The highlight of Ramadan Iftar hosted by the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, was the announcement ordering the reopening of Ikare Central Mosque.
Governor Aiyedatiwa ordered the immediate reopening of the Ikare Akoko Central Mosque which had been shut down almost four years ago.
The Governor gave the order, during an annual Iftar Ramadan fast prayer organised by the state government at the Dome International Event Centre, Alagbaka, Akure.
He also advised those behind the plot to remove Grand Chief Imani of the mosque to bury the idea, following resolution of disagreement which led to the crisis.
Aiyedatiwa also ordered that the Grand Chief Imam of Ikare, Sheik Abubakar Mohammed Abas, would continue to lead islamic Prayers and activities in the town.
The Governor said the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh, as well as the Grand Mufti of Ikare and Ondo state, Sheikh Shehu Batuta and the Grand Chief Imam, Sheikh Abubakar should ensure that the directive of reopening the mosque is effected in the spirit of love and unity.
Sheikh Abubakar was recently appointed as the State Vice Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas by a special committee chaired by Sheikh Shehu Batuta.
The Ondo state government, led by the late Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, had shut down the Ikare Central mosque on October 18, 2022, to prevent violent clashes.
The closure was necessitated by a leadership dispute regarding an alleged plot to remove the Grand Chief Imam, Sheik Abubakar Mohammed Abas by the Ikare Muslim council.
The move caused tension and safety concerns on October 10, 2022, which was rejected by majority of other Islamic bodies in the town and the state.
The latest pronouncement by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday led to massive applause and jubilation at the venue of the Iftar attended by the Olukare, Shehu Batuta and the Chief Imam, while the news also led to commendations and prayers for the Governor across social media platforms.
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays in celebration of the Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the Muslim one month fast also known as Ramadan.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on Tuesday, urging Muslims to continue to show the virtues of love, generosity and sacrifice as exemplified during the Holy Ramadan month. .
The minister spoke In a statement singed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, extending warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to Muslim faithful in the country.
Tunji-Ojo urged Muslims to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance and sacrifice, which were emphasised during the holy month of Ramadan.
He also called on Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the continued peace, unity and prosperity of the country.
While wishing Muslim faithful a joyful Eid-ul-Fitr celebration, the minister encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society.
“The Federal Government remains committed to fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians,” the Minister said.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has disclosed that the federal government and the Unite Kingdom, K government have reached a £746 million deal for the modernization of two major seaports in the country.
The funding arrangement from His Majesty Government, according to a statement issued by the Minister’s Spokesperson, Bolaji Akinola, will be used for the face-lift of Apapa and Tin Can seaports in Lagos.
The deal, according to the statement will be signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK. Tinubu arrived the European country on Tuesday with other top federal government officials, ahead of the visit expected to kick off today, Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
According to the minister, the two ports handle more than 70 percent of the nation’s export and import, saying the funding was secured through the UK Export Finance.
He stressed that the deal signals “a deepening of strategic economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom while opening a new chapter in Nigeria’s maritime development” adding that the modernisation is the first since the establishment of the two seaports many years ago.
Oyetola described the financing package as a transformative milestone for the country’s port system.
He added that the scale and scope of the modernisation project mark the first comprehensive overhaul of the facilities since their establishment.
The minister explained that the project forms a central pillar of the Federal Government’s broader agenda to unlock the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy while restoring efficiency and global competitiveness to the country’s maritime infrastructure.
“This financing agreement represents a defining moment for Nigeria’s maritime sector,” the minister said.
He added that for decades, Apapa Port and Tincan Island Port have borne the weight of national trade, “yet their infrastructure has not kept pace with the scale and complexity of modern global shipping. What we are set to do is not merely an upgrade, but a comprehensive transformation that will bring our ports into alignment with international best practice.”
Oyetola noted that the partnership with the United Kingdom reflects a shared commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and advancing sustainable maritime development.
“Through this historic collaboration with the United Kingdom, we are laying the groundwork for a new era in the management and operation of Nigerian ports,” he said.
“Modern infrastructure supported by digitalised and automated processes will significantly enhance efficiency, transparency, and operational reliability. Our objective is clear: to create a port system that is modern, competitive, and capable of serving as a strategic maritime hub for West and Central Africa.”
The minister said the modernisation programme will introduce advanced cargo-handling infrastructure, expanded port capacity, and integrated digital systems designed to eliminate many of the operational bottlenecks that have historically slowed cargo movement through Nigeria’s busiest ports.
Oyetola highlighted that, once completed, the reforms will fundamentally reshape the operational landscape of Nigeria’s maritime gateways. He mentioned that vessel turnaround times are expected to decline significantly, while cargo dwell times within the ports will be sharply reduced as automated systems replace paper-based procedures and outdated manual processes.
“Efficiency at the ports is central to the health of the national economy. By modernising our infrastructure and embracing digital technologies, we will enable faster clearance of imports and exports, reduce demurrage and logistics costs for businesses, and ensure a more predictable and transparent cargo movement system.
“These improvements will not only ease trade but will also stimulate economic growth and generate increased revenue for national development,” Oyetola said.
All federal government appointees wiling to contest the 2023 election should resign their appointments, on or before March 31, 2026. The directive was issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a circular released on Tuesday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
According to the circular issued by the Permanent Secretary General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the directive is in tandem with the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and pursuant to the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ambitious political appointees expected to resign from their positions, if they want to contest the 2027 election are Ministers, Ministers of State, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, among others.
The appointees are also expected to submit their letter of resignations to the President, thorough the Office of the SGF, the government said in the circular.
“The resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees who wish to participate in the forthcoming party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office, which include the following: Honourable Ministers, Honourable Ministers of State, Special Advisers to the President, Senior Special Assistants to the President, Special Assistants to the President, Personal Assistants to the President, All Directors-General, and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-owned Companies, as well as all Other Political Appointees of the President,” the government noted in the document cited by journalists yesterday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II has “declared wanted” a social media influencer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, known as Peller, over an unauthorized entry into the Monarch’s Palace.
The Palace had, on Monday, suspended one of the Queens, a Palace Chief and a member of staff of the Benin Traditional Council, BTC, identified as Mr. Omuemu who was arrested and charged to court over an unauthorized access to the Palace by Peller.
A statement signed by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, and made available to Journalists in Benin said the Queen is facing serious disciplinary proceedings that could result in her banishment from the Palace.
He warned that, “the Palace is not a public thoroughfare or a location for frivolous content creation; it is the ancient and spiritual seat of the Oba of Benin, governed by centuries of tradition, custom, and sacred protocols.”
The statement read in part:
“The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) wishes to address the public regarding a serious breach of protocol and desecration of the sacred precincts of the Palace, which occurred on Friday, 6th March 2026.
“The Council confirms that an individual, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, a social media influencer popularly known as “Peller,” gained unauthorized access to the Palace premises on the said date.
“Mr. Adelaja and his entourage entered the Palace without the requisite permission from the Council, and their subsequent conduct caused significant embarrassment and a breach of the peace within the Palace grounds.
“The Benin Traditional Council views this incident with the utmost gravity.
“The Council has conducted a preliminary investigation into the circumstances that allowed this unauthorized access. Consequently, stringent disciplinary measures have been taken against Palace staff and Chiefs who aided this mischievous act.
“Specifically, a Chief who was implicated in the incident has been suspended indefinitely from the Palace. A staff member of the Benin Traditional Council, identified as Mr. Omuemu, has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force.
“He has been charged to court for causing a breach of the peace and abetting the unauthorized entry.
“Furthermore, it is with deep regret that the Council confirms that a Queen of the Palace who was unfortunately featured in the incident is now facing serious disciplinary proceedings.
“In accordance with Benin traditions and customs, these proceedings may inadvertently result in her removal from the Palace.
“Following the incident, the Council, utilizing the same channels within the palace that facilitated the initial entry, extended an invitation to Mr. Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja (Peller).
“He was requested to appear before a committee of Chiefs tasked with investigating the matter to provide his own side of the story. Regrettably, Mr. Adelaja has failed to honor this invitation.
“The Council is, therefore, using this public medium to demand that Mr. Adelaja present himself immediately to the relevant authorities within the Council.
“His unapproved visit has caused untold distress to so many people, and as such, he must tender an unreserved written apology to the Palace for his unauthorized access and the embarrassment caused.
“Failure to comply with this directive will leave the Council with no option but to pursue legal action. The appropriate Law Enforcement Agencies have been duly informed of this matter and are standing by to take necessary action against him,” he said
The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, paid a solidarity visit to the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, at his Abuja residence.
The visit came just a day after Malami, alongside his son, secured their freedom from detention after perfecting their bail conditions.
The source reports that the former Minister of Justice under the late President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration, who is currently facing inter-agency prosecutions over multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering, abuse of office, and illegal possession of firearms was, penultimate week, granted bail by an Abuja Federal High Court.
However, Malami, a prominent figure in the opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, could not secure his freedom until Monday March 16,2026.
Although no formal statements have been issued, this magazine gathered that Obi’s visit to the Malamis was both a sympathy and solidarity visit after spending several weeks in detention.
According to sources ,the visit by the former Anambra State Governor who is one of ADC’s Presidential aspirants for the 2027 polls was to reassure Malami of support and understanding in this trying moment.
Until his arrest, arraignment and detention, Malami was already preparing grounds to contest for the Kebbi state Governorship seat on the platform of the ADC in 2027.
However, not a few people have come to perceive his ordeal in the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Department of State Service, DSS, as driven by his ambition and association with the opposition Coalition.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced a full investigation to determine the cause of a train accident along Abuja Kaduna rail on Monday.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Funke Arowojobe, the bureau said the train, identified as KA2, departed Rigasa Station and arrived at Jere Station at about 8:52 a.m. before continuing toward the Federal Capital Territory.
However, shortly after leaving the station, the rear locomotive that had been attached at Jere for operational support reportedly detached, while the train was descending toward the Asham section of the track.
The incident occurred near the Asham section of the rail line in Kaduna State, while the train was travelling from Rigasa Railway Station to Idu Railway Station.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed that the accident happened at about 10:30 a.m. and involved the rear locomotive and the passenger coach directly attached to it after a coupling failure.
Although no fatalities were recorded, several passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Managing Director of the corporation, Kayode Opeifa, said emergency response procedures were immediately activated, with technical teams dispatched to the scene to manage the situation.
He added that after the damaged rear locomotive and coach were detached, the train eventually continued its journey and arrived at Idu Station in Abuja at about 10:39 a.m., roughly 38 minutes behind schedule.
“The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation wishes to confirm that an avoidable train incident occurred near Asham involving a rear locomotive and a passenger coach due to a coupling issue,” Opeifa said, noting that injured passengers received prompt medical attention.
Investigators said the detached locomotive rolled forward and struck the rear portion of the train, leading to the operational incident.
At the time of the accident, the train consisted of two locomotives positioned at the front and rear, a power car, two business class coaches and six standard passenger coaches.
According to the bureau, the train was carrying 429 passengers, along with 46 crew members and 24 security personnel.
Director-General of the bureau, Alex Badeh Jr., expressed concern for the injured passengers and emphasised the need to determine the root causes of the accident.
“This incident reminds us that every transport journey carries the trust and expectations of hundreds of people who rely on the system to move them safely to their destination,” he said.
Badeh noted that investigators had begun gathering evidence and analysing technical, operational and infrastructure factors, including locomotive attachment systems, train configuration and operational procedures.
He added that the outcome of the investigation would help strengthen safety measures and improve railway operations across the country.
The latest incident comes months after another accident occurred along the same corridor in September 2025, when a train somersaulted and left 21 passengers injured.
Just as it redeemed its promise to the Super Eagles of Nigeria before the team’s outing at the 2024 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, Championship in Morocco, the Federal Government has fulfilled its promise to the Women’s National Basketball Team, D’Tigress.
Following the team’s 2025 victory at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, the FG had promised the victorious team landed properties in Abuja.
Redeeming its promise, the National Sports Commission, NSC, confirmed that the players have received their National Honour Certificates and Housing Allocation Documents.
The presentation took place in Lyon, France, where the African Champions are currently participating in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.
The rewards fulfill an earlier pledge by the Federal Government following the team’s remarkable performance at the continental championship.
It would be recalled that on August 4, 2025, President Tinubu announced a special reward package for the team after their record-breaking victory.
Each player was conferred with the National Honour of Order of the Niger (OON), alongside a cash reward of $100,000 and the allocation of a flat in Abuja.
Members of the technical crew, led by head coach, Rena Wakama, were also rewarded with $50,000 each.
D’Tigress sealed their AfroBasket victory on August 3, 2025, defeating Mali 78–64 in the final to clinch their seventh continental title.
The Nigerian side battles through a tense contest to secure the win.
Key performances from Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu were instrumental in securing the victory.
Nigeria entered the final quarter leading 61–56 and maintained their composure to close out the game, securing a historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title.
The victory further extended D’Tigress’ dominance in African women’s basketball, as the team has now won 29 consecutive games without defeat since 2015.
Meanwhile, the team is currently participating in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament 2026 in Lyon, France, running from March 11 to March 17.
So far, D’Tigress have recorded wins against Colombia (70–37) and the Philippines (101–84) but suffered losses to South Korea (77–60) and France (93–86).
They will conclude their qualifying campaign with a match against Germany on March 17.
Funke Akindele, Nollywood Actress and Producer has made history.
Her movie, ‘Behind The Scenes’, which emerged as the highest grossing movie of all time in Africa, has recorded another major international milestone, becoming the highest-grossing Nollywood release in Ireland and the UK, with earnings of £159,000.
The movie, distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, also achieved significant commercial success at the domestic box office, grossing N2.7 billion to become one of Nollywood’s biggest titles of all time.
In a post shared on its Instagram page, the distributor described the achievement as a record-breaking run and a defining moment for African cinema.
”A record-breaking run. A defining moment for African cinema,” the company said, adding that the film continues to attract audiences across multiple regions.
It was gathered that ‘Behind The Scenes’ explores themes around fame, success, and the hidden emotional realities behind public admiration.
The film’s success extends beyond West Africa with growing viewership reported across international markets, further reinforcing Nollywood’s expanding global footprint.
The Kano State Government has pledged its neutrality in the festering struggle for the control of the Emirate stool between factional
.
This is as the Government vehemently debunked claims suggesting that the reinstated 16th Emir Sanusi has been approved to conduct the 2026 Sallah Dubar festivities.
The Source reports that there has been an intense battle for the control of Kano Emirate throne since May 23, 2024, following the controversial dethronement of the 15th Emir Aminu Bayero and the subsequent reinstatement of Sanusi as the 16th Emir by Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf.
The two factional Emirs have since then been maintaining two parallel Palaces to assert their authorities.
While the Kano State Government-backed Emir Sanusi stays at the Kofar Kudu main Palace, his rival, Bayero, holds court at the Nasarawa mini Palace.
Similarly, while the two contending forces are presently locked in multiple legal battles which are awaiting final pronouncement from the Supreme Court, they have also been engaged in a bitter struggle over who will conduct the traditional Sallah Dubar festivities in the last three years.
The insistence of the two rival Emirs to conduct parallel Dubar festivities and the resultant tension and disagreements between their supporters had forced the Police to put the event on hold in the last three years.
The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs Ibrahim Waiya in a statement on Tuesday March, 17, 2026, insisted that no decision has been taken on who between the contending Emirs will lead this year’s Sallah Dubar activities.
The Commissioner described as baseless, misleading and totally false, trending reports suggesting that Governor Yusuf has approved Emir Sanusi to lead the Dubar festivities.
The Kano State Government while affirming its neutrality in the Emirship tussle, emphasized the need for all parties, and their supporters to allow the court to decide the matter.
The State Commissioner for Information, while appealing for calm among citizens and residents, also enjoined media practitioners to always cross- check with the appropriate authorities before reporting.
The Source further reports that tension had, last week risen, following a formal notice served by factional Emir Bayero, of his intension to conduct this year’s Sallah Dubar.
Emirs Aminu Ado Bayero and Mohammad Sanusi II
In a letter addressed to the Kano State police Command dated March 7, 2026, Bayero informed of his readiness to observe the traditional Durbar festivities immediately after the Ramadan in a few days time.
According to the notice issued by Abdullahi Haruna Kwaru, his Private Secretary, Bayero informed the State Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Bakori, that the Durbar festivities, which will be conducted from his Nasarawa mini Palace, will feature such traditional activities as Hawan Daushe, Hawan Nasarawa, Hawan Sallah, Hawan Panisai ,as well as other activities.
His notice, however, came despite a subsisting police order banning the conduct of Sallah Dubar in the state by both Emirs based on unfavourable security reports.
CP Bakori, while banning the Durbar festivities last year, (March 25, 2025) cited disturbing security reports indicating a possible break down of law and order as a major reason for the police action.
Instructively, the Kano state authorities’ present position contrasts sharply with its past insistence on Sanusi being allowed to conduct the traditional Sallah as the Government’s recognized Emir .
In fact, Governor Yusuf had openly lambasted the Police over their refusal to allow Emir Sanusi to hold the traditional Durbar activities as the duly enthroned Emir.
The recently brokered political realignment which has seen Governor Yusuf parting ways with his erstwhile political godfather, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and pitching tent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is strongly believed by observers as having significantly altered the equation in the Emirate throne battle.
