinubu secured the party’s ticket, he committed himself to the campaign in line with his personal principles. “It is a principle of mine to fight for the candidate of my party in every election, whether I like the candidate or not. The fact that he emerged as the party’s candidate meant I would give everything to ensure he won.” However, he said fundamental disagreements surfaced after the election, rooted in differing philosophies of governance and public service. “We didn’t fall out; we didn’t find areas of agreement. I am in government to serve the public and deliver results, not to enrich myself or appoint cronies,” El-Rufai said. According to him, the governing approach of the current administration sharply contrasts with his own values. “The philosophy of this government is contrary to everything I’ve been taught as a Muslim, a northerner, and a Nigerian. They came to govern the cake, to enrich themselves. We are different people, parallel lines that will never meet,” he said. El-Rufai further disclosed that his decision to reject a ministerial appointment from President Tinubu was based on those same principles. “If I had accepted the ministerial position that was publicly offered to me, I would have resigned shortly after. Our fundamental philosophies of governance are worlds apart,” he added.

Why I Attended N’Assembly Protest with my Son — Amaechi

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  A former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has explained why he attended the “Occupy the National Assembly” protest alongside his son. Speaking with reporters on Tuesday in Abuja, Amaechi said he came with his son, who is a medical doctor, as a precaution in case the demonstration turned violent and participants sustained injuries. The former Rivers State governor also said his decision reflected his belief that leaders should be physically present during major protests and stand with the people, rather than watch from a distance. He called on Nigerians to rise up, urging opposition political parties to take to the streets to protest the Senate’s decision. Amaechi further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of opposing the electronic transmission of election results out of fear of losing elections. “I believe that the opposition parties should come out—PDP, ADC, everybody should be out—to protest against the attempt of one party,” he said. “If we come out and they say the opposition has hijacked the protest, what is the APC doing? Are they not hijacking? What are they afraid of? I thought they said they have 31 governors. Tinubu is not Jonathan. The only way a good politician will know he has done well is by the people,” Amaechi added. He added that opposition parties and civil society organisations would continue the protests, even if Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Tinubu look the other way. Amaechi also juxtaposed current living conditions with what obtained during the Muhammadu Buhari administration he served in. He said, “It is worse now than it was then. In Buhari’s time, at least, even though we were planning to remove the subsidy, we had better plans for citizens.” The former minister further alleged that corruption has spiked under Tinubu. Asked whether he believed Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election, Amaechi said: “Let’s wait and see”, adding that it would be impossible for the incumbent to win the poll. “The will of the people must prevail,” he said. The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Monday, joined the protesters, lending his voice to calls for electoral transparency and credibility. The protest comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding the amendment of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly over whether the Independent National Electoral Commission should be mandated to transmit results electronically in real time from polling units. While many Nigerians have called on lawmakers to make real-time electronic transmission compulsory, the Senate have argued that the provision should remain discretionary, citing logistical and infrastructural concerns. The Senate also issued explanations claiming it did not scrap electronic transmission entirely, while protesters insist that removing “real-time electronic transmission” creates loopholes that could be exploited.

Fire Guts 10 Shops in Ibadan

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  No fewer than 10 shops were completely destroyed by fire at the Iya Maryam Adebara Complex in the Ogunpa Market area of Ibadan on Monday night. The Chairman, Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Mr Moroof Akinwande, disclosed this in a statement made available on Tuesday in Ibadan. Akinwande said the agency’s personnel received a distress call about the fire incident via a telephone call from Baale Ogunpa, Alhaji Nurudeen Lawal, at exactly 8:11 pm on Monday. He said that firemen were promptly deployed to the scene and, upon arrival, found 10 shops out of several already engulfed in flames. “Our officers swiftly got into action and prevented the fire from spreading to other shops and nearby properties while the Federal Fire Service also joined hands with us to extinguish the fire,” he said. The chairman attributed the fire to a generator being fueled by one of the shop’s occupants. He also said no casualties were recorded and commended the police personnel from Iyaganku Police Headquarters for providing security.  

Ronaldo to Boycott Al-Nassr Match

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  Reports have emerged that Cristiano Ronaldo would not be featuring in today’s league match despite being fully fit. It was not the first time the five-time Ballon d’Or winner had taken such a stance. Ronaldo is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, but his illustrious career has also been marked by moments of controversy. The Portuguese forward, who will clock 41 by February 5, 2026, has never been shy about expressing frustration when situations at his clubs have not met his expectations. According to Planet Football on Monday, Ronaldo currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has once again found himself in the spotlight in February 2026. February 2026 – Al-Nassr Ronaldo will be left out of Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Riyadh today, a decision confirmed by reports from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Despite being available for selection, the forward did not feature amid growing dissatisfaction with the club’s direction. Planet Football said, “Sources close to the situation indicated that Ronaldo was unhappy with how Al-Nassr were being supported by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns a majority stake in the league’s four biggest clubs — Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad. Ronaldo reportedly believes that Al-Nassr have not been backed to the same extent as rivals Al-Hilal, who are leading the table and are close to signing Karim Benzema.” Still in pursuit of his first league title with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo is said to be frustrated by a quiet January transfer window and fears the championship may be slipping out of reach. While Al-Nassr are expected to cope without him against lower-ranked opposition, the move was widely interpreted as a clear message of protest. October 2022 – Manchester United Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United came to an abrupt end following a breakdown in his relationship with manager Erik ten Hag. Tensions reached a boiling point during a Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur, when Ronaldo refused to come on as a late substitute. Feeling disrespected, he left the bench before the final whistle, walking down the tunnel as the match was still in progress. The incident sparked widespread criticism and dominated headlines. Ronaldo later admitted he regretted his actions during a televised interview with Piers Morgan, though he maintained that he felt provoked by the manager’s decision. “I regret leaving the stadium,” Ronaldo said. “But at the same time, I felt provoked. It’s not acceptable for me to be put on for three minutes. I know what I can give to a team.” He played only two more league matches for United before his contract was terminated by mutual consent in November 2022. August 2021 – Juventus Ronaldo’s first refusal came as he pushed for a move away from Juventus in the summer of 2021. He asked not to be selected for the club’s opening home game of the season against Empoli, making clear his intention to leave. Juventus lost the match 1–0, and Ronaldo completed his return to Manchester United just days later. Then-manager Massimiliano Allegri confirmed Ronaldo’s stance, stating that the forward no longer wished to play for the club. Despite falling short of Champions League success, Ronaldo’s time in Turin was productive. He scored 101 goals in 134 appearances and won five trophies during his three seasons in Italy.

Police Call on NLC and TUC to Reschedule Planned Tuesday Protest in Abuja

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  The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to reschedule their planned protest billed for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, citing security concerns. On Sunday, the unions announced plans to hold a peaceful solidarity rally in Abuja on Tuesday, February 3. In a joint statement by the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, and the TUC Secretary General, N. A. Toro, the two labour unions said the peaceful rally will be staged at the Federal Capital Development Authority as a public demonstration of solidarity with affected workers. The NLC and TUC directed all affiliates and state councils in the Federal Capital Territory to ensure effective mobilisation and timely dissemination of the information to their members, adding that full participation in the lawful and peaceful action was expected. However, in a statement on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the Command said it was aware of the proposed peaceful protest and acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly. However, Adeh disclosed that intelligence reports available to the Command indicated plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes that could threaten public peace and security. The statement partly read, “The FCT Police Command is aware of a planned peaceful protest by the NLC FCT Council, scheduled to hold tomorrow, Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, within the Federal Capital Territory. “While the Command recognises and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, and remains committed to providing adequate security for all lawful activities, intelligence reports at the disposal of the Police indicate plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security.” Adeh added that the measure was also aimed at ensuring the safety of residents, protecting freedom of movement, and allowing the unhindered conduct of lawful daily activities within the Federal Capital Territory. She said, “In view of the above, and in the overriding interest of public safety, the FCT Police Command respectfully appeals to the organisers of the planned protest to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time. This measure is aimed at forestalling any breakdown of law and order, while also ensuring that the rights of other residents to safety, freedom of movement, and the conduct of lawful daily activities are not infringed upon. ” The PUNCH reports that the workers of the FCT administration commenced an indefinite strike on January 19 over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears and poor working conditions. In response, the FCT authorities approached the National Industrial Court, describing the industrial action as illegal and seeking an order to restrain the unions and their members from continuing the strike. The court, however, ordered the workers to resume work. The NLC and TUC subsequently accused the FCT authorities of intimidation and vowed to resist it.

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