Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Abuja news

  • Wike Announces Grand Plans for FCT at 50 Celebrations

    Wike Announces Grand Plans for FCT at 50 Celebrations

    According to reporting by The Punch, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially announced plans for a landmark celebration to mark Abuja’s 50th anniversary. The “FCT at 50” events are expected to showcase the city’s transformation from a virgin territory in 1976 to a modern African metropolis. The Minister noted that the celebration would include the commissioning of several multi-billion naira infrastructure projects.

    The festivities are designed to promote Abuja as a premier destination for tourism and investment in West Africa. Wike emphasized that the milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on the city’s master plan and recommit to urban renewal efforts. Key highlights will include cultural festivals, investment summits, and the honoring of the city’s founding fathers.

    Daily Post and Leadership have both featured the Minister’s announcement. Daily Post reported that “the FCT administration is collaborating with private sector partners to fund the anniversary events.” Leadership Newspaper mentioned that “residents are expecting a facelift of several satellite towns as part of the celebratory projects.”

    Echotitbits take:

    Under Wike’s tenure, Abuja has seen a rapid acceleration of road and bridge construction. Using the 50th anniversary as a deadline for these projects is a clever political and administrative move to ensure completion. Expect a significant boost in the local hospitality sector during the anniversary month, though residents should prepare for temporary traffic diversions.

    Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/abuja-50-golden-jubilee-drives-renewed-infrastructure-push-wike/, February 5, 2026

    Photo credit: The Guardian

  • Tragic Death of ‘The Voice Nigeria’ Star Sparks Medical Negligence Debate

    Tragic Death of ‘The Voice Nigeria’ Star Sparks Medical Negligence Debate

    According to Legit.ng, the Nigerian entertainment community is in mourning following the death of Ifunanya Nwangene, a rising singer and former contestant on The Voice Nigeria. Reports indicate she passed away in Abuja after a fatal cobra bite, leading to a heated public debate regarding the availability of anti-venom in Nigerian hospitals.

    Family members and friends have alleged medical negligence at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), claiming that a lack of immediate treatment contributed to the tragedy. However, hospital representatives have reportedly denied these claims, stating that all possible protocols were followed given the severity of the bite.

    The news has sparked outpourings of grief from fellow musicians and fans who followed her journey on the talent show. Many are calling for a systemic overhaul of emergency medical responses in the capital, using Ifunanya’s case as a rallying cry for better healthcare infrastructure.

    * Punch Newspapers: “Abuja singer Ifunanya Nwangene dies from a cobra bite, sparking debate over antivenom availability and alleged medical negligence.”

    * Daily Post Nigeria: “Atiku’s aide, Paul Ibe, blames the death of fast-rising musician Ifunanya Nwangene on poor healthcare facilities.”

    Echotitbits take:

    This is a heartbreaking story that transcends entertainment news. It highlights a recurring issue in the Nigerian health sector where high-profile deaths expose deep-seated systemic failures. The outcry is significant and could force a legislative review of emergency care protocols in the FCT.

    Source: Legit.ng — https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1695152-doctor-shares-observation-mentions-what-fg-snake-bite-killed-popular-singer/ February 2, 2026

    Photo Credit: Legit.ng

  • Tragedy Strikes as The Voice Nigeria Alum Nanyah Dies from Snake Bite

    Tragedy Strikes as The Voice Nigeria Alum Nanyah Dies from Snake Bite

    According to Yardbarker, the Nigerian entertainment community is in mourning following the tragic passing of Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah. The 26-year-old singer, who rose to fame during the third season of The Voice Nigeria, reportedly died after being bitten by a venomous snake while she was asleep in her Abuja residence on Saturday.

    The incident has sparked a heated controversy regarding the adequacy of medical care in the capital. Reports suggest that Nanyah was rushed to multiple facilities that lacked the necessary antivenom. While her collaborators claim a critical delay in treatment led to her demise, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Jabi has issued a statement defending their response, asserting that they provided “immediate and appropriate treatment.”

    Witnesses described a harrowing scene where the singer was conscious but unable to speak, using hand gestures to communicate her distress as she struggled to breathe. Her death has highlighted systemic issues within the healthcare sector, particularly the availability of specialized treatments like polyvalent snake antivenom in urban centers.

    Nanyah was regarded as a rising star with a promising career ahead of her. Her sudden departure has left fans and fellow contestants from The Voice Nigeria devastated, with many taking to social media to demand an investigation into the circumstances of her treatment.

    * BBC Africa (via News Report): “Nwangene was bitten in her sleep on Saturday (31.01.26), and later died after seeking medical treatment.”

    * Hillary Obinna (Collaborator via Statement): “The snake bite woke her up… while they were trying to stabilise her, she could not speak but she could make hand gestures.”

    Echotitbits take:

    This is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the dire state of emergency medical response. The conflicting reports between the singer’s family and the hospital suggest a potential legal battle or public inquiry ahead. Beyond the celebrity gossip, this story is likely to trigger a wider national conversation on medical infrastructure in Nigeria.

    Source: BBC — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c77k0nlvx3yo February 2, 2026

    Photo Credit: BBC

  • NNPP Dismisses Rumors of Kwankwaso’s Defection to Ruling Party

    NNPP Dismisses Rumors of Kwankwaso’s Defection to Ruling Party

    According to Daily Post reporting on February 1st, 2026, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has officially debunked viral reports claiming that its national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is in talks to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party described the rumors as “mischievous fabrications” intended to create disharmony among opposition forces ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

    Reporting by Leadership News confirms that the NNPP leadership held an emergency meeting in Abuja to address the speculation. The party’s spokesperson clarified that Kwankwaso has not met with President Tinubu for political negotiations since 2024. “Our leader remains committed to the NNPP’s ideology and is focused on building a formidable alternative for Nigerians,” the spokesperson said in a direct quote.

    In an update published by The Nation, it was suggested that the rumors were fueled by recent defections of other high-profile opposition members to the APC. However, the paper quoted an NNPP chieftain who insisted: “Kwankwaso is a man of principle; he will not be intimidated or lured into a party that he has consistently criticized for its economic policies.”

    Echotitbits take: This denial is a classic move in the Nigerian political “chess game.” While the NNPP is currently holding its ground, the ongoing realignment of governors—including the rumored exit of Abba Yusuf—suggests that Kwankwaso may soon find himself politically isolated if he doesn’t secure a new alliance.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/kwankwaso-never-discussed-defection-with-apc-nnpp/, February 1, 2026

    Photo credit: The Punch

  • Intelligence Agencies Uncover Major Conspiracy Against Presidential Administration

    Intelligence Agencies Uncover Major Conspiracy Against Presidential Administration

    In an update published by Premium Times on February 1st, 2026, Nigerian security forces have concluded an extensive investigation into a suspected coup plot aimed at toppling the current administration. A total of 40 suspects, including high-ranking military officers and several civilians, have been identified and detained for their alleged roles in reconnaissance, funding, and the spread of anti-government propaganda.

    Figures cited by Channels TV indicate that the suspects were allegedly planning to seize strategic locations such as the Presidential Villa and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The report clarifies that the Defence Headquarters has already forwarded the case files to the appropriate superior authorities for court-martial proceedings. “We remain committed to the sanctity of our democracy and will ensure that any element attempting to truncate it faces the full weight of the law,” a military source told the outlet.

    Reporting by The Nation further validates the development, revealing that some of the suspects were tracked through encrypted communication channels. The publication quoted a senior SSS official who said, “The level of sophistication in the planning was alarming, but our intelligence apparatus was three steps ahead to ensure stability.”

    Echotitbits take: The revelation of a coup plot involving “high-ranking officers” is a serious security concern that underscores internal tensions within the defense architecture. While the government has successfully neutralized the threat, the focus now shifts to the transparency of the trials and whether this will lead to a wider shake-up of the military top brass.

    Source: Legit.ng – https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1694779-popular-nollywood-actor-reportedly-implicated-alleged-plot-tinubu-arrested/, February 1, 2026

    Photo credit: Legit.ng

  • Plot to Assassinate President Tinubu and Top Officials Uncovered

    Plot to Assassinate President Tinubu and Top Officials Uncovered

    Premium Times reports (January 30, 2026) that a joint intelligence operation involving the Nigerian Army and the State Security Service (SSS) uncovered and disrupted an alleged plot aimed at overthrowing the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    The alleged conspiracy, said to have taken shape in late 2025, reportedly targeted President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for assassination.

    Investigations reportedly advanced after a military whistleblower raised an alarm about a planned strike during a major presidential outing, prompting the cancellation of some high-profile national events and a wave of arrests of alleged military and civilian collaborators.

    ThisDay and The Nation also reported additional details, including claims of coordinated suspect activity and ongoing efforts to trace alleged financial sponsors.

    Echotitbits take: This development highlights persistent friction within parts of the security architecture and political class. While disrupting the plot is a major security win, the administration will need to manage public perception of instability. Expect tighter surveillance in Abuja and possible reshuffling of mid-level military commands in the weeks ahead.

    Source: Daily Trust – https://dailytrust.com/how-coup-to-topple-tinubu-was-uncovered-foiled/ 2026-01-30

    Photo Credit: Daily Trust

  • NLC Backs Indefinite FCTA Strike as Abuja Faces Administrative Paralysis

    NLC Backs Indefinite FCTA Strike as Abuja Faces Administrative Paralysis

    Daily Post reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has endorsed an indefinite strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), warning of broader escalation if demands on welfare and unpaid benefits are not addressed. The action has reportedly disrupted key public services in Abuja, including administrative processing and municipal functions.

    The union leadership framed the dispute as a confrontation over worker treatment and governance responsiveness, with threats of an expanded solidarity strike that could have wider economic consequences.

    Vanguard and Tribune Online also reported on the mounting tension and resident impacts, including service backlogs and sanitation challenges.

    Echotitbits take: Abuja is a political nerve center; prolonged paralysis is rarely tolerated by the federal system. Expect emergency negotiations, but also watch whether the NLC is using this as a leverage test for broader labor positioning against the administration.
    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/nlc-backs-fcta-workers-strike-over-unpaid-wages/ 2026-01-24

    Photo Credit: The Punch