Toyota names finance chief Kenta Kon as new CEO
Toyota Motor Corporation on Friday named its finance chief, Kenta Kon, as its next Chief Executive Ofiicer (CEO) replacing Koji Sato from April 1. Kon is known for his focus on cost control and is widely regarded as the architect of a planned buyout of forklift maker, Toyota Industries. He served as Toyoda’s secretary from 2009, when Toyoda became CEO, until 2017, when he was appointed head of the accounting division. In addition to his role at Toyota, Kon oversees finances at mobility technology unit Woven by Toyota, experience that could help as the company works to strengthen its software capabilities to match Chinese competitors. Sato became CEO in April 2023, when Toyota was facing criticism for its slow progress in battery electric vehicles.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 08, 2026 16:21 UTC
Voters’ register: How to check your status online in 2026
So, as the 2026 off-cycle and 2027 general polls approach, one simple task can save you from stress and wasted time: knowing how to check your voters’ status online. In this article, Tribune Online highlights how to check your voter registration status online. How to check your voters’ status online in NigeriaINEC provides an official online portal where registered voters can confirm their status. To access the online portal and check your voter registration status:Visit INEC’s Voter Verification Portal, or Head to the official INEC voter portal: the same platform used for Continuous Voter Registration and verification. Knowing how to check your voters’ status early puts you back in control.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 08, 2026 16:20 UTC
Electoral act: SDP’s Adebayo slams Senate over exclusion of e-transmission
Adebayo accused the Senate leadership of acting against public interest and weakening the electoral process. “The provision for electronic transmission was already there. Adebayo also warned Senate President Akpabio, Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Nigerians would sustain pressure on the issue. “We are extremely serious and sensitive about electronic transmission,” he said. “If you don’t put electronic transmission in the law, this election will not hold, and the government will leave.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 08, 2026 16:20 UTC
‘Detty December’ hangover: Smart tips to recover in February
It’s shorter than other months of the year, and this makes it look like a perfect time to get yourself together. The following are simple tips for February to help you recover your health, money, and your peace of mind. This means that you will, at all costs, avoid eating out; try to prepare your meals at home this month. Eat simpler mealsYou already know that with all the jollof and heavy meals in December, oil is usually present in excess. Above all, following these tips for February, you can clear the hangover and continue the year strong.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 08, 2026 16:20 UTC
Oyo moves to protect ‘hire-purchase’ drivers, targets illegal vehicle seizures
The Oyo State Government has begun implementing measures to address bottlenecks surrounding vehicles acquired through hire purchase agreements, particularly those affecting transport operators across the state. This was disclosed during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry on Friday in Ibadan. Other stakeholders at the meeting agreed that outcomes of the discussions would be harmonised into formal recommendations for legislative consideration and subsequent policy action, aimed at establishing a humane, structured and sustainable hire purchase system in Oyo State. In another development, the Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic development, enterprise growth and youth empowerment through strategic initiatives focused on agricultural export promotion. He assured participants that the state government would continue to provide enabling policies and capacity-building programmes to support farmers, exporters and young entrepreneurs in positioning Oyo State as a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural export economy.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 08, 2026 16:20 UTC
JUST IN: Nnamdi Kanu orders cancellation of sit-at-home in South-East
The leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has ordered the permanent cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home directive across the South-East, effective Monday, February 9, 2026. Kanu, in a statement signed by IPOB’s spokesperson Emma Powerful, emphasised that the people should return to schools, workplaces, and markets without fear or intimidation. He stated that any attempt to enforce the sit-at-home in South-East from this point forward would be considered opposition to Kanu’s orders and the Biafran cause. ALSO READ: Soludo vows continued clampdown on markets observing sit-at-home“All markets, schools, offices, transport services, and economic activities must resume fully and normally from tomorrow. IPOB called on all South-East residents to resume normal activities and ensure children return to school, reaffirming unity and the organization’s focus on freedom, dignity, and justice.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 08, 2026 15:40 UTC
Gospel singer, three crew members found dead in Lagos studio
The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into the mysterious death of a gospel artiste, Matthew Ogundele, and three of his crew members, whose lifeless bodies were discovered in a music studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos State. The deceased, identified as Matthew Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, Itunu Ogundele, and a blogger known as Matthew Awosanya (JoesTv), were found unresponsive on Wednesday, February 4. Reports indicate the victims had participated in a three-day birthday praise event organised by another gospel singer, Olanireti Akinbola. The grim discovery was made by the owner of the studio, Akintayo Akinbola, who is also the husband of the celebrant. ALSO READ: Wife allegedly cuts off husband’s manhood in YobeAccording to the Lagos Police Spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, the matter was reported to the police by Akintayo.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 08, 2026 15:34 UTC
Police arrest 23 suspects, seize illicit drugs in Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has dealt a major blow to drug trafficking and organised crime in the coastal community of Ibaka, following a coordinated night raid that led to the arrest of 23 suspects and the recovery of large quantities of illicit drugs and other criminal materials. The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue. “Investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement and to track other individuals connected to the drug network operating within the Ibaka axis,” DSP John said. He assured residents that the area remains calm, with enhanced patrols and surveillance already deployed to prevent a resurgence of criminal activity. The Police Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse and trafficking, warning criminal elements that no area of the state would be allowed to serve as a safe haven for illegal activities.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 08, 2026 15:33 UTC
Woro killings expose rural security failure, says Hashim
“The killings in Woro have demonstrated how easy it is for any group of deranged men to take hundreds of lives without resistance,” he stated. He raised concerns over the absence of aerial intervention during the attack, arguing that Nigeria’s air capabilities should render claims of remoteness untenable. Hashim warned that repeated delays in security response were emboldening attackers while widening the trust gap between citizens and the government. He cautioned that persistent failure to protect rural communities could push residents toward self-help measures, including vigilante reprisals, ethnic profiling, and the emergence of unregulated armed groups. He also advocated reforms aimed at strengthening rural security through rapid-response systems, enhanced aerial surveillance, helicopter deployment, and forward operating bases in vulnerable border areas.
Source:The Guardian
February 08, 2026 14:51 UTC
Probe Senate over Electoral Act, tax laws, SERAP urges CCB
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has petitioned the Code of Conduct Bureau to investigate members of the Senate and other public officers over alleged irregularities in the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and the Tax Reform Laws. “Similarly, the National Assembly recently alleged that there are unlawful alterations and some material differences between the tax reform bills passed by the legislative body and the tax reform laws gazetted by the Federal Government. Similarly, the National Assembly had initiated investigations into the alleged discrepancies in the tax bill and released a “certified” version of the Acts to address the contradictions. It alleged that the processes leading to the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and the signing of the Tax Reform Laws were marked by alterations to bill provisions without debate and due process of law, as well as alterations to the Tax Reform Bill without the approval of the National Assembly. Citing the Constitution, SERAP noted that public officers must not place themselves in situations where personal interests conflict with official duties.
Source:Punch
February 08, 2026 14:20 UTC
Hajj 2026: Kano pilgrims undergo medical tests ahead of Saudi trip
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced medical screening for intending pilgrims registered for the 2026 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia, as part of preparations to comply with strict health guidelines issued by the Saudi authorities. The screening exercise is designed to assess the health status of pilgrims and ensure compliance with Saudi Arabia’s medical requirements for the pilgrimage. It includes general medical tests and the administration of mandatory immunisations. The Director-General of the Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, disclosed that the screening exercise, which began on Monday at designated health centres across the state, involves comprehensive medical tests, routine immunisation, and pregnancy tests for female pilgrims. He further urged Kano pilgrims to devote adequate time to the sensitisation courses, which are designed to familiarise them with activities, procedures, and regulations in Saudi Arabia.
Source:The Guardian
February 08, 2026 14:13 UTC
Tinubu set for first Nigerian state visit to UK in 37 years
President Bola Tinubu will embark on a historic two-day state visit to the United Kingdom from March 18 to 19, 2026, following an invitation from King Charles III. President Tinubu will be accompanied by his wife and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. “First state visit of a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years confirmed. President Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu will be hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla from 18 to 19 March 2026,” Onanuga said. President Tinubu and King Charles, both of whom assumed office in May 2023, have met on several occasions.
Source:The Guardian
February 08, 2026 14:06 UTC
Senate to hold emergency plenary sitting Tuesday
The Senate has announced that it will hold an emergency plenary sitting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. In the statement, Odo indicated that all senators have been kindly requested to attend the emergency plenary sitting. “The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has directed the reconvening of plenary for an emergency sitting on Tuesday, February 10th 2026,” the statement read. The emergency sitting, Odo announced, will commence at 12 o’clock on Tuesday afternoon. This follows the Senate’s February 4 rejection of a proposed amendment for mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act.
Source:The Guardian
February 08, 2026 13:36 UTC
Lagos seals Ladipo market over environmental violations
The Lagos State Government has sealed Ladipo Spare Parts Market along the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road (Apapa–Oshodi Expressway) over alleged repeated environmental infractions. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the development in a post shared on X on Sunday. He wrote, “Lagos State government, this morning, sealed Ladipo Spare Parts Market along Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road (Apapa–Oshodi Expressway) over repeated environmental infractions; indiscriminate refuse disposal on the median/highway and illegal street trading. #ZeroToleranceLagos.”The popular spare parts hub in Mushin was shut as part of the state’s ongoing enforcement drive to ensure compliance with environmental laws and discourage street trading and improper waste disposal. PUNCH Online reported in 2023 that the Lagos State Government reopened Ladipo Market after it met stipulated environmental and sanitation requirements.
Source:Punch
February 08, 2026 13:36 UTC
Factional PDP BoT chair hails Tinubu, Otti’s infrastructure strides
The factional Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Mao OhuabunwaThe factional Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, says Governor Alex Otti’s administration has reshaped the philosophy and narrative of infrastructure development in Abia State within three years in office. Ohuabunwa stated this at his Amuvi, Arochukwu country home in Arochukwu Local Government Area on Saturday during the 2026 annual conference of members of his Follow Better Organisation in Abia North Senatorial District. “Today, the members of Follow Better and indeed the PDP are not blind to the fact that the present governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, is doing well, especially in infrastructure. Also speaking, the Director-General of the Follow Better Organisation, Ndubuisi Eke, and the Chairman of the organising committee, Sir Owo Eleke, said the essence of the conference was to reaffirm their loyalty and support for the leadership of Ohuabunwa. They described the senator as a household name in the political landscape of the state and commended him for his passion for the growth and development of the Follow Better structure, Abia State and Nigeria in general.
Source:Punch
February 08, 2026 12:36 UTC