Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed that the Labour Party remains a strong and viable political platform in Nigeria, assuring that the party will proceed with its congresses across the country.
Otti gave the assurance while chairing the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party held in Abuja, alongside members of the Interim National Committee.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the governor expressed appreciation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognising the Interim National Committee and for uploading the names of the party’s leadership on its website in compliance with a court order.
He disclosed that the NEC and the Interim National Committee had agreed to roll out a timetable for congresses at the ward, local government, state and zonal levels, culminating in a national convention.
According to Otti, the congresses are scheduled to commence in March, beginning with the revalidation of existing members and the registration of new ones. A committee has been constituted to oversee the exercise.
The NEC also resolved to establish a reconciliation committee aimed at reuniting aggrieved members willing to return to the party. In this regard, Otti appealed to Barrister Julius Abure and his associates to embrace peace and rejoin the party, while also calling on Nigerians to identify with the Labour Party.
The governor noted that the party’s leadership regretted the exit of its former leader and presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, describing his departure as unfortunate while wishing him well. He urged party members to close ranks in order to build a stronger and more cohesive political force.
The NEC acknowledged that the party had lost some members, particularly elected representatives at the National Assembly and certain caretaker committee officials who had since been replaced, but maintained that the party remains resilient.
The party also expressed regret over its inability to participate in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory election.
Otti, who is the leader of the party, thanked supporters for their continued loyalty and assured them that the Labour Party would emerge stronger going forward.
The joint operation comprising officers of the Anti-Illegal Mining Unit, Tactical Unit, and Bomb Disposal Unit of Zamfara State Police Command in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Area Office Gusau conducted an operation where they dislodge groups of illegal miners.
The State Police Command in a statement by it’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar said, the operation targeted locations at Boko Village, Zurmi Local Government Area, and Kaya Village, Maradun Local Government Area, where illegal mining activities had been persistently reported.
“The raid was successfully executed, leading to the arrest of twenty-one (21) suspected illegal miners.
“The suspects are currently under investigation at the Taskforce on Illegal Mining Unit. Further developments will be communicated in due course,” Yazid said.
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of its personnel while cautioning officers and soldiers against substance abuse and other negative vices, as the Combat Service Support Corps comprising of Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, Nigerian Army Medical Corps, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Nigerian Army Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM) marked the West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025 at AN Barracks, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos.
The event, which drew senior officers, soldiers, families and guests, featured colourful cultural performances by the Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo dance troupe, awards presentation to outstanding soldiers across various corps, an inter corps tug of war competition as well as donations to 20 widows, reinforcing the Army’s focus on inclusiveness and support for families of fallen personnel.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, noted that the year 2025 had been particularly demanding for the Nigerian Army, with troops, especially combat service support and logistics personnel, fully engaged in counter terrorism, counter insurgency and internal security operations across the country and beyond.
The Army Chief who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj Gen Adebayo Babalola, said the Army remained committed to the welfare and well being of its personnel and their families, stressing that while much had been entrusted to officers and soldiers, high standards of discipline, professionalism and loyalty were expected in return.
He urged personnel to avoid conduct contrary to military professionalism, particularly substance abuse, and encouraged them to sustain their commitment as the Army prepares for another demanding operational year.
According to him, the WASA tradition, which dates back to the era of the West African Frontier Force, provides a platform for officers and soldiers to unwind, celebrate achievements of the year and strengthen bonds with their families and host communities, while preparing mentally and socially for future responsibilities.
Earlier, the Acting Commander, Corps of Medical, Combat Service Support Corps, Brig Gen Innocent Enwuchola, described WASA as an enduring tradition of the Nigerian Army that reinforces discipline, esprit de corps and unity among personnel, their families and host communities.
Brig Gen Enwuchola said the WASA celebration provided a rare opportunity for officers and soldiers to unwind, socialise and reflect on the successes recorded during the year, while also rewarding deserving personnel for professionalism and dedication to duty.
He commended personnel of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, Nigerian Army Medical Corps, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Nigerian Army Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, as well as the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management, for their critical roles in sustaining military operations across the country.
According to him, combat service support formations had continued to provide essential logistics, medical, technical and administrative support to operations in the North East, North West, North Central, South South, South East and South West, noting that these efforts had boosted troop confidence and contributed to the protection of lives and property.
He also highlighted the role of NACOLM in training and developing officers in military logistics, administration and management, saying the institution had enhanced leadership capacity, planning, resource allocation and decision making within the Nigerian Army.
The celebration ended with goodwill messages and renewed commitment to professionalism as the Nigerian Army prepares for the 2026 operational year.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Mogaji Oluseye Oladejo, on his 60th birthday, which comes up on Sunday, February 2.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Oladejo as a dependable party man whose articulate engagement and clarity of purpose have contributed significantly to strengthening the APC in Lagos State.
President Tinubu commended Oladejo for his steadfast commitment to progressive politics, party unity and democratic ideals, noting that his years of service as a party spokesman reflect discipline, loyalty and a deep understanding of grassroots mobilisation.
He acknowledged Oladejo’s long-standing role in advancing the values of good governance and responsible political communication, stressing that his contributions have helped sustain the progressive legacy of Lagos State while nurturing a new generation of party faithful.
“As you mark the diamond milestone, I wish you good health, renewed strength, and many more years of impactful service to our great party, Lagos State, and the nation at large,” the President said.
Benjamin Sesko scored a stoppage-time winner as Manchester United made it three wins in a row under Michael Carrick in a Premier League thriller with Fulham at Old Trafford.
United seemed to be cruising to victory as Brazilian duo Casemiro and Matheus Cunha put them two up with goals either side of half-time.
But after Raul Jimenez pulled one back five minutes from time with a brilliant penalty into the roof of the home net, Kevin looked to have snatched a point with a thunderous strike to the top corner.
However, in nine minutes of time added on mainly due to two lengthy VAR checks that resulted in United having a penalty overturned and Fulham a goal disallowed, Sesko turned on to a Bruno Fernandes pass and drilled a shot into the top corner.
It took Ruben Amorim 36 Premier League games to win three in a row as United chief, his only sequence of successive victories.
Carrick has taken just three and was serenaded by the home supporters as his side went back into the Premier League’s top four.
The Lagos State Government has commenced enforcement exercise against banned commercial motorcycle (okada) operations, one-way driving, and illegal structures along the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway corridor.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this on his X handles that operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Taskforce carried out the operation as part of ongoing efforts to restore order and improve safety on major roads across the state.
According to Wahab, “Over 50 motorcycles were confiscated for riding on the highway in violation of the Lagos State traffic law, while 10 vehicles were apprehended and charged to court for driving against traffic.”
He noted that the enforcement exercise also included the removal of shanties and makeshift structures illegally erected along the coastal highway corridor.
He further stated that enforcement will be sustained in order to restore sanity on the road.
The one-day medical intervention, focused on breaking the long standing cycle of pain, stigma and silence through research-driven advocacy, public education and community mobilisation.
Founder of SCAIIN, Mrs Esther Pepple Onolememen, said the programme was designed to improve health outcomes for people living with sickle cell disorder while strengthening public trust and support for patients and their families.
She spoke at the weekend during the launch of the campaign in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt.
Onolememen stressed that sustained awareness and early intervention remained critical to reducing the burden of sickle cell disorder in the country, noting that ignorance and social stigma continue to worsen the challenges faced by patients.
She said: “Together, we are rewriting the story of sickle cell in Nigeria from silence to knowledge, from stigma to support, and from neglect to action.”
Onolememen, who thanked the NDDC for investing in public health and for recognising that sickle cell disease was not only a medical issue but also a social and developmental one, urged the Federal Government to adopt a proactive approach by introducing a national newborn screening programme.
She described the recommended approach as a critical first step toward comprehensive planning for sickle cell care in Nigeria.
She said: “Promoting public health, advocacy and care across borders, going forward, an immediate approach is to consider newborn screening, national newborn screening as a country, that is the first step into planning for sickle cell care generally.”
Speaking, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, observed that Sickle Cell Disease remained a major public health concern in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta.
Ogbuku, who was represented by the Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, noted that the sensitisation programme was dedicated to strengthening awareness to ensure prevention and care for Sickle Cell Disease in the Niger Delta.
He said: “As a Commission mandated to enhance the well-being of our people, the NDDC recognises that sustainable development is impossible without a healthy population.
“This programme reinforces our commitment to preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, and community education. For our youths, knowing your genotype early is essential.
“For patients, we reaffirm our support for improved access to care. For health professionals, we appreciate your dedication and encourage continued collaboration in research, counselling, and community outreach.”
Mr Derefaka Yemiesibo, father of a child living with sickle cell disease, expressed appreciation to the NDDC for supporting affected families through advocacy and sustained awareness programmes.
The World Bank–assisted Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has embarked on an infrastructural facilities needs assessment tour across Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), as part of efforts to deepen grassroots development.
The assessment visit is in line with the RESHAPE Agenda of the Executive Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, Ajose Kumayon, and is aimed at identifying critical infrastructure gaps in rural and agrarian communities within the council.
The council described the tour as timely and strategic, noting that it aligns with the council’s plan to roll out people-oriented projects under its 2026 Budget.
He said Olorunda, being predominantly rural, stands to benefit significantly from the RAAMP intervention, particularly in boosting agricultural productivity and economic activities.
Leading the inspection, Ajose showcased several communities, access roads and facilities requiring urgent intervention, stressing that the assessment underscores his administration’s commitment to sustainable rural development, improved agricultural value chains and enhanced access to critical infrastructure.
He specifically appealed for the inclusion of the Iworo–Ajido Market in the RAAMP programme, describing it as an ancient and strategic market that attracts traders from neighbouring communities and countries.
According to him, upgrading the market would significantly boost economic activities and improve the council’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Speaking during the tour, the RAAMP Team Lead, Engr. Balogun Omolade, said the World Bank–supported project is designed to open up rural access roads with direct and measurable socio-economic benefits for residents. He explained that the intervention focuses mainly on Truck D roads classified as rural roads, while Truck C roads fall under the jurisdiction of local governments.
Omolade assured that there were no limitations on project sizes, adding that adequate resources had been earmarked for the interventions, with construction works expected to commence in March. He said the team’s mandate involves physical inspection of beneficiary communities to obtain first-hand data and ensure compliance with project criteria.
He added that the council engineer, head of agriculture and head of social services would be actively involved throughout the project lifecycle.
The three-day needs assessment tour covered several towns, roads and facilities, including Iworo, Esepe, Epeme, Ago Ajo, Mowo, Ilogbo, Atinporomeh, Ibereko, Elijah, Etesa, Ajagamibo, Mowo–Ikoga, Igbele and Araromi, among others.
The Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job, has renewed calls on government to return missionary schools to their original owners, urging alumni to take responsibility for restoring the lost glory of their alma mater.
Archbishop Job made the appeal at the weekend in Ikire, Osun State, during a thanksgiving Mass and the dedication of the newly renovated chapel of Fatima College, Ikire. The institution, established in January 1956, was founded by the Society of African Missions (SMA) of the Catholic Church.
The chapel renovation was undertaken by the 1976 set of the school as part of activities marking its 70th anniversary.
The cleric noted that government alone could not address the numerous challenges confronting the education sector, stressing the need for stronger collaboration with the private sector.
Addressing members of the Fatima College Old Boys’ Association, Archbishop Job urged them to rise up and advocate the return of missionary schools, including Fatima College, to their original owners and former standards.
He said, “The school is celebrating its 70th anniversary but do you like what you see today? I challenge you to arise, wake up and never sit back in this pursuit of the school return, so that it can shine as before.”
Archbishop Job expressed optimism that the school would regain its freedom and original identity if the alumni refused to relent in their efforts.
He also cautioned the students of the college to focus on their academics and avoid what he described as the lustful distractions of the world.
“Your future is in your hands and that God is with you. If you face your studies, God will surely reward you but if you follow the world of today, you will be lost,” he said.
The Archbishop further urged the students to always remember their alma mater and uphold its godly legacy,” adding that: “Difficulties shouldn’t overtake us, but we should always overtake our difficulties. May our youths rise up above the useless things they pursue today and become better.”
The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, who officiated at the mass, also encouraged the students to take their studies seriously if they hoped to become successful in life.
“You can see how great the old boys of this college have become today; it’s a reward for hard work, so work harder if you want to be like them,” Abegunrin said.
Also addressing the gathering, President of the 1976 set, retired Navy Captain Akintunde Olunloyo, urged his colleagues to do everything within their capacity to ensure that missionary schools were returned, including the restoration of the boarding house system.
He recalled that standards were significantly higher during the missionary era, emphasising that students benefited from strong moral values built on integrity, discipline and character.
“During the missionary days, be it Muslim or Christian, nobody was forced or compelled to practice another faith or religion.
“If you try to convert any student at that particular point to follow the faith of those missionary schools, you might create religious acrimony”, he noted.
Olunloyo lauded the school management for its cooperation and commended the 1976 set for remaining united and working together.
The Chairman of the 70th Anniversary Planning Committee, Dr Paul Ilona, also called on government to partner with the private sector to advance the development of education.
He urged alumni associations to complement government efforts, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development and capacity building for students and teachers.
“Our alumni has been giving back to its community. In the course of this programme we held free medical checks and no fewer than 200 people were treated freely.”
“We have invested millions in the development of this school, so the alumni will play their roles while the government should also do theirs.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Building Committee, Dr. Patrick Ilo, advised alumni associations and well-meaning individuals to identify projects that would benefit students of their alma mater as part of their corporate social responsibility, noting that such initiatives attract divine blessings.
He also charged alumni bodies to support government development efforts by showcasing their interventions in their schools in order to attract more government attention and support.
Also speaking, an alumnus of the school, Peter Ewensor, echoed the call for the return of missionary-founded schools and urged government to revamp technical colleges to produce skilled and self-reliant students.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has charged the Chairman and members of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) to allow Federal Character reflect in the activities of the Commission.
According to a statement by the office of the Senate President, Akpabio gave the charge on Thursday when the Chairman and other members of the Sixth National Assembly Service Commission paid him their maiden visit in his office.
The Senate President congratulated them on their appointment and expressed confidence that, with their experiences and maturity, they would deliver on their mandate.
Akpabio said: “The leadership of both chambers made very good choices. I have no doubt that with your pedigrees you will deliver on the mandate given to you.
“The maturity is there. So we should expect the best. I know that with your various other vocations, your experiences will come to bear to ensure that everything about the Commission and the welfare, promotion of staff and even the recruitment, that things are done in a way that reflect joy and national character.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Commission, Dr Saviour Enyiekere, expressed gratitude to the Senate President and the entire leadership of the National Assembly for the confidence reposed in them.
Enyiekere acknowledged the challenges ahead but said the Commission stood committed to meeting the challenges head-on.
He assured the Senate President that the Commission would not only strive to build on the successes of their predecessors but also restore confidence in the Commission’s ability to fulfill its core mandate.
The Commission proposed to the leadership of the National Assembly the establishment of a Council of former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly and also reintroduction and construction of new National Assembly Legislative Quarters.
