The House of Representatives has defended the delay in the passage of the Electoral Amendment Bill, saying the process is aimed at harmonising diverse views to produce a credible and acceptable legal framework.
The spokesman of the House, Mr Akintunde Rotimi, said the delay was necessary to ensure that the final document effectively addresses gaps identified during the 2023 general elections and strengthens Nigeria’s democratic process.
Rotimi spoke over the weekend in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State while commissioning road projects at Isaba and Oke-Ayedun, as well as a staff quarters at Odo-Oro High School, Odo-Oro.
Responding to concerns by Nigerians over why the electoral reform bill is yet to be fully passed by the National Assembly, the lawmaker explained that while the House of Representatives had already passed the bill before its December recess, the Senate was still working on it.
He said, The Electoral Reform Bill before the National Assembly is targeted at improving the transparency, credibility, and efficiency of our democratic system, while also addressing the shortcomings exposed during the 2023 general elections.
“The reforms are all-encompassing and are products of extensive feedback from stakeholders. The Joint House and Senate Committees on Electoral Reforms have met several times. We have held retreats and consultations with community leaders, civil society organisations, and other interest groups.
“The reforms are all-encompassing and are a product of extensive consultations and feedback from stakeholders. The Joint House and Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms has held several meetings and retreats involving communities and organisations. We are at the harmonisation stage, and that will be concluded very quickly.”
Rotimi, who represents Ekiti North Federal Constituency (Ikole/Oye), noted that the Electoral Amendment Bill 2026 is aimed at improving transparency, credibility, and efficiency in the electoral system, stressing that credible elections remain the foundation of democracy.
The federal lawmaker added that the reforms would guarantee that Nigerians can vote freely and have confidence that their votes would count.
Highlighting his legislative achievements, Rotimi revealed that he had sponsored over 40 bills, including the bill to prevent and redress sexual harassment in educational institutions, the Independent Candidacy Bill, and the Whistleblowers’ Bill.
Speaking on the commissioned projects, Rotimi said they were executed based on demands from constituents, stressing that members of the House of Representatives were deliberate in ensuring that constituency projects reflected the needs of the people.
He also urged Nigerians to continue to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying such support would enable the government to deliver more on its promises.
The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has warned members of the public against attacking, harassing, or obstructing its enforcement officers while carrying out lawful duties across the state.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, expressed concern over recent incidents in which its personnel were allegedly threatened or assaulted in the course of enforcing environmental sanitation laws, describing such actions as unacceptable and a direct challenge to public order and environmental governance in Lagos.
He said enforcement officers are deployed to safeguard public health, ensure compliance with waste management regulations, and maintain cleanliness across the metropolis.
Gbadegesin stressed that any form of violence, intimidation, or interference with enforcement operations would be met with the full weight of the law.
He noted that LAWMA’s enforcement activities are backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, adding that individuals or groups found attacking officers or disrupting lawful operations would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
The LAWMA boss urged residents to cooperate with the Authority’s officials, comply with approved waste disposal guidelines, and report environmental infractions through appropriate channels rather than resorting to confrontation or self-help.
He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to firm but fair enforcement, sustained public engagement, and the protection of its personnel, while calling on community leaders, market associations, and transport unions to support efforts aimed at promoting order, safety, and environmental responsibility across the state.
“LAWMA remains resolute in its mandate to deliver a cleaner, healthier and more liveable city for all residents,” he said.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appealed to individuals and corporate organisations to support his administration’s efforts at sustaining the security of lives and property through increased contributions to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).
The Governor made the appeal during a private breakfast meeting with select Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of various companies, organised by the LSSTF in Ikoyi, Lagos, to raise funds for critical security needs for 2026.
According to him, the funds will be deployed to procure multipurpose security helicopters and drones, armoured personnel carriers (APCs), water cannons, digital communication equipment, smart CCTV cameras, vehicles, as well as for tactical training and infrastructural upgrades for the Police, including an ultra-modern mechanical workshop.
Sanwo-Olu said previous interventions by the private sector had been judiciously utilised by the Trust Fund to empower security agencies, adding that the LSSTF model had been adopted by other sub-national governments and even at the federal level.
He said the Lagos State Government continues to shoulder a significant portion of security funding, accounting for over 50 per cent of annual expenditure, while ensuring transparency and accountability in the deployment of donated funds.
“We wanted it to be something that the private sector can trust, where they can see that their support is always judiciously used. There is accountability, and funds are transparently deployed at all times,” he said.
The Governor disclosed that the state is rebuilding its Command and Control Centre with state-of-the-art equipment and expanding its Safe City project through the installation of CCTV cameras across the metropolis.
“We want to ensure that Lagos continues to remain secure. We also want to improve the rescue ability, capacity, and capability of our first responders,” he added.
Commenting on recent protests over the demolition of structures in parts of Makoko, Sanwo-Olu said the action was taken in the overall public interest and to avert a looming disaster.
He explained that the illegal structures had begun encroaching dangerously close to the Third Mainland Bridge and high-tension power lines, posing serious safety risks.
“I am not going to sit down and allow a situation where something drops off and, in one day, between 100 and 500 people lose their lives. What we have done is to push them back for safety reasons,” he said.
The Governor dismissed allegations that the government was deliberately dislocating residents, insisting that the intervention was purely to safeguard lives and property.
He also criticised some non-governmental organisations for what he described as exploiting vulnerable communities for financial gain, assuring Lagos residents that his administration remained committed to improving the quality of life for all.
Sanwo-Olu further disclosed plans to commission 35 junior and senior secondary schools in the Tolu community of Ajegunle next month, with a combined student population of about 22,000.
He also recalled how his administration resolved the long-standing Okobaba sawmill challenge by relocating operators to Agbowa, at a cost of several billions of naira, and providing over 500 housing units for them.
“Despite all these interventions, we still need to keep our people safe and create an environment that attracts investment. Several investors are planning to come in, and we must assure them that Lagos is the right place to do business,” he said.
Adeyemo, a family medicine specialist and owner of Lakewood Family Clinic, Maryland, United States, said the gesture was her modest way of giving back to an institution that had continued to save lives in seemingly hopeless situations, including her own.
Speaking during the presentation of the equipment in Ado-Ekiti over the weekend, Adeyemo recalled that she once received treatment at the hospital after suffering a massive stroke, describing the care she got from the hospital’s staff as uncommon and life-saving.
She said the hospital played a critical role in her recovery, adding that her donation was inspired by the need to contribute to the development of Ekiti State and Nigeria’s healthcare sector rather than wait for what the country could offer her.
“I am a Family Medicine Specialist and a Medical Facility Owner and Operator in the United States of America.
“A few years ago, I was brought to this facility, Afe Babalola Multi-System Hospital, where I received a kind of uncommon courtesy from the staff of the Hospital”.
“At that time, I suffered from a massive stroke. I was attended to by some concerned and altruistic people and institutions, including Afe Babalola Hospital, which played a critical role in my recovery”, she added.
She urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to support the transformation of the nation’s medical landscape by partnering with institutions like ABUAD Hospital, founded by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN).
Receiving the equipment, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Akinola Akinmade, commended the donor for her generosity, describing the gesture as encouraging and motivating.
Akinmade, an orthopaedic and trauma surgeon, said the hospital was equipped to handle almost all categories of medical cases and disclosed that it had just completed its 44th kidney transplant.
He added that since its establishment, the hospital had justified the vision of its founder and had earned recognition among healthcare stakeholders as one of the well-equipped hospitals in Sub-Saharan Africa.
…Olanipekun, Tinubu’s aide, Verheijen storms state for celebration
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has declared Monday and Tuesday as public holidays across the 18 local government areas of the state as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the state’s creation.
The governor made the declaration in a statement issued at the weekend by his spokesman, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, saying the holidays would enable residents to participate fully in the lined-up anniversary programmes.
According to the statement, the milestone marks five decades of growth, resilience, and collective progress for the state.
“The declaration is to enable residents of Ondo State to fully participate in activities lined up to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State, a historic milestone that marks five decades of growth, resilience, and collective progress.
“The governor urges citizens to use the opportunity of the holidays to join in the celebrations, reflect on the state’s journey so far, and recommit themselves to the shared vision of building a more prosperous and united Ondo State.
“Essential service providers are, however, advised to make adequate arrangements to ensure uninterrupted services during the period,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, will deliver the anniversary public lecture.
The lecture, titled “Ondo State: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” is scheduled to hold this Monday, February 2, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), Akure.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku.
Fasoranti, who also chairs the Ondo @50 Anniversary Planning Committee, said the lecture would be chaired by legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), and is expected to attract dignitaries from within and outside the state.
He described the event as an intellectual engagement aimed at examining the historical foundations of the state, assessing its current socio-economic trajectory, and charting strategic directions for sustainable development.
According to him, participants will include policymakers, academics, professionals, traditional rulers, socio-political groups, and other stakeholders.
Fasoranti said Oyedele, a native of Ikaramu-Akoko, is a renowned economist, tax expert, and public policy authority whose leadership of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee places him at the forefront of Nigeria’s fiscal and economic reforms.
He added that the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, Mrs Olu Verheijen, is also expected to speak at the lecture.
Verheijen, he noted, has nearly two decades of experience in the gas and renewable energy sectors across Sub-Saharan Africa and is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the BFA Foundation, which provides scholarships for women and disadvantaged groups.
Fasoranti explained that the golden jubilee celebration was designed to combine reflection, thanksgiving, intellectual engagement, and cultural expression, in line with the administration’s vision to honour the past while positioning the state for sustainable growth.
Ondo State was created from the defunct Western Region on February 3, 1976, during the administration of the late Gen. Murtala Mohammed.
Equatorial Guinea is repositioning its maritime sector to attract regional financing and investment as it deepens cooperation with the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA).
The country’s Minister of Transport, Telecommunications, and Postal Services, Evito Oma, reaffirmed this direction on January 28, 2026, during a meeting with MOWCA’s Secretary-General, Dr Paul Adalikwu, in Malabo, where both sides underscored the need to strengthen maritime trade facilitation, safety, and sustainable transport across West and Central Africa.
Oma reaffirmed Equatorial Guinea’s backing for MOWCA’s programmes, particularly those aimed at unlocking sustainable maritime trade, safety, and blue economy growth across West and Central Africa.
Commending Adalikwu’s leadership, Oma said Equatorial Guinea was ready to deepen technical collaboration with MOWCA to strengthen maritime trade facilitation and transport efficiency in the sub-region.
He added that the country would sustain its engagement with the organisation to advance maritime safety, security, and environmentally responsible shipping, areas increasingly critical to investor confidence and port competitiveness.
Adalikwu, in his remarks, described Equatorial Guinea as a strategically placed maritime state with natural advantages that position it as a potential hub in Africa’s evolving blue economy. He praised the country’s performance in offshore oil and gas production and commercial shipping, noting that its ports continue to play an important role in regional maritime trade despite lingering but manageable security concerns in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Equatorial Guinea remains a significant offshore hydrocarbon producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, and its participation in maritime trade is a strong contribution to Africa’s blue economy activities and development,” Adalikwu said.
He also commended the country’s growing involvement in MOWCA’s programmes and decision-making processes, describing it as a sign of deeper regional integration.
Beyond policy alignment, the meeting discussions focused on access to maritime financing and capacity development—an area where MOWCA is increasingly positioning itself as a gateway. Adalikwu told the minister that Equatorial Guinea stands to benefit from maritime human capital development programmes supported by international partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the governments of Singapore and Malaysia.
More significantly, the MOWCA Secretary-General disclosed that Equatorial Guinea could become a frontline beneficiary of the proposed Regional Maritime Development Bank, an initiative designed to provide vessel financing and fund maritime infrastructure expansion, upgrades, and new developments across member states.
For Equatorial Guinea, the prospect of regional financing aligns with its broader ambition to diversify maritime revenues beyond hydrocarbons, improve port infrastructure, and strengthen its shipping and logistics ecosystem. Analysts say this shift could help the country attract private capital into port services, coastal shipping, and offshore support operations, while reinforcing regional supply chains.
The meeting ended with both parties committing to strengthening cooperation, with MOWCA expected to play a more active role in supporting Equatorial Guinea’s maritime investment pipeline.
Former Vice President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress at the weekend held a high level consultative meeting with the leadership of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in a bid to rally support against the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections.
The meeting was confirmed by the National Chairman of the ADP, Yabagi Sani in a statement in Abuja.
Sani said, “Earlier today, the national leadership of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) led by the National Chairman, Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani, held a high-level consultative meeting with HE Atiku Abubakar GCON, Wazirin Adamawa as part of its ongoing engagements with key democratic stakeholders.
“The consultation focused on protecting democratic pluralism, strengthening opposition stability, and safeguarding credible electoral choices ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“Discussions emphasized the importance of preserving democratic competition, ensuring stable and constitutionally compliant political platforms, and promoting responsible preparedness to protect voter choice and institutional integrity.
“ADP reaffirmed its commitment to issue-based politics, constitutionalism, and broad national dialogue in the collective effort to deepen Nigeria’s democracy.
“These consultations form part of ADP’s wider engagement strategy with political leaders, institutions, and stakeholders dedicated to a peaceful, credible, and competitive democratic process in 2027. Democracy thrives on dialogue. The future must be prepared for.
Yabagi however dismissed any likely speculation about the motive of the meeting as saying the “engagement was not about a merger with any party, nor was it about recruiting any individual into ADP.
“The meeting formed part of ADP’s ongoing consultations with senior democratic stakeholders on protecting democratic pluralism, opposition stability, and responsible preparedness ahead of 2027. We believe such conversations are healthy and necessary in the current political environment.
“There is no hidden agenda or transactional “catch.” ADP remains focused on institutional stability, constitutionalism, and keeping credible options open for Nigerians. Any future decisions, if and when they arise, will be taken transparently and communicated formally.”
There are however speculations that the meeting was part of moves to form an alliance ahead of the elections.
…over 9,939kg Loud, Colos, Skunk seized in Lagos, Niger, Edo, Anambra, Ondo raids;
..12,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection recovered in Kano
A Brazil-based Nigerian businessman, Uche Franklin Onyekwere, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the arrival hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos for concealing parcels of cocaine in his genitals and soles of his footwear.
Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Babafemi said Onyekwere was arrested last Thursday during the inward clearance of South African Airways flight passengers arriving from Brazil via Johannesburg following processed intelligence.
Babafemi said when the 47-year-old suspect was taken for full body scan, the result confirmed illicit drug concealment.
He said, “As a result, he was subjected to a strip search, during which a big parcel of white powdery substance, which later tested positive for cocaine, was discovered wrapped around his right thigh. A further search revealed two additional wraps of the same substance concealed in the sole of a pair of flat shoes worn by the suspect. In all, three large wraps of cocaine, with a gross weight of 1.60 kilograms, were recovered from his body and footwear.
“During a preliminary interview, the suspect revealed he purchased the illicit drug consignment in Brazil with the intention to resell the cocaine in Nigeria in order to raise capital to boost his business and also finance the naming ceremony of his newly born child. The suspect who lives in Rua Ever, Mulariuha, São Paulo, claimed that he has been living in Brazil since 2008 while he has been operating a toy business for about nine years.”
Babafemi said at the Tincan seaport in Lagos, a total of 55 jumbo bags of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis with a gross weight of 1,183 kilograms imported from Montreal, Canada in a container was discovered on Wednesday, during a joint examination of the shipment by NDLEA officers, Customs and other security agencies.
He said the illicit consignments were hidden inside two vehicles: a Hyundai SUV and a Toyota Matrix car.
The statement read, “In Niger state, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence in the early hours of Tuesday 26th January intercepted a long truck marked T 31589 LA along Dei-Dei Abuja expressway where they arrested the trio of Andy Chidogu, 49; Kenneth Ogene, 45; and Sadiq Olanrewaju, 27, for conveying 176 bags of skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 2,735 kilograms and 1 kilogram of Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, concealed in the truck.
“Investigations revealed that Kenneth Ogene who drives the truck left Lagos on 23rd January loaded with 800 bags of flour to Ekpoma, Edo State and arrived the following day 24th January. In Ekpoma, he then negotiated to transport the 176 bags of skunk and 1kg Colos for N1.7million.”
Babafemi said in another interdiction operation, NDLEA operatives in Edo state on Tuesday arrested Shaibu Yusuf along Auchi-Abuja express road while looking for a vehicle to convey 66 bags of skunk concealed in bags of charcoal, weighing 792kg, to Katsina.
He said also, in Edo, operatives supported by Nigerian Army personnel on Wednesday 28th January raided a cannabis farm at Ebora camp, Ilushi in Esan South East LGA where 4,063.675kg skunk was destroyed on over 1.6 hectares farmland while 328kg processed cannabis and its seeds were recovered.
Suspects arrested at the camp include: Jeremiah Nwodeh, 46; Chukwudi Pius,33; Pius Ogaba, 46; and Onora Kwene, 35.
Babafemi said, “In Anambra state, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 28th January intercepted a cement truck at Upper Iweka Onitsha, heading to Nkpor. A search of the trailer revealed that bags of cement were used to conceal 345.2kg skunk owned Abum Okeke, 42, who was one of the three occupants of the truck at the time of arrest.
“At least, two suspects: Tunde Ogundele,39, and Soji Elegbelye, 46, were on Monday 26th January arrested at Eleyewo community in Akure North area of Ondo state, in connection with the seizure of 473kg skunk, while NDLEA operatives in Kano on same day nabbed Abdullahi Usman, 45, at Murtala Mohammed way, with 12,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection recovered from him. Not less than 4,390 pills of tramadol were seized from another suspect Musa Shuaibu, 42, when he was arrested in Gaya area of Kano on Tuesday 27th January.
“While Oragwan Ekene was arrested on Friday 30th January at Okeyson park, Alaba, Lagos, with 15.5kg skunk heading to Onitsha, Anambra state with the illicit consignment, 3.5kg of same psychoactive substance was recovered from a sound system and two packets of cereal found in the luggage of Omang Peter Edward at the arrival tarmac of Seme border, Badagry on Tuesday 27th January. The suspect was coming from Cotonou, Benin Republic into Lagos.”
He said across all Commands and formations of the Agency nationwide, NDLEA officers continued their War Against Drug Abuse, (WADA), sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.
These, he said, include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Government Day Junior Secondary School, Jaji Maji, Yobe; Boys Technical College, Aba, Abia; Government Technical and Vocational College, Obollo Orie, Enugu; St. John’s R.C.M Primary School, Odomola Eredo, Epe, Lagos; Yandaki Primary School, Kaita, Katsina and Seed of Life College, Ibadan, Oyo state, among others.
“While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Tincan, Niger, Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Ondo, and Kano Commands for the arrests, seizures and their professionalism, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue the current balanced approach to their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts;” the statement read.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining an effective, results-oriented relationship with civil society as part of efforts to promote non-kinetic strategies in the fight against insecurity.
Shaibu made this known during the formal inauguration of the renovated and remodelled Magajin Rafi Model Primary School, Tudun Wada, in the Sokoto metropolis on Saturday.
The project is one of the numerous civil–military special interventions initiated by the Chief of Army Staff and executed across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
He explained that the intervention was a deliberate effort to deepen public support, strengthen military–civilian cooperation, and advance community development.
The Army Chief stressed that the Nigerian Army remains people-oriented, noting that the civil population is indispensable to achieving national security objectives.
Represented at the event by the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, and Commander, Sector 2, North West Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Bemgba P. Koughna, Shaibu said such strategic efforts are vital to promoting non-kinetic operations and sustaining effective military–civil relations.
“Have renovated, constructed and remodelled other projects as hospitals, laboratories, schools, town hall centres, boreholes and other intervention projects with direct impact on the communities where our senior officers came from”, he enumerated.
“Today in Tudun Wada , Sokoto metropolis , we speak of and commend Major General Aliyu Abbas Idris , the executor of the project as an officer who served the NA diligently and contributed greatly the service of the country” , Koughna remarked as he appreciated Sokoto state government and the resilient school management urging them to take full ownership of the project and ensure maintenance while assuring that the NA remain committed to pursuing non kinetic approach and sustained resilient synergy with other security agencies against security challenges.
The state Governor, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto represented by his Deputy, Engr. Muhammad Idris Gobir while inaugurating the completed projects, noted that primary education was the basis and back bone of educational excellence.
He acknowledged the strategic and resilient efforts of the Nigerian Army in promoting, securing and fostering civil population relation that gave hope and confidence across the Nigerian society.
“As true citizens of the state, we appreciate with passion , all your efforts to the people of Sokoto state in driving the course for the educational prosperity of our communities”, he said.
In his remarks, the project was executor, Major General Aliyu Abbas Idris said the efforts were tailored at rekindling hope and sustained commitment by the army to to smoothen the course and future of children quest for knowledge and education in the community.
“It is what I desire to accomplish with courage to provide opportunity that reflects peaceful learning environment for academic excellence.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Head Teacher of the school, Kabiru Yusuf commended the generosity of the Nigerian Army for enhancing, equipping and developing the learning environment with state of the arts adjourning facilities to make teaching and learning conducive for both teachers and pupils in the school established in 1935.
“I cannot thank you enough and appreciate our Governor for the wonderful landmark achievements. I assure you we will not only take ownership but protect the facilities and the school as a whole,” he stated.
Africa’s weakest currencies are assessed by their exchange rates against the United States dollar, offering a snapshot of economic pressure across the continent and highlighting countries grappling with currency fragility.
These rankings are subject to change, driven by inflation, currency devaluation and economic or political shocks, particularly in countries heavily dependent on imports for essentials such as fuel, food, medicines and industrial machinery.
However, if current trends of marginal improvement persist, it could ease inflation, boost consumer confidence, and open the door for interest rate cuts by central banks.
Using the Forbes currency calculator, here are seven African countries with the weakest currencies this month.
1. São Tomé & Príncipe – The country holds the weakest currency on the continent, with the São Tomé & Príncipe Dobra trading at 22,282 to the US dollar.
2. Sierra Leone – The Sierra Leonean Leone stands at 20,970 per dollar
3. Guinea – The Guinean Franc follows with a rate of 8,700 to one US dollar.
