Zamfara State is often called a rich state because it has large deposits of gold and other valuable minerals. Gold mining takes place in areas such as Anka, Maru, Bukkuyum, and Talata Mafara, where many people extract gold from the ground.

The state is also believed to contain minerals like copper, iron ore, lead, zinc, and limestone, making it one of Nigeria’s most resource-rich regions.

However, despite this natural wealth, Zamfara State has not fully benefited from these resources due to issues like illegal mining and insecurity.

#Nigeria #Zamfara #GoldMining #NaturalResources

Oluwashina Akanbi Peters

Juju Musician (born 30 May 1958)

Oluwashina Akanbi Peters is a Nigerian juju musician, known for his contributions to the rich Yoruba musical tradition. Born on 30 May 1958, he belongs to a generation of artists who helped sustain and popularize juju music through its blend of percussion, talking drums, and melodic storytelling rooted in Yoruba culture.

Ibrahim Chatta Shows Off Lavish Interior of Thatched House with 4+ ACs and more …….

Veteran Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta has set social media buzzing after sharing a video tour of the interior of his thatched house at his Africhatta Film Village and resort. The house, built as part of the film village project, features a high-security door, tiled floors, expensive furnishings and more than four air conditioners, blending traditional design with modern comfort. Chatta said the structure is a prototype for future builds at the site. Fans and colleagues have since flooded his comments with praise for the lavish and surprising setup. #fintternews

JUST IN!! Rolls-Royce’s throw pillows can buy a brand-new Toyota Camry — we are rich, bro, Cubana Chief Priest reveals.

The socialite and businessman sparked reactions online after boasting about the luxury lifestyle associated with Rolls-Royce ownership, claiming even the car’s throw pillows are worth as much as a new Camry, a statement many see as a reflection of extreme wealth and opulence.

#CubanaChiefPriest #LuxuryLife #RichLifestyle #CelebrityNews

Toyin Abraham Warns Online Trolls, Vows Legal Action Over Bullying and False Allegations
Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has issued a strong warning against online bullying directed at her, her husband, and her children.

Speaking on Dr Esabod’s platform, the filmmaker stated that at this stage of her life and career, she will no longer tolerate harassment or false allegations. Toyin emphasized that she is currently the second highest-grossing filmmaker in Africa and is prepared to pursue legal action against anyone, whether in Nigeria or abroad, who bullies or makes defamatory claims against her family.

She warned social media users against using her pictures or those of her children to attack others, stressing that while she can tolerate insults, she will not accept curses or attacks targeted at her children.

Toyin concluded by urging for peace, while reminding fans that her movie Oversabi Aunty is still showing in cinemas nationwide.#ToyinAbraham #NollywoodNews #CelebrityNews #OnlineBullying #EntertainmentNews
~Akamba Rich tv2

JUST IN
Wizkid and Davido didn’t become icons by staying comfortable. They started from the ground up, evolved constantly, took risks, and experimented with new sounds. That commitment to growth is why they remain relevant today.

According to Lord Lamba, the same mindset inspired his transition from skit-making to live streaming.

Growth demands reinvention. Relevance belongs to those who adapt. In entertainment, standing still is the fastest way to fall behind.
`~Richard Udofia

#Wizkid #Davido #LordLamba #EntertainmentNews #GrowthMindset #Reinvention

Trump Threatens Tariffs on Countries Opposing US Plan to Take Over Greenland

US President Donald Trump has warned that his administration may impose trade tariffs on countries that refuse to support America’s plan to take control of Greenland, a territory belonging to NATO ally Denmark. Trump argued that the United States needs mineral-rich Greenland for strategic reasons, accusing the territory of failing to do enough to secure itself against growing influence from rivals Russia and China. The remarks signal a sharp escalation in pressure on allies amid rising geopolitical competition in the Arctic.

#Trump #Greenland #USTrade #GlobalPolitics

Rivers Crisis Indicates Political Class Has No Interest In Nigerians – Olisa Agbakoba
The oil-rich state has been engulfed by a protracted crisis that has seen Governor Siminalayi Fubara at loggerheads with members of the Assembly.

Is Democracy Under Threat in Rivers State? Pro-Democracy Group NDF Demands Recall of Lawmakers Over Impeachment Move Against Governor Fubara

Is the impeachment attempt against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara a genuine constitutional process—or a politically driven effort that could destabilize the state? The Nigeria Democratic Front (NDF) has strongly condemned the move by some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to impeach the governor and his deputy, describing it as anti-democratic, self-serving, and dangerous to political stability.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, the pro-democracy group accused the lawmakers behind the impeachment proceedings of abandoning the interests of their constituents in favour of what it called personal political loyalty to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. According to the NDF, the action represents a “shameful display of political thuggery” rather than a lawful attempt to uphold accountability.

The group went further to call on political stakeholders within Rivers State and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to initiate a recall process against the lawmakers involved, arguing that their conduct shows they no longer represent the will of the people. “Their action clearly shows that they no longer represent their constituents but their political paymaster,” the statement declared.

The NDF also alleged that the impeachment move is part of a broader attempt to plunge the oil-rich state into prolonged political instability for personal and factional gain. It urged residents of Rivers State to resist what it described as the politics of godfatherism, greed, and elite control, insisting that such practices undermine democratic governance and development.

Expressing firm support for Governor Fubara, the group called on him to remain resolute and unyielding in the face of political pressure, asserting that the governor enjoys widespread public backing. “Rivers State is ready for people-oriented development, not Wike-oriented destruction,” the NDF said, maintaining that the current administration should not be intimidated by forces seeking to derail governance through legislative conflict.

In a direct appeal to the federal government, the group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene by calling the FCT minister to order, warning that failure to do so could deepen political tensions and erode democratic stability in the state.

As of the time of reporting, neither the Rivers State House of Assembly nor the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had responded to the allegations.

The unfolding crisis raises pressing questions: Is the impeachment move truly about accountability or about political control? Will Rivers lawmakers face recall from their constituents? And can democratic institutions withstand the growing influence of political godfatherism in Nigeria’s state politics?

EFCC Arraigns Austrian National Over Undeclared $800,585 and €651,505 at Lagos Airport

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Austrian national Kavlak Onal for allegedly failing to declare large sums of foreign currency at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Onal was intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service while attempting to travel to Dubai, with $800,585 and €651,505 in his possession, reportedly concealed and undeclared. He was subsequently handed over to the EFCC for investigation and prosecution.

The Head of the Foreign Exchange Malpractices Section, ACE II Adejumo Richard, commended the Customs Service for their cooperation in the arrest, emphasizing the importance of synergy between security agencies in combating financial crimes.

This incident follows previous cases involving undeclared foreign currencies at Nigerian airports, including the interception of $6.1 million from passengers suspected to be couriers for politically exposed persons (PEPs).

The EFCC continues to intensify efforts against financial crimes, highlighting its commitment to enforcing compliance with Nigeria’s foreign currency declaration laws.


#EFCC #FinancialCrime #NigeriaSecurity”

ICPC Rejects Dangote’s Petition Withdrawal, Continues Probe of Ex-NMDPRA Chief Farouk Ahmed

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that it will continue investigating allegations of corruption against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), despite the withdrawal of a petition by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.

Dangote initially filed the petition in December 2025, accusing Ahmed of corruption, including the alleged misappropriation of public funds and spending approximately $5 million on his children’s education in Switzerland, despite lacking a verifiable lawful income to support such expenditure. The allegations sparked nationwide outrage and intensified scrutiny of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

On January 5, 2026, Dangote’s legal team, led by Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN, formally withdrew the petition, citing that another law enforcement agency had assumed responsibility for investigating the matter. However, the ICPC rejected the withdrawal, emphasizing that once a petition alleging corruption is received and an investigation commences, the process cannot be terminated at the discretion of the petitioner—particularly in cases of public interest and alleged abuse of office.

In a press statement, ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey stressed that the commission’s investigation would proceed in line with its statutory mandate to ensure transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption in Nigeria. The ICPC also highlighted that the inquiry serves the interest of the Nigerian people and cannot be halted simply because the petitioner withdraws.

Following the accusations, Farouk Ahmed resigned from his position as NMDPRA Chief Executive, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed a successor. ICPC had earlier summoned Dangote to appear before a special panel of investigators in Abuja regarding his petition. Dangote had publicly criticized Ahmed’s alleged spending during a media briefing on December 14, 2025, highlighting the contrast between such expenditure and the economic struggles of ordinary Nigerians amid inflation and rising fuel prices.

The ICPC’s decision to continue its probe underscores the agency’s commitment to holding public officials accountable, regardless of a petitioner’s withdrawal, and signals a robust approach to anti-corruption enforcement in Nigeria.

“Sowore Accuses Global Powers of Exploiting Resource-Rich Countries Under Humanitarian Pretext: Venezuela Crisis Highlighted”

Nigerian human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has sharply criticized the recent Venezuelan crisis, in which U.S. and allied forces reportedly captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Writing on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sowore described the operation as a violation of international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty, framing it as a pattern of global powers using humanitarian or security pretexts to intervene in resource-rich nations.
Sowore contends that the official narrative of fighting drug cartels or promoting moral rescue is often a smokescreen for strategic and economic exploitation. He draws parallels to past interventions in Iraq and Libya, arguing that the true motives of foreign powers are resource extraction, destabilization, and maintaining global dominance, leaving affected countries perpetually poor and vulnerable.
Criticizing former U.S. President Donald Trump, Sowore described him as “merely the latest rider of this global Trojan horse,” highlighting that while rhetoric changes, the machinery of exploitation remains consistent. Sowore emphasized that such interventions are tragic for humanity, as entire societies bear the cost while foreign powers profit under the guise of benevolence.
His comments come amid widespread international condemnation of the Venezuelan operation, with several African governments and activist groups questioning the legality of such actions. Sowore’s critique reignites debate over foreign interventions, exposing the tension between humanitarian claims and underlying geopolitical and economic interests.

Borno State Fence Collapse Kills Five, Leaves One Injured in Jere LGA – Victims Evacuated to Maiduguri Hospital

A tragic incident in Bintu Sugar, Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, claimed the lives of five residents and left one person injured after a fence collapsed on January 4, 2026, around 8:12 p.m. The victims — Hadiza Mohamed, Adamu Umar, Abdul Malik Usman, Abdullahi Usman, and Salamatu Mohammed Dibal — were residents of Gomari and were evacuated to the State Specialists Hospital in Maiduguri, where they were certified dead.
The sole survivor, 16-year-old Ya’u Labaran, is receiving treatment at the hospital. Police confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fence collapse. The deceased were released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Borno State, located in northeastern Nigeria and sharing borders with Cameroon, Niger, and Chad, has a rich cultural heritage and a history of scholarship. Despite its challenges with insurgency and humanitarian crises, the state remains strategically important for regional trade and security.

#BornoState #FenceCollapse #JereLGA #NigeriaTragedy #MaiduguriNews #AccidentReport #BreakingNewsNigeria #NigeriaNews

Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Group Rejects Tinubu’s Tax Reform, Describes It as IMF–World Bank Agenda to Deepen Poverty in Nigeria

The Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organization (GAFAMORG) has strongly rejected the proposed tax reform law being advanced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing it as an International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank–inspired agenda aimed at deepening poverty and further exploiting Nigerians. The group warned that the country’s worsening economic crisis is the result of deliberate policy choices by a corrupt ruling elite aligned with failed foreign economic orthodoxies.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Babatunde Agunbiade, and Public Relations Officer, Adeoye Ade-Adewumi, GAFAMORG argued that Nigeria’s challenges are not caused by insufficient taxation but by criminal mismanagement, massive corruption, nepotism, and elite capture of state resources. The organisation said the proposed tax law would impose additional burdens on already over-taxed workers, small traders, and struggling households, while leaving the wealthy and powerful untouched.

The group accused the Tinubu administration of ignoring large-scale tax evasion by elites, excessive tax waivers for multinational corporations, and widespread looting through inflated contracts and opaque concessions. It also criticised the operation of Free Trade Zones, describing them as tax havens for the rich where corporations enjoy sweeping exemptions and weak oversight, while ordinary Nigerians face aggressive and sometimes extortionate tax enforcement.

GAFAMORG further described Nigeria’s tax administration system as broken, citing overlapping taxes, harassment by revenue agents, lack of transparency, and weak accountability. It warned that introducing new taxes without fixing these structural problems amounts to “economic violence against the poor.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s past experiences with IMF- and World Bank-backed reforms such as Structural Adjustment, privatisation, and subsidy removal, the organisation said these policies have consistently shrunk the middle class, expanded poverty, enriched a tiny elite, and weakened the country’s productive capacity.

Invoking the legacy of late human rights lawyer Chief Gani Fawehinmi, GAFAMORG called on Nigerians to completely reject the proposed tax law, mobilise civic, legal, media, and popular resistance, and demand its immediate withdrawal. The group insisted that Nigeria does not need IMF-approved hardship but justice, accountability, equity, and people-centred governance.

Amid Global Outcry, Trump Declares US Will ‘Run’ Venezuela After Military Strikes, Arrest Of President Nicolás Maduro

United States President Donald Trump has announced that Washington will temporarily “run” Venezuela until a political transition is completed, following coordinated US military strikes on Caracas and the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump made the declaration during a news conference on Saturday, hours after US forces bombed key locations in the Venezuelan capital and took Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, into custody.

According to Trump, the United States will assume control of Venezuela’s affairs to ensure what he described as a “safe, proper and judicious transition,” though he did not provide a clear timeline. The move marks a major escalation in US actions against Maduro’s government, which have included seizures of Venezuelan oil tankers and deadly anti-narcotics operations in the Caribbean—steps that have drawn condemnation from human rights groups and foreign governments.

Trump defended the intervention by citing longstanding US drug-trafficking charges against Maduro, allegations the Venezuelan leader has repeatedly denied. The US president also said major American oil companies would soon enter Venezuela to repair its damaged oil infrastructure, claiming the intervention would make Venezuelans “rich, independent and safe.”

Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013, has long accused the United States of seeking regime change to gain control of the country’s vast oil reserves. His transfer to New York to face US charges has intensified international backlash, with critics warning that the declaration of US control over Venezuela threatens sovereignty, international law, and regional stability.

Revolutionary Socialist Movement Urges Nigerians to Resist Tinubu’s ‘Anti-Poor’ Tax Policies, Warns of Rising Hardship, Inflation, Fuel Hikes, and Growing Economic Inequality in 2026

The Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM) has called on Nigerians to actively resist what it describes as “anti-poor tax policies” introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, warning that the measures will deepen economic hardship for workers and low-income earners. In a New Year message issued by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Salako Kayode, the group said Nigerians are entering 2026 under intense economic pressure driven by high inflation, soaring food prices, unemployment, repeated fuel price increases, and declining public services.

RSM accused the federal government of responding to the economic crisis by shifting the burden onto ordinary citizens through new and increased taxes, while protecting wealthy individuals, big corporations, and political elites. According to the group, the current tax system has failed to improve essential services such as healthcare, education, housing, and employment, instead sustaining corruption, heavy debt servicing, and what it termed extravagant lifestyles among those in power.

The movement argued that Nigerians should not be forced to pay for an economic crisis they did not create and proposed alternatives including recovering stolen public funds, ending wasteful governance and jumbo salaries, taxing big businesses and the super-rich, and investing more in public services and decent jobs. RSM also called on trade unions, civil society groups, students, and communities to form a united front and engage in peaceful mass resistance to defend living standards and democratic rights, expressing optimism that a more equitable Nigeria is achievable.

Stop Treating Nigerians Like ATMs” — AAC FCT Chairman Warns of Mass Hardship, Slams Tinubu’s Tax Policies as ‘Declaration of War’ on the Poor in 2026

The Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the Federal Capital Territory, Agena Robert Ande, has issued a strong warning that Nigeria is heading into a “year of reckoning” in 2026, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of imposing a harsh and suffocating tax regime that disproportionately affects poor and vulnerable citizens. In a New Year statement, Ande described the government’s tax policies as exploitative, insisting that nearly everything Nigerians rely on for survival is now taxed.

He rejected official claims that recent tax reforms are designed to target the wealthy, arguing instead that the rich evade taxes through offshore arrangements while ordinary Nigerians pay through Value Added Tax on food, fuel, data, transport and other essentials. According to the AAC chairman, subsidy removal has worsened living conditions nationwide, with transport costs soaring and food prices tripling, further pushing citizens into poverty.

Ande also criticized the student loan scheme, saying it traps young graduates in debt due to high interest rates and bureaucratic barriers that exclude the most marginalized. He accused the political elite of manipulating public sentiment by weaponising poverty to silence criticism, warning that desperation created by poverty fuels gullibility and social instability.

Questioning accountability, the AAC leader demanded transparency in the use of tax revenues, pointing to poor infrastructure, failing healthcare systems and dilapidated schools as evidence that increased taxation has not translated into development. He called for the removal of VAT on essential goods and services, insisting that luxury items—not basic livelihoods—should be taxed.

Describing the tax policies as a “declaration of war against ordinary Nigerians,” Ande urged citizens to resist deception, organize politically and hold leaders accountable through civic engagement and the ballot. He concluded by warning that silence equals complicity, stressing that 2026 presents Nigerians with a choice to reject policies that deepen hardship and inequality.

Beautiful Moment as Ghanaian President John Mahama Poses for Pictures with Nigerian Singer Asake During Concert Visit

Nigerian music star Asake shared a heartwarming moment with former Ghanaian President John Mahama while in Ghana for a concert. Videos show Mahama warmly receiving Asake and taking pictures with him. The visit followed a supercar event in Accra where Asake intervened to seek leniency for a man who fired celebratory shots during his visit.

The meeting also included notable personalities such as billionaire Ibrahim Mahama, Sam Jonah, Richard Ni Armah, and actor John Dumelo. The encounter sparked reactions from Nigerians online, with fans praising the interaction.

Earlier, Asake had also visited the Ooni of Ife, paying respects and highlighting his roots. He was recently honored with the chieftaincy title “Olu Omo Eyo Oniko” in Lagos for his global impact and loyalty to cultural heritage.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Signs N617.95bn 2026 Budget into Law, Says Gombe Will Continue to Lead with Action

...Gombe Takes the Lead, Appropriates N12bn for Northern Security Fund

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill of Gombe State into law, giving the force of law for the implementation of the N617.95 billion “Budget of Consolidation.”

The signing ceremony, which took place at the Council Chamber of the Government House, Gombe, followed the formal presentation of the Appropriation Bill as passed by members of the Gombe State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo.

The 2026 budget makes provision for N189 billion as recurrent expenditure, accounting for 21.6 per cent, while N428.5 billion, representing 69.4 per cent, is devoted to capital projects, further reinforcing the administration’s focus on infrastructure, service delivery and long-term growth.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya had initially presented a N535.69 billion budget proposal to the House. After a legislative review, the Assembly approved an upward adjustment of over N82 billion, bringing the total budget size to N617.95 billion.

A key feature of the budget is the allocation of N12 billion for regional security fund, translating to a N1 billion monthly contribution, in line with resolutions of the Northern States Governors’ Forum. The move places Gombe State at the forefront of collective efforts by northern states to confront insecurity through practical and sustained funding.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor Inuwa Yahaya reiterated his administration’s commitment to the safety of lives and property, the completion of ongoing legacy projects, and the delivery of people-focused development across both urban and rural communities.

He explained that the 2026 budget prioritises critical sectors such as health, education, social investment, environmental protection, mineral resources development, and includes a special allocation for the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities (GSCPWD).

“This administration remains fully committed to responding to the needs and aspirations of our people with a budget that is realistic, responsible and centred on the citizen,” the Governor said.

Reflecting on his administration’s record, Governor Inuwa Yahaya noted that no sector of the state’s economy has been neglected since he assumed office.

“In the history of Gombe State, no government has touched the lives of the people across so many sectors like this one. From health and education to infrastructure and social support, the impact is visible,” he stated.

He thanked the House of Assembly for what he described as a thoughtful and people-oriented review of the budget, assuring that the government would maintain the fiscal discipline it is known for.

According to him, budget implementation under his leadership has consistently exceeded 70 per cent.

The Governor also commended the lawmakers for their unity and seriousness during the budget process, describing their full attendance at the presentation of the estimates as a strong sign of mutual respect and cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for their continued support to Gombe State through various development programmes, while appealing for even more interventions in the year ahead.

“We started with work. We are still working. And by the grace of God, we will end with more work,” he said.

Earlier, Speaker Abubakar Luggerewo, said the lawmakers were at the Government House to formally present the 2026 Appropriation Bill for the Governor’s assent.

He disclosed that the House received the budget proposal on 13 November 2025, subjected it to detailed scrutiny, and held an extended session of the Appropriation Committee in Calabar, Cross River State, to enrich the document with additional inputs, leading to modest upward adjustments.

The Speaker praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya for the numerous development projects across the state, particularly in the health, education and other key sectors.

He recalled that a recent health summit organized by the state government drew experts from across the world, most of whom acknowledged Gombe State’s steady progress in healthcare delivery.

Hon. Luggerewo said the Assembly’s adjustments to the budget were made in good faith and in the best interest of the people.

He also appreciated the Governor for ensuring healthy working relationship among the arms of government and for providing the legislature with vehicles and other logistics that have improved their efficiency.

BURNA BOY, VERYDARKMAN VISIT KIRIKIRI MAXIMUM SECURITY CUSTODIAL CENTRE

Popular Nigerian music star, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, *alongside* social commentator Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, has visited the Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Lagos.

A statement by Osho Onimisi Joseph - Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos State Command explains that the visit was to obtain first-hand information on the legal and administrative procedures for releasing inmates eligible for discharge through the payment of fines.

Officer-in-Charge of the facility, Sanni Richard, who received the delegation explained the processes guiding fine payments, eligibility, and the legal safeguards ensuring transparency and compliance with court orders.

The statement clarifies that the payment of fines for eligible inmates is strictly guided by court judgments and correctional regulations, stressing that no inmate is released without due process and proper authorization.

The Nigerian Correctional Service assures the public that inmates are held in safe, secure, and humane conditions, in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act and international best practices.

The Service also commends lawful initiatives aimed at promoting access to justice, custodial decongestion, and humane treatment of inmates, while reaffirming its commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration.