Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday described 2026 as pivotal, being the prelude to 2027, when general elections will hold. The governor made the remark during the annual Interfaith Prayer Session to commemorate the commencement of the New Year. He also called on residents to take security matters seriously to ensure the state remains safe. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, in Ibadan, the state capital, Makinde urged residents to be wary of candidates making unrealistic promises as the political season draws near. He noted that following the impressive performance of his administration, residents should look forward to a member of his team taking over from him in 2027 to steer the state to greater development. Makinde promised to continue working for the progress of the state while ensuring the well-being of the people. He said, “When we came in 2019, we met the 2016 promotion arrears, meaning that for three years, there was no promotion before we were sworn-in. We cleared all of the backlogs and ensured we meet up every year. “The file for the 2025 promotion has been sent to me, and I will sign it today. So, those of you who are due for promotion, rest assured you will get it soon.” Speaking on the imperative of residents remaining watchful to ensure security, the governor tasked citizens to alert authorities about suspicious activities. He added, “I want us to be vigilant on the issue of security. We have only spent 12 days this year, and we have lost some people already at Old Oyo National Park. Security is everybody’s responsibility, and I want to urge that you should say something to the authority when you see something. “I believe we all have our people scattered everywhere. Try to encourage them to take the issue of security very seriously, and I can assure you that this administration will play its own part to keep us safe and secure.” The governor also said that the review of emoluments for Heads of Local Government Administration was being considered, expressing hope that the matter would be settled before the end of January. Earlier, the Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni, commended Makinde for his steadfastness and consistency in delivering people-centred development programmes across the state. She highlighted the administration’s commitment to good governance and accountability. She lauded the governor for his support of the public and civil service through regular salary payments, increment of monthly gratuity from N1.5 billion to N3 billion, payment of 13th-month salaries to civil servants, retirees, and NYSC members; training and retraining locally and internationally; review of the Civil Service Rules; consistent support for Public Service Week and annual merit awards; provision of free transportation for workers; appointment of 45 Permanent Secretaries with status vehicles; staff promotions; conversion of civil servants into relevant cadres; reconstruction of the Head of Service Quarters; and construction of a 250-seater Resource Centre at Simeon Adebo Development Centre, among others. Oni also thanked Labour union leaders and other stakeholders for fostering a stable and peaceful atmosphere that has led to industrial harmony in the state. In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Muhammed Fadeyi, commended the governor for his worker-friendly policies, support to the legislative arm, recruitment of staff for the House of Assembly Commission, and infrastructure development. The state Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, expressed gratitude to the governor for his dedication to the judiciary, while the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde, praised Makinde for transforming the state’s economy and laying the foundation for sustainable development through improved budget performance. The state Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Kayode Martin, speaking on behalf of other labour unions, said the Labour Centres would not accept any regression in workers’ welfare, noting that Makinde had set the standard for the next administration. He commended prompt salary payments, pensions, gratuities, promotions, and overall worker welfare under the administration. The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Segun Abatan, also thanked the governor for the new year bonus and other benefits, presenting a white horse as a gesture of appreciation for his commitment to pensioners’ welfare over the past six years. The event was attended by the former governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; former First Lady Mutiat Ladoja; former Deputy Governor Hamid Gbadamosi; President of the State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice T. M Abdulganiyu; former Speaker Monsurat Sunmonu; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; former Chief Judge Hon. Justice Badejoko Adeniyi (retd); member representing Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency, Anthony Adepoju; PDP South-West Chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe; and PDP South-West Women Leader, Bose Adedibu.

Ibadan traditional stakeholders comprising monarchs, Mogajis, Baales, and prominent sons and daughters of Ibadanland have once again cautioned the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, against any form of disrespect towards the revered stool of the Olubadan and the Ibadan traditional institution. The stakeholders condemned the conduct of Oba Owoade, who was reported to have stretched out his hand while seated to greet the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Adewolu Ladoja, during a function held today at the Agodi Government House, Ibadan. They described the action as a gross insult to the Olubadan and the entire Ibadan traditional institution. According to them, the uncultured act, which was reportedly ignored by the Olubadan, should be taken as a clear warning. They stressed that any further disrespect from the Alaafin would be met with a strong and decisive response from Ibadan traditional stakeholders, including Kabiyesis, chiefs, Mogajis and Baales. In a statement jointly signed by the President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Dr. Nurudeen Akinade, the action of Oba Owoade was described as an embarrassment of the highest order. The duo stated that Ibadan traditional stakeholders are fully prepared to decisively address any act capable of bringing disrepute to the Ibadan traditional institution. They further emphasized that Oba Adewolu Ladoja surpasses Oba Owoade in age, achievements, social standing, political exposure, business success, leadership pedigree, and his position as the custodian of Ibadan traditional affairs. The statement read in part: “The continuous disrespect of the Alaafin towards the stool of Olubadan and Ibadan traditional institution is becoming intolerable. If Governor Seyi Makinde fails to caution him and Ibadan people are pushed into reacting, the Alaafin will regret his actions. “We have records of repeated uncultured behaviour towards Ibadan traditional stools. This must stop. Ibadanland will not tolerate further aggravation. “Ibadan people are not cowards. We are fearless, but we have chosen restraint in the interest of peace. “Our culture and tradition are sacred. Anything capable of ridiculing them will be firmly resisted. “The Alaafin cannot come into our territory, sit down, and stretch his hand to greet our highly revered 82-year-old Olubadan. “Oba Ladoja is a former Senator, former Governor, an international figure, and a successful businessman. “The Alaafin may choose not to greet the Olubadan, but stretching his hand while seated is an insult to the entire Ibadan traditional institution. “Ibadanland has never been subordinate to the Alaafin — Ibadan man

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa has reaffirmed commitment to strengthening Early Childhood Care and Development Education (ECCDE) as the foundation of quality basic education and national development. Alausa stated this in his welcome address at the Annual Integrated ECCDE Consultative Committee Meeting, held in Abuja with stakeholders from across the education sector. Represented by Dr Folake Olatunji David, Director Basic Education in the ministry, the minister described ECCDE as critical to children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, noting that the Ministry remains guided by the National Policy on Education and the National ECCDE Policy. He said the meeting was timely, as it provides an opportunity to review the 2025 ECCDE implementation report, assess progress across states, and identify persistent challenges, including funding, workforce capacity, coordination, learning environment standards, and monitoring mechanisms. According to him, the consultative forum aligns with the Ministry’s priorities of improving learning outcomes, strengthening accountability, promoting data driven planning, and ensuring safe and inclusive learning environments. He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Education, UBEC, SUBEBs, State Ministries of Education, and relevant MDAs. The minister urged stakeholders to translate lessons from 2025 into clear actions, realistic targets, and measurable indicators that will improve ECCDE delivery nationwide. Commending UBEC, state ECCDE desk officers, development partners, and other stakeholders for their continued support, he expressed confidence that the outcomes of the meeting would significantly enhance ECCDE implementation in Nigeria. Earlier in her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Hajia Aisha Garba, underscored the importance of strengthening Early Childhood Care Development Education (ECCDE) in Nigeria through effective policies, partnerships, and implementation frameworks. Represented by her Special Assistant, Ibrahim Gold, the UBEC boss noted that the consultative meeting, which she described as long overdue, is designed to review the 2025 ECCDE implementation report, identify gaps and challenges, and propose practical solutions to ensure quality implementation in 2026. She noted that the proposed ECCDE Implementation Guidelines will enhance coherence in the application of the ECCDE Policy and Minimum Standards, improve resource utilization, and provide costed operational plans for ECCDE delivery. She added that the guidelines would also strengthen collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), UNICEF, and other key stakeholders, while aligning Nigeria’s ECCDE framework with global best practices. “The relevance of this engagement cannot be overstated,” she said, explaining that the document, once developed, is expected to improve the use of the Pre-Primary Education Curriculum, promote parental and community participation, and deepen partnership engagement in early childhood education.

A total of 95 princes and princesses of Fusengbuwa Ruling House have expressed interest in the stool of Awujale of Ijebuland. The development was disclosed by Olori Ebi of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Lateef Owoyemi, at the commencement of a nomination meeting held at Bisi Rodipe Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode. Owoyemi is also known as Otunba Jadiara. Other leaders of the Ruling House who were present at the meeting include Deputy Olori Ebi, Otunba Ajidagba, Chairman, Chief Fassy Yusuf, among others. Otunba Owoyemi informed the meeting that the names of those who scaled the first hurdle would be forwarded to the Afobajes. According to him, the Afobajes would select one of the candidates as the next Awujale and forward his name to the Ogun State Government. He stated that those in disagreement with the exercise can channel their grievances to the government.

Popular Fuji musician and Olori Omooba of Ijebu land, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, has written Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, alleging that he is being excluded from the ongoing selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebu land. Ayinde claimed that the Fusengbuwa ruling house, next in line to produce the Awujale, has been issuing directives that contravene the Chieftaincy Declaration, Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State. He alleged that these measures are intended to disenfranchise him from contesting for the throne. The allegations were contained in a letter dated January 8, 2026, sent to Governor Abiodun by Ayinde’s lawyer, Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN. The selection of the new Awujale has reportedly attracted over 60 contestants, with Ayinde—popularly called KWAM1—also declaring his interest. The Fusengbuwa family, the ruling house responsible for producing the next Awujale, has previously stated that Ayinde is not a member of their family and therefore, ineligible to participate in the selection process. Ayinde had earlier approached the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu Ode seeking an interim injunction to stop Abiodun and six others from proceeding with the selection. The court refused the request, ruling that the application lacked merit. The musician subsequently withdrew the suit, without providing a tangible reason. In the recent letter to Abiodun, Ayinde said that the Ijebu Ode Local Government, through a letter dated January 6, 2026, from its Secretary, Oke Adebanjo, gave the government’s nod for the ruling house to commence the selection process. He expressed surprise that while family members were preparing for the meeting, one Prince Adeleye Lateef Ademuyiwa, the family’s Public Relations Officer, issued a notice directing candidates to collect nomination cards and appear before a screening committee chaired by Prince Alhaji Mitiu Adenuga. Ayinde added that the directive scheduled the nomination exercise for Monday, January 12, 2026, but also stated that the process would be carried out by delegates to be selected at a meeting held on January 10, 2026. The letter read, “It is a matter of deep concern to our client that all these directives, which contravene the Chieftaincy Declaration, Obas and Chiefs Law, and the letter from the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, were included in the family’s letter dated January 6, 2026. “It is clear that there are plans by the leadership of the ruling house to disenfranchise members desirous of participating in the nomination of candidates for the Awujale stool. “We wish to emphasize that all members of the ruling house are entitled to attend the meeting to nominate candidates of their choice. “A group of people in the ruling house cannot usurp these rights. The directive providing for screening and nomination by delegates is inconsistent with both the spirit and letter of the Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021. “In the interest of justice and compliance with due process, we urge timely intervention to address these concerns, ensuring the integrity of the process and protecting our client’s rights.” The Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, confirmed receiving the letter but dismissed it as “arrant nonsense” with no bearing on the selection process. Speaking on Sunday, Yusuf said, “It is a misguided letter. Either Wahab Shittu is being misled, or Wasiu Ayinde is being misled. The letter was directed to the government, which will respond appropriately. “The issue being raised about screening is illogical. We have over 20,000 members in the ruling house—how does he expect us to manage the crowd?” The family has scheduled the nomination meeting for Monday, January 12, 2026, for those contesting the vacant stool. The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 following the death of 91-year-old Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years. Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Ogun State Government proved abortive, as the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Governor Abiodun, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, had not responded to enquiries at the time of publication.

Popular social media personality and AI-themed content creator, Amadou Aminata, popularly known as Jarvis, has announced that her mother’s health is deteriorating, opening up on deep-seated family struggles and the emotional toll of public scrutiny following her recent breakup with fellow influencer, Habeeb Hamzat, aka Peller. In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Jarvis disclosed that her mother was seriously ill, expressing fears that social media users could exploit her condition or weaponise it against her. She also addressed the criticism she anticipates from those who may question her care for her mother, particularly in light of her perceived financial success, stressing that her mother’s condition is beyond monetary solutions. “My mum is actually sick. What I’m saying is that the Internet is crazy. Tomorrow, they might record her in her condition and try to use it against me. “That’s the one thing I’ve been scared of; that nobody should find out that my mum is not well, then come and speak against me on social media,” she said in the video. According to her, money was no longer the solution. “Social media will always say, ‘Why didn’t you take care of her? You have all the money.’ But the truth is that at this point, money can’t solve it. It’s just God, faith and belief.” Fighting back tears, Jarvis paid tribute to her mother, describing her as a resilient single parent who raised the family without support from their Senegalese father. “I love my mum, and she tried. She really tried. She fought and defended us without any father’s support,” she said. The content creator also opened up about her long-standing struggle to reconnect with her estranged father, revealing that he stopped communicating with her when she was still a child. “When I was a child, he used to call me “Aminata”, and I would just giggle. But, it got to a point when the communication stopped. Till today, I haven’t heard from him,” she disclosed. She added that she had personally taken steps to search for him, including travelling to Senegal, but without success. “I’m the one searching. I’ve gone to Senegal. I’m still trying my best,” she said. Jarvis’ emotional revelations come weeks after she confirmed the end of her relationship with Peller, following a suicide attempt in which he attempted to crash his car during a livestream. In a separate video shared on Instagram, the influencer admitted that the breakup left her emotionally shattered, describing her life as “broken and scattered.” Using the image of a Christmas tree she struggled to assemble, she likened her emotional state to rebuilding something damaged, piece by piece. “Life has moulded me through pain, pressure and heartbreak,” she said, noting that growth does not mean the absence of hardship. Since the breakup, Jarvis said she had been deliberately focusing on healing, self-reflection and personal growth. She added that she had withdrawn from some public engagements, reduced online noise and channelled her energy into rebuilding her life emotionally and mentally. Despite the pain, she noted that she had continued creating content at her own pace, encouraging herself daily to stay strong, especially in the face of those who once doubted her potential. “I’m rebuilding from the ground up,” she said.

TikTok star, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, has vowed never to marry a Nigerian following his messy breakup with fellow Nigerian content creator, Jarvis. Speaking during a recent livestream, Peller opened up about his encounter with a demure lady from eSwatini, whom he described as his ideal woman. He explained that the lady is not only beautiful but also calm and collected. The 20-year-old added that he is ready to go to the Southern African nation and pay the lady’s bride price. “I recently encountered a lady from eSwatini, she’s not only very beautiful but also calm and collected. “I will never marry a Nigerian. eSwatini is my new target for finding a wife. I will go to the country and marry that lady. I will give her father 17 cows,” he said. Peller also warned fans to stop mocking him over his breakup with Jarvis, threatening to block them if they disregard his warning. He has previously stated that his relationship with Jarvis is now purely platonic.

Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has urged Nigerians, particularly those in their middle years, to participate actively in politics rather than limiting themselves to commentary on social media. In a post on X on Saturday, Sani advised Nigerians in their 30s, 40s and 50s to stop engaging only in online debates while younger politicians occupy elective positions. Sani said surveys suggesting that Nigerian youths are more active on social media than in politics were unhelpful, stressing that political participation should go beyond online engagement. He also urged aspiring politicians not to be discouraged by a lack of financial resources, noting that many of those currently in power did not have an easy path in politics. Sani wrote: “You are in your 30s, 40s or 50s, your Rep member is in his 30s and your House of Assembly member and Local Government Chairman are in their 20s. Excuse yourself from their comment section on Facebook, X and Instagram; register as a member of a political party and aspire to contest and give your people the kind of leadership you think they deserve.The recent survey that suggests that Nigerian youths are more on social media than in politics is not helpful. Don’t be discouraged or scared because “you don’t have money” to join politics.You need to hear the story of most of those you see in power today; it wasn’t an easy ride from the beginning. If they can be, so you can.”

Super Eagles Striker, Victor Osimhen has thanked Nigerian fans across the world for their unwavering support following the team’s 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. In a video message shared on social media on Saturday, the Galatasaray forward expressed gratitude to supporters and pledged that the team would build on the momentum to reach the final and lift the continental trophy. “Hello to the Super Eagles fans. Thank you so much for your support worldwide. This victory was not easy and I’m happy that the team got the win against Algeria,” Osimhen said. The 26-year-old striker acknowledged the difficulty of the encounter against one of Africa’s top-ranked teams. “Thank you for your support and we continue to build on this momentum and hopefully we get to the final and win it. Thank you very much,” he added. He also emphasised the importance of taking the competition one match at a time while expressing confidence in his teammates’ abilities. “Hopefully, one game at a time. It’s not going to be easy, but of course, I believe in this team, I believe in the players. One game at a time,” he stated. The victory sets up a semi-final clash against host nation Morocco on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Nigeria last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 in South Africa, defeating Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final.

The Federal Government, on Friday, announced a new policy framework aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents, improving learning outcomes, and promoting sustainability in schools through the adoption of reusable, high-quality textbooks. The policy was jointly unveiled by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suiwaba Sai’d, as part of ongoing reforms to reposition Nigeria’s education sector. According to the ministers, the initiative prioritises the use of standardised, durable textbooks designed to last between four and six years, while expressly prohibiting the bundling of disposable workbooks with textbooks in schools. “This approach is intended to ensure that learning materials can be reused across multiple academic sessions,” they said, adding that the measure would allow siblings to share textbooks, significantly lower recurring education costs for parents, and reduce waste within the school system. As part of broader reforms, the Federal Government has also introduced a uniform academic calendar to promote consistency in teaching, learning, and school planning nationwide. The ministers further disclosed that graduation ceremonies have been streamlined to ease financial pressure on families. Under the new guidelines, only pupils and students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) will be permitted to hold graduation ceremonies. They emphasised that the policy strengthens the assessment, quality assurance, selection, and use of textbooks and instructional materials across the country. The reforms, they noted, respond to longstanding concerns over frequent but cosmetic textbook revisions and practices that compel parents to purchase new textbooks annually without corresponding improvements in content. A key provision of the policy is the introduction of structured and meaningful revision cycles. “Under the new framework, textbook revisions must reflect substantive improvements in content rather than minor changes in layout or pagination, thereby extending the lifespan of approved textbooks and ensuring better value for money,” the ministers explained. The policy also introduced limits on the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, in line with international best practices observed in countries such as Japan, Kenya, and Tanzania. “This measure is expected to improve quality, reduce market saturation, and simplify textbook selection processes for schools and education authorities.” “The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to play a central role in assessing and assuring the quality of instructional materials, working with relevant agencies to ensure that only curriculum-aligned textbooks are approved for use in schools.” Reaffirming the government’s commitment to education renewal, the ministry commended the Universal Basic Education Commission, NERDC, and other technical partners for their contributions to the new framework. “The Federal Government remains resolved to safeguard educational standards, promote equity, reduce costs for parents, and ensure that learners across Nigeria have access to high-quality instructional materials that support effective teaching and learning outcomes,” the ministers said.