Agitation for creation of more Ijaw states must continue — Diri
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has urged the Ijaw ethnic nationality to sustain its agitation for the creation of additional states beyond Bayelsa, saying the struggle for constitutional restructuring must continue. Diri spoke on Friday during the 2026 national convention of the Ijaw National Congress held at the Ijaw House, Yenagoa. He said the Ijaw nation should not abandon its long-standing demand for the creation of two more states, in addition to the one already achieved. This means we have two additional states that must be pursued by the Ijaw nation and the INC. Okaba also noted that despite its economic contributions, the Ijaw nation continues to face environmental degradation and infrastructural neglect.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2026 17:19 UTC
Guardian Woman Festival Kicks Off with Call to Action on Gender Equality – THISDAYLIVE
Mary NnahThe Guardian Woman Festival, a month-long celebration of women’s empowerment, has kicked off in Lagos with a call to action on gender equality. As Nigeria grapples with the challenges facing women, The Guardian Woman Festival offers a beacon of hope. With its focus on reciprocity and empowerment, the Guardian Woman Festival promises to be a significant milestone in Nigeria’s women’s empowerment calendar. We are proud to support The Guardian Woman Festival and amplify women’s voices,” he said. But initiatives like Female Techpreneur and The Guardian Woman Festival are working to change this narrative.
Source:The Guardian
March 06, 2026 16:49 UTC
Women’s Africa Cup of Nations postponed just 12 days before the start
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has confirmed the postponement of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to July and August, just 12 days before the tournament was due to start. The decision ends weeks of speculation as to whether it would go ahead as scheduled this month but leaves teams without games to play during this international break. The tournament serves as a preliminary for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, where four African sides will gain automatic qualification, and two more will go into the intercontinental qualifiers. The Wafcon was originally scheduled to be played from 17 March to 3 April but Morocco, the hosts, pushed for a change in dates due to what Caf describes as “unforeseen circumstances”. “Preparations for the Wafcon 2026 are under way and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful.”The number of teams competing at the finals has been expanded to 16 for the first time, with Nigeria the defending champions after they lifted the trophy at the 2024 edition, which was played last year having also been postponed.
Source:The Guardian
March 06, 2026 16:44 UTC
Indigenous Australians share the racist messages they receive online: ‘No one’s feeling safe’
But the once rare racist comments on her social media posts have gone from a trickle to a torrent. Wanganeen’s experience is at the extreme end, but a number of high-profile Indigenous Australians told Guardian Australia the same thing: the online abuse they receive is frequent and getting worse. McCarthy and other Indigenous MPs are subject to a high volume of racist abuse online. One message seen by Guardian Australia reads: “bring your abo shit and I will kill you in a heartbeat slut’. She says she will keep speaking out about issues she cares about, regardless of receiving racist abuse.
Source:The Guardian
March 06, 2026 14:06 UTC
Navy, Leasing authority partner to strengthen maritime asset transparency
L-R: Dr. Emmanuel Metuaghan (Director, Planning, Strategy and Coordination, ELRA), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff, Nigerian Navy), Mr. Donald Wokoma (Registrar/CEO, ELRA), and Bar. (Head Legal, ELRA) during a courtesy visit to the Naval Headquarters, Abuja, where the Nigerian Navy pledged full support for the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority. The Nigerian Navy has pledged to work closely with the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority to strengthen enforcement of the Equipment Leasing Act, 2015, as part of broader efforts to improve transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s leasing sector. “ELRA promotes leasing as a driver of economic growth and ensures leased assets are properly registered and traceable to enhance transparency and maritime enforcement,” Wokoma said. “The Nigerian Navy stands ready to collaborate with ELRA, as effective asset registration strengthens economic activity and oversight,” Abbas was quoted in the statement.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2026 09:29 UTC
Congress, e-registration successes prove party unity, says Lagos APC
The All Progressives Congress in Lagos State says its recent electronic membership registration and party congresses have demonstrated a model of democratic organisation and institutional discipline. Oladejo said the successful electronic membership registration exercise demonstrated the party’s capacity to deploy modern systems to strengthen internal processes. “Across wards and local governments in Lagos State, our congresses were conducted peacefully, transparently, and in strict compliance with constitutional guidelines. “These enduring values remain the bedrock of the progressive movement’s dominance in Lagos State and across Nigeria. “The APC in Lagos stands disciplined.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2026 09:03 UTC
UN House Abuja switches to solar, cuts electricity costs by 40%
The United Nations has transitioned its operations at the UN House in Abuja to solar power, a move it disclosed has cut its electricity costs at the facility by about 40 per cent annually. He said the development represents “something profoundly simple and profoundly important,” as the UN complex begins a new phase of running on solar power. On one hand, energy access remains one of the most critical drivers of economic growth, productivity, and social progress. “Solar energy has the power to transform how this country generates electricity, supports industry, and expands energy access for millions,” Fall said. He disclosed that before the project, electricity costs at the UN House ranged between N432 million and N540 million annually.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2026 02:48 UTC
Iran Missile Fire Triggers Explosions Over Tel Aviv, Israel
Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted Beiruts southern suburbs Haret Hreik neighborhood on March 5, 2026. An Israeli strike targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut late on March 5, according to Lebanese state media, following an Israeli evacuation warning. (Photo by Ibrahim AMRO / AFP)The latest round of Iranian missile fire caused explosions across Tel Aviv and damage in central Israel on Thursday, but there were no reported casualties, and residents have been cleared to leave shelters. Iran’s state broadcaster reported that Tehran had fired missiles “against targets in the heart of Tel Aviv” after Israel’s military said it was working to intercept incoming Iranian fire. AFP journalists in Tel Aviv reported two near-simultaneous waves of explosions reverberating across the city.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2026 00:09 UTC
US House Rejects Bid to Limit Trump's Iran War Powers
“Instead, they enthusiastically said yes, and now they own this war with Iran just as much as Donald Trump does.”Under the Constitution, only Congress has the power to declare war. The 1973 War Powers Resolution — passed after the Vietnam War — was intended to prevent presidents from committing US forces to prolonged conflicts without congressional consent. The failed House resolution invoked that law, directing the president to withdraw US forces from “unauthorized hostilities” involving Iran unless lawmakers explicitly approve the operation. But Republican leaders rallied behind Trump, arguing that limiting his authority during an ongoing military campaign would embolden Iran and endanger US troops. “I think passage of a war powers resolution right now would be a terrible, dangerous idea… It would empower our enemies,” House Republican Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters ahead of the vote.
Source:Punch
March 05, 2026 22:18 UTC
Four police officers sacked over killing of seven traders – Lagos CP
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has confirmed the dismissal of four police officers over their alleged involvement in the killing of seven traders at Owode-Onirin. Jimoh told reporters at the Police Officers’ Mess, Ikeja, on Thursday that an investigation into the Owode-Onirin killings was ongoing. He said the dismissed officers, brought from Nasarawa by the principal suspect, ‘Ariori’, were involved in the unlawful killings. Jimoh urged residents and traders to remain vigilant, assuring them that the police were committed to safety and justice. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the incident occurred in August 2025 during a clash between land grabbers and traders in the Owode-Onirin area of the state.
Source:Punch
March 05, 2026 19:23 UTC
Latest Middle East War Developments: US, Israel & Iran
Iran launches missiles at IsraelIran launched a fresh round of missiles at Israel earlier Thursday, triggering alerts in several areas including Tel Aviv, according to the Israeli military and Tehran’s state media. Turkey says missile from Iran destroyedA ballistic missile launched from Iran and heading towards Turkish airspace via Iraq and Syria was destroyed by NATO air defense systems, Turkish officials said. Trump, Netanyahu hail war effortPresident Donald Trump hailed the US performance in the war, saying Iran’s leaders were rapidly being killed, and vowing to push on. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that Israel and Washington had made “historic gains” in the war. Canada can’t rule out war roleCanadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that he couldn’t “rule out participation” in the escalating war.
Source:Punch
March 05, 2026 16:09 UTC
Soldiers kill notorious kidnapper, rescue four victims in Edo
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade under 2 Division, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, have neutralised a suspected notorious kidnapper, rescued four abducted victims and arrested another suspect during separate operations in Edo State. The operations were carried out under Operation IGBO DANU 1 in Warake Forest, Auchi Local Government Area, and Ujemen in Esan West Local Government Area. This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Capt. “The gallant troops neutralised a notorious kidnapper that has been terrorising Auchi and environs during the encounter. “During the operation, troops discovered a shrine containing charms and photographs of various individuals in an abandoned room within the compound.
Source:Punch
March 05, 2026 06:16 UTC
NIPCO to build 20 new CNG stations across Nigeria
NIPCO Gas Limited has announced that it is constructing 20 additional compressed natural gas stations across Nigeria as part of efforts to deepen gas utilisation and support the Federal Government’s clean energy and post-subsidy reform agenda. “Aligned with the Federal Government’s clean energy and post-subsidy reform agenda, NIPCO Gas Limited, in a joint venture with NGML, is currently constructing 20 additional Compressed Natural Gas stations across Nigeria,” Verma stated. Beyond the CNG rollout, the company is also expanding pipeline and distribution infrastructure in the South-West. Mr Verma disclosed that, pursuant to a mandate granted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NIPCO Gas Limited, in partnership with NNPC Gas Marketing Limited, is constructing an 18-inch, 80-kilometre natural gas pipeline from Sagamu to Ibadan. The firm is also developing gas distribution infrastructure from Sagamu to Abeokuta in Ogun State to deepen gas penetration within the South-West.
Source:Punch
March 05, 2026 06:14 UTC
Morning recap: FIFA dashes Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes, Yabatech student killed, state police panel, other top stories
Top headline on Thursday morning is a blow to Nigerian football after FIFA has officially confirmed DR Congo’s participation in the inter-confederation play-off tournament, dashing the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Political manoeuvring is heating up in Oyo State ahead of 2027, with lobbying intensifying for the ministerial seat expected to be vacated by Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu. On security reforms, Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has inaugurated a committee to propose a framework for state police in Nigeria. Barring any last-minute change of plans, Adelabu is expected to resign his appointment in the coming weeks to vie for the Oyo governorship ticket under the All Progressives Congress. The incident has raised fresh concerns about escalating cult clashes around tertiary institutions in the state.
Source:Punch
March 05, 2026 06:12 UTC
UK Halts Study Visas for 4 Countries Amid Asylum Surge
According to the UK Home Office, the unprecedented move will end sponsored study visas for all four countries and suspend skilled worker visas for Afghan nationals. The Home Office on Wednesday said the decision followed a surge in asylum claims from people who had entered legally on visas before subsequently applying for asylum. “An ’emergency brake’ on visas has been imposed for the first time on nationals from four countries following a surge in asylum claims from legal routes,” DW News reported that the UK Home Office said. Nearly 135,000 asylum claims from legal routesIn total, 133,760 people have claimed asylum after arriving legally in the past five years. Since 2021, almost 135,000 individuals entered the UK on student or other visas before lodging asylum claims.
Source:Punch
March 04, 2026 23:16 UTC