The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the Chairmanship of five out of the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the election that was conducted on Saturday, February 21. In the election, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was able to snatch Gwagwdalada Area Council from the all-conquering APC. The list of the winners are as follows: Joshua Ishaku (APC) for Bwari Area Council Chris Garki (APC) for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Kasim Mohammed (PDP) for Gwagwalada Area Council Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo (APC) for Kuje Area Council Nuhu Daniel Kwali (APC) for Kwali Area Council Abdullahi Umar Abubakar (APC) for Abaji Area Council.
A 22-year-old woman, Walida Abdullahi from Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa State, has narrated a harrowing account of how she was allegedly kidnapped, abused and exploited, before finally escaping into freedom. In an exclusive interview Walida, who said she left home in 2023 while still a Senior Secondary School as class 2 student at Jigawa State, recounted how she encountered a woman identified as Mariam while fetching water in her village, Anku. According to her, the encounter marked the beginning of a troubling journey that took her away from her family and landed her with strangers She said she was lured to a house where she met several other young women, all living together under questionable circumstances. During her stay, she alleged that unknown individuals visited the residence and engaged in sexual activities with the occupants without any form of payment to her. Walida disclosed that after falling ill, she was moved by the said Mariam to another town where she lived with Mariam’s husband, Abdullahi Isiyaku, and a co-wife. There, she claimed she was subjected to physical and emotional abuse, to the point that she was forced to assume a new identity, “Chinasa,” with Mariam posing as her mother. Her attempt to escape, she said, was unsuccessful after she was intercepted and returned by a soldier she encountered on the road. She alleged that she was subsequently beaten, injured, and transported to Abuja by her captors. In Abuja, Walida alleged, she was locked up in a house occupied by several women, where her movement was restricted until 2024, when she managed to escape. The woman said her ordeal led her into wandering through unfamiliar areas, eventually finding herself along Airport Road, in Abuja, where she received help from one stranger called “Sir Rochy.” Walida said that she later ran into a man she identified as Ifeanyi, an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), whom she said assisted her with food, clothing and shelter. She disclosed that she eventually began a consensual relationship with Ifeanyi, resulting in the birth of a baby girl. The situation, she said, however, took a dramatic turn on January 1, 2025, when she, without reason, insisted on returning home. With assistance, she was able to contact her father, who had reportedly been searching for her for months. It was reported that tensions arose when Walida’s family members arrived in Abuja. On realizing that she had a relationship and a child with with Ifeanyi, Walida’s relations demanded she cut ties with Ifeanyi and return home without her child. She claimed that her uncle made disturbing remarks about her fate, which she resisted. The case was eventually reported to security authorities, leading to her current stay at the DSS facility. Walida, who insists she is acting of her own free will, said that she does not wish to return to her family but prefers to continue her life with Ifeanyi. She also denied claims that she was coerced into changing her religion. Sources close to the DSS confirmed the story, however adding that investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, alleged abuse, her personal safety in the light of alleged threat to her life by family members. Source: Daily Trust
Muslims in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia as well as other parts of the world will begin a 30-day Fasting as the Ramadan crescent has been sighted in Nigeria. Earlier today, February 17, Saudi Arabian authorities announced the sighting of the crescent, signaling the commencement of fasting from tomorrow, February 18, 2026 (Islamic year 1447 AH). The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III, confirmed the sighting of the new moon and declared that tomorrow marks the first day of Ramadan in the country. According to an update shared on the verified social media platforms of the National Moon Sighting Committee at exactly 8:44 pm today, the new moon was observed in parts of the country, paving the way for the official declaration. With the announcement, Muslims across Nigeria are expected to begin the month long fast, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Everyday of the month is marked by dawn to sunset abstinence from food, drinks, conjugal affairs and vain talks as well as backbiting. The fasting muslims will also engage in increased devotion, charity and communal prayers.
Leaders of the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) paid a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) today, February 17, 2026. From left to right are: Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner Technical Services of NCC; Tony Emoekpere, President of ATCON; Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of NCC; Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management in NCC; Muhammed Rudman, Vice President of ATCON/CEO IXPN.
The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria) has described the coming of Muslims Ramadan Fasting and Christian Lent Fasting on the same day, today, as a sign for the strengthening of religious tolerance between practitioners of the two religions for national unity. The Guild therefore called on Muslims and Christians in the country to seize the spiritual opportunity of Ramadan and Lent to promote such religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity. In a statement today, February 17, in Abuja, Vice Chairman, Governing Council of GIMP-Nigeria, Muyiwa Akintunde said: “the beginning of the significant religious responsibilities on the same day shows how different traditions can share a moment of reflection through fasting, and spiritual fulfilment.”
He said that the Divine coincidence further reinforces that both faiths are not mutually exclusive, adding that their faithfulfs should therefore co-exist in harmony. “Despite different calendars, humanity’s search for meaning often lines up in unexpected ways.” Akintunde said that Ramadan and Lent are not only seasons of fasting and devotion but also periods of moral rebirth, compassion and bridge-building across faith lines. He advised Nigerians to use the diversity in religion, ethnic and culture as a divine blessing rather than a fault line for division. He said that Ramadan provides a unique platform for Muslims to demonstrate the true essence of Islam as a religion of mercy, justice and peaceful coexistence. “Ramadan teaches self-restraint, empathy for the less privileged and love for humanity. These values are urgently needed in our national life. At a time when our country faces security and social cohesion challenges, Muslims must allow the spirit of Ramadan to guide their interactions with neighbours of other faiths”. GIMP-Nigeria also reminded Nigerian Christians that Lent is a 40-day spiritual rebirth devoted to repentance, and focusing on prayer, fasting and almsgiving to draw closer to God. The Guild’s Vice Chairman reminded the faithful to remember the sacrifice ofJesus Christ, which included His time in the wilderness, and encouraged believers to reflect on their faith, turn away from sin, and prepare for the joy of Easter. Akintunde emphasised that fasting goes beyond abstaining from food and drink and that it includes refraining from hate speech, intolerance and actions capable of deepening religious divides. He encouraged religious scholars and preachers to use their pulpits to promote messages of unity and mutual respect. He advised media professionals to avoid sensational or divisive reporting during the holy seasons. “Instead, journalists and content creators should highlight stories of interfaith cooperation, humanitarian service and peaceful community engagement. Akintunde stressed that interfaith dialogue should not be limited to conferences but must be reflected in everyday conduct, including sharing meals with neighbours, participating in community service projects and standing together against violence and injustice. He called on government institutions, religious leaders, civil society organisations and traditional rulers to collaborate in organising interfaith fast-breaking gatherings and community outreach programmes that bring Nigerians of different faiths together. He reaffirmed Guild’s commitment to using media as a tool for interreligious understanding and peaceful coexistence, pledging to continue engaging journalists and faith leaders in promoting narratives that foster unity rather than division. He said that GIMP-Nigeria is engaged in prayed for peace, security and prosperity in Nigeria, calling on all Nigerians, regardless of faith, to embrace dialogue, mutual respect and shared humanity.
For many Nigerian Muslims, the journey to Hajj is the fulfillment of a lifelong spiritual dream. Families save for years to be able to perform the fifth religious obligation at least, once in lifetime. Communities gather to pray for departing pilgrims. Expectations are always high not only spiritually, but administratively. At the center of this sacred responsibility is the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Under the leadership of its new Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, there is a real opportunity to reposition the Commission to restore confidence through improved service delivery. The challenges facing NAHCON are not new, and to pretend otherwise will not help. Late preparations have repeatedly complicated operations. When accommodation contracts, airline agreements, and service arrangements are concluded too close to the Hajj season, costs rise and options become limited. This has sometimes placed unnecessary pressure on both officials and pilgrims. The solution is simple in principle, though demanding in practice: planning must begin immediately one Hajj ends. A culture of early preparation would allow Nigeria to secure better rates and better facilities in Makkah and Madinah. Another reality is the instability of foreign exchange. Owing to the fact that most Hajj payments are made in foreign currency, fluctuations in the naira directly affect pilgrimage fares. Pilgrims often struggle to understand why costs rise suddenly. NAHCON may not control the exchange rate, but it could control communication. A transparent breakdown of Hajj fares—clearly explaining accommodation costs, airfare, feeding, and administrative charges—would go a long way in reducing suspicion and anxiety. Logistics remain a sensitive area. Delayed flights, overcrowded schedules, and coordination lapses have, at times, overshadowed what should be a spiritually uplifting journey. Airlift operations must be treated as a critical component, not a secondary detail. Contracts with airlines should include firm performance expectations, and contingency plans should always be in place. Pilgrims—many of them elderly—deserve predictability and dignity in travel arrangements. Accommodation in Saudi Arabia has also generated recurring concerns. Securing decent buildings close to the Haram requires early negotiation and rigorous inspection. Nigerian pilgrims should not arrive to discover facilities that fall below expectations. To this end, a stronger monitoring system, combined with transparent allocation processes, would reassure pilgrims that they are receiving value for what they paid. Coordination between NAHCON and State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards is another area that needs strengthening. While NAHCON provides national oversight, state boards are directly involved in registering and preparing pilgrims. When communication gaps occur, the result is confusion over documentation, vaccinations, or visa processes. A unified digital platform linking NAHCON with all state boards could reduce errors and speed up information flow. In an age of technology, manual systems should no longer slow down such an important national assignment. Digital reform offers perhaps the most practical way forward. An automated registration and payment system would reduce human interference, enhance transparency, and allow pilgrims to track their status in real time. Although technology cannot replace integrity, but it can reduce opportunities for inefficiency and error. Public perception also matters. Over the years, allegations—some proven, others speculative—have affected the Commission’s image. Thus, rebuilding trust requires openness. Regular briefings, publication of audited reports, and competitive procurement processes are not luxuries; they are necessities. When people see transparency, confidence follows. Above all, pilgrims’ welfare must remain central. Hajj is physically demanding. Many Nigerian pilgrims are elderly and require medical support, clear guidance, and organized feeding arrangements. Strengthening medical teams, improving orientation programs before departure, and ensuring effective on-ground support in Saudi Arabia would significantly enhance the experience. Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf is therefore expected to bring his diplomatic experience that could be leveraged to strengthen Nigeria’s engagement with Saudi authorities. High-level coordination can help secure favorable tent allocations in Mina, better transportation scheduling, and improved service conditions. Repositioning NAHCON is not about cosmetic change; it is about institutional discipline. It requires early planning, financial transparency, technological innovation, and compassionate leadership. If these elements are pursued consistently, the Commission can regain full public confidence. Hajj is a sacred obligation. Managing it should reflect excellence, accountability, and empathy. With deliberate reforms and steady leadership, NAHCON can rise above its challenges and truly serve Nigerian pilgrims in a manner worthy of the spiritual journey they undertake.
– Abdulkarim Abdulmalik, is a journalist and Author of a handbook on: “Pilgrims’ Companion, a Self-guide to Hajj and Ummrah.”
The immediate past Chairman of the Muslims’ National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman has narrated the story of underhand financial deal that contradicted his personal policy at the time he accepted to serve. Speaking in an interview in Hausa language on a television programme, Professor Saleh Usman said that he had vowed when he accepted to serve not to knowingly get involved in anything that would bring shame to himself, his family, Islam, Kano State and Nigeria. He recalled an incidence when he was on an official journey to Saudi Arabia and the sum of over 10,000 Saudi Arabia Riyal (over N350,000) was brought to him and he was told it was transport money. “I was surprised and shocked because I already had a car and driver attached to me. I didn’t have any need for such money, and of course, I was not the one responsible for buying fuel if there was need for it. “I directed that the money should be quickly returned to the account. I insisted that the Bank receipt showing the evidence of the return of the money should be brought back to me. I also directed other officers who similarly enjoyed free vehicles and drivers and still collected the transport money to return the money to the Bank. “I have the feeling that this my position would annoy those who were used to it. And I was ready to deal with any officer who was out to defraud the Commission.” Professor Saleh Usman, who voluntarily resigned his appointment barely a year on the seat, stressed that he was not prepared to fall in line with the established protocols that did not agree with his personal policy. “I was not prepared to just tag along with the system at the end of which I would be held responsible by the anti corruption agencies over things that I didn’t know how and why they were done.” Observers noted that Professor Saleh Usman recently resigned in protest over such unholy practices in the system of governance at higher levels.
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joseph Ojo Amupitan has announced that the tenure of President Bola Tinubu will end on May 2027, even as he fixed February 20, 2027 for Presidential and National Assembly elections. He said that Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will be conducted on March 6, 2027. Professor Joseph Amupitan, who addressed newsmen today, February 13, to unviel the 2027 general election timetable, said that the tenure of Vice President Kashim Shettima and most Governors and their deputies will also expire on the same May 28, 2027. He said that the National and State Assemblies will stand dissolved on June 8, 2027. The INEC boss explained that the Constitution mandates elections to be held not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the current tenure. He therefore, directed Resident Electoral Commissioners across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to publish the notice in their respective constituencies. Professor Amupitan said that the detailed timetable had been uploaded to the Commission’s official website and circulated to registered political parties.
Minister in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has sacked the Director of Special Duties, under the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Horatius Egua, even as he redeployed others, in a major shakeup in the ministry. Horatius was directed to hand over all NCAA properties in his possession to the Director General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomi. In his place is the immediate appointment of Augustina Erah who was said to not occupy any position before now. The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Yakubu Adam Kofarmata who signed the official circular as approved by the minister, said that the sacking and redeployment of directors across four aviation agencie take immediate effect. The redeployment affects the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). The official circular, with reference number PS/FMA/PCA/S.31/T is dated February 9, 2026. In it, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NiMet, Funke Arowojobe, was reassigned to NSIB in the same capacity, while the Director of Human Resource and Administration at NiMet, Dr. Nasiru Sani, was redeployed internally to serve as Director of Corporate Services within the meteorological agency. Director of Corporate Services at NiMet, Airohiuodion Omonzogie, moved to NSIB to oversee corporate services at the Bureau, while the Director of Corporate Services at NSIB, Baro Minabawarre was redeployed to NiMet as Director of Human Resource and Administration. The public affairs leadership at both NSIB and NiMet was also restructured with the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NSIB, Bimbo Oladeji, moved to NiMet to head the same directorate. The finance directorate of NAMA and NSIB was restructured, with Director of Finance and Accounts at NAMA, Muonemeh Lotenna, moving to NSIB, while Director of Finance and Accounts at NSIB, Okundaye Folake, assumed the same role at NAMA. Source: The Sun
I have admired Barrister, Senator Natasha Akpoti from the very moment she threw herself into limelight. She first caught my attention a few years ago when she launched courageous campaign and fact-of-the-matter “war” against negative elements that were trying to derail the practical takeoff and functionality of Ajaokuta Steel Project. As a matter of fact, my admiration for her grew when the fact was made available to me that she is the daughter of one of the greatest leaders the Ebira nation had ever been blessed with. He was Dr. Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, a devout Muslim from Obeiba-Ihima in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State. Dr. Jimoh Abdul Akpoti was primarily a medical doctor, having studied medicine in the Soviet Union, now Ukraine, where he met his wife and mother of Natasha, in the person of Ludmila Kravchenko, an Ukrainian citizen. Natasha’s father was known not only in Ihima but the Ebiraland for acts of generosity and service, such as treating poor patients for free, helping to pay school fees for children and supporting local farmers and traders, and above all, his sense of forgiveness, humility and practical peacemaking. These were the values he upheld, so much that he wormed himself into the heart of Ebira people of different classes, clans and status. He was embraced by both the second first class Paramount ruler of Ebiraland, late Alhaji Mohammed Sani Omolori and the immediate past King, late Alhaji Dr Ado ibrahim. Natasha benefitted from her father’s all-round goodness when the immediate past King crowned her with exhalted traditional title. In fact, when Dr. Jimoh Abdul Akpoti died on 3 November 1998, the then King (Ohinoyi) was reported to have begged that he should be buried in his Palace. His death shook Ebiraland and beyond.The memory of his peacemaking efforts and humble disposition lingers on in many of those who knew him or heard about him.
…. Natasha It is therefore not surprising that Natasha turns out to be the chips of the old block, as they say. In fact, the characters and characteristics of Natasha do not deviate a bit from her father, despite the fact that she is a female. This pontificates the Ebira proverb which says that where male dog is not available to go for hunting, female one would suffice. Of course, Natasha has a younger brother, Dr. Okehi, who is also a medical doctor but prefers to live a quiet life where he is practicing in Abuja. However, there is just one beautiful trait which Natasha has failed or forget to imbibe and or display from the point of view of her father’s character: forgiveness and mindset for manifesting unity amongst Ebira people, especially of different political camps. This is even more distrubing considering the leadership position God has thrusted on her. Speaking about the leadership, she happens to be the only female leader in recent history from Ebira that has attained national recognition by whatever means. On top of it, today, she is a traditional title holder; the Ohiogu of Ebiraland, just like her husband, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan who is the Alema of Warri Kingdom in Delta State. And therefore, it should have been part of Natasha’s itinerary to accord respect and even join hands with the reigning Ohinoyi of Ebiraland to bring about the kind of Ebiraland her father had dreamt of and worked hard to build. It doesn’t make sense to me that Natasha refuses to acknowledge the authority of the present Ohinoyi simply because of the circumstances of his ascension to the throne, and of course, because of who appointed him. As a good Christian, Natasha ought to know that it is only God that chooses leaders. In other words, there is no leader that can emerge without the Hand of God in the emergence. The fact that the person one doesn’t like or, appropriately, because it is one’s adversary that is responsible for the choice of the leader does still not cancel the idea of God’s Hand. And as a senior lawyer, and in fact, as a Barrister-at-law, Natasha should know that the present Ohinoyi of Ebiraland emerged from within the provision of legal framework and traditional requirements. In other words, it is on record that no fewer than 70 qualified sons and daughters of the land contested for the stool. It is natural that in such contest, one person must emerge, and be chosen and appointed by the STATE GOVERNOR in accordance with the legal framework and traditional requirements. Unfortunately, such law and traditional requirements do not give the name of a particular GOVERNOR to make the choice and appointment. In fact, the law doesn’t say the GOVERNOR must be your friend or detractor or adversary. In the case being treated, the law and traditional requirements were blind to who was the Governor, who made the choice and appointment; he could have been from Igalaland, Okunland and Koton Karfe. Such Governor would have chosen and appointed Mohammed Ataba Sani Omolori or Barrister Momohsani Shaibu or Engineer Ibrahim Jibril or any of the over 70 contestants to the throne. It would not have made any difference for the fact that it was still the GOVERNOR that did the choice and appointment, according to the legal framework and traditional requirements. It therefore looks strange that Natasha turned her back on the new Ohinoyi simply because he was chosen and appointed by the GOVERNOR she has issues with. Her main grouse is that the Ohinoyi was the choice of her sworn political adversary, not that the person who was finally chosen and appointed offended her. Not that she has any particular issue with him. One has the feeling that Natasha would still have turned her back on whoever, amongst the contestants that emerged Ohinoyi, aside from the one on the throne now if such contestant was still chosen and appointed by the same Governor that chose and appointed the present King. My honest advice to Natasha in this circumstance, is that she should have a rethink and tow the line of her father who she so loved, and who was so loved by Ebira people because of his impactful contribution to the peace, unity and development of the land. Natasha, being the Ohiogu of Ebiraland should return to the root to play her role in uniting the people, in spite of whatever political differences and or disputes she is battling with opponents; the opponents that are purely her brothers and sisters. For Natasha to be playing politics with the mind that she cannot forgive or that she has nothing to do with her adversaries forever is like swimming in the river and trying to avoid or complaining of being touched by water. Politics anywhere in the world, to the best of my knowledge, is full of mudslinging, backslapping and even, in the context of Africa, attempt at physical elimination of the opponents. In short, political game in Africa, Nigeria and Ebiraland is full of landmine and is meant for those who can take mighty risk, of either “do” or “perish”. As a good Christian, Natasha should know that her life has been predetermined by God Almighty and that no machinations of man or woman can change it. It is God Almighty that has sustained her life all through, in the face of dangers she encountered in the process of politicking. It is therefore not fair even to God Almighty who has so sustained her for her to get angry with those she claimed “wanting to kill her” and therefore hold such people, and the people around them as enemies for life. For a fact, her husband is currently playing an impactful role, as traditional title holder for the peace, unity and development of his Kingdom. He is relating very well with the Paramount ruler of his Kingdom and politicians of different camps. Why would Natasha, not also turn to the only birth place she can legitimately lay claim to, to proudly play the same role in her kingdom? Her father, late Dr. Jimoh Abdul Akpoti left a legacy as a unifier of Ebiraland, embraced both the good and not so good people in the community, beyond just being generous. In turn, he was loved and embraced also by all. Natasha should aspire to do the same, with the desire to even leave behind legacy that is better than that of her loving father. This is the way I think, for her to go, because when the chips are down, this is what will determine the people’s verdict long after she’s gone.
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…. Natasha