Author: News Room
Professor Biodun Jeyifo On 14 December 1987, when we learnt that Dr Biodun Jeyifo had resigned from the University of Ife, the anger was palpable at the Murtala Muhammed Hall, the main hostel for postgraduate students. The next day, with long faces, O.J. Gochua, Femi Dunmade, Dapo Adeniyi, Dele Momodu, Femi Folorunso and I went to BJ’s home to have a conversation with him on his years at Ife. The Guardian newspaper, on 2 February 1988, published the first part of that interview titled “For Biodun Jeyifo, An Era Ends at Ile-Ife.” BJ spoke expansively about his love of literature;…
Nigeria recorded 206 deaths from Lassa fever in 2025 as of epidemiological week 51, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). Despite a decline in reported infections, the disease’s case fatality rate (CFR) rose to 18.4 per cent, higher than the 16.4 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024. The agency disclosed this in its latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, covering 15 to 21 December 2025. According to the report, 21 new confirmed cases were recorded in week 51, representing a decline from 28 cases in the previous epidemiological week. The cases were reported…
The Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, has ordered striking resident doctors to vacate their official quarters over escalating industrial dispute. The resident doctors, who have been on strike for over one month, appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia to urgently intervene and resolve the lingering crisis, warning that prolonged disruption could further weaken healthcare delivery in the state. Addressing journalists at the hospital, the President of the Association of Resident Doctors, BSUTH chapter, Kawen Pededoo, said the strike was driven by longstanding welfare challenges, particularly poor accommodation and living conditions within the hospital premises. In a swift response, the…
Former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, has said the incumbent Governor Abba Yusuf should not be accused of betrayal if he defects from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP. Shekarau said this on Tuesday during an interview with DCL Hausa, arguing that such a move would follow a precedent set by the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso. He was reacting to growing tension within the NNPP and Kwankwasiyya political movement following reports that Yusuf may be considering a move to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. Shekarau slammed Kwankwaso’s recent remark that Governor…
The Borno State Police Command has released its 2025 performance report, outlining major arrests, prosecutions and recoveries across the state. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the police said officers arrested 2,610 people for various crimes during the year. Of these cases, 1,023 were fully investigated and prosecuted, leading to convictions in court. The police said the results were achieved through regular patrols, intelligence-led operations, swift emergency responses and strong cooperation with other security agencies. Operations covered all 27 local government areas of Borno State. During the year, officers recovered eight firearms, 54 rounds of ammunition and 41 dangerous weapons,…
Algeria will face Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Fennec Foxes confirmed their place in the next round with a dramatic 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo. The last-16 clash on Tuesday ended goalless after 90 minutes and appeared to be heading towards spot-kicks. But in the 118th minute of the match, Adil Boulbina cut in from the left and lashed in the winner. The Super Eagles qualified on Monday night, thanks to a 4-0 thrashing of Mozambique in Fez. The quarter-final fixture between Algeria and Nigeria will be played on Saturday,…
The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested 32 street urchins, popularly known as ‘Omotaku’, during a coordinated enforcement operation across major roads on the Island and Mainland. The suspects were said to have been apprehended for causing public nuisance, illegally obstructing traffic, and endangering motorists on key highways. According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the Director of Public Affairs of the Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said the raid was part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to restore order and ensure public safety. Abdulraheem said the operation followed repeated complaints from residents over the activities of the youths, accused of…
The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a nursing mother and her child along Supare/Ajegunle in Akoko South West Local Government Area of the state. The command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, who confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Akure, said the abduction happened on Saturday. “Yes, I can confirm to you that a nursing mother and her child were kidnapped on January 3 by unknown gunmen at Supare/Ajegunle Akoko axis. “Efforts are already ongoing while the command has deployed security apparatus in that area in order to rescue the victims alive and…
A former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, has formally thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, pledging his support through the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Dokubo, who was installed as the Amanyanabo of Torusarama-Piri in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State in late 2024, made the pledge on Tuesday when Wike visited him at his palace. The minister’s visit was part of a year-end “thank-you” tour across Rivers State since December 2025, during which he has been urging grassroots supporters to reaffirm their support for Tinubu. Commending Wike for the visit,…
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner on Tuesday batted away questions over the managerial vacancy at Manchester United, saying cryptically he is “not allowed to bet”. The Austrian is among the bookies’ favourites to replace Ruben Amorim, who was sacked on Monday after 14 months at Old Trafford. Glasner, 51, has impressed since arriving at Palace in 2024, leading them to their first major trophy by winning the FA Cup last season. The Palace boss, who is out of contract at the end of the season, said last month that talks over a potential new deal at Selhurst Park were on…
