Author: News Room

The enduring power of criticism aligned with freedom, history, and struggle, By Dapo Olorunyomi

Her scholarship is animated by a string of towering anticolonial figures whose influence also marked the intellectual universe from which Biodun Jeyifo emerged: I will chose to mention only three here: CLR James, Mahatma Gandhi and Frantz Fanon. From Gandhi, she draws an enduring concern with ethical politics, disciplined dissent, and mass mobilisation as a democratic force. CLR James’ influence came by modelling a form of scholarship in which historical rigour is inseparable from political commitment, and in which mass struggle is treated as a generative force in democratic thought. It is both an honour and a source of genuine…

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Nigeria needs active citizens, not passive graduates – Lagos Deputy Governor, Hamzat

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, has declared that Nigeria’s future depends not on passive degree holders but on graduates who are prepared to think critically and actively confront the nation’s challenges. Hamzat made the assertion on Tuesday in Osogbo, Osun State, while serving as chairman at the 15th convocation lecture of Fountain University. He was represented at the event by the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Layode Olanrewaju. Addressing concerns that many graduates struggle to meet the evolving demands of today’s labour market, the deputy governor urged the graduating students to embrace compassion and view graduation…

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SDP alleges police intimidation of candidate over election petition in Niger

The Campaign Coordinator for the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Suleja Local Government Chairmanship candidate, Comrade Abubakar Sadeeq Suleja, has raised concerns over alleged threats to the life of Hon. Shehu Abdukadir, the SDP candidate, reportedly arising from his petition at the Zone B Senatorial District Local Government Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Minna. Addressing journalists at the High Court Complex in Minna, Comrade Sadeeq alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Isyaku Bawa Na’ibi, has been using the police to intimidate and harass Abdukadir into withdrawing the petition. Sadeeq claimed that plainclothes operatives from the Niger State Police Command…

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25 underaged girls trafficked into Anambra from Ebonyi rescued from prostitution 

No fewer than 25 underage girls working as sex workers have been rescued from a hotel in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area. The girls, in a video posted online by an indigene of the area, confessed that they were trafficked into Anambra from Ebonyi State to serve as prostitutes. In the video, some of the girls also said they were brought into the state by persons they referred to as their madam, from Akwa Ibom, Abia and Niger states. One of the survivors, who identified herself as Divine, a 14 year old girl, said she was brought in by…

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NPFL: Nasarawa United vs Kano Pillars to be played behind closed doors

Nasarawa United have announced that their Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, matchday 20 clash against Kano Pillars will be played behind closed doors. The Solid Miners stated that the move is necessitated due to an ongoing repair work being carried out on part of the venue. The encounter will be staged at the Lafia City Stadium on Wednesday. Nasarawa United said that only officials and management members of both clubs, and accredited media personnels will be allowed into the stadium. They however tendered an unreserved apologies to the club supporters concerning the decision. Nasarawa United assured that the repair work…

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Tinubu, Abiodun mourn ex-Ogun gov’s wife Onabanjo

President Bola Tinubu and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday mourned the passing of Madam Lucia Onabanjo, wife of Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, the first civilian governor of Ogun State. She died on Monday, January 11, 2026, at the age of 100. Her daughter, Olubukunola Onabanjo, announced her mother’s death in a statement, describing the centenarian as “beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother” whose life was marked by love, faith, and strength. “We thank God for her long and fulfilled life, and for the enduring legacy she leaves behind. May her soul rest in perfect peace,” the family said. Chief Olabisi…

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Family of Six Dies in Rivers State

Members of the Ogale community in the Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State were thrown into shock and mourning after a family of six reportedly died from suspected inhalation of generator fumes. Our correspondent learnt on Monday that the victims included the father, mother, and their children. Following the incident, the Rivers State Police Command said it has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. PUNCH Metro gathered that the generator ran throughout the night until Sunday morning, when neighbours raised the alarm. A source in the community, who pleaded anonymity because of the sensitivity of…

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Architect of African Business Transformation

Tony Elumelu’s influence on the African business landscape is now undeniable, carrying a prestige comparable to global icons like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, or Nike in the fashion world. His track record is so formidable that it would likely impress even a figure of legend like King Midas. Ultimately, Elumelu’s ascent proves that in the competitive world of commerce, fortune favours the bold, and true success always leaves a visible trail. As the curtain rose in 2026, the Nigerian business landscape was electrified by a landmark acquisition. Heirs Energies, the investment vehicle of Elumelu, successfully acquired a controlling 20 per cent…

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Aviation ministry allocates N7.46bn to boost flight safety

The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has allocated N7.46bn for technology upgrades, staff training, safety initiatives, and operational reforms in 2026. According to the 2026 Appropriation Bill, the funding will drive automation of ministry operations, library services, registry systems, and performance management. Projects include a hybrid professional audio-visual conference system, e-library digitisation, enterprise content management, and a statistical database to support data analysis and sustainable development goals. Staff welfare, capacity building and innovation also feature prominently. The budget includes N50m for legal resources and arbitration tools, N100m for aviation operations training, and another N50m for Fargo ID card…

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Roma out of Italian Cup after dramatic 3-2 loss to Torino

Roma crashed out of the Italian Cup on Tuesday as they lost 3-2 at home to Torino despite a goal from 16-year-old prodigy Antonio Arena. Trailing 2-1 going into the final 10 minutes, Gian Piero Gasperini decided to bring on the Australian-born centre forward who has represented Italy in underage football since last year. On his debut for Roma, Arena sent the Stadio Olimpico wild as his first touch of the ball was to head in a leveller for the hosts. But Roman joy was short-lived as Emirhan Ilkhan netted a 90th-minute winner for Torino. Earlier, a Che Adams brace…

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