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Cubana Chief Priest defends Peller’s hustle amid iShowSpeed snub

Socialite Cubana Chief Priest has defended TikToker Peller following his unsuccessful attempt to meet global streamer iShowSpeed during the latter’s recent visit to Lagos.

iShowSpeed arrived in Lagos on Wednesday, coinciding with his 21st birthday celebration. Although Peller did not secure a meeting with the streamer, his efforts have sparked widespread online attention.

Reacting via Instagram, Chief Priest praised Peller’s persistence and drive, while criticising the tendency of some people to belittle others’ ambitions. He commended the TikToker’s bold and unapologetic pursuit of success, attributing his rising popularity to that fearless approach.

Chief Priest also suggested that iShowSpeed’s decision not to meet Peller may have been a calculated move rather than a snub.

Read Also: Cubana Chief Priest laments poor treatment at hospital amid health challenges

He wrote, “Why do we like to tear down our own brothers’ hustles or energy down? Small boy like Peller deh hustle him way to meet speed wey Dey at the top for the business wey him dey do una use am dey mock am. There is no shame in hustle. I celebrate Peller’s energy to achieve his dream. Now you guys see why he is bigger than most of you, because he is ready to push shamelessly. Speed Dey naija but na Peller dey trend. Una no really cherishes una own all you want is to bring your own down so you can mock & laugh at the person, but indirectly you are pushing the person up.

“Streaming is a game of shamelessness. At the end of the day, are you entertained? Peller will never stop being big because the hunger is there, so let him cook. If you follow Speed’s stream, he gets rejected, too, so what’s the big deal? The ignore from speed to Peller is deliberate; he knows the boy. It’s a management issue. The push from Peller is amazing, that’s how you go for what you want, and above all, never shy away from rejections, it must come. Keep pushing for the Top.”

January 22, 2026
Why I was reluctant to accept chairing Daily Trust Dialogue, by Saraki

Former President of the Senate, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Thursday, revealed that he was initially reluctant to chair the 23rd Daily Trust Dialogue due to the proximity of the 2027 general elections.

The 2026 edition of the Dialogue is themed “Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: What Is Working and What Is Not Working.”

Saraki said his hesitation was not based on the relevance of the topic but on concerns about the political climate as the country approaches another election cycle.

“I initially was reluctant to accept the chair for this occasion, not because the subject matter was not appropriate or germane, but more because of how close we are to an election year,” he said. “I am also inclined to wonder whether we are prepared to make this a productive discussion, rather than a platform to push our respective political agendas.”

Read Also: Keyamo, Osinbajo, Saraki, Obi for Ghana summit

He urged speakers and participants to avoid turning the forum into a campaign platform, stressing the need for patriotic, issue-driven discussions aimed at national progress.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Rashidi Ladoja, is serving as the Special Guest of Honour, while speakers at the Dialogue include Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, and Nnenna Elendu Ukeje, chair of the foreign affairs committee of the 7th and 8th House of Representatives.

January 22, 2026
Southern Kaduna Christian leaders declare two-day fast over Kajuru kidnapping

The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) has declared a two-day fasting and prayer programme following the abduction of 177 persons in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Association expressed deep anguish and condemned the incident, describing it as heart-rending, alarming, and unacceptable, particularly as it reportedly occurred during church services.

In a statement issued on Thursday, SKCLA Chairman, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, said the Kajuru incident marked the first time in the history of the area that worshippers from three different Christian denominations were abducted on the same day.

He lamented that the attack had added to the growing list of unresolved kidnappings across Southern Kaduna, especially in Kauru, Kachia, and other vulnerable communities, where families continue to live in uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones.

The Christian leaders called on the Kaduna State Government, security agencies, and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts towards the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted victims.

They also urged decisive and sustained action to halt what they described as the recurring cycle of kidnappings and insecurity in the region.

As a spiritual response to the crisis, Apostle Kure said the Association had proclaimed a two-day fasting and prayer programme anchored on Psalm 57:2–3, seeking divine intervention for the safe return of all abducted persons across Southern Kaduna.

According to the statement, the fasting will commence on Friday and culminate in special prayer sessions in all churches across Southern Kaduna on Sunday.

Read Also: Southern Kaduna A P C group backs Tinubu, Sani

“This call to fasting and prayer is a united cry to God for mercy, protection, and the safe return of our brothers and sisters from captivity,” Apostle Kure said.

He added that the programme also reflects rare unity among Christians across denominations at a critical moment in the region’s history.

The Association called on Christians within and outside Southern Kaduna to participate fully in the fast, while appealing to the wider Nigerian society to stand in solidarity with affected communities, particularly families of victims in Kajuru, Kauru, Kachia, and other flashpoints.

“We will not be silent in the face of evil, nor will we lose hope. We trust God for divine intervention, and we continue to demand accountability and concrete action from those entrusted with the security of lives and property,” the statement concluded.

January 22, 2026
APC support group urges retention of 2022 zoning formula ahead of 2026 convention

Ahead of the March 2026 national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a party support group, the Concerned APC Stakeholders Forum, has called for the retention of the 2022 zoning formula that produced the current National Working Committee (NWC).

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the forum’s convener, Dominic Alancha, urged the party’s national leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the National Executive Committee to maintain the existing arrangement.

The group argued that preserving the zoning formula would promote continuity, strengthen party cohesion, and enhance stability, unity, and electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forum also appealed to party leaders to retain the current National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

Explaining the group’s position, Alancha described the zoning formula as a stabilising framework that promotes inclusiveness, fairness, and national balance. He said it has fostered a sense of belonging among the party’s diverse stakeholders across the federation.

He warned that altering or abandoning the arrangement at a time when national cohesion is critical could trigger avoidable tensions and undermine internal harmony within the party.

“We therefore call on the National Executive Committee (NEC), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Party elders, and all stakeholders to uphold the existing zoning arrangement in the interest of unity, equity, and justice.

“On an equal breath, we, however, call on the leadership in various geopolitical zones to look into micro zoning arrangements based on balance and equity to strengthen the party at the state.

“In the spirit of continuing, the Forum hereby endorses the current National Chairman of our great party, APC Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for continuity.

“Under his leadership, the party has recorded notable stability, progress in internal party reconciliation, party administration, and membership drive, and strategic repositioning for future election success.

“Continuity will enable the National chairman to consolidate on existing reforms and policies to stabilize the party, strengthen institutional memory and discipline, and enhance preparedness for upcoming electoral challenges.”

Read Also: Moves to undermine Tinubu’s re-election will fail, says APC chieftain

Alancha further said, “It is our firm belief that retaining experienced leadership at the head of our party will clearly give exemplary visibility to the APC as the leading progressive political party in Nigeria.”

The convener of the forum then declared his intention to contest for the position of National Deputy Publicity Secretary of the party.

He said the desire was in line with the commitment to strengthening party communication, engagement, grassroots mobilization, and image management in line with contemporary public communication architecture.

“It is our belief that given this opportunity, I shall do my best in shaping the perception of Nigerians and party faithful through effective communication of our party policy and programme.

“I therefore solicit your wise counsel and support to achieve this dream and vision.”

The forum called on all APC stakeholders, party faithful, to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions.

“By retaining the zoning formula, ensuring leadership continuity, and supporting capable hands like myself (Dr. Dominic Alancha), the APC will emerge stronger, more united, and better positioned to continue delivering good governance to Nigerians through the able leadership of President Bolaji Ahmed Tinubu.

“We remain steadfast in our belief in the ideals of the All Progressives Congress and reaffirm and pledge our loyalty to the party and its leadership.”

January 22, 2026
US ‘annihilating’ terrorists in Nigeria, says Trump

United States President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed that American forces were ‘annihilating’ terrorists in Nigeria whom he accused of killing Christians in large numbers.

“Many good things are happening,” Trump said. “In Nigeria, we are annihilating terrorists who are killing Christians. We’ve hit them very hard. They’ve killed thousands and thousands of Christians.”

Trump made the remarks at the Board of Peace signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, as he spoke on what he described as progress in global peace and security efforts.

Nigerian authorities, however, have consistently rejected such a framing of the country’s security challenges.

The Federal Government has maintained that terrorism and violent extremism affect all communities, regardless of religion, and that victims of insurgency include Muslims, Christians and others.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun have all stated in various briefings that Nigeria’s security crisis is driven by a complex mix of terrorism, banditry and organised criminal violence, rather than a singular religious agenda.

Read Also: Trump rules out force, renews Greenland demands at Davos

Speaking at the ceremony, Trump emphasised the significance of the newly unveiled initiative, saying, “What we’re doing is so important. This is something I really wanted to be here and do, and I could think of no better place.”

Trump also spoke extensively about Gaza, insisting that the territory must be demilitarised and rebuilt.

“Gaza has to be demilitarised and rebuilt nicely,” he said, warning militant groups to disarm. “If Hamas doesn’t do what they promised, they must lay down arms, or it’ll end them. They grew up with rifles.”

He linked developments in the Middle East and Nigeria to the work of the Board of Peace, which he said was drawing growing international interest.

On the composition of the new peace body, the US president said participation was expected to expand.

“Everybody wants to be on the Board of Peace. These are just the countries here now; loads more will join,” he said.

January 22, 2026
NBA Chairmen laud Sanwo-Olu, NTDA GM Aboyeji on projects

The Chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos and Epe Branches, Mrs. Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade and Dr. Saliu Jimoh, have lauded the New Towns Development Authority (NTDA) on the completion of its new office building and its development initiatives.

‎The two chairmen paid a high-level courtesy visit to Olakunle Aboyeji, General Manager of NTDA, at the newly commissioned NTDA office complex in Ikeja on January 19, 2026.

‎In a statement, the chairmen described Aboyeji as one of the critical stakeholders in land management in Lagos State.

‎They formally congratulated Aboyeji on the completion and relocation to the modern office building.

They described the facility as a “beacon of administrative excellence,” stating that the conducive environment is essential for the technical and legal complexities handled by the prestigious agency of the Lagos State Government.

‎The two chairmen commended Governor Baabjide Sanwo-Olu and the state government for the massive development in the state done through the NTDA, particularly in the Sangotedo, Ibeju lekki and Epe corridors.

‎The Chairman of the NBA Epe Branch particularly celebrated the governor and the General Manager for the orderly development of government schemes in these areas.

He stated that Epe is fast becoming a model for sustainable urban growth in Lagos and Nigeria at large.

‎The Chairmen also noted that the governor’s commitment to the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda is evident in the quality of road networks and town planning initiatives currently sweeping across the state.

‎The General Manager expressed his gratitude to the NBA Chairmen for the visit and their recognition of the Authority’s efforts.

He emphasised that the NTDA remains committed to transparency and the rule of law in land administration, stressing that the support of the Bar is crucial in navigating the legal frameworks of new towns development.

January 22, 2026
Police arrest man over alleged death of 10-year-old daughter in Calabar

Police operatives in Calabar have taken into custody a 24-year-old man, Mr Joseph Emmanuel of No. 3 Esit Ebom Street, over the alleged killing of his 10-year-old daughter.

The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, after the child allegedly misplaced her father’s plastic petrol pipe, which he uses to transfer fuel into his commercial motorcycle. The development reportedly provoked the suspect, leading to the child’s death.

Eyewitnesses said angry residents attempted to attack the suspect following the incident.

He was allegedly on the verge of being lynched before a resident, Okon Edwin of No. 5 Ekeng Ewa Street, Calabar South, alerted the police.

Upon receiving the distress call, police operatives were deployed to the scene and successfully rescued the suspect from mob action.

Read Also: Police advisory

The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Akata, confirmed that the suspect sustained injuries during the attempted assault and was subsequently taken into custody.

He added that the suspect has confessed to the act, claiming it was carried out in a moment of provocation.

The suspect was taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for medical treatment, while the deceased child’s body was examined and deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Akata said investigations into the incident are ongoing, noting that the suspect is likely to be charged to court upon the conclusion of the probe.

January 22, 2026
OAIC commences prayers for abducted members in Kaduna

The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) has begun a three-day prayer session for

members of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Kaduna kidnapped by the bandits during last Sunday Service.

Over 100 members of the Church were kidnapped in Iburu District of Kajuru LGA in Kaduna State, from two branches during a raid on the community by bandits last Sunday.

Reacting to the incident, OAIC Regional President,

Elder Israel Akinadewo, FCA, PhD, deflated a three-day prayer by the bloc for their release.

Akinadewo, in a statement, directed: “Let us embark on three days prayer from today (Thursday) to Saturday, with special Altar prayer on Sunday, for God to intervene on this matter.

Our God hears prayer and it is our duty to call upon Him *[Jeremiah 33:3]*

May the Lord bless us as we stand in gap for our brethren.”

January 22, 2026
UBEC handover multi-million naira model smart school to Jigawa govt
- Commission reaffirms commitment to smart education
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has handed over the newly inaugurated multi-million naira Smart School in Hadejia, Jigawa to the state government.

The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, who inaugurated the school, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to digital technology-driven education in the country.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, Garba said the event represented another significant milestone in the federal government’s ongoing efforts to reposition basic education as a strong foundation for national development.

The Smart School integrates ICT-enabled classrooms, digital learning resources, modern laboratories, e-libraries, robotics and innovation hubs, and inclusive facilities for learners with special needs.

The Hadejia Smart School brings the number of UBEC Smart Schools to 30, one in each state of the Federation and eight model one, in the six geopolitical zones and two in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Garba disclosed that the UBEC Smart School Programme is a flagship reform initiative designed to transform teaching and learning within the basic education sub-sector through the strategic deployment of modern infrastructure, digital technology, and innovative pedagogy.

She reaffirmed the commitment of UBEC to equipping the Nigerian child with the knowledge, skills, and values required to thrive in the 21st century, adding that the smart education programme reflected the federal government’s resolve to ensure that Nigerian children, irrespective of location or background, had access to quality, inclusive, and future-ready education.

She highlighted the imperative of smart education, saying the conception of the UBEC Smart School Initiative was informed by the urgent need to change the narrative of learning outcomes in public basic education schools.

Garba added that the schools were intended to serve as a benchmark of excellence, providing a model that States can replicate to improve the quality of education delivery nationwide.

The executive secretary explained that through this initiative, UBEC, in collaboration with State Universal Basic Education Boards and with the support of the Federal Ministry of Education, is laying a solid foundation for technology-driven learning at the formative stages of education.

She expressed gratitude to the Ministers of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa and Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, for their outstanding leadership and guidance in the education sector, especially the support for implementation of smart education programmes in basic education.

Garba said: “These schools are designed to promote creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and the acquisition of relevant skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), thereby preparing learners for a rapidly evolving global environment.

“The UBEC Smart School commissioned today in Hadejia is a State Model Smart School (Model II), thoughtfully designed to cater for learners at the pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary levels, including children with special needs.

“The school is equipped with well-structured administrative and academic blocks, smart classrooms, e-libraries, science and introductory technology laboratories, robotics and vocational laboratories, health facilities, play areas, water and power infrastructure, and a secure learning environment. These facilities collectively provide a conducive atmosphere for effective teaching and meaningful learning.”

Garba noted that beyond infrastructure, the Smart School Programme places strong emphasis on quality teaching and effective school management.

Read Also: Tinubu constitutes boards of NADF, BOA and UBEC

According to her, while the responsibility for staffing rests with the States, UBEC remains committed to supporting capacity building through training, ICT skills development, and professional guidance to ensure that only qualified and competent personnel are engaged in managing and delivering instruction in these schools.

She lauded the Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi for his unwavering support for basic education and the strong collaborative partnership that facilitated the establishment of this Smart School, expressing hope that the school would serve as a model of excellence and a catalyst for educational transformation in Jigawa State and beyond.

“The provision of land, security, and effective coordination by the State Government clearly demonstrates its firm commitment to improving learning outcomes and expanding access to quality education for the children of Jigawa State,” she stated.

The UBEC boss further noted that the commissioning of the Smart School is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a new phase, maintaining that it is the collective responsibility to ensure the effective utilisation, proper maintenance, and long-term sustainability of the facility so that it delivers the intended impact on teaching quality, learner performance, and community development.

“The UBEC Smart School in Hadejia stands as a symbol of innovation, hope, and progress. It represents our shared commitment to equipping the Nigerian child with the knowledge, skills, and values required to thrive in the 21st century,” she stated.
January 22, 2026
FG announces ₦152bn payout to local contractors

The Federal Government said it has disbursed ₦152 billion to contractors of verified contracts.

The payment, the Federal Government, said followed established verification procedures designed to safeguard public funds and maintain accountability in government spending.

In a statement on Thursday, the Federal Ministry of Finance said the payment process is guided by existing laws and regulations to ensure transparency and protect taxpayers’ money.

“The process of payment for contracts goes through various verification processes in line with extant laws and regulations, to protect taxpayers’ money and ensure accountability and transparency,” the ministry said.

While acknowledging the financial pressure delays have placed on contractors, the ministry appealed for continued engagement as a pathway to resolving outstanding issues.

“We also plead for continuous dialogue and engagement for effective resolution of all conflicts,” the statement added.

The ministry assured contractors of its willingness to maintain open communication, urging them to respect the procedures and staff involved in handling payment requests.

“We assure all contractors of our continuous support and openness to constructive dialogue and urge all contractors to respect the process and the personnel of the Federal Ministry of Finance, who have had to endure different levels of intimidation and harassment,” it said.

It further stated that all outstanding payment requests would continue to be processed in line with due process and handled “in a timely and consistent manner.”

As part of broader efforts to address the contractors plight and restore confidence among local firms, the Federal Government has proposed setting aside ₦1.8 trillion in the 2026 budget to clear outstanding payments for capital projects executed under the 2024 fiscal year.

Read Also: FG assures judiciary of continued support, harps on prompt justice delivery, accountability

Of this amount, ₦100 billion has been allocated specifically for indigenous contractors, many of whom have raised concerns over prolonged delays and worsening financial conditions.

The proposed budgetary provision follows recent protests by members of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), who returned to the streets to draw attention to mounting debts and liquidity challenges within the sector.

AICAN President, Mr Jackson Nwosu, said the protests were driven by what he described as growing desperation among contractors facing loan defaults and the risk of losing personal assets after borrowing to carry out government projects.

“The government has failed to honour the agreement to pay contractors whose project details had been submitted and verified. Payments finalised before the closure of the payment portal at the end of December never reflected in our accounts,” he said.

January 22, 2026