By: Biodun Durojaiye Today, I celebrate my brother, colleague, and long-time friend, Gabriel Akinadewo, on the occasion of his birthday. My relationship with Gabriel dates back to around 2008 when we both worked at the now-defunct Nigerian Compass. That was where we first met. He was the Weekend Editor while I joined as the Online Editor. Even before then, Gabriel had already distinguished himself in journalism, having served as Politics Editor and later Group Politics Editor of The Nation. I had also previously served as News Editor of The Examiner after leaving National Concord. Gabriel had — and still has…
Author: Abimbola Ogunaike
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Women in Akwa Ibom state have thrown their weight behind the reelection bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office. This was at the celebration of the 2026 International Women’s Day held in Uyo the State capital, which was attended by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and had in attendance over 5000 women. In her address at the event, the First Lady describes the theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Rights, Justice, Action for all Women and Girls’, as a call to action. She noted that protecting the rights of women and girls by…
The Federal Government has released emergency contact numbers for Nigerian nationals residing in the Middle East as tensions continue to escalate across the region. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria in Abuja, the government urged Nigerians living in affected countries to immediately register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission and maintain close communication with officials for guidance and assistance. The ministry said the contact numbers have been activated to support Nigerians who may require urgent assistance due to the ongoing security situation in parts of the Middle East. According to the statement, affected citizens are…
As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark International Women’s Day 2026, ActionAid Nigeria has called for urgent political and institutional reforms to end the persistent marginalisation of women, warning that gender inequality continues to undermine democratic governance and social justice in the country. In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the organisation said the continued underrepresentation of women in governance and the widespread prevalence of gender-based violence highlight a deep structural imbalance that requires immediate government intervention. The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, said the theme of this year’s commemoration, “Rights. Justice. Action. For…
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected notorious commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), Sabastine Odo Odam, who allegedly killed 11 labourers and five police officers in a series of violent attacks in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State. The DSS also arrested Ejike Daniel, a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), during the intelligence-led operation carried out on Friday, 6 March, 2026, in Eha-Amufu and Umuhu communities. Security sources say the arrests followed months of surveillance over the suspects’ alleged involvement in attacks on police stations and the carting…
Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has issued a stern warning to agencies under his ministry not to allow the rising political temperature ahead of the 2026 elections to weaken national security operations or disrupt essential services to Nigerians. Speaking at the end of a three-day strategic engagement with top officials and heads of agencies in Abuja, the Minister stressed that the country’s internal security architecture cannot afford distractions at a time when institutions are expected to remain professional and focused. Tunji-Ojo said election seasons often create pressure on public institutions, but agencies responsible for border control, emergency response, asset…
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said neighbouring countries will no longer be targeted unless an attack originates from there, as the war launched by the United States and Israel, which triggered sustained retaliation from Tehran across the Gulf and beyond, enters its second week. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump threatened to escalate the bombing of Iran on Saturday, 7 March, 2026. “Today Iran will be hit very hard!” Trump posted on his Truth Social media platform. “Under serious consideration for complete destruction and certain death, because of Iran’s bad behavior, are areas and groups of people that were not considered for targeting…
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed profound shock over the passing of his Deputy Chief of Staff (Legislative), Dr. Dunkwu Chamberlain Nnamdi, reports thegazellenews.com Thegazellenews.com reports that Dr Chamberlain died in the early hours of Saturday, 7 March, 2026, exactly two weeks before his 55th birthday. Dr. Chamberlain, who hailed from the Uteh Okpu community in the Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, was also the President of the Nigerian Aquatics Federation (NAqF). He would have been 55 years old on March 21. Speaker Abbas, who was visibly shocked, described Dr.…
The United States Department of State on Saturday, 7 March, 2026 confirmed that that over 28,000 American citizens have returned safely to the United States from the Middle East since late February as Washington expands evacuation and travel support operations amid heightened regional tensions. Dylan Johnson of the United States Department of State, who confirmed the development through a statement released on Saturday, 7 March, 2026, said the large-scale effort was part of an ongoing operation to assist Americans seeking to leave the region following escalating security concerns. According to Johnson, since February 28, the State Department had coordinated multiple…
The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), on Friday, 6 March, 2026, hosted an Inter-faith Breaking of Fast at the Marriage Registry Hall, Ikeja Local Government Secretariat. The event, which was the second of its kind during the sacred period of Ramadan and Lent, brought together key stakeholders across the Ikeja community in a remarkable display of unity, religious harmony, and communal solidarity. Among dignitaries in attendance were leaders of the Ikeja chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) led by Chief Mobolaji Ganiyu, popularly known as Soku Sembe. The gathering also had…