Hundreds of returning Nigerian pilgrims were stranded aboard a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Saturday, 10 January, 2026, after the aircraft was diverted from Kano due to adverse weather conditions, leaving passengers confined for over five hours without food, water, or official communication. The flight, which was scheduled to land at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), was redirected to Abuja as a safety precaution following reports of poor weather in Kano. The aircraft touched down in the federal capital at about 1:00 p.m. but remained parked on the tarmac for hours, with…
Author: Abimbola Ogunaike
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The 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS) has identified policy reform, technology adoption and stronger collaboration as major pillars needed to deepen the growth of Africa’s music industry. The summit, held on Thursday, 8 January, 2026, at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, brought together industry leaders, artistes, policymakers, diplomats and global stakeholders to discuss ownership, investment, distribution, copyright and the future of African music on the global stage. With the theme “Connect, Build, Own: Monetising Africa’s Music Revolution,” the conversations went beyond performances and popularity, focusing instead on how African music can be better structured,…
The All Progressives Congress Professionals (APC-P), a group within the Oyo State chapter of the party, has cautioned leaders of the party against relying on the embattled Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection in 2027. The APC group accused the Governor of double-dealing, saying he was funding the APC faction loyal to the former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi. Rising from its meeting on Sunday, 11 January, 2026, the APC-P, said in a statement by its Chief Convener, Alhaji Adekunle Lawal, that Fubara’s sponsorship of the Rotimi Amaechi faction of…
Major groups, which late Barrister Princess Mediatrix Nwamaka Chigbo, who was murdered by kidnappers in Abuja, on Monday, 5 January, 2026, have roled out a programme of activities to honour her before her corpse is taken to her home state, Anambra. The groups, who have announced their activities are: the Blessed Iwene Tansi Catholic Community of St. Mary John Vianney, SJMV, Lugbe, Abuja, and Global Association of Female Attorneys, GAFA. According to SJMV, there will be a three-day prayers, hymns and Requiem Mass for late Barrister Chigbo at SJMV Catholic Church, Lugbe, Abuja, F.C.T. The activities will begin Monday, 12…
The Managing Director of Lagos State Ferry Services ( LAGFERRY), Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, has said there is a significant rise in passenger traffic on Lagos waterways, describing the growth as geometric since the commencement of the agency’s commercial operations in 2019. Balogun made this known while speaking with journalists at the third annual Ignite Lagos event themed “Light the Waterways”, where he highlighted what he described as a changing transportation culture among Lagos residents. According to him, more Lagosians are increasingly embracing water transportation, a trend he referred to as the “Watermania lifestyle,” with commuters opting to leave their cars…
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has described the late Serikin Hausawa of Ibadan, Alhaji (Dr.) Ali Dahiru Zungeru, as more than a community leader, hailing him as a pillar of unity and a symbol of peaceful co-existence. Chief Adelabu made this remark on Thursday, 8 January, 2026, while condoling with the Hausa community in Ibadanland over the passing of the highly revered traditional and community leader. The Minister also extended his heartfelt condolences to the Zungeru family, the government and people of Niger State, and the nation at large on the transition of what he described as an…
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has strongly condemned the attack on Old Oyo National Park, describing it not merely as an assault on a national asset but as a grave violation of “our homeland, our peace, and our shared heritage.” According to the Minister, the attack and the killing of innocent forest rangers in Oloka Village, Ikoyi-Ile, who were carrying out their lawful duties, strike a deep and personal chord. “I condemn this cowardly act in the strongest possible terms. My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families, and all communities across Oyo State…
By Yarima Haruna, Birnin Kebbi The Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, has inaugurated 21 sub-committees as part of early preparations for the successful hosting of the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival (AIF&CF 2026). The inauguration ceremony marked a significant step toward ensuring a well-organised and globally celebrated festival, which remains one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural events. Addressing members of the committees, the Emir charged them to develop comprehensive proposals and realistic budget estimates within the shortest possible time. According to the monarch, members were carefully selected based on their proven track records,…
The Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, led by Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has constituted a Project Verification and Payment Committee. This followed one of the resolutions reached at the 9th meeting of the 7th Governing Board of the Commission held on December 8, 2025. The Board approved the constitution of a Project Verification Committee by Management to verify all infrastructure, electrification, desilting, environmental, and water projects for the purpose of capturing them in the Commission’s Directorate of Finance and Accounts’ Digitised platform for payment purposes. The setting up of the Committee was sequel to the Federal Government’s directive…
The Federal Ministry of Health has raised the alarm over the changing health challenges in the country, warning that the country is currently dealing with multiple layers of disease at the same time. Speaking at the official inauguration of the Nuparadigm Health Foundation, which marks a new era of health awareness and n the country, a representative of Ministry of Health, Abraham Emmanuel emphasized the urgent need for prevention, education, and lifestyle interventions to protect public health. Nuparadigm Health Foundation is a non-governmental organisation committed to raising awareness about non-communicable diseases and the risk factors associated with them. The foundation…