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Tinubu mourns renowned industrialist, business titan Ojora

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Otunba Adekunle Ojora, a renowned industrialist, business tycoon and community leader, who died at the age of 93.

In a condolence message on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commiserated with the government and people of Lagos State, the immediate family of the deceased, the Ojora and Adele royal families of Lagos, as well as his business associates, describing Ojora’s death as a significant loss to the nation.

Tinubu said the late Ojora lived a life defined by humility, perseverance, hard work, tenacity and generosity, virtues that shaped his distinguished career across journalism, public service and business.

According to the President, Otunba Ojora remained a towering figure in Nigeria’s corporate and public space for decades, earning respect as an active boardroom player and a trusted voice of experience.

“His passing is a great loss to the country, the private and public sectors, and our traditional institutions,” the President said.

READ ALSO: Senate to hold closed-door briefing on US airstrikes in Sokoto

He noted that beyond his success in business, the late industrialist made notable contributions by advising governments at both national and subnational levels on best practices for safeguarding the future of institutions.

Tinubu recalled that Ojora began his professional journey as a journalist, having trained at Regent Polytechnic, London, before working as an assistant editor with the British Broadcasting Corporation in the early 1950s.

He later returned to Nigeria to join the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation as a reporter, marking the start of a career that would span media, public service and enterprise.

The President further highlighted Ojora’s transition into the corporate world, where he joined the United African Company of Nigeria (UAC) as Public Relations Manager and rose to become an Executive Director in 1962, making him one of the youngest corporate executives of his generation.

Tinubu prayed for the repose of Otunba Ojora’s soul and asked God Almighty to grant comfort and strength to his family and all who mourn his passing.

January 28, 2026
JUST IN: APC NWC, Govs in crucial meeting

Ahead of commencement of congresses and the National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and Governors are in a crucial meeting.

The closed-door meeting holding at the Imo Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja is believed to be one of moves by the leadership to engage in wide consultations with the various organs of the party ahead of the March, 2026 National Convention.

The National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda led the members of the party’s highest administrative organ to the meeting.

The Governors, who are under the aegis of Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) have in attendance at the meeting, the Chairman of the forum, and Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma.

READ ALSO: Senate to hold closed-door briefing on US airstrikes in Sokoto

Others include Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); Uba Sani (Kaduna); Mohammed Idris (Kebbi); Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi); Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto); Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi); Hyacinth Alia (Benue); Agbu Kefas (Taraba); Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom); Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) among others.

Though the agenda of the meeting was not made public, sources told The Nation review of the ongoing electronic registration exercise, the conduct of ward and local government congresses and other pressing national and party-related issues will dominate the proceedings.

Details shortly…

January 28, 2026
CBN, UK investors chart path for long-term capital

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Olayemi Cardoso, has held talks with a high-level delegation from British International Investment (BII) and the British High Commission as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s financial sector and attract long-term foreign investment.

The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, in Abuja, brought together the Chair of BII, Ms. Diana Layfield, and the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery, alongside senior executives of the UK-backed development finance institution.

Speaking during the discussions, Cardoso said the Central Bank remains focused on building a stable and trusted financial system that can support economic growth and create more opportunities for businesses and ordinary Nigerians.

He said the CBN is committed to keeping inflation under control, maintaining a credible monetary policy, and running a clear and transparent regulatory system that allows banks and other financial institutions to operate with confidence.

He added that development finance institutions, which provide long-term funding and promote strong corporate governance, are important partners in Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms.

According to him, such institutions help bring in “patient capital” that supports banks, expands access to financial services for more Nigerians, and encourages sustainable growth in the private sector.

READ ALSO: Senate to hold closed-door briefing on US airstrikes in Sokoto

Layfield, said BII remains keen on investing in Nigeria’s financial services industry and supporting projects that can drive inclusive growth. She said a clear and predictable regulatory environment is important for investors to make long-term commitments.

“Nigeria remains an important market for us, and we see strong opportunities in the financial services sector where long-term investment can support stability, inclusion, and private-sector development,” she said.

The British High Commissioner, Mr. Montgomery, also welcomed the continued engagement between the UK and Nigeria, noting that strong financial systems play a key role in deepening trade and investment ties between both countries.

The meeting was attended by members of BII’s board and management team, including its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Leslie Maarsdorp; Non-Executive Directors, Mr. Andrew Alli and Mr. Simon Rowlands; Managing Director and Head of Africa, Mr. Chris Chijiutomi; and West Africa Regional Director and Head of the Nigeria Office, Mr. Benson Adenuga. Senior officials of the British High Commission were also present.

British International Investment is the United Kingdom’s development finance institution and is fully owned by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The institution manages assets worth about £9.9 billion and supports more than 1,600 businesses across emerging markets, with a strong focus on long-term investment, job creation, and sustainable development.

The CBN said the engagement is part of its broader plan to deepen financial sector reforms, strengthen the banking system, and create a more attractive environment for both local and foreign investors to support Nigeria’s economic growth.

January 28, 2026
ECOWAS lifts sanctions on Guinea

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has lifted all sanctions imposed on the Republic of Guinea.

The lifting of the sanctions is with immediate effect.

This follows the successful conclusion of the country’s recent election, marking a return to democratic rules.

ECOWAS in 2021 suspended Guinea and imposed sanctions following a coup and imposition of military rule.

However, with the country concluding its transition programme and emergence of an elected President, the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS announced the immediate lift of sanctions and suspension.

The commission also congratulated Mamady Doumbouya on his election and inauguration as President of the Republic of Guinea.

A statement by the ECOWAS Commission Head of Communications, Joel Ahofodji announced the restoration of Guinea to the regional body.

READ ALSO: Senate to hold closed-door briefing on US airstrikes in Sokoto

The statement reads in part: “Authority of Heads of State and Government, following consultations between its Chair, H.E. Julius Maada Bio and his peers, decides as follows: Lift, with immediate effect, all residual sanctions against the Republic of Guinea and individuals involved in the transition process;

“Fully reintegrate the Republic of Guinea in all ECOWAS decision-making organs and regional integration activities of the Community; Encourage the Government of Guinea to leverage the restoration of constitutional order to intensify national dialogue among all Guinean stakeholders to ensure greater inclusivity, social cohesion and national consensus in the lead-up to the legislative elections and beyond;

“Urge the Government to intensify efforts aimed at consolidating democracy, good governance and the rule of law, as well as economic and social development.”

ECOWAS Heads of States and government also “congratulated Mamady Doumbouya on his election and inauguration as President of the Republic of Guinea and encourages him to pursue policies towards social cohesion, national unity and inclusive prosperity of the Guinean people.”

The ECOWAS leaders also “commended the ECOWAS Commission for accompanying the Guinean transition process to a successful conclusion and directs the Commission to develop initiatives to support the people of Guinea in their reconstruction and peace consolidation efforts;

January 28, 2026
Firm lauds emergency responders, others after fire incident

A firm, SAO Petroleum, has expressed appreciation to Oyo State Government, Fire Service, CBN, SweetCo, Zartec, Police, the Civil Defence Corps, the Amotekun Security Network and other security outfits as well as customers and good Samaritans who rallied support during the unfortunate fire incident in one of its retail outlets in Jericho Ibadan last Sunday.

The firm said though it was saddened by the losses, it remained thankful no lives were lost.

READ ALSO: Senate to hold closed-door briefing on US airstrikes in Sokoto

A statement by the Managing Director of the firm, Adewumi Oladiti thanked volunteers and the public who helped contain the fire and offering support during the challenging period.

“Your solidarity means a lot to us as a company.Despite this unfortunate incident, we assure our esteemed customers that this would in no way hinder our commitment to giving our very best at all times.

“As the year progresses, rest assured that your love and loyalty to our brand would propel us to do even better.”

January 28, 2026
Delta police arrest 11 suspected cultists, recover arms

The Delta Police Command has arrested 11 suspected cultists and armed robbers and recovered a locally made gun, four live cartridges and other incriminating items as part of an ongoing intelligence-led manhunt to curb cult-related violence across the state.

The arrests followed recent cult clashes and killings in Ughelli and other parts of Delta State, which prompted the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, to order intensified operations against criminal elements.

In Ughelli, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, arrested eight suspected cultists linked to recent cult killings in the area.

READ ALSO: Senate to hold closed-door briefing on US airstrikes in Sokoto

The suspects include Warri Ochuko, 40, and Lucky Okohwoake, 23, whose confessional statements led to the arrest of six others across Ughelli metropolis.

A locally made gun and four live cartridges were recovered during the operation.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and were allegedly involved in the killing of one Alex Adanike, 37, on January 15, 2026, at the Iwhrekpokpo area of Ughelli.

In another operation in Sapele on January 26, CP-SAT operatives stormed a suspected criminal hideout at Irapa area, arresting three suspects identified as Kome Temienoro, 25; Ogaga Omogene, 17; and Biokoro Francis, 42.

Recovered from the hideout were a wooden-carved pistol, a battle axe, a bulletproof vest, quantities of illicit drugs and other incriminating items, as well as a white Toyota Venza vehicle suspected to have been used for criminal activities.

January 28, 2026
Tax Reform Acts not tampered with says Senate, distributes certified copies

The Senate on Wednesday put to rest lingering controversy over the Tax Reform Acts, declaring that none of the four laws has been adulterated.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, gave the clean bill of health during plenary, insisting that the Acts currently in the custody of the National Assembly are exactly the versions passed by both chambers and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

The Red Chamber had passed the tax reform bills as separate legislations in May last year, with concurrence from the House of Representatives. President Tinubu assented to them in June.

Akpabio dismissed claims in some quarters that the bills were altered after passage, stressing that certified true copies of the Acts held by the Senate and the House accurately reflect what lawmakers approved.

To reinforce transparency, he directed the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, to distribute certified copies of the Acts to all senators for scrutiny.

“Copies of the Acts will be made available to all senators by the Clerk of the Senate,” Akpabio said.

“The copies of the Acts are totally in compliance with what happened in the two chambers. No adulteration, nothing.

“At this stage, you can feel bold enough to discard anything to the contrary, knowing that it is not what the President signed and does not represent what you passed.”

President Tinubu signed the four Tax Reform Bills into law on June 26, 2025. They are the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA), Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), Nigeria Revenue Service Act (NRSA) and the Joint Revenue Board Act (JRBA).

The Acts aim to comprehensively overhaul Nigeria’s tax system, drive economic growth, boost revenue generation, improve the business environment and strengthen tax administration across federal, state and local governments.

January 28, 2026
Shettima, bankers urge shift from aid to investment
- …push blended finance for Africa’s development
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a decisive shift from aid-dependent development models to impact-driven investments, saying Africa’s long-term growth will be powered by patient capital, blended finance and private enterprise rather than continued reliance on foreign assistance.

The Vice President made the call on Wednesday at the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) High-Level Policy Engagement held at the State House, Abuja.

He was represented by Hauwa Liman, Technical Adviser on Women, Youth Engagement and Impact.

Shettima said development thinking must move beyond public spending to long-term investments in human capital, productive systems, climate resilience, digital infrastructure and inclusive markets.

“The future of this continent will not be financed by aid alone. It will be driven by patient capital, catalytic capital, blended finance and private enterprise deployed with discipline and guided by impact”, he said.

He described impact investing not as philanthropy in disguise, but as “strategic capitalism” that recognises the link between sustainable returns and stable societies, educated workforces, healthy populations and resilient ecosystems.

According to him, Nigeria is already aligning its policies with this approach by strengthening delivery systems across education, health, social protection, agriculture, climate action, digital public infrastructure and financial inclusion, while reforming institutions and incentives to better serve citizens.

The Vice President noted that under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government has embarked on far-reaching reforms to reverse Nigeria’s economic and social challenges, but stressed that no government can deliver Africa’s development agenda alone.

“That is why platforms such as the Africa Social Impact Summit are vital,” he said, describing the forum as a space for co-investment, co-design and co-delivery involving policymakers, development partners, private sector leaders and civil society organisations.

Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young people and women, warning that fragmentation among stakeholders could undermine progress.

Read Also: Shettima preaches peace, tolerance during visit to Gbong Gwom Jos

“The stakes are too high for disunity. Development is not done to people; it is built with them. Progress demands coalition”, he said.

He urged African leaders and partners to close the gap between promise and performance, noting that history would judge leadership not by speeches delivered, but by systems built, institutions strengthened and futures secured.

Echoing the Vice President’s position, the Executive Director (South) of Alternative Bank, Korede Demola-Adeniyi, called for stronger public-private collaboration and consistent government policies to unlock blended finance and accelerate inclusive growth across the continent.

Speaking at the engagement hosted by the Office of the Vice President in partnership with Sterling One Foundation and United Nations Nigeria, under the theme “Scaling Action: Driving Inclusive Growth Through Policy and Innovation,” Demola-Adeniyi said cooperation between government, banks, Development Finance Institutions and other stakeholders was critical to mobilising capital for impactful projects.

“From the Alternative Bank perspective, there has to be collaboration between both the public and private sectors. For the private sector, we need a combination of DFIs, banks and other stakeholders willing to key into projects of this nature”, she said.

She noted that blended finance initiatives are not only socially impactful but commercially viable, often outperforming conventional financing models.

“Records show that an average blended finance project records about 80 per cent repayment, compared to about 72 per cent for purely commercial projects,” she said.

Citing a partnership project in Kano that supported women with access to electric vehicles, Demola-Adeniyi said the bank’s experience demonstrates that inclusive and sustainable financing models can deliver both social impact and financial returns.

She identified policy inconsistency as a major obstacle to unlocking blended finance, warning that abrupt changes in policy frameworks often derail projects and discourage investors.

Calling for collective responsibility, she stressed that stable and predictable policies are essential to achieving Nigeria’s development ambitions, including the administration’s one-trillion-dollar economy target.
January 28, 2026
Senate to hold closed-door briefing on US airstrikes in Sokoto

The Senate on Wednesday resolved to conduct an executive, closed-door briefing on the December 25 United States airstrikes on terrorist targets in Sokoto State, following concerns over Nigeria’s sovereignty and the alleged sidelining of the National Assembly.

The decision followed a motion raised by Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), who criticised the military operation, describing it as a potential breach of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Ningi argued that the National Assembly, which is constitutionally empowered to participate in deliberations on foreign military interventions, was not consulted before the strikes were carried out.

Raising the matter during plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the lawmaker cautioned against allowing the executive arm to unilaterally make far-reaching decisions on sensitive security issues without legislative oversight.

He warned that failure to assert the National Assembly’s authority could open the door for other foreign powers to conduct military operations within Nigeria without parliamentary approval.

“It is not right. The leadership of the National Assembly should take a briefing from the security agencies on what happened. This is a violation of our territorial integrity,” Ningi said.

Responding, Akpabio intervened to calm the situation, explaining that the Senate leadership had already scheduled an in-camera briefing for members after resumption from the Christmas and New Year recess.

He said the planned briefing could not hold on Tuesday, January 27, because legislative activities were suspended in honour of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who died on December 31, 2025.

Akpabio stressed that the matter was a sensitive security issue that should not be discussed in open plenary.

“We really should not discuss it in the open. We wanted to do it behind closed doors yesterday, but because of Senator Akwashiki, we couldn’t,” he said.

Assuring senators, Akpabio disclosed that the closed-door briefing would hold on Thursday, January 29, to fully brief members on the circumstances surrounding the airstrikes.

“So, your point of order is noted. We need to brief you behind closed doors,” he added.

The United States conducted the airstrikes on December 25, 2025, in coordination with Nigerian authorities, targeting camps linked to the Islamic State in West Africa and Sahel region.

The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in the operation, which involved 16 munitions deployed from MQ-9 Reaper drones and Tomahawk missiles fired from a U.S. Navy destroyer in the Gulf of Guinea.

The strikes were aimed at disrupting terrorist training, planning and logistics hubs amid rising threats from ISIS Sahel Province and affiliated groups, including Lakurawa elements infiltrating from the Sahel.

The operation came against the backdrop of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” following claims of widespread persecution of Christians in the country.

January 28, 2026
UPDATED: Court remands actress Angela Okorie in prison over alleged cyberstalking

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of actress, Angela Okorie in the Suleja prison in Niger State following her arraignment on charges of criminal defamation and cyberstalking.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Wednesday while ruling on an oral bail application made by Okorie’s lawyer, Alex Ejesieme (SAN) shortly after his client pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge brought against her by the police.

Justice Nwite ordered that the mother of one be kept in the prison until January 30 when her bail application would be heard.

Okorie of 1 Henry Montero Street, Lekki Palm City, Ajah, Lagos is alleged, in the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/278/2025 to have conspired with Ifeoma Mbonu (now at large) to commit cyberstalking and defamation by calling a fellow actress, Mercy Johnson Okojie a blood sucking demon in their posts on their social media platforms of Instagram and Tiktok.

The police said the offences, allegedly committed in 2024, violated the Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention, Etc) Act of 2015.

After Okorie pleaded to the charge, prosecuting lawyer, Victor Okoye urged the court to remand the defendant in Suleja prison and fix a date for the prosecution to open its case.

Ejesieme objected to Okoye’s application, claiming that his client was not afforded adequate time and opportunity to prepare for her defence.

The defence lawyer said even though the prosecution filed the charge since July 2025, it only handed a copy to the defendant about an hour before the commencement of proceedings.

He claimed that his client was never informed about the case in court but only arrested her in Lagos the previous day and brought her to Abuja for arraignment. He also claimed that the police denied him access to her for proper briefing.

Ejesieme prayed the court to allow his client to continue to enjoy the administrative bail earlier granted him by the police.

In the alternative, Ejesieme urged the court to release the defendant to him to enable her make provision for her child that has been left alone in Lagos and for her to also file a formal bail application.

The defence lawyer said his client was a single mother of one, who was not afforded time to make adequate arrangement for her child before being brought to Abuja from Lagos.

Responding, Okoye faulted Ejesieme’s arguments. He argued that the administrative bail granted the defendant has since expired upon her arraignment.

Okoye accused Okorie of jumping bail and failing to honour invitations sent to her to report to the police headquarters in Abuja in respect of the case.

Read Also: Tinubu seeks reforms to expand Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, strengthen health institutions

The prosecuting lawyer urged the court to order the defendant to file a formal bail application to enable the prosecution exhibit necessary documents in support of its position that the defendant jumped the administrative bail granted her and also failed to honour past invitations sent to her.

Ruling, Justice Nwite confirmed that the police actually sent an invitation to the defendant on January 16 to report at the headquarters in relation to the case.

The judge however faulted the police for denying the defendant access to her lawyers before the court’s proceedings.

He ordered parties to file and exchange all necessary documents in relation to the formal bail application to be filed by the defendant within 24 hours.

Justice Nwite also ordered that the defendant be remanded in Suleja prison and to be produced on January 30 for the hearing of her bail application.

Okorie’s case stemmed from a petition by Mercy Johnson Okojie’s lawyer, in which sundry allegations were made against her and Ifeoma.

Part of the petition, dated Mary 14, 2025 reads: “Most alarmingly, in a recent criminal and defamatory publication, Angela Okorie published the following statement via her Instagram page @ realagelaokorie:

‘Blood sucking demon no see blood suck again, E say na slimming tea. Except there’s no God, MJ go and beg people you chop their destinies and destroyed their hornes else no peace for the wicked!!! Gospel songs won’t save you. Your heart Is Dark!!!’

“This malicious statement, clearly targeted at our client, was published with the intent to cause irreparable reputational injury, incite hatred, provoke unrest among the public and further harass and emotionally traumatize our client.

“The tone, content, and framing of the publication aim to portray our client as a destructive person, despite her widely known public image as a humanitarian and devout Christian mother.

“The principal suspect, Angela Okorie, has demonstrated a relentless and calculated effort to incite public hatred and threaten public peace by repeatedly using her social media platform for criminal intimidation, false accusations, and criminal defamation.

“She has become the most aggressive and persistent in this malicious campaign.”

January 28, 2026