‘Respected Woman’ — Trump Hails Nigeria’s First Lady Remi Tinubu at US Prayer Breakfast

 Washington, D.C., USA — Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, during the annual National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, D.C., describing her as a “very respected woman.”

The recognition came as Mrs. Tinubu attended the high-profile event, which gathers global leaders, diplomats, faith leaders, and public figures to promote dialogue and shared values.

Trump’s remarks, delivered from the podium, were seen as a gesture of respect and highlighted Remi Tinubu’s profile on the international stage. Observers noted that the acknowledgment further cements her visibility in diplomatic and social circles outside Nigeria.

First Lady Remi Tinubu, who has been active in humanitarian and social initiatives in Nigeria, received the recognition warmly, maintaining her composed presence throughout the event.

The National Prayer Breakfast has historically provided a platform for leaders to engage in non-partisan discussions and acknowledge contributions from prominent figures worldwide.

This interaction marks another milestone for Nigeria’s First Lady in international engagements, reflecting both her personal influence and Nigeria’s growing presence in global forums.

Atalanta Boss Wishes Lookman Well After €40m Atletico Madrid Transfer

 Abuja, Nigeria / Madrid, Spain — Nigeria international Ademola Lookman has completed his high-profile move from Atalanta to Atletico Madrid, reportedly in a deal worth around €40 million, sparking praise and well-wishes from both his former and new clubs.

Atalanta head coach Raffaele Palladino accepted the winger’s departure as part of modern football, thanking Lookman for his contributions to the club and acknowledging the player’s desire to take the next step in his career. “It’s a dynamic that’s part of today’s football,” Palladino said, adding that the team respects Lookman’s decision and wishes him well in Spain.

Lookman, 28, spent more than three seasons in Italy, where he became a key attacking presence for the Serie A side and helped elevate their profile in domestic and European competitions. He also took to social media to express gratitude to Atalanta fans and embrace his new challenge with Atletico Madrid.

At his new club, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has voiced confidence in the Nigerian’s ability to strengthen the team, highlighting Lookman’s blend of pace, strength and attacking versatility as valuable assets. Simeone said that the forward had settled quickly into training and showed promise of forming key partnerships on the pitch.

Lookman’s move comes as Atletico aim to boost their attacking options in La Liga and European competitions, with the Super Eagles star already featuring in squad selections for the Copa del Rey.

The transfer marks a fresh chapter for Lookman, who now hopes to make a major impact in one of Europe’s top leagues following a successful spell in Italy. 

Abia Gov Otti Promotes Grassroots Boxing Development

 Umuahia, Nigeria — Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has intensified efforts to develop sports at the grassroots level as the state government partnered with IKEUJ Enterprises to launch a boxing talent hunt programme across schools.

The initiative, according to officials, is designed to identify and nurture young boxing talents from primary and secondary schools, with the goal of producing future champions who can compete at national and international levels.

Speaking at the unveiling of the programme, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development through sports, describing it as a strategic tool for empowerment, discipline, and economic opportunity.

“This initiative is not just about boxing; it is about giving our young people direction, hope, and a platform to excel,” he said.

Under the partnership, selected students will undergo structured training by professional coaches, receive mentorship, and participate in competitive tournaments aimed at refining their skills. Organisers noted that the programme will also include scouting camps and community-based competitions to ensure broad participation.

Representatives of IKEUJ Enterprises commended the state government for supporting sports development, stressing that early talent discovery is key to building a strong boxing culture in Abia.

Stakeholders say the programme aligns with broader efforts by the state government to revive sports infrastructure and create opportunities for youths, positioning Abia as a potential hub for boxing excellence in Nigeria.

The grassroots boxing talent hunt is expected to commence in phases, beginning with selected schools before expanding statewide.

PDP Crisis Deepens as INEC Recognises Wike-Backed Caretaker Committee

 Abuja, Nigeria — The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Thursday following reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognised a caretaker committee allegedly backed by former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

The development has reportedly triggered outrage within the camp loyal to several PDP governors, including allies of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who are said to be opposed to Wike’s influence in the party’s restructuring process.

Sources within the party disclosed that INEC’s recognition of the caretaker leadership has further deepened divisions between rival blocs battling for control of the party’s national structure. The move is seen as a significant advantage for the Wike-aligned faction amid ongoing leadership disputes.

Members of the Makinde camp are said to be questioning the legitimacy of the process that led to the emergence of the caretaker committee, arguing that it undermines internal democratic procedures and collective decision-making within the party.

The PDP has faced prolonged instability since the 2023 general elections, with disagreements over leadership, zoning arrangements, and strategic direction fueling factional tensions. Attempts at reconciliation have yielded limited results, with key stakeholders holding parallel consultations.

Political observers warn that the deepening rift could weaken the opposition party ahead of future electoral contests if a unified front is not restored.

As of press time, the PDP’s national leadership had not issued a comprehensive official statement clarifying the status of the caretaker committee, while INEC is yet to publicly elaborate on the basis for its recognition.

The unfolding developments underscore the widening cracks within one of Nigeria’s major opposition parties, raising fresh questions about its cohesion and future trajectory.

Electoral Act: Opposition Pushes Back as E-Transmission Faces Firestorm

 Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Senate Minority Caucus has clarified that the electronic transmission of election results was not rejected in the recently considered Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, amid growing public debate over the issue.

The clarification follows widespread concerns and criticism suggesting that lawmakers had moved to scrap or weaken provisions allowing the electronic transmission of results — a key reform introduced to enhance transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process.

In a statement, the Minority Caucus insisted that reports claiming the Senate voted against e-transmission were misleading. According to the caucus, the amendment process did not abolish electronic transmission but rather sought to address operational and legal ambiguities within the existing framework.

The lawmakers reaffirmed their support for reforms that strengthen the credibility, transparency, and efficiency of elections, stressing that electronic transmission remains an important component of electoral integrity.

The controversy has sparked reactions from civil society groups, opposition parties, and electoral observers, many of whom argue that any perceived rollback of electronic transmission could undermine public confidence in future elections.

Political analysts note that electronic transmission of results became a major issue following the 2023 general elections, with debates centering on compliance, technological reliability, and legal interpretation.

As discussions continue, stakeholders are calling for clarity from the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that electoral reforms do not erode public trust ahead of future polls.

Further legislative deliberations on the Electoral Act amendment are expected in the coming weeks.

Union Raises Alarm Over Rising Influx of Substandard Iron Rods

 The Iron Rod Dealers Union has raised concerns over what it described as a growing influx of substandard iron rods in the Nigerian market, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to public safety.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the union said the increasing circulation of inferior steel products has been linked to recent cases of building collapses across parts of the country. According to the association, the use of low-quality reinforcement materials compromises structural integrity and endangers lives.

The union called on regulatory agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and other relevant authorities, to intensify market surveillance and enforce existing quality control measures. It also urged builders, contractors, and developers to prioritize certified materials in construction projects.

“We are deeply concerned about the unchecked distribution of substandard iron rods. This is not just a market issue — it is a public safety crisis,” a spokesperson for the union said.

Industry stakeholders have long warned that the proliferation of inferior construction materials, coupled with poor compliance to building codes, remains a major factor contributing to structural failures.

The union further appealed to consumers to verify product certifications and purchase materials from reputable dealers to avoid preventable disasters.

Authorities are yet to issue an official response to the latest warning, but calls for stricter regulation and enforcement in the construction sector continue to mount.

“I Still Talk To My Kids” — Yul Edochie Breaks Silence On Relationship With Children

 Popular Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, has dismissed rumours suggesting that he is estranged from his children with his first wife, May Edochie.

The actor, who has been at the centre of public scrutiny over his personal life in recent years, stated that he maintains a healthy and active relationship with his children.

Speaking amid ongoing speculation on social media, Yul clarified that despite challenges in his marital life, his bond with his children remains intact.

“I still talk to my kids,” he reportedly said, emphasizing that narratives portraying him as absent from their lives are inaccurate.

The actor did not go into extensive detail about his current co-parenting arrangement but maintained that his responsibilities as a father remain a priority.

Yul Edochie’s personal life has continued to generate reactions online, particularly following developments in his marriage. However, his latest comments appear aimed at addressing concerns about his relationship with his children and correcting what he describes as misinformation.

As of the time of filing this report, May Edochie has not publicly responded to the actor’s remarks.

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate — Thursday, February 5, 2026

 The Nigerian naira extended its winning streak against the United States dollar during early trading on Thursday, maintaining gains recorded earlier in the week amid improved liquidity in foreign exchange markets.

📊 Official Market (NFEM) Rates

• Opening rate: ≈ ₦1,368.56 per $1

• Mid-morning: ₦1,371.40 per $1

This marks a noticeable appreciation from around ₦1,388 per dollar seen just a day earlier, as market confidence stays relatively high due to continued Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) interventions and strong liquidity.

💱 Parallel (Black Market) Rates
In major commercial hubs like Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, the dollar is trading at roughly ₦1,450–₦1,465 per $1 — one of the lowest spreads between the official and informal markets in recent months.

📈 What’s Driving the Trend?
Analysts say the sustained improvement reflects robust liquidity levels in the official market, growing external reserves, and a narrowing gap between official and parallel rates, which boosts confidence among traders and businesses.

 Summary — February 5, 2026

• Official exchange rate: ~₦1,371 per USD

• Parallel (black market) range: ₦1,450 – ₦1,465 per USD

For businesses and individuals dealing with dollar transactions, the stronger naira offers a modest reprieve, though the gap between official and black-market rates remains a key factor in overall exchange dynamics. 

Nigeria, Palestine Move to Deepen Bilateral Ties After High-Level Abuja Meeting

 Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria and the State of Palestine have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance consular cooperation following a high-level diplomatic meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

The meeting, which brought together senior officials from both countries, focused on expanding collaboration in key areas including political engagement, economic cooperation, and support for citizens requiring consular services.

Officials reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Palestine, emphasizing shared interests in peace, international cooperation, and mutual development. Discussions also explored avenues for improved diplomatic exchanges and strengthened institutional partnerships.

According to diplomatic sources, both sides expressed commitment to maintaining regular consultations and leveraging multilateral platforms to advance common objectives. They also underscored the importance of enhanced coordination on matters affecting their nationals, particularly in areas relating to documentation, travel, and welfare support.

The engagement marks a renewed push to consolidate ties between Abuja and Ramallah, with both parties signaling readiness to build on existing diplomatic foundations.

Further details of agreements or timelines for implementation were not immediately disclosed.

Petrol Could Reach ₦1,000 Per Litre, Dangote Refinery Warns Over Costly Coastal Logistics ABUJA, Nigeria — February 5, 2026

 

Nigeria’s largest oil refinery has raised fresh concerns that petrol prices could edge close to ₦1,000 per litre if marketers increase reliance on coastal logistics for product evacuation.

In a statement on Thursday, Dangote Petroleum Refinery said while marketers are free to choose how they evacuate refined products, continued dependence on coastal shipping could add about ₦75 per litre in additional costs. If passed on to consumers, that could push petrol at the pump near the psychological ₦1,000 mark.

According to the refinery, coastal delivery methods carry port charges, maritime levies and vessel-related fees that do not directly benefit end users, making them less cost-efficient than land-based gantry loading.

Dangote’s gantry facility at Lekki — with 91 loading bays capable of handling up to 2,900 tankers daily — is designed to keep logistics costs low and avoid the extra charges associated with coastal transport.

The refinery also highlighted Nigeria’s high daily fuel demand — an average of around 50 million litres of petrol and 14 million litres of diesel — noting that widespread use of coastal logistics could result in an additional annual cost of roughly ₦1.75 trillion.

Industry analysts said that with current retail prices already ranging between roughly ₦839 and ₦900 per litre in many parts of the country, additional costs from coastal logistics could place further upward pressure on fuel prices, intensifying the cost of living for consumers.

Dangote Refinery’s warning draws attention to broader challenges in Nigeria’s downstream sector tied not just to production, but also to distribution strategy and infrastructure choices. It underscores the potential impact of logistics on petrol pricing in a deregulated fuel market.

Oshiomhole Denies Viral Foot-Massage Video, Says Clip Is AI-Generated

 Former Edo State Governor and serving senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has denied claims that he appeared in a viral video allegedly showing him massaging a woman’s feet, describing the footage as fake and AI-generated.

Reacting to the widespread circulation of the clip on social media, Oshiomhole said the video was deliberately fabricated to defame his character and mislead the public. He insisted that he has never been involved in such an act and warned against the growing misuse of artificial intelligence to tarnish reputations.

According to him, the video bears clear signs of digital manipulation and should not be taken seriously. He urged Nigerians to be cautious about believing unverified content online, especially in an era where AI technology can be used to create highly convincing but false visuals.

The video had sparked mixed reactions online, with many users questioning its authenticity, while others called for clarification from the senator. Oshiomhole’s denial now adds to ongoing conversations about deepfakes, misinformation, and political smear campaigns in Nigeria.

As of the time of this report, no independent forensic analysis has been released to confirm whether the clip is genuinely AI-generated or not.

Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has finally spoken out following hours of uncertainty and intense speculation over reports that she was re-arrested.

In a brief message shared with her supporters, the actress thanked fans and family members for the outpouring of love and concern, while promising to address the situation more fully.

“I will speak to my fans and families tomorrow. God bless each and every one of you who showed me love. You all are amazing. Thank you,” Okorie said.

Her statement comes after unconfirmed reports circulated widely on social media suggesting she had been re-arrested, triggering confusion and anxiety among her followers. As of the time of this report, no official details have been released by authorities regarding the claims.

Fans have continued to flood her social media pages with messages of support, urging her to stay strong and clarify the situation. Many are now awaiting her promised update, expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the reports.

Okorie, known for her outspoken personality and frequent presence in the media, has previously been involved in public controversies that often spark widespread online reactions.

U.S. Confirms Deployment of Small Number of Troops to Nigeria

The United States has confirmed the deployment of a small number of its military personnel to Nigeria, marking a renewed phase of security cooperation between Washington and Abuja amid growing security challenges in the country.

The confirmation was made by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), which disclosed that a limited team of American troops has been dispatched to Nigeria at the request of the Nigerian government. According to U.S. officials, the deployment is not intended for combat operations but is focused on advisory, intelligence, and support roles.

AFRICOM Commander, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, said the troops are in Nigeria to assist local forces with specialised expertise as part of broader efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism. He noted that details regarding the exact number of personnel, their locations, and the duration of the mission were being kept confidential for security reasons.

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, also confirmed the presence of U.S. military personnel in the country, describing the deployment as part of an ongoing partnership aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to tackle insurgency and other security threats.

The development comes as Nigeria continues to battle armed groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), particularly in the northeast. Analysts say the deployment reflects deepening military ties between both countries and growing concern in Washington over instability in the region.

U.S. officials emphasised that the deployment does not signal a large-scale military presence and should not be interpreted as a foreign intervention, but rather as targeted support to Nigerian security forces.