Author: Tahir Ahmed

Comedian and actress Real Warri Pikin has announced the cancellation of her Warri show, citing “unfortunate divisions” in the state. The entertainer made the announcement via her official IG account, expressing disappointment that division had emerged in a situation where she believed there should be unity. “It is deeply disappointing that, at this stage in our society, we are still confronted with division where there should be unity,” she said. Real Warri Pikin said the show, which was scheduled to hold in Warri in the coming weeks, had been cancelled because of circumstances arising from the divisions. “It is therefore…

Algeria came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Casablanca on Saturday and reach for the first time the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-finals and the World Cup. Ines Konan put the Ivorians ahead on 29 minutes, but they were reduced to 10 players before half-time in the quarter-final when teenager N’Sira Ouedraogo was sent off. Algeria struck twice within six minutes just before and after the hour mark through substitute Ines Khiri and Amira Braham to turn the match in favour of the north Africans. Between the Algerian goals, Ivory Coast squandered a chance to regain…

By ABUBAKAR Ojima-Ojo, Abuja A retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges, including allegedly supporting the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Justice Muhammed Umar, on Thursday, ordered Ezeakolam’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre after he pleaded not guilty to a four-count charge filed by the DSS. The court adjourned the case until Oct. 29 for the commencement of trial. According to the prosecution, Ezeakolam is accused of providing moral support to IPOB through social media posts, joining the proscribed group,…

By ABUBAKAR Ojima-Ojo, Abuja The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says 22 major offshore projects are expected in Nigeria between 2026 and 2030, with an estimated investment potential of between $30 billion and $50 billion. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, the commission’s chief executive officer (NUPRC), spoke on Wednesday in Lagos at the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE 2026). Eyesan, who was represented by Enorense Amadasu, NUPRC’s executive commissioner of development and production, said the investments would increase production, create jobs, and strengthen energy security. “Since 2024, the NUPRC has approved over US$57 billion in Field…

By ABUBAKAR Ojima-Ojo,Abuja Christopher Imumolen, factional national chairman of the Accord Party, has withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race and declared his support for the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu. In a statement on Sunday, Imumolen said the decision was made after consultations with the party leadership. He cited the need to prioritise unity, stability and continued development over personal political ambition as reasons for his withdrawal. Imumolen said the decision to support Tinubu was based on his assessment of the president’s leadership and reform agenda “The unity, stability, and continued progress of Nigeria must take precedence over personal…

By ABUBAKAR Ojima-Ojo,,Abuja President Bola Tinubu has asked security agencies to strengthen early warning systems, enhance intelligence gathering, and improve rapid response capabilities to prevent further abductions across the country. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to Tinubu, said the president gave the directive following the release of 308 Nigerians abducted in separate attacks in Niger and Kwara states. Onanuga said 163 of the victims were abducted from the Woro community in Kaiama LGA, Kwara state, while 145 were from Niger state. Onanuga said the victims were freed from the Kainji Lake…

By ABUBAKAR Ojima-Ojo, Abuja Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, says the strong financial performance posted by many companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) in the first half of 2026 is a result of the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration since 2023. In a statement on Wednesday, Onanuga attributed the improved corporate earnings to major reforms such as the unification of the foreign exchange (FX) market, removal of petrol subsidy, banking sector recapitalisation, tax reforms, and approvals of major oil and gas transactions. According to the statement, the unification of the…

By ABUBAKAR Ojima-Ojo The Nigerian Army has declared 38 senior leaders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group wanted. In a statement on Wednesday, the headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI said the information on the terrorist leaders was obtained during offensive operations in the Lake Chad region of Borno state, where troops recovered a camcorder and other intelligence materials. The army said forensic analysis of the recovered devices led to the identification of key ISWAP commanders and their locations within the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis in Abadam and Kukawa LGAs. Among those declared wanted is Abu Musa Al-Mangawi…

Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is working to freeze all bank accounts belonging to the state government ahead of the governorship election slated for August 15. In a statement on Wednesday, Kolapo Alimi, commissioner for information and public enlightenment, said the governor raised the alarm on Tuesday at the government house in Osogbo. Alimi alleged that the anti-graft agency also plans to extend the freeze to the accounts of top government functionaries. According to the statement, the governor said such a move, if true, would amount to “the height of…

Chiamaka Nnadozie, Super Falcons goalkeeper and vice-captain, says the team has put their disappointing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) opener loss to Malawi behind it. The goalkeeper said Falcons are fully focused on bouncing back against Zambia in their second Group C fixture, which is billed for 9 pm on Saturday. The defending champions suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening group game on Tuesday, leaving them under pressure to secure a positive result to keep their qualification hopes on track. Speaking during the pre-match press conference on Friday, Nnadozie assured Nigerian fans that the…