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Wikki Tourists Technical Adviser Abdu Maikaba Resigns

Omolara Blessing
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Wikki Tourists Technical Adviser Abdu Maikaba Resigns

The Technical Adviser of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Wikki Tourists FC, Abdu Maikaba, has resigned his appointment at the club.

Maikaba said this in a letter addressed to the club’s management in Bauchi. He cited safety and disunity reasons, adding that divisions among stakeholders made it difficult to achieve the team’s objectives.

The official also alleged that threat to life, both physically and via social media platforms, compelled him to step aside after consultations.

Maikaba was recently reappointed with a mandate to return the club to its top position, following earlier successes that qualified the team for continental competition.

Egypt Plans $1b Marina, Hotel Development to Boost Tourism

Hauwa Mustapha
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Egypt Plans $1b Marina, Hotel Development to Boost Tourism

Egypt announced plans for a new $1 billion marina, hotel and housing development on the Red Sea in a bid to boost the region’s tourist industry.

Construction on the “Monte Galala Towers and Marina” project would start in the second half of the year and run for seven years, Ahmed Shalaby, managing director of the main developer, Tatweer Misr, said.

He said the 10-tower development, a partnership with the housing ministry and other state bodies including the armed forces’ engineering authority would cost about 50 billion Egyptian pounds ($1.07 billion)

The project, also announced by the cabinet, will cover 470,000 square metres on the Gulf of Suez, about 35 km south of Ain Sokhna, Shalaby said.

Egypt aims to boost total tourist arrivals to around 30 million by 2030, from around 19 million recorded by the tourism ministry in 2025. ($1 = 46.8200 Egyptian pounds)

 

Reuters/Hauwa M.

Nigeria Marks 55 Years of Diplomatic Ties With China

Iyabode Jane Aluko
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Nigeria Marks 55 Years of Diplomatic Ties With China

The Nigerian government has commemorated the 55th anniversary of its establishment of diplomatic relations with China, reaffirming its commitment to deepening the longstanding partnership between the two countries.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria described the relationship, which dates back to 1971, as one founded on mutual respect, solidarity, and a shared commitment to common development.

Over the decades, the partnership has evolved into a comprehensive strategic relationship marked by robust political dialogue, expanding economic cooperation, and vibrant cultural exchanges.

Nigeria highlighted significant Chinese cooperation in key sectors, including infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, agriculture, and human capacity development.

Landmark projects such as the Lagos–Ibadan Railway, the Abuja–Kaduna Railway, and several road networks were cited as tangible outcomes of the collaboration, contributing to socio-economic growth and improved livelihoods.

The ministry noted that bilateral ties are further strengthened by growing trade volumes, strong people-to-people relations, and close coordination on regional and global issues, particularly within the frameworks of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the United Nations.

Also Read: Nigeria, China Reaffirm Commitment to Bilateral Partnership

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, exchanged congratulatory messages with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

In his message, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said, “China and Nigeria have consistently supported each other over the past 55 years, regardless of changes in the international environment.”

He added that, since the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024, both countries have deepened political trust and achieved fruitful results across multiple areas of cooperation.

Ambassador Tuggar, in his response, described China as an important strategic partner to Nigeria, noting that bilateral cooperation has continued to deepen in various fields.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to expand exchanges and explore new areas of collaboration in line with the foreign policy objectives of both nations.

The Nigerian government expressed confidence that Nigeria–China relations will continue to grow stronger in the coming years, delivering mutual benefits and contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in Africa and beyond.

Tanzania Opposition Arrests Raise Concerns Ahead of Election

Hauwa Mustapha
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Tanzania Opposition Arrests Raise Concerns Ahead of Election

Opposition pressure is mounting in Tanzania following the arrest of Chadema deputy chairperson John Heche, who was detained by police outside the High Court in Dar es Salaam.

Heche had gone to attend the ongoing treason trial of Chadema leader Tundu Lissu, who was arrested in April and could face the death penalty if convicted.

His detention has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures and rights groups, who accuse the government of intensifying political repression.

Lissu’s lawyer, Dr Rugemeleza Nshala, says restrictions on the opposition leader have significantly worsened.

Speaking outside court, Nshala said Lissu has been denied confidential access to his legal team since November 1, 2025, alleging that prison officers monitor conversations between Lissu and his lawyers.

He added that senior Chadema officials and party members have now been barred from visiting him in prison.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been accused by critics of overseeing a renewed crackdown on dissent, despite earlier promises of political openness.

Lissu has claimed the pressure has effectively forced him into exile, an allegation strongly rejected by the government.

In a separate statement, Heche alleged authorities had attempted to secure Lissu’s release on condition that he leave the country.

He said the opposition leader had refused, insisting he would not accept any deal that forced him into exile.

President Hassan is seeking re-election on October 29th, having taken office in 2021 following the death of her authoritarian predecessor, John Magufuli.

While her early tenure was welcomed for easing restrictions on media and political activity, human rights organisations now warn that arrests, intimidation and legal actions against critics are increasing ahead of the vote.

 

Reuters/Hauwa M.

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Leads Delegation to AU Executive Council

Iyabode Jane Aluko
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Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Leads Delegation to AU Executive Council

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to lead the Nigerian delegation to the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU).

The Executive Council meeting is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, 11 and Thursday, 12 February 2026, at the African Union Headquarters.

The session will bring together foreign ministers from AU member states to deliberate on key continental issues and prepare for the forthcoming AU Summit.

Ambassador Tuggar is leading officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is expected to participate in a series of ministerial meetings, high-level dialogues, side events, and bilateral engagements.

Nigeria’s participation reflects its commitment to promoting African unity, peace and security, democratic governance, and sustainable development across the continent.

The minister was received by Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Berhanu Tsegaye, alongside the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria in Ethiopia, Ambassador Nasir Aminu, and staff of the Nigerian Mission.

The 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union is scheduled for 14 and 15 February 2026.

Nigeria’s engagement at the Summit will focus on key priorities including peace and security, democratic governance, institutional resilience, economic integration, development financing, health security, climate resilience, and the implementation of Agenda 2063.

Also Read: Information Ministry Leads Citizens’ Dialogue in South East

Bilateral Meetings

On the margins of the Summit, Ambassador Tuggar is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from African and non-African countries to strengthen diplomatic relations and advance shared strategic interests.

In addition, Nigeria will host and participate in selected high-level side events during the session, including a Nigerian-led event on regional partnerships for democracy, underscoring the country’s longstanding commitment to democratic norms, public trust, and institutional strengthening in Africa.

Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Blue Economy

Oluwasola Akintonde
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Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Blue Economy

Niger Delta Development Commission,  NDDC in Nigeria, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to advancing the Blue Economy as a strategic pathway for sustainable development, regional prosperity, and international collaboration in the Niger Delta region.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, gave the assurance while hosting the former Prime Minister of Tunisia, Mr. Mehdi Jomaa, at the NDDC Guest House in Maitama, Abuja Nigeria’s capital.

The visit formed part of high-level engagements ahead of the Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit 2026, scheduled to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Southern part of the country.

The former Tunisian Prime Minister arrived with members of his entourage and was received by the NDDC Managing Director, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Otunba Ifedayo Abegunde, and the Director of the Liaison Office, Abuja, Mrs. Mary Nwaeke.

Speaking during an interactive session, Ogbuku described the Blue Economy as a central pillar of the Commission’s development strategy, noting that the Niger Delta’s vast coastal and marine assets present immense opportunities for job creation, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic growth.

Blue Economy Investment Summit 

He explained that the forthcoming Blue Economy Investment Summit was designed to attract both local and international investments, promote the exchange of best practices, and position the Niger Delta as a hub for sustainable marine and coastal development.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer stressed that the success of blue economy initiatives depended on strong institutions, responsible leadership, and effective collaboration among governments, development partners, investors, and host communities.

According to him, the Commission is deliberately prioritising projects that integrate infrastructure development, environmental protection, and economic inclusion across coastal communities in the region.

Ogbuku further briefed his guest on the mandate of the NDDC and its ongoing interventions relevant to the blue economy, including critical infrastructure development, community-driven projects, youth empowerment programmes, environmental sustainability initiatives, and broader regional economic development strategies.

In his remarks, Mr. Mehdi Jomaa commended the NDDC for its forward-looking blue economy initiative and expressed keen interest in the Commission’s approach to regional development. Drawing from Tunisia’s experience in the Mediterranean region, he underscored the importance of strategic planning, environmental stewardship, and regional cooperation in harnessing marine resources for sustainable economic growth.

He noted that the engagement provided a valuable platform for high-level dialogue on blue economy development, governance, and African cooperation, while also strengthening partnerships aimed at unlocking the vast economic potential of coastal and marine resources across the continent.

Discussions during the meeting also highlighted Africa’s shared maritime heritage and the need for coordinated continental efforts to develop blue economy frameworks that reflect African realities and priorities.

Both leaders agreed that Africa’s future growth and resilience would increasingly depend on its ability to sustainably manage and maximise its marine and coastal resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

Ugandan Minister Condemns Military raid on Opposition Leader’s Home

Hauwa Mustapha
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Ugandan Minister Condemns Military raid on Opposition Leader’s Home

Uganda’s Information Minister, Chris Baryomunsi has condemned a military raid on opposition leader, Bobi Wine’s home last month.

He said the popstar-turned-politician had not committed any crime and was free to return there.

Wine has been in hiding for weeks after fleeing his home in the capital, Kampala, hours before he was announced the runner-up to President Yoweri Museveni in the January 15th presidential election.

On January 24th, Wine said his wife had been taken to hospital after soldiers invaded their residence, alleging that they partially undressed and choked her.

Uganda’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also Museveni’s son, denied solders assaulted Wine’s wife, but later said on X that they had “captured and then released” her.

Baryomunsi, who is also a spokesperson for the government, said the authorities would investigate the incident.

“We do not condone any acts of indiscipline on the side of the army and security forces,” he said in an interview. “So invading his (Wine’s) home, causing damage, assaulting his wife, or anybody, is wrong.”

He declined to say if security personnel would face any penalties if they were found to have violated the law.

A spokesperson for Wine’s National Unity Platform party did not respond to calls or messages requesting comment.

Kainerugaba had stated on social media posts that the military was looking for Wine, who had rejected the election results, alleging fraud.

The army chief has not said why they are looking for Wine or what crime he may be charged with.

Rights groups and the opposition have long accused the government of Museveni, who has been in power for four decades, of using the military to suppress dissent, accusations the government denies.

Baryomunsi also said that Uganda had no plans to withdraw its military contingent from an African Union mission to fight militants in Somalia, contradicting recent comments from Kainerugaba, who last week threatened in a post on X to pull troops out of Somalia over financing issues.

Kainerugaba has a history of controversial social media posts that he later deleted.

He once threatened to behead Wine and also boasted the military had killed 30 opposition supporters.

Baryomunsi said Kainerugaba’s posts should be taken as “casual comments that do not reflect state policy and state decisions.”

 

Africanews/Hauwa M.

Nigeria Commends Committee for IMO Council Election Victory

Iyabode Jane Aluko
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Nigeria Commends Committee for IMO Council Election Victory

The Nigerian Government has issued commendation letters to nine members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s successful election into Category C of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the 2026–2027 biennium.

The election, held on 28 November 2025 in London, saw Nigeria secure a seat on the IMO Council, marking a significant milestone in the country’s maritime and diplomatic engagements.

In the commendation letters, dated 28 January 2026 and signed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, the committee members were praised for their commitment, professionalism, and strategic coordination demonstrated throughout the campaign process that culminated in Nigeria’s victory.

In particular, the Minister acknowledged the strategic leadership and instrumental role played by the committee members in securing Nigeria’s success at the IMO Council elections.

According to Dr Oyetola, the effective campaign coordination and sustained engagement with IMO Member States by the committee were pivotal to the country’s resounding victory.

Also Read: Tanzania Supports Nigeria’s IMO Bid, Seeks Maritime Collaboration

“Your strategic engagement with IMO Member States and effective campaign management were pivotal to Nigeria’s resounding success at the election, showcasing your steadfast dedication and unrelenting commitment to advancing Nigeria’s maritime interests,” the Minister stated.

He noted that the efforts of the committee were critical in showcasing Nigeria’s maritime reforms, capacity, and potential on the global stage, thereby strengthening the nation’s standing within the international maritime community.

He also conveyed the Federal Government’s confidence in the committee’s continued dedication to advancing Nigeria’s maritime ambitions and promoting the country’s interests within global maritime governance.

Those commended include the Chairman of the committee, Olufemi Oloruntola, former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy; Babatunde Bombata, former Director of the Maritime Safety and Security Department of the Ministry; Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority; Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Ambassador Obinna Chiedu Onowu.

Otherwise were, Director at the International Organisations Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr Ade Dosunmu, former Director-General of NIMASA; Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister; Dr Paschal Ogar, Assistant Director in the Maritime Safety and Security Department of the Ministry, who served as Secretary to the committee; and Mr William Balla, Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO.

VP Shettima Pushes for Economic Progress that Benefits Grassroots

Lateefat Ibrahim
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VP Shettima Pushes for Economic Progress that Benefits Grassroots

Vice President Kashim Shettima has implored Governors of the 36 states of Nigeria, Ministers and other public officials to work towards achieving the kind of inclusive growth and economic progress that trickles down to the everyday lives of Nigerians.

He said that the prevailing wisdom among developed economies has moved beyond growth for its own sake to sustainable growth that accommodates all citizens.

The Vice President, who stated this on Monday in Abuja while delivering his keynote address during the National Economic Council (NEC) Conference, described the two-day confab as a continuation of government’s covenant with the Nigerian people.

“The inclusive growth on our radar is not an exercise in sloganeering. We have confronted the macroeconomic obstacles before us. What remains is to ensure that progress filters down to the everyday lives of our people. This is precisely why the National Economic Council remains the most suitable vehicle for delivering the promise of inclusive growth.

“Our mission is incomplete if a child born in Lafia does not have the same chance to thrive as one born in Lagos; if the farmer in Makurdi, the entrepreneur in Aba, and the student in Sokoto cannot all find dignity, opportunity, and hope within the Nigerian dream,” he declared.

VP Shettima pointed out that while the NEC conference is a moment to take stock of the tasks ahead, the event also demonstrates the harmonious relationship President Bola Tinubu has shared with NEC through the “memorable years of inevitable and transformative reforms aimed at resetting the foundations” of the nation’s economy.

Improved Fortune

He applauded President Tinubu for improving Nigeria’s economic fortunes, noting that it would be difficult for anyone to deny the sincerity with which the President “has honoured his promise to insulate the Nigerian economy in a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions and rising economic protectionism.”

On what the conference intends to achieve, VP Shettima explained that it “presents a unique opportunity to onboard new Governors” and deepen the shared understanding of NEC’s role in shaping Nigeria’s economic destiny.

Among others, he said the two-day retreat seeks to “align federal and state strategies with the National Development Plan (2021–2025) and the Nigeria Agenda 2050, especially in poverty reduction, job creation, and social protection.”

He outlined the objectives of the confab to include strengthening collaboration across regions through practical frameworks for inter-regional trade, investment, and infrastructure, harnessing the comparative advantages of each geopolitical zone.

The Vice President urged participants at the conference “to be bold in thought, courageous in questioning the status quo, and resolute in crafting an implementable roadmap that speaks not just to growth, but to growth that is inclusive, sustainable, and transformative.”

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, lauded the efforts and contributions of NEC to gains recorded in the economy, just as he commended the Vice President for his leadership and state Governors for their commitment to the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Bagudu expressed hope that the NEC conference would provide the forum with an opportunity to generate the consensus needed to support the creation of the trillion dollar economy.

Deliberate Reset

Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, represented by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, said the conference was holding at a time where the country is undertaking a deliberate reset targeted at repositioning the economy for sustainable development.

He pledged the support of the states in delivering inclusive growth and sustainable national development as enshrined in the Renewed Hope National Development Plan.

Empowerment Drive: Minister Offers Dental Care to Kano Residents

Ejiofor Ezeifeoma
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Empowerment Drive: Minister Offers Dental Care to Kano Residents

No fewer than 1,500 residents of Bunkure Local Government Area in Kano State have benefited from a free dental outreach organised by the Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, as part of her ongoing empowerment programme.

The outreach, held at the Bunkure Primary Health Care Centre, brought relief to a community long burdened by untreated oral health challenges.

The beneficiaries received dental treatments ranging from extractions and fillings to scaling, polishing, and denture repairs.

Speaking during the event, Mahmoud said the initiative was an extension of her broader empowerment programme, which covers all the 44 local government areas and 484 wards in Kano State.

“I am super elated. Many people gathered here today. Some had dentures fixed, some had extractions, and others did scaling and polishing.

“Many didn’t even know they needed to clean their teeth twice a year, and some cannot afford artificial dentures.

“That is why we brought this initiative in partnership with the Global Smile Initiative (GSI),” she said.

The minister stated that the beneficiaries also received dental kits, including tooth brushes and toothpaste, alongside oral health education.

“If you can not brush three times a day, at least do it in the morning and before night,” she advised.

Mahmoud expressed hope that similar interventions could be repeated and expanded to other health areas, including ophthalmology, child nutrition, and antenatal care.

She described the programme as part of the “dividends of democracy” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

 

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