Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: News

  • Tinubu Hails Imo State as Nigeria’s “Intellectual Engine” at 50

    Tinubu Hails Imo State as Nigeria’s “Intellectual Engine” at 50

    In a statement published by The Guardian, President Bola Tinubu has lauded Imo State as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s leadership and cultural heritage. Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima during the “Imo at 50” grand finale in Owerri, the President described the state as a vital intellectual engine that consistently produces visionary leaders.

    Tinubu highlighted the state’s massive contributions to Nollywood, modern African literature, and the national economy through agriculture and hospitality. He specifically praised the legacy of former Governor Sam Mbakwe and the current efforts of Governor Hope Uzodimma in steering the state toward a “Golden Jubilee” that serves as a launchpad for future growth.

    The celebrations included the unveiling of a compendium detailing the state’s milestones since its creation. The President’s message emphasized unity and the importance of the “Heartland” state in the broader context of Nigeria’s development.

    The event was also covered by Vanguard and Channels TV, with Vanguard reporting that “the atmosphere in Owerri was one of reflection and celebration,” while Channels TV quoted the Vice President saying, “Imo’s cultural power stems from decades of refined intellect and respect for community values.”

    Echotitbits take: This high-level praise is a strategic move to strengthen ties with the Southeast. The focus on “intellectual power” rather than just security issues suggests a shift in how the federal government wants to engage with the region’s identity.

    Source: Gazettengr – https://gazettengr.com/imo-at-50-tinubu-hails-state-as-nigerias-intellectual-engine/ , February 8, 2026

    Photo credit: Gazettengr

  • Army Recovers Hundreds of Cattle After Fierce Katsina Gunfight

    Army Recovers Hundreds of Cattle After Fierce Katsina Gunfight

    According to reports from Premium Times, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade have successfully recovered 529 rustled livestock following a violent encounter with terrorists in the Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State. The criminals, reportedly led by a relative of the notorious bandit kingpin Ado Aliero, engaged the troops in a prolonged shootout before fleeing.

    The operation is part of an intensified effort to dismantle the economic backbone of banditry in the Northwest, where cattle rustling is a primary source of funding for armed groups. The Nigerian Army stated that the recovered animals are being processed for return to their rightful owners in the local community.

    The success of the 17 Brigade is being hailed as a tactical victory, though residents remain cautious as many communities in the region have historically relied on non-state armed groups for protection—a phenomenon known as the “Jibia Peace Model.”

    Supporting reports from Leadership and The Nation confirm the engagement, with Leadership stating, “The neutralization of bandit logistics is key to restoring peace in Katsina,” and The Nation quoting a military spokesperson: “We will not rest until the last of these economic saboteurs is brought to justice.”

    Echotitbits take: While recovering cattle is a win, the long-term solution lies in replacing the “Jibia Model” with permanent state security presence. Watch for how the military handles the “non-state enforcers” who currently fill the security vacuum.

    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/nwest/855104-gunfight-in-katsina-as-troops-battle-bandits-official.html?tztc=1 , February 8, 2026

    Photo credit: Premium Times

  • Maritime Firm Announces Pan-African Fleet Expansion Drive

    Maritime Firm Announces Pan-African Fleet Expansion Drive

    Figures cited by BusinessDay show that Starzs Investment Company Ltd, a leading Nigerian maritime and logistics firm, is set to significantly expand its operations across the continent. The company’s CEO, Iroghama Ogbeifun, revealed plans to acquire new DP2 AHTS tugboats as part of a fleet renewal strategy to meet the rising demand in Africa’s oil and gas sectors.

    Beyond Nigerian waters, the firm is targeting emerging oil hotspots in Namibia, Mozambique, Guinea, and Congo. This expansion is fueled by strategic partnerships and a renewed investment momentum within the Nigerian offshore industry, where Starzs currently operates 11 vessels, including security patrol boats for major international oil companies.

    As one of the few privately licensed maritime security firms with a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Navy, the company’s growth is seen as a boost for indigenous participation in the high-stakes maritime sector. The move is expected to create jobs and enhance Nigeria’s footprint in the global maritime economy.

    The expansion was also reported by NANNamed and ThisDay, with ThisDay noting, “Starzs is positioning itself as a Pan-African champion in the maritime space.” The Guardian quoted Ogbeifun saying, “We are investing in response to aging assets and the growing offshore demand across the Gulf of Guinea.”

    Echotitbits take: Starzs’ move into Namibia and Mozambique shows that Nigerian indigenous firms are now mature enough to export services. This is a positive sign for the “Blue Economy” policy of the current administration.

    Source: DailyByTesng – https://dailybytesng.com/single_news/firm-plans-fleet-expansion-across-africa-as-oil-gas-projects-gain-momentum, February 8, 2026

    Photo credit: DailyByTesng

  • Lagos Experts Warn of Erratic Weather and Heatwaves in 2026

    Lagos Experts Warn of Erratic Weather and Heatwaves in 2026

    In an update published by The Punch, environmental scientists and health experts have warned that Nigeria is entering a period of extreme climate unpredictability. Unusual rainfall patterns observed in Lagos and Ogun states during January and early February are being cited as clear indicators that traditional seasonal cycles have been disrupted by global warming.

    Mr. Ahoton James, Director of Environmental Service at the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, noted that the absence of a traditional harmattan season in late 2025 and early 2026 is a significant red flag. The experts predict that the country may face intense heatwaves and unseasonable flooding, which could severely impact food security and public health.

    The changing climate is already affecting agricultural planning, as farmers who rely on predictable rain cycles are finding it difficult to time their planting. This volatility is expected to persist throughout the year, necessitating a shift in national disaster management strategies.

    Validating reports from Vanguard and Daily Trust emphasize these concerns, with Vanguard quoting a meteorologist who said, “We are seeing the 2026 weather calendar being rewritten by carbon footprints,” while Daily Trust noted that “Northern states must prepare for record-breaking temperatures this summer.”

    Echotitbits take: The failure of the harmattan and early rains in the south are not just anomalies; they are economic risks. Expect a spike in cooling costs and potential volatility in food prices if the heatwaves affect the early planting season.

    Source: The Cable – https://www.thecable.ng/heat-like-hell-fire-strange-weather-angry-water-what-nigerians-call-climate-change/, February 8, 2026

    Photo credit: The Cable

  • Ghana Recalls High Commissioner Over Alleged Electoral Misconduct

    Ghana Recalls High Commissioner Over Alleged Electoral Misconduct

    Reporting by Premium Times indicates that the Ghanaian Presidency has officially recalled Baba Ahmed, the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, with immediate effect. The decision, sanctioned by President John Mahama, follows allegations linking the diplomat to malpractices during Ghana’s parliamentary election primaries for the Ayawaso East Constituency.

    The Ghanaian government clarified that Mr. Ahmed, who was an aspirant in the primaries, was recalled to answer for his alleged role in compromising the electoral process while serving as a high-ranking public officer. This move is seen as a stern signal from Accra regarding the conduct of its diplomatic staff during domestic political transitions.

    The recall has sparked discussions within the West African diplomatic community about the boundaries of political participation for serving ambassadors. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to be formally notified as the Ghanaian mission in Abuja transitions to interim leadership.

    The story was also monitored by Channels TV and The Punch, which reported that “the recall is a rare but necessary step to maintain the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions.” The Sun Nigeria further quoted a source in Accra saying, “The Presidency will not tolerate any public officer using their position to influence internal party processes.”

    Echotitbits take: This recall highlights Ghana’s aggressive stance on electoral integrity, even at the cost of diplomatic continuity. It may temporarily slow down bilateral engagements between Abuja and Accra as a new envoy is vetted.

    Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/ghana-recalls-high-commissioner-to-nigeria-over-alleged-link-to-election-rigging/, February 8, 2026

    Photo credit: Vanguard

  • London Set to Host Tinubu for Historic State Visit in March

    London Set to Host Tinubu for Historic State Visit in March

    According to international diplomatic dispatches cited by The Nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to undertake a significant state visit to the United Kingdom from March 18 to 19, 2026. The Nigerian leader and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu will be hosted at Windsor Castle by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, marking the first formal state visit by a Nigerian president to Britain in nearly four decades.

    The visit is expected to focus on the strategic partnership established between London and Abuja in late 2024, targeting enhanced cooperation in security, migration, and economic growth. Analysts suggest that the timing is critical as Nigeria seeks deeper defense ties to combat rising jihadist threats in its central and northwestern regions.

    Economic data indicates that trade between the two nations has flourished, reaching approximately £8.1 billion in the year ending September 2025. This 11.4 percent year-on-year increase underscores Nigeria’s position as a vital trade partner for the UK within the Commonwealth.

    This development has been corroborated by The Guardian and Daily Post, with the former noting that “the visit underscores the deepening ties between the UK’s Labour government and the Tinubu administration,” while the latter quoted a palace spokesperson stating, “Their Majesties look forward to welcoming the President and Mrs. Tinubu to Windsor.”

    Echotitbits take: This visit represents a major diplomatic win for the Tinubu administration, signaling Western confidence despite domestic security hurdles. Watch for specific announcements regarding defense hardware and tech-sector investment during the Windsor summits.

    Source: Channels TV – https://www.channelstv.com/2026/02/08/tinubu-to-meet-king-charles-pay-state-visit-to-uk/, February 8, 2026

    Photo credit: Channels TV

  • Alleged Police Assault on Skit Maker Ijoba Lande Triggers Investigation

    Alleged Police Assault on Skit Maker Ijoba Lande Triggers Investigation

    In a post shared by @leadership_ng on X, the Nigerian police have officially launched a probe into the reported physical assault and robbery of popular content creator Ijoba Lande. The comedian cried out in a viral video, alleging that officers not only physically attacked him but also forcibly took his iPhone and stole $1,200 belonging to his brother during a stop-and-search encounter.

    The incident has sparked outrage across TikTok and Instagram, where Ijoba Lande’s fans have been sharing the footage of his distressed state following the encounter. The swift response from the authorities indicates a heightened sensitivity to celebrity-related complaints involving law enforcement. Reports suggest the officers involved have already been taken into custody as the investigation proceeds to verify the skit maker’s claims.

    Confirming the development, Punch Newspapers stated on February 7, 2026: “Police probe attack on actor Ijoba Lande… The officers are reportedly in custody as an investigation begins.” Additionally, Vanguard Nigeria reported on the viral nature of the claim: “Skit maker Ijoba Lande cries out over alleged police brutality, claiming theft of $1,200 and personal gadgets.”

    Echotitbits Take:

    Viral “cries for help” from celebrities are becoming the most effective tool for police accountability in Nigeria. While the police have moved quickly, the credibility of the $1,200 theft claim will be the focal point of the probe. If proven true, this could lead to another public relations crisis for the force; if found exaggerated, it may hurt Lande’s standing with his millions of digital followers.

    Source: Leadership Newspapers — https://leadership.ng/policemen-attacked-me-collected-my-iphone-stole-my-brothers-1200-skit-maker-ijoba-lande-cries-out/ February 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Guardian

  • Nollywood Faces Leadership Crisis as AGN Presidential Election Hijacked

    Nollywood Faces Leadership Crisis as AGN Presidential Election Hijacked

    In an update published by Daily Post, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) is embroiled in a fresh controversy following allegations that its upcoming presidential election has been “hijacked” by external interests. High-profile members and industry stakeholders have raised alarms over the lack of transparency in the screening process and the alleged exclusion of popular candidates.

    The crisis threatens to divide the world’s second-largest film industry at a time when it is seeking more global investment. Some members are calling for a complete overhaul of the electoral committee to prevent a total breakdown of order within the guild.

    The dispute was also picked up by Entertainment Weekly Nigeria, which reported that “tensions are high as several A-list actors have threatened to form a breakaway guild.” Tribune further quoted an industry insider who said, “If we cannot conduct a transparent internal election, we lose our moral standing to criticize the national government.”

    Echotitbits take: Nollywood is more than just movies; it’s a massive part of Nigeria’s “soft power” and diaspora engagement. A leadership crisis in the AGN could stall progress on copyright laws and international co-production deals. Watch for a possible mediation by the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy.

    Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/09/nollywood-stanley-ontop-alleges-agn-presidential-election-hijacked/, February 7, 2026

    Photo credit: Daily Post

  • Federal Government Approves 300% Increase in Uniform Allowance for Nurses

    Federal Government Approves 300% Increase in Uniform Allowance for Nurses

    In a major update published by The Punch, the Federal Government has officially approved a 300% hike in the annual uniform allowance for Nigerian nurses, raising the payment to N80,000 effective from January 2026. This move is part of a broader strategy to improve welfare in the health sector and stem the “Japa” syndrome—the mass exodus of medical professionals to the UK, US, and Canada.

    The decision comes on the heels of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) suspending an 84-day nationwide strike. While the allowance increase is a win for the unions, the government is also looking at more holistic reforms, including updated cancer control roadmaps and better equipment distribution for primary health centers.

    This development was also covered by Daily Post, which noted that “the allowance increase is a symbolic gesture of the government’s commitment to healthcare workers.” Tribune highlighted the human angle, quoting a nurse who said, “While N80,000 isn’t enough to solve all our problems, it shows the government is finally listening to the cries of the frontline workers.”

    Echotitbits take: This is a classic “cooling” tactic to maintain industrial peace in the health sector. However, a uniform allowance won’t stop the brain drain alone. The real test will be whether the government can improve the actual working conditions and security of these nurses in rural areas.

    Source: NigerianEye – nigerianeye.com/2026/02/fg-approves-300-increase-in-nurses.html, February 7, 2026

    Photo credit: NigerianEye

  • President Tinubu Unveils 2026 Sports Reform and Funding Reset

    President Tinubu Unveils 2026 Sports Reform and Funding Reset

    Reporting by The Nation indicates that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s sports sector, introducing the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE). The President has mandated a complete “funding reset” starting in 2026, aimed at moving the industry away from total government dependence and toward a commercially viable model that promotes job creation and tourism.

    The President expressed his dissatisfaction with bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically hindered athlete development. Under the new framework, the National Sports Commission (NSC) will oversee a unified funding pool designed to provide early support for elite athletes and revitalize grassroots participation across all 36 states.

    Validating the move, Channels TV reported that the reform is a response to Nigeria’s record-breaking performance in 2025, noting that “the administration wants to capitalize on recent international successes to drive foreign direct investment into sports infrastructure.” The Guardian also quoted a sports analyst saying, “This is the first time we are seeing a deliberate shift from sports as ‘social service’ to sports as ‘big business’ in Nigeria.”

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria has long been a sporting giant with “clay feet” due to poor funding. By treating sports as an economic sector rather than just a hobby for the youth, the government is looking to tap into a multi-billion dollar global industry. Success will depend on whether private investors trust the new NSC structure enough to put their money into Nigerian stadia and academies.

    Source: The Nation – https://thenationonlineng.net/tinubu-unveils-major-sports-sector-reform-orders-funding-reset-from-2026-2/, February 7, 2026

    Photo credit: The Nation