… unveils ‘30 by 2023’ growth agendaThe Board of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) has unveiled the Group’s new strategic roadmap, SRC 2.0 (2026–2030), anchored on the ambitious “30 by 2030” growth target. Disclosing this on Thursday, in Lagos, the Group Chairman, OICL, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, explained that the agenda is aiming for N1 trillion in total assets, N50 billion in group revenue and N30 billion in profit before tax by the year 2030. The Group Managing Director, OICL, Abdulrahman Yinusa, described 2025 as a year the company made deliberate choices and chose to exceed targets rather than merely meet them. Proceeds from divestments have been redirected into healthcare, energy and agribusiness, the three sectors identified as high-growth engines under the group’s new long-term strategy,” he added. The retreat also featured expert sessions on Artificial Intelligence (AI), organisational culture, enterprise risk management and Nigerian tax reforms, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to innovation, sound governance and sustainable growth.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, in Lagos, reaffirmed the commitment of the force to protect investors’ confidence and the banking sector and other financial institutions with a strong security structure. IGP Egbetokun made the promise during a meeting with managing directors of banks under the auspices of The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Victoria Island, Lagos State. According to him, the integrity, continuity, and resilience of the financial system are directly linked to public confidence, investor perception, and the credibility of Nigeria’s economic governance. The threat landscape confronting the banking sector has evolved significantly.”“Conventional risks such as armed attacks on branches and vulnerabilities along cash movement corridors persist in certain areas. “Our objective is to ensure that Nigeria’s financial system remains secure, trusted, and resilient, while supporting the broader national agenda of economic growth.

The former Chief of Staff to the Oyo state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, and the 2023 Oyo Central Senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Chief Bisi Ilaka has resigned their membership from the party. His resignation was confirmed in a personally signed letter addressed to the Chairman of the party, Ward 5, Oyo East local government area. The letter read, “It is with utmost humility that I tender the resignation of membership from the Peoples Democratic Party. Ilaka served as Chief of Staff to Governor Makinde during the governor’s first term and was the PDP senatorial candidate for Oyo Central in the 2023 general election. He has remained an influential voice within the party in Oyo politics until his latest political move.

… don’t take us back to Egypt — Hon OgahThe House of Representatives on Thursday tasked President Bola Tinubu on the need to redouble efforts to ensure steady economic growth and development for the nation, by ensuring full implementation of appropriation act. Chairman, House Committee on Infectious Diseases, Hon. He said, “Before we proceed to the business of the day, I would like to place on record that the past year has been a very difficult and challenging year for our country, as we witnessed virtually zero per cent budget implementation. “We would also like to charge the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to redouble their efforts to ensure steady economic growth and development for the nation. “It is our expectation that no stone will be left unturned to ensure full implementation of the budget of the Federal Government of Nigeria, going forward, and we hope we shall never go back to the Egypt that we have left.”

“What we need, what we must build with urgency and discipline, is a membership register of integrity. “A conscious member pays their dues—not because they are compelled, but because they are invested. A conscious member studies the party manifesto, understands its policy positions, explains our vision to their neighbours, and defends our principles in the public square. “A conscious member does not work for the party only during elections. They follow party lines, uphold party discipline, and serve wherever the party asks them to serve.

The internationally based collaboration known as the Ovarian Cancer Observatory provides the clearest evidence yet that the Canadian innovation saves lives. No dependable screening method exists to detect ovarian cancer early, and symptoms such as bloating or abdominal pain may only become noticeable once the cancer has spread. Researchers compared rates of serous ovarian cancer between those who had OS and those who had similar surgeries but did not undergo the procedure. In the rare cases where ovarian cancer occurred after OS, the cancers were found to be less biologically aggressive. The researchers say expanding global adoption of OS could prevent thousands of ovarian cancer cases worldwide each year.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reiterated the commitment of the Administration to the full operation of its newly constructed bus terminals across the territory, expressing hope that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) would soon approve the operational contract. ALSO READ: Airport-Kuje-Gwagwalada road network ready for commissioning June ending — WikeThe Minister said, “We are waiting for the Federal Executive Council to approve the operational contract. The contract is beyond the ministerial approval, and so it requires the Federal Executive Council approval. So, we believe in the next Federal Executive Council meeting, it will be approved, and once that is approved, we hit the road”. Wike highlighted that the corridor is essential for opening up the FCT and is also scheduled for inauguration during the President’s third anniversary.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Executive Council and dismissed all Special Advisers. The governor also appointed a new Chief Press Secretary, Mr Onwuka Nzeshi. The dissolution was announced in a Government Special Announcement issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday and signed by Nzeshi. Fubara directed all commissioners and special advisers to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most senior officers in their ministries with immediate effect. The statement reads, “His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, has dissolved the State Executive Council.

Deputy Governor of Kano, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has called on the United States Congress to remove the name of former Kano Governor and presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from a proposed religious freedom bill that recommends sanctions over alleged persecution. In a statement issued on Thursday by his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, the deputy governor described the allegations linking Kwankwaso to religious persecution as unfounded and misleading. ALSO READ:Labour Party, NLC seek Abure’s arrestThe bill reportedly seeks sanctions against Fulani militias and lists Kwankwaso among individuals cited over alleged religious persecution. According to him, Kwankwaso has never been indicted, prosecuted, or credibly accused of religious persecution, extremism, or human rights violations. He described Kwankwaso as a nationalist and statesman whose public service, he said, has been anchored on justice, unity, and inclusive governance.

The Kogi State House of Assembly has urged the state government under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Ododo to urgently undertake the comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrade of Government Technical College, Ankpa, and other technical colleges across the state. Moving the motion on the floor of the House, Akus expressed concern over what he described as the “severe infrastructural decay, inadequate equipment and non-functional facilities” at Government Technical College, Ankpa. However, its current state has limited its capacity to meet contemporary technical education standards and the evolving needs of society,” Akus added. The lawmaker stressed the need for Kogi State to position itself among the most competitive states in Nigeria in skills acquisition and technical competence. With the adoption of the motion, the House reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening technical education as a pathway to youth empowerment, job creation and sustainable development in Kogi State.

Oba Adediwura, who made the remark in an interview with newsmen, said, “Ooni appreciate the governor. We appreciate our governor, Ademola Adeleke, for what he has done so far in Ile-Ife. We appreciate him for the good roads, for the one he has done and for the one he is still going to do. “He promised us when we visited him at Osogbo that he was still going to give us three new roads. “Sincerely, we cannot quantify the impact of that particular monument to history that Governor Adeleke has decided to construct in Ile-Ife.”

National oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), has released its monthly report summary for December 2025. The report highlighted key figures including crude oil and condensate production, natural gas output, revenue, profit after tax, strategic initiatives during the period under review. The report revealed that NNPC posted ₦60.5 trillion in revenue and ₦5.76 trillion profit after tax in the 2025 financial year and crude oil production remained relatively moderate and pipeline maintenance activities disrupted some operations in the financial year. The report said gas sales was also steady averaging over 4,700 mmscfd showing NNPC’s leaning toward gas as Nigeria’s transition fuel and key revenue stabiliser. The data revealed significant gains in network stability and product distribution efficiency, particularly in the second half of the year.

…as NASS calls for inclusion of INEC on First Line charge…warns INEC Chairman of making empty promisesThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a budget of N873.778 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this in Abuja during the 2025 budget performance and 2026 budget defence and the projected cost for the 2027 general elections before the National Assembly Joint Senate and House of Representatives’ Committee on Electoral Matters. According to him, the projected election budget does not include a fresh proposal by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) seeking an increase in allowances for Corps members engaged as Ad-hoc staff during elections. The INEC chairman noted that the budget was prepared in line with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the Commission to prepare its election budget at least one year before the general election. He recalled that during the last general election, INEC made strong assurances about uploading results to the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal, creating the impression that results could be monitored in real time.

Nigeria and China have pledged to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, the digital economy, and agriculture, as both countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relationsNigeria and China have pledged to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, the digital economy, and agriculture, as both countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relationsNigeria and China have pledged to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, the digital economy, and agriculture, as both countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relations amid renewed commitments to economic transformation and people-to-people engagement. Both nations acknowledged that their long-standing partnership has evolved into a strategic relationship delivering significant gains in infrastructure development, trade, and economic growth across Nigeria. The commitment was reiterated at a reception held in Lagos to celebrate the Chinese New Year and the 55th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Nigeria. She disclosed that Nigeria participated in major Chinese trade exhibitions, while more Chinese enterprises scaled up investment activities across the country. She noted that charity initiatives supported by the Chinese Consulate and Chinese enterprises had provided assistance to cataract patients and low-income households across Nigeria.

A former Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, Bisi Ilaka has officially resigned his membership of the party. In his resignation letter dated Tuesday, February 10, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent, on Thursday, in Ibadan, the state capital, Ilaka thanked the PDP for the platform it provided him to serve at both state and national levels. The PUNCH reports that Governor Makinde appointed him on May 29, 2019, as his first Chief of Staff. Re: Resignation of Party Membership,” said “, It is with utmost humility that I tender my resignation of membership from the PDP. It will also be recalled that a former Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Agboola Ayoola, popularly known as Alleluyah, resigned his membership in October, 2025 from the party.