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  • Five common deadly snakes to watch out for in toilets, septic tanks, kitchens, others

    Five common deadly snakes to watch out for in toilets, septic tanks, kitchens, others

    The recurrence of snakes in homes in the past few days has gotten many Nigerians worried and in search of how such dreaded situations could be prevented.

    The death of Ifunanya, also known as Nanyah, and fondly called the “Soprano Queen,” has since sparked intense public debate, with many Nigerians questioning how a preventable death could happen in the nation’s capital due to the unavailability of life-saving anti-venom.

    In 2021, Nigeria’s health ministry disclosed that an average of 20,000 cases of snake bites are recorded in Nigeria every year.

    Also, about 2,000 people die from snakebites annually, and over 1,700 lose their legs or arms as a result of snake bites.

    Snake bite particularly affects the most vulnerable members of society – often those living in remote rural areas, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO)

    Snakebite “poisoning”, known as envenomation, has long been a public health problem in Nigeria, especially in rural areas.

    There are three main types of snake species responsible for envenomation in Nigeria.

    The Cobra or Naja nigricolis, the Puff Adder or Bitis arietans, and the Carpet Viper or Echis ocellatus.

    The Carpet Viper is the one responsible for most, about 90 per cent of bites and 60 per cent of snakebite deaths.

    Snakes can enter a building for one of two reasons. Either for food or for temperature.

    Rats, mice, and even squirrels are frequent prey for snakes, and if there are a lot of them around, they may bring snakes to your home. Snakes will follow these prey into your home and look for a place where they can readily hunt them, such as septic tanks, toilets, and the kitchen.

    On the other hand, snakes, like all reptiles, are cold-blooded (ectothermic). They regulate their body temperature by warming up in the sun and cooling down in the shade.

    When they live in septic tanks, they usually swim upward through the pipes to find a warmer spot to regulate their temperature and then find a cooler place to regulate their temperature if it becomes too hot.

    There are a few things you can do to keep snakes away from your home, the first of which is to remove what attracts them. Mice, rats, and other rodents should be kept out of the house as much as possible.

    Snakes can also be repelled with homemade repellants, such as a garlic-onion mixture.

    These two plants contain sulfonic acid, the chemical that causes one to cry while chopping them.

    Adding oil to the mixture would make it more potent and can be sprayed on snake-prone areas such as basements, behind appliances, toilet corners, chicken coops, and other areas. This mixture, however, has to be applied at least twice a month for effectiveness.

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    Any reptile living in the toilet bowl or creeping up the pipe will be dislodged by pouring a reasonable amount of vinegar into it. It could also send them out of bodies of water in or around your property (pools).

    It’s also crucial to get rid of any potential hiding spots in your home. Trim grasses on a regular basis, and move heaps of materials (woods, rubbers, grasses, and so on) more frequently.

    Check your home for cracks, damaged screens, and other potential entry points so snakes can’t get inside. Coop and other outbuildings are in the same boat. They can slither into extremely small spaces, so make every effort to seal any gaps they can find.

    Here are the common types of deadly snakes to watch out for:

    1. Black-necked spitting cobra

    2. Spotted night puff adder

    3. Blanding’s catsnake

    4. Roman’s carpet viper

    5. West African carpet viper

  • Tinubu orders clear sharing of power subsidy costs

    Tinubu orders clear sharing of power subsidy costs

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to use existing electricity sector laws to make the sharing of power subsidy costs among the Federal, State, and Local Governments clear, practical, and open in the 2026 budget process.

    This was disclosed by the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Dr. Tanimu Yakubu, during a keynote address at the start of a training programme for MDAs on the 2026 post-budget preparation using the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System and the Budget Preparation System in Abuja on Monday.

    Yakubu said the President wants the burden of electricity subsidies to be clearly shared so that no level of government is left carrying hidden or unpaid costs.

    “Subsidy costs must be explicit, tracked and funded, so they do not return as arrears, liquidity crises or hidden liabilities in the power market,” he said.

    He explained that when any level of government decides to keep electricity prices low for citizens, the financial responsibility for that decision must be clearly agreed upon and enforced.

    “It also means that if any tier of government chooses affordability interventions, the funding responsibilities must be clear, agreed, and enforceable. This is not punishment. It is alignment,” Yakubu said.

    According to him, fair sharing of the burden will encourage better performance in the power sector and stronger support for protecting vulnerable consumers.

    “When everyone carries a fair share of the cost, everyone also has an incentive to support cost-reflective efficiency, targeted protection for the vulnerable, and a power market that can actually deliver,” he said.

    Yakubu told MDAs that they must now clearly show all subsidy-related costs in their budget plans and avoid pushing unpaid obligations into the power market as debts that later create problems for electricity companies and consumers.

    Beyond power subsidies, he said, the Federal Government is changing how projects are treated in the 2026 budget. He noted that projects must be ready to be delivered and, where needed, ready to attract financing before they are included in the budget.

    “If it cannot be implemented, it should not be proposed. If it cannot be measured, it should not be defended,” he said.

    He warned that listing many projects without proper funding and planning often leads to disappointment for citizens who expect real results on the ground.

    “A long list of projects is not a development strategy. It is often a map of disappointment. What citizens feel is delivery—completed roads, reliable power, functional schools, working hospitals,” Yakubu said.

    He explained that the government is now focusing on proper project financing, which means that every project must be carefully planned, cost, and matched with a clear source of funding, whether from the federal budget, partnerships with the private sector, or other financial arrangements.

    Yakubu said MDAs must show that their projects are ready, with designs, approvals, procurement plans, and clear timelines, as well as explain how each project will be funded and what results Nigerians should expect.

    On government spending rules, he disclosed that President Tinubu has directed a review of the Fiscal Responsibility framework to make it stronger and better suited to current economic conditions.

    “Fiscal rules are not a slogan. They are the guardrails of the government. Without guardrails, spending becomes impulsive, debt becomes casual, and the budget becomes a statement of intent rather than a tool of delivery,” he said.

    He explained that the review will lead to clearer limits on spending, stronger reporting, better control of future financial risks, and a closer link between long-term planning and yearly budgets.

    “For MDAs, this changes the conversation. You will not only be asked what you want to spend. You will be asked how it fits the fiscal rules, how it affects sustainability, and what measurable results it will deliver,” Yakubu said.

    He urged MDAs to build their proposals around available funds, clearly explain their priorities, and disclose any risks, especially future costs that could fall on the government.

    Yakubu also stressed again that the cost of electricity subsidies can no longer be treated as the responsibility of the Federal Government alone.

    “Let me be direct. If we want a stable power sector, we must pay for the choices we make. When tariffs are held below cost, a gap is created. That gap is a subsidy. And a subsidy is a bill,” he said.

    He added that when the benefits of such decisions are shared across different levels of government, the costs must also be shared in a clear and agreed way.

    As part of the 2026 budget process, Yakubu said all MDA proposals will be tested to ensure they match national priorities, can be carried out, offer value for money, and respect the country’s financial limits.

    He said the overall goal is to make the 2026 budget focus on completing projects and solving real problems for Nigerians, rather than creating long lists of plans that are never fully delivered.

  • Toyin Alausa condemns circulation of images of deceased on social media

    Toyin Alausa condemns circulation of images of deceased on social media

    Actress Toyin Alausa has criticised the growing practice of exposing deceased individuals on social media, describing it as disturbing and unnecessary.

    In a post shared on Instagram, Alausa questioned the motive behind the circulation of images and videos of the dead, stressing that such actions undermine respect, dignity, and emotional closure for grieving families.

    She urged social media users to show empathy by covering the faces of the deceased, particularly in cases of accidents or sudden deaths, noting that public exposure compounds the pain of loved ones.

    While acknowledging that there may be rare instances where footage is shared for clarification or public interest, the actress condemned the routine use of such content as material for online engagement.

    According to her, sharing images of the dead is disrespectful and can be deeply traumatic for viewers. She called on users to exercise restraint and compassion, urging greater sensitivity in the handling of such situations.

    She wrote, “The way people just expose the Dead on social media these days is so annoying and mind-blogging! Haba, what’s the point actually? Immediately, it’s confirmed someone has passed, the right thing to do is to cover them, at least the Face!! It’s showing respect, offering dignity, and, in a way, providing emotional closure for their relatives. What’s the motive of showing a deceased person in full glare?

    “This inhumane attitude has become the norm lately; sadly, it may be necessary and important to get footage for clarification or in cases where the immediate relations aren’t near, but not to be splashed as content on social media. It’s so disrespectful to the deceased!

    “Be it road accidents, in the hospital, or at home, the first thing people do is record and post Haba. Seeing a blank face devoid of life and emotions can be extremely traumatic, and I personally don’t think it’s appropriate, health-wise! We can do better and be more empathic. Laaro Monday.”

  • FUT Daura matriculates 580 students, unveils plans for maritime, aviation programmes

    FUT Daura matriculates 580 students, unveils plans for maritime, aviation programmes

    The Federal University of Transportation, Daura (FUTD), Katsina State, has matriculated 580 newly admitted students and announced plans to expand its academic offerings to include programmes in maritime engineering and aviation technology.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Umar Adam-Katsayal, disclosed this during the university’s third matriculation ceremony held in Daura. He said additional programmes earmarked for expansion include transportation security, smart transport systems, signal and control systems technology, and sustainable urban mobility.

    According to Adam-Katsayal, the university is making steady progress and is on course to complete the first phase of its growth pathway by 2028.

    He added that FUTD plans to integrate modern technology into teaching and learning through the introduction of smart classrooms and the expansion of virtual learning platforms to cater to its growing student population.

    The vice-chancellor also noted that sustainability initiatives, including solar-powered facilities and the development of a green campus, are being prioritised, while efforts are ongoing to strengthen collaborations with strategic partners.

    “The university is witnessing expansion in students’ enrolment, campus infrastructure, including lecture halls, laboratories, workshops, and staff accommodations.

    “Short and executive courses will soon be introduced to satisfy the needs of the working class and executive officers.

    ”We are also planning to intensify research efforts in autonomous vehicles and green logistics, as well as sustain staff capacity building and industry partnerships,” the V-C said.

    He stated that achievements and prospects are being recorded despite some challenges in running the institution’s affairs, urging the new students to embrace the core values the university stands for.

    The V-C said that the values will not only guide them through their academic sojourn, but will also shape them into becoming the future leaders in the transportation ecosystem.

    “You must therefore avoid all forms of social vices such as drug abuse, bullying, cultism, examination misconduct, theft, fighting, and be good ambassadors of your family.

    “Take note that the matriculation oath you have been administered will guide you, and the university will employ it in making decisions on any act of misconduct.

    “I therefore strongly state here that the university will not take it lightly with violators of its set rules and regulations,” Adam-Katsayal warned the students

  • Why Ondo is yet to generate, distribute electricity independently, by Aiyedatiwa

    Why Ondo is yet to generate, distribute electricity independently, by Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has explained why the state is yet to commence ‘independent electricity generation’ despite the transfer of regulatory oversight to the state by the federal government. 

    Aiyedatiwa said his administration is not relenting in jumping at the opportunity provided by the federal government at ensuring the state generates electricity independently and distributes for the benefit of residents of the state. 

    Last year, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced the completion of the transfer of regulatory oversight to four states in the country. 

    NERC listed the states to include: Enugu, Ekiti, Ondo, and Imo, which are now fully responsible for the regulation of their electricity markets.

    Speaking to journalists at the event to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Ondo state, Governor Aiyedatiwa said that his administration is presently concentrating on strengthening regulation, improving distribution and partnering with existing power distribution companies to enhance supply to residents.

    He explained that although the state does not currently generate its own electricity, it has established structures to oversee and regulate the sector through the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, which interfaces directly with distribution companies operating within the state.

    The governor admitted that the state has not started generating electricity independently but emphasised that his government has been actively engaging the Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to ensure better service delivery and protect consumers from exploitation.

    “Yes, we are not generating one for now, but in terms of regulation and distribution, we are very active,” he added.

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    Aiyedatiwa added, “We have been doing a lot in that sector. You can see that all the DISCOs operating in Ondo State, we are working together with them. 

    “We have the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Commission. We regulate and interface with them, so we are in charge of our own electricity.”

    Aiyedatiwa highlighted the introduction of the ‘O’ Datiwa Meter’ initiative as one of the key interventions by his administration to address the challenge of estimated billing, popularly known as “crazy bills,” imposed on consumers.

    According to him, the state government had to subsidise the distribution of meters to residents to ensure transparency and fairness in electricity charges.

    “Don’t forget the O’ Datiwa meter that we took up when they were giving crazy bills to our people. We had to take it upon ourselves to subsidise the distribution of meters to our people,” he said.

    He noted that the intervention has helped reduce disputes between consumers and service providers while improving accountability in billing. 

    The governor also said electricity supply has improved in several parts of the state due to sustained engagement with the distribution companies, stressing that many communities now enjoy more stable and consistent power.

    “If you look at it, electricity has been very, very constant in some parts of Ondo state since we came on board. It is because of the engagement we have been having with the distribution company,” he stated. 

    Aiyedatiwa referenced the band classification system introduced by electricity providers, explaining that customers on higher bands receive longer hours of supply.

    “Yes, there is Band A, Band B, and all of that. If you are on Band A, you can be having up to 18 hours in a day out of 24 hours, if I am not mistaken,” he said.

    He acknowledged that electricity tariffs remain high for many residents but expressed optimism that costs would reduce over time as the system improves.

    “Over time, just like when GSM started, it was expensive, but today it is cheap. It is the same thing. So, with time, we are going to improve on our administration, and then it becomes cheaper for all,” he explained.

    The governor further pointed to improved electricification and lighting across parts of Akure and other areas, noting that both solar-powered lights and those connected to the national grid are functioning due to better supply.

    Aiyedatiwa reiterated that while independent power generation remains a future goal, the immediate priority is to stabilise distribution, strengthen regulation, and protect consumers from excessive billing.

    He, however, assured the residents of the government’s commitment to making power more reliable and affordable.

  • Lokpobiri, Ekpo make case for local content at NIES

    Lokpobiri, Ekpo make case for local content at NIES

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo on Monday called for the achievement of local content in the industry.

    Speaking at the Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES 2026) in Abuja, Lokpobiri described local content as basic to the attainment of the growth of African energy and by extension economy.

    His words, “We had the privilege of becoming Ministers. I hear that today’s edition is dedicated to local content. And local content is so fundamental to Africa’s achievement of our energy, you know, growth as a country.”

    The theme of the session was “Local Content: Beyond Compliance: Building African Industrial Powerhouses.”

    He recalled that on assumption of office, one of his initial challenges was local content because the cost of project was higher in Nigeria than elsewhere in Africa.

    Lamenting Lokpobiri added that “And so we had to find a solution. Can’t see the reason why a country that is physically at home will have lower project costs than Nigeria. And so we had to tackle that problem.

    “And we found out that the problem was, you know, misapplication of the local content. Literally, I was a senator when the local content law was passed in 2010. And I was a member of the committee.”

    Similarly, Ekpo said historically, local content implementation has been driven largely by compliance, meeting prescribed thresholds for contracts, labour, and ownership. 

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    He noted that while this has increased participation, it has not always translated into globally competitive indigenous gas companies, advanced technological capability, or deep and sustainable value retention within our economies.

    Ekpo said the session rightly challenged the stakeholders to move beyond compliance toward performance-driven local content, that is, local content that deliberately builds industrial strength and long-term competitiveness.

    The minister stressed that in the gas industry, this means developing robust indigenous capacity across engineering and project execution, gas processing, pipeline construction, operations and maintenance, fabrication, LNG and FLNG services, gas-based manufacturing, and downstream utilization. It means ensuring that Nigerian and African companies are not only present in the value chain, but productive, innovative, bankable, and export ready.

    Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Patience Oyekunle said the theme the dialogue is timely.

    According to Director Midstream and Downstream, Irene Ikemba, who represented her, across Africa, energy future must be deliberately shaped by capability, competitiveness, and shared prosperity. 

    She said the  Summit theme “Energy for Peace and Prosperity: Securing Our Shared Future” Speaks directly to the task before us. Energy is not merely a commodity; it is a catalyst for stability, industrialisation, and inclusive growth, and National Security.  

  • Police urge NLC to shelve Tuesday’s planned protest

    Police urge NLC to shelve Tuesday’s planned protest

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Monday advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) FCT chapter to rescheduled Tuesday’s planned peaceful protest.  

    NLC had fixed Tuesday to protest over unpaid allowances to workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

    A statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josehine Adeh said the development is in the overriding interest of public safety.

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    Adeh said, “The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command is aware of a planned peaceful protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) FCT Council, scheduled to hold tomorrow, Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, within the Federal Capital Territory.

    “While the Command recognizes 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.

    “In view of the above, and in the overriding interest of public safety, the FCT Police Command respectfully appeals to the organizers 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 Command assures residents of the Federal Capital Territory of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges all citizens to continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the collective effort to maintain peace and security.”

  • Lagos warns content creators against using children in harmful online content

    Lagos warns content creators against using children in harmful online content

    The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to content creators, influencers and digital media producers over the use of children in online content that violates child protection laws, saying offenders risk criminal prosecution.

    The warning was contained in a joint statement released by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, and the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi.

    The government said the directive followed growing concerns about the portrayal and involvement of minors in digital content that could be harmful, exploitative or degrading, particularly on social media platforms.

    According to the statement, children are a legally protected and vulnerable group under Nigerian law and must not be exposed to content that undermines their dignity, safety or psychological wellbeing.

    “Involving minors in content that depicts abuse, sexual themes, harmful stereotypes or unsafe scenarios is not only unethical but also contrary to existing laws designed to protect children,” the statement read.

    The government stressed that creating, distributing or profiting from content that sexualises, exploits or endangers minors constitutes a criminal offence under several legal frameworks.

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    It cited Sections 25(1) and 26 of the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law (2015), which prohibit exploitative child labour and all forms of child abuse, as well as Sections 135–139 and 141 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015), which deal with sexual offences against children.

    The statement also referenced Section 23 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015), which criminalises child pornography and related online offences, and Section 24 of the same Act, which prohibits cyberstalking and online harassment. In addition, Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Act provides for up to 14 years’ imprisonment for the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.

    Reaffirming the state’s position, the Lagos State Government said it maintains zero tolerance for all forms of child abuse and will work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure strict compliance with existing laws.

    “We will continue to engage relevant stakeholders and take necessary action to address violations of child protection laws when they occur,” the statement said.

    Content creators were urged to familiarise themselves with applicable legal provisions and to prioritise the safety, dignity and overall wellbeing of children in all forms of creative expression.

    The government also encouraged members of the public to report cases of child abuse through designated reporting channels provided, stressing that child protection is a shared responsibility.

  • Aura V makes history as youngest Grammy winner at 8

    Aura V makes history as youngest Grammy winner at 8

    Eight-year-old American singer Aura V has become the youngest individual to be credited a Grammy win in history at age eight.

    She won Best Children’s Music Album for “Harmony” alongside her father Fyütch at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, breaking the record previously held by Blue Ivy, who won her first Grammy at 9 in 2021.

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    Blue Ivy, daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, won Best Music Video for her contribution to “Brown Skin Girl”, featuring Beyoncé, Wizkid, and Saint Jhn.

    Aura V’s win makes her the youngest winner ever in Grammy’s history.

  • How online trolls mocked my dentition – Actress Blessing Obasi

    How online trolls mocked my dentition – Actress Blessing Obasi

    Actress Blessing Obasi Nze has revealed how she was trolled online over her teeth during her first wedding anniversary photo shoot.

    Speaking during an interview with media personality Ifedayo Agoro, Blessing said the criticism led her to improve her smile for which she’s now confident.

    She said: “They showed me during my first anniversary. They said I should stop laughing, that my dentition is bad. Shebi, now my teeth are fine. It’s trolling that gave me this fine dentition now.”

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    The mother of one also spoke about her marriage to fellow actor Stan Nze, saying that their relationship is built on support and teamwork.

    She addressed working with her husband, stating he gets paid like every other professional on set, contrary to assumptions.

    “We’ve always known that it’s me and you against the world,” she said, adding she’s proud to spend her money on her husband when needed.