News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE     Nnamdi Kanu The leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu has directed total cancellation of sit-at-home across the Southeast. IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful said in a statement on Sunday that the sit-at-home directive has been officially and permanently cancelled with effect from Monday, 9 February 2026. He said: "This directive comes directly from Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu himself, who has once again staked everything on the line to ensure that our children return to school every Monday and that our people go about their lawful businesses without fear, intimidation, or molestation." Powerful argued that anybody in doubt of the cancellation should visit Kanu at the Sokoto prison for confirmation.  "There is now no need, excuse, or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays. "All markets, schools, offices, transport services, and economic activities must resume fully and normally. From tomorrow, the Monday sit-...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja    Engr David Umahi The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has threatened to terminate the contract awarded to Chinese companies over shoddy jobs and delays in the execution of projects despite receiving mobilisation funds.   At a high-level meeting with the officials  of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and its sister company, China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC) in Abuja, Umahi said that the decision was a decisive step meant to address public complaints and enforce contractor accountability.  Both companies are the concessionaires on Mararaba-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Dual Carriageway. During the meeting, several concerns relating to CHEC and CHOMC’s projects were reviewed, just as the government warned the companies to safeguard public health and ensure quality project in order to protect government's investment. Umahi disclosed that the ministry received a formal petition over the ongoing ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Governor Mai Mala Buni  Exporters and investors on infrastructure, agriculture and mining are set to explore the untapped and hidden economic potentials in Yobe State.  To this end, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State alongside business tycoons like Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; founder of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu and CEO of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, Chief Arthur Eze have concluded plans to unveil a book on investment opportunities in Yobe.  Titled: 'Export Potentials and Investment Opportunities in Yobe State: Vision 2030', the book which is written by Muhammad Alwali Kazir, will be launched on March, 2026, in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.  Others expected to honour the book launch are Governor AbdulaRazaq Abdul Rahman of Kwara State, His Gombe State counterpart, Inuwa Yahya, and Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha.  Also, Governors of Niger State, Ahmadu Bago; Abb...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Vice Chairman of NUJ, Niger State Chapter, Comrade Uriah Tsado Gana, alongside others at the commissioning of critically failed sections of Gwada–Shiroro road, Section 1, alongside emergency repairs of embankment washouts and the construction of a 2-cell box culvert in Gwada, Niger State recently. The Federal Government has stated that the Federal road projects sited in Niger State will address insecurity and restore economic activities in the communities.  Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi stated this at the commissioning of the completed failed sections of the Gwada–Shiroro Road Section 1 in Niger State, alongside Emergency Repairs of Embankment Washouts and the Construction of a 2-Cell Box Culvert on the same alignment.  The projects are part of the 260 Emergency/Special Intervention Projects carried out nationwide by the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in order to salvage the nation’s road network.  Umahi,...

Ron Kenoly  Famous American Singer, Ron Kenoly has departed this world but will sorely be remembered for his impactful praise and worship especially in the 1990's.  Minister Ron Kenoly died on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 81 years.  Kenoly reportedly died peacefully though the cause of his death was not revealed.  His longtime music director, Bruno Miranda confirmed his death on Tuesday, describing him as a mentor and spiritual father.  He added: "Though we grieve his passing, we do so with hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he experiences." As if he had premonition over his death, the prominent singer posted  via his social media on February 1. He appreciated persons that supported him in taking his music to over 123 nations. Briefly  Kenoly was born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, United States of America. He started working as a full-time minister in 1985, leading Jubilee Christian Center's (JCCs) leading worship ...

As part of expanded cooperation between Washington and Abuja, the United States has dispatched troops to Nigeria for counter-terrorism operations and other related security threats. This followed the December 25, 2025, deadly airstrikes launched by the US Military against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) hotspot In Northwest Nigeria over the incessant attacks on Christians.  United States President, Donald J. Trump who disclosed the airstrikes via his verified social media handle on Christmas Day, informed that the action was taken on his direct orders as Commander in Chief. According to Reuters, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) General Dagvin R.M. Anderson said on Tuesday, February 4, 2026, that Nigeria and the United States agreed on the need for closer military collaboration to address the lingering insecurity.  Anderson did not disclose the exact size and mission details of the deployed team, but described it as a small continge...