The exchange, which occurred on Sunday, was triggered by a report on alleged vandalism of rehabilitation work on the Ilesha–Ibadan Expressway. Reacting to the report, Onanuga, via his X handle @aoanuga1956, condemned the act and called for severe punishment for those involved. Hours later, Shaibu responded through his handle, @phrankangel, faulting the statement and describing it as inappropriate for a government official. Shaibu responded with a detailed explanation, maintaining that “shoot on sight” is a fixed idiom in English and should not be altered. As of the time of filing this report, Onanuga had not responded to Shaibu’s latest remarks.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 17:47 UTC
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, has raised concerns over the persistent killings in different parts of Nigeria, calling on Nigerians to unite and put an end to the bloodshed. Also speaking at the event, former Senate President and ex-Kwara State Governor, Dr Bukola Saraki, who was the guest speaker, urged Nigerians to prioritise competence and leadership qualities over political affiliation. “APC is moving from Rivers, Plateau, Taraba and Kano states, and our next destination is Adamawa State. “In 2023, we saw treachery; we saw assault; we saw the moral compromise of a bankrupt elite masked as patriots. He urged Nigerians not to wait for the justice system alone to deal with such individuals.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 17:37 UTC
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced that persons with disabilities (PWDs) will receive free application documents for the 2026/2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. As done in previous years, the Board said the free application documents would be processed through the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group for eligible candidates with disabilities who intend to sit the examination. He restated the Board’s commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities through its free application documents initiative. According to Oloyede, beneficiaries of the scheme include, but are not limited to, persons living with Down syndrome, autism, dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). “To support persons living with disabilities, JAMB will issue free application documents to all categories of persons living with disabilities.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 17:13 UTC
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has completed and commissioned a 100 kWp solar mini-grid in Damau, a rural community in the Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State, marking another milestone in the Agency’s mandate to expand sustainable energy access and improve socio-economic growth in underserved and underserved communities across Nigeria. The MD/CEO, REA, Dr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, while speaking on the intervention, said the Damau project reflects the Agency’s evolving approach to rural electrification, which deliberately integrates energy access with social infrastructure and community needs rather than deploying power in isolation. “The ongoing energy access scale-up effort of the Federal Government is a clear example of how decentralised renewable energy can transform rural communities,” the REA boss said. ALSO READ: Kogi govt issues mini-grid permit to investorsThe Damau mini-grid, delivered through the Federal Government’s Capital Subvention, is one of several renewable energy infrastructure projects being deployed by the REA. The community borehole, powered by the mini-grid and designed as part of the Agency’s intervention, has significantly reduced the burden of water scarcity, particularly for women and children who traditionally travel long distances in search of water.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 17:02 UTC
UAC of Nigeria PLC in its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended 31 December 2025, recorded a 74 percent increase in revenue to N343.4 billion, following the successful completion of its transformational acquisition of C.H.I. Operating profit stood at N8.2 billion, down from N12.2 billion in Q4 2024, reflecting the impact of one-off transaction costs related to the acquisition of C.H.I. Excluding these one-off costs, operating profit surged to N20.3 billion, representing a 66 per cent year-on-year increase. Limited significantly increased the scale of our Group, with revenue reaching N343 billion, a 74 percent increase compared to 2024. Beyond its operating subsidiaries, UAC also benefited from improved contributions from associate companies, supported by sales of non-core property assets at MDS Logistics Limited.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 16:49 UTC
Italian singer and guitarist Stefania “Alos” Pedretti has regained her voice by screaming after losing her ability to speak following a coma caused by severe encephalitis in January 2022. After intubation during her coma, Pedretti’s vocal cords were unable to close, leaving her unable to speak for months. Once Pedretti’s voice returned, she followed months of exercises to re-learn proper speaking and singing techniques. “I realise that there are social barriers to shouting and screaming,” Pedretti reflects. It is our right to scream, if we want to.”Her story demonstrates how music and instinctive vocal expression can be powerful tools for healing and reclaiming one’s voice.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 16:49 UTC
Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and his wife, Chioma Adeleke, have ignited social media debates over their fashion choices at the 68th Grammy Awards, held Sunday, February 1, at the Crypto Arena in Los Angeles. While Davido opted for a sleek black suit, his wife, making her Grammys debut, turned heads in a sheer dress that drew mixed reactions online. Social media users criticised the couple’s styling, with many focusing on Chioma’s choice of outfit. Comments ranged from suggestions that her stylist should be “sacked” to arguments that she personally approved the look. A wife and a mom oo we Africans love copying the wrong things.”Some reactions focused on Chioma’s comfort and style.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 16:47 UTC
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has said the ruling party remains open to welcoming the former presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, Rabi’u Kwankwaso. Yilwatda made the remark amid recent political realignments and speculations in Kano State politics, which have also drawn reactions from Kwankwaso. Recall that the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, recently defected from the NNPP to the APC, alongside members of the State House of Assembly and House of Representatives. Speaking during an interview on Trust TV on Sunday, the APC chairman said that although the party is not currently in talks with the former Kano governor, he would be warmly received if he chose to join the APC. “Our doors are still open for Kwankwaso to join the APC.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 16:24 UTC
The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa had its electricity disconnected on Monday over unpaid utility bills. “#TshwaneYaTima: We’ve disconnected electricity at the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. She also shared a photo of the Nigerian High Commission building in South Africa. Under the #TshwaneYaTima campaign, the city has maintained that no debtor is exempt from disconnection when utility bills remain unpaid, including government agencies, international missions, and large organisations. “We thank the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for honouring its debt to the city.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 16:22 UTC
“Indeed, we humbly appeal to your office concerning the ongoing process for the selection of the next Awujale of Ijebuland. “We acknowledge and appreciate the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for steps taken so far in ensuring that the Fusengbuwa Ruling House produces the next Awujale of Ijebuland. We also express our gratitude to the Kingmakers for their efforts to see that due process is followed,” he said. Olufeko appreciated the guidance of the Olori Ebis, especially the Head of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Alhaji Lateef Owoyemi, for his fatherly role in guiding the family through the process. The statement comes amid heightened debate over eligibility for the Awujale stool, following protests by members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House last Friday over alleged attempts to impose a candidate.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 16:14 UTC
Some of the newly released documents contain allegations that Epstein provided victims to other men. Earlier disclosures, as well as court filings, also point to potential criminal involvement of others alongside Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. One accuser said Maxwell told her that Epstein had to leave his house but that a friend was staying who she could massage. Files describe claims that Epstein instructed an accuser to give Black a massage, with additional sexual misconduct alleged. “The recent documents only confirm what the victims have been saying all along,” said Spencer Kuvin of GOLDLAW, who represents numerous Epstein survivors.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 15:52 UTC
It was Jiménez’s 12th successful penalty from 12 attempts — a perfect record that lifts him above Manchester City great Yaya Touré. It was titled, “Jimenez overtakes Yaya Toure as Premier League’s best-ever penalty-taker.”In doing so, Jiménez became “the only player to have taken and converted 12 spot-kicks” in Premier League history, surpassing Touré’s long-standing 11-from-11 mark. The goal came during Fulham’s dramatic 3–2 defeat to Manchester United, but the result was secondary to the moment. He took his place in Premier League history, the release concluded. PUNCH Online reported that Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick extended his perfect start as Benjamin Sesko’s stoppage-time strike sealed a pulsating 3-2 win over Fulham on Sunday.
Source:Punch
February 02, 2026 15:48 UTC
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police Force has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council, to reschedule its planned peaceful mass protest slated for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, citing concerns over public safety. The police advice followed a mobilisation notice issued on Saturday, January 31, 2026, and signed by the Chairperson of the NLC FCT Council, Comrade Stephen Knabayi, calling on all affiliate unions to assemble at Labour House by 7:00 am for the protest. The Command assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order across the FCT. Following the ruling, the FCT Minister urged workers to return to work, stressing the need to respect court orders. Despite the planned NLC protest and JUAC’s directive, many workers returned to duty on Monday.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 15:32 UTC
Oyo State Government has approved the early closure of offices across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enable public officers to fully participate in the grand finale of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Oyo. The directive was conveyed in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Adetunji Babatunde, on Monday. According to the directive, all state government offices are to close by 12:00 noon on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Heads of MDAs have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the directive, while also making adequate arrangements for skeletal services in critical areas where necessary. Babatunde urged that the information be given the widest publicity to ensure awareness and compliance across the state.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 15:11 UTC
A total of 32 teams are expected to participate in the 12th edition of Obafemi & H.I.D Awolowo Memorial Kids Cup which begins this afternoon in Lekki playground, Lagos. 16 teams from both U-10 boys and U-17 girls categories in southwest of Nigeria would involve in the annual tournament supported by Obafemi Awolowo Foundation and sponsored by Value Jet Airline. The tournament is organised to immortalise first premier of Western Region of Nigeria, late Obafemi Awolowo and also to mark his 117 years posthumous Birthday in southwest. The opening natch would between Young Boys FA from Orile, Lagos and Otta Babes FA from Sango Otta,Ogun State, while the girls category would witness United Queens FC from Ibadan and Marry Queens FC from Lagos. He also thanked the Awolowo Foundation for supporting the competition since inception and promised that this year’s edition would be better organised.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 02, 2026 15:11 UTC