President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, joined prominent Nigerians to extend heartfelt condolences to the family of veteran journalist and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, who died on Monday night.
Other Nigerians who also mourned the deceased included former Senate President, David Mark; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Kogi State counterpart, Usman Ododo; the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris; and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
Mohammed, alongside late Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese, and Ray Ekpu, founded Newswatch Magazine in 1984, inspiring the era of fearless investigative journalism in Nigeria during the military era.
Mohammed served as pro-chancellor and chancellor of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University. He was also Associate Editor of New Nigerian Newspapers (1976-1980), Deputy Editor and Editor of National Concord (1980-1984) before the founding of Newswatch.
The president, in a statement by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commiserated with the government and people of Kogi State, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Commonwealth Journalists’ Association, and other media institutions, public and private, where the late Mohammed had provided leadership.
Tinubu affirmed that Mohammed’s career in journalism, spanning over 50 years, was devoted to nation-building, with the journalist placing his life on the line to tell the truth to power.
He noted the dedication of Mohammed, whom he called a personal friend, and his colleagues in sustaining the visionary legacy of Newswatch Magazine after the assassination of Dele Giwa in 1986, further confirming their resolve and courage in pushing the boundaries of investigative journalism in Nigeria.
Tinubu believed that Mohammed’s publication of his memoirs, “Beyond Expectations,” in November 2025, provided an opportunity for soul-searching and deep reflection on leadership in Nigeria and the role of journalists.
He prayed that the Almighty God would receive the soul of the departed, and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. (ThisDay)
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered the relocation of pupils from Odokekere High School in Ikorodu to nearby schools following the collapse of a classroom block during lectures on Thursday.
While no casualties were reported, students who sustained minor injuries are said to be in perfect condition. The relocation order aims to prevent disruption to the pupils’ academic activities.
The Lagos State Government and the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS) expressed regret over the incident.
A source from the SCRPS office revealed that the collapsed classroom block had already been marked for demolition to make way for a new classroom building designed to accommodate the school’s large student population.
The chairman of SCRPS, Hakeem Smith, who led a spot assessment of the site, confirmed to The Guardian that work will begin immediately on constructing an ultra-modern classroom block. He promised to provide further information on the development.
A statement from SCRPS read: “Lagos State Government and Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS) received with shock the sad news of the bungalow classroom block which collapsed at Odokekere High School in Ikorodu, Lagos.
“The state government regrets the unfortunate incident. However, we also wish to state that no casualties were recorded in the building collapse. All of our students are in perfect condition.”
The incident has reignited concerns about the state of public schools in Lagos State.
Despite SCRPS’s significant work in building and upgrading school infrastructure in recent years, many believe more needs to be done to improve existing facilities. (Guardian)
The Super Eagles defeated Egypt’s Pharaohs 4-2 on penalties on Saturday to claim the bronze medal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense third-place playoff at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
The encounter ended goalless after 90 minutes, forcing the contest into a shootout where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali again proved decisive, saving spot-kicks from Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush to hand Nigeria their ninth AFCON third-place finish and maintain their perfect record in the fixture.
Interim coach named a rotated side, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman starting on the bench. Nwabali retained his place in goal behind a defence of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika anchored midfield, while captain Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze operated on the flanks behind Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams.
Nigeria began brightly and created the first opening in the 13th minute when Adams’ effort was deflected behind by an Egyptian defender. Both sides then settled into a cagey rhythm with defences on top.
Adams appeared to have given the Eagles the lead in the 36th minute with a powerful header, but the goal was cancelled after VAR review showed Onuachu had elbowed a defender in the build-up. The striker was booked for the offence.
The teams went into the break level, and Lookman replaced Onuachu at the start of the second half. The Atalanta forward had the ball in the net shortly after the restart, only for the strike to be ruled out for offside.
Alex Iwobi later came on for Osayi-Samuel as Nigeria searched for a breakthrough, but chances remained scarce and the match headed to penalties after regulation time ended in stalemate.
In the shootout, Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria’s opening kick, but Nwabali saved Salah’s effort to keep the scores level. Adams converted before Marmoush was also denied by the Nigerian goalkeeper. Simon and Iwobi scored calmly, and after Mahmud Sabir reduced the deficit for Egypt, Lookman sealed victory with the decisive kick.
Nigeria had reached the playoff after a heartbreaking semi-final loss to hosts Morocco on penalties, while Egypt fell 1-0 to Senegal in their last-four clash.
The Eagles topped Group C with victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda before beating Mozambique and Algeria in the knockout rounds. Egypt, seven-time champions, progressed from Group B and eliminated Benin and Ivory Coast before their semi-final defeat.
Saturday’s triumph extended Nigeria’s remarkable dominance in AFCON bronze matches and offered consolation after their near miss in the race for the title. (Punch)
US President Donald Trump on Saturday escalated his quest to acquire Greenland, threatening multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent until his purchase of the Danish territory is achieved.
Trump aimed his ire at Denmark, a fellow NATO member, as well as several European countries that have deployed troops in recent days to the vast, mineral-rich territory at the gateway to the Arctic with a population of 57,000.
If realized, Trump’s threats against Washington’s NATO partners would create unprecedented tension within the alliance.
From February 1, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would be subject to a 10-percent tariff on all goods sent to the United States, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social network.
“On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland,” he wrote.
“These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable,” Trump said.
“Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question.”
It was not immediately clear what authority the US leader would invoke to impose the threatened tariffs of up to 25 percent.
Since returning to the presidency, Trump has unleashed sweeping tariffs on goods from virtually all trading partners, to address what Washington says are unfair trade practices and as a tool to press governments on US concerns. (Vanguard)
As Nigeria marked the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, governors across the country paid tribute to fallen heroes, commended serving and retired personnel, and called for strengthened support for the nation’s military.
In Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal, represented by Secretary to the State Government Malam Abubakar Nakwada, assured security agencies of the state government’s unwavering cooperation in discharging their duties. Speaking at the ceremony held at the Domestic Trade Fair Centre in Gusau, Lawal pledged to improve logistics, welfare, and intelligence-driven strategies aimed at safeguarding lives and property.
Highlighting the sacrifices of security personnel in restoring peace to communities, he said, “Many brave sons and daughters have paid the ultimate price in the course of ensuring stability. Today, we salute their courage and reaffirm our collective resolve to build a safer and more prosperous Zamfara State.”
He further commended the fallen heroes of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and other security agencies, pledging continued government support for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of their families.
In Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri urged corporate organisations and private individuals to support Nigeria’s armed forces through contributions and partnerships, citing the need to enhance conditions of service. The governor made the call during the remembrance ceremony at Peace Park, Yenagoa.
Paying tribute to serving, retired, and fallen soldiers, Diri stressed that “the Armed Forces are the bedrock of national security. Without them, the very fabric of our country would be torn apart.” He also highlighted his administration’s recent completion and handover of residential accommodation to the Nigerian Army 16 Brigade at Elebele and invited the Armed Forces to collaborate with the state on agricultural initiatives to boost food security and sustainable livelihoods.
The ceremony featured wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Governor Diri, the Speaker of the State Assembly, service commanders, representatives of widows, and traditional leaders.
In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture during the ceremony at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan. He emphasized the importance of security for economic growth and social stability, assuring that his government would continue to work closely with security agencies to protect lives and property.
Makinde also announced plans to implement a welfare scheme for the families of five forest guards recently killed at the Old Oyo National Park, describing them as heroes who died in service. He commended security personnel for their professionalism and dedication, assuring residents that their welfare and operational needs would remain a priority.
The Commandant-General and Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Oyo State, Julius Alabi, lauded both federal and state governments for improving welfare for ex-servicemen and urged sustained support for families of fallen heroes to preserve their legacy.
Across all states, the remembrance events underscored the sacrifices of Nigeria’s armed forces and the continued responsibility of government, communities, and private citizens to support their welfare. The ceremonies combined solemn tributes with public reflection on the courage and dedication of men and women who risk their lives to ensure national security. (Vanguard)
Former Vice President and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has clarified that the decision of his son, Abba Abubakar, to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is a purely personal choice and does not reflect his own political stance or convictions.
In a post on his X handle on Thursday, Atiku said that in a democratic society, such decisions are neither unusual nor alarming, even when politics intersects with family relationships. He stressed that every individual has the right to make choices based on personal conscience and political beliefs without coercion.
“As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” Atiku said, reaffirming his long-standing commitment to democratic principles, freedom of choice and political pluralism.
While distancing himself from his son’s defection, the former Vice President used the opportunity to criticise the performance of the APC-led government, describing its governance as poor and responsible for the severe economic and social hardships currently facing Nigerians. He noted that rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power continue to place enormous pressure on citizens across the country.
Atiku maintained that his major concern is not individual political movements but the overall direction of the country under the present administration. According to him, Nigerians deserve leadership that prioritises competence, inclusiveness, economic stability and social welfare.
“I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress,” he added, signalling his continued engagement in opposition politics and national discourse. (TVC)
Managerless Manchester United crashed out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 defeat to Brighton on Sunday.
At the end of a week that saw the storied Premier League team fire head coach Ruben Amorim, the loss at Old Trafford has likely consigned United to another trophyless season and was greeted with loud jeers from the home crowd.
Interim coach Darren Fletcher admitted the 20-time English champion was “not in a good moment,” but said it was too soon to write the season off with Champions League qualification still achievable.
“It’s probably not what fans want to hear about Manchester United because they’ve been winning cups and challenging for the Premier League,” he said. “Don’t waste the season. That would be the challenge that I would set. That’s the challenge that probably the players feel like they need to achieve this year.”
Former United striker Danny Welbeck scored what proved the decisive goal in the 64th minute, and Benjamin Sesko’s late header was only a consolation for the hosts in the third-round match.
United has exited both domestic knockout competitions at the earliest possible stage this season, following the humbling loss to fourth-tier Grimsby in the English League Cup. The latest defeat means United will play the bare minimum of 40 competitive games for a top division team this season.
Its only chance of silverware this term is the Premier League, which would require a remarkable turnaround with United currently seventh in the standings and 17 points behind leader Arsenal with 17 games left.
A trophyless campaign would be back-to-back seasons in which United has ended up empty-handed.
The club’s hierarchy hope an interim coach will be able to salvage the season by securing Champions League qualification. United has spoken to former players Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick about taking on the role until the summer. Fletcher, who has taken charge of the two games since Amorim’s departure, is also a contender, as well as former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The loss to Brighton underlined the challenge facing the interim coach.
“Any time you come in at Manchester United, it’s a massive job,” Fletcher said. “It’s not about a manager, it’s not about directors. It’s about everyone and the players have to group together, take responsibility, find a way of improving quickly and taking on the challenge for the rest of the season.”
Brajan Gruda fired Brighton ahead in the 12th, with Welbeck doubling the advantage after the break. Sesko scored his third goal in two games in the 85th, but substitute Shea Lacey was sent off four minutes later and United could not force an equalizer to take the game to extra time.
“I gave it my best and ultimately I’m disappointed to not be able to win a game or to get a result today,” said Fletcher, who drew his other game in charge 2-2 with relegation-fighting Burnley.
Arsenal advanced earlier Sunday with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a hat trick in a 4-1 win at Portsmouth.
Martinelli’s treble helped the Premier League leader come back from going a goal down to the second-tier Championship team inside three minutes.
Colby Bishop stunned Arsenal with the opening goal at Fratton Park, but the lead only lasted five minutes after Andre Dozzell scored an own-goal.
Martinelli put the visitors ahead with a flicked header in the 25th. He slid in for his second six minutes after the break and headed in his hat-trick goal in the 72nd. It was the first time the Brazilian had scored a hat trick for Arsenal.
Victory could have been even more emphatic if Noni Madueke had converted from the penalty spot in the first half.
“It’s always tough to go into these places, especially in the manner that we started the game, conceding the early goal, but we managed to turn things around so I’m very happy,” said manager Mikel Arteta.
Record 14-time FA Cup winner Arsenal last lifted the trophy in Arteta’s first season in charge in 2020. It was the last major honor the London club won, but victory against Portsmouth maintains its four-pronged trophy pursuit along with the Premier League title, the Champions League and the English League Cup.
“I think we are very privileged to be where we are, and the games that we have to play, which means that we are in every competition,” Arteta said.
Top-flight Leeds was also behind to Championship opposition, but recovered from 1-0 down to beat Derby 3-1 at Pride Park.
Third-tier Mansfield pulled off an upset to beat Championship side Sheffield United 4-3 and Norwich routed Walsall 5-1, with Jovon Makama scoring a hat trick. Norwich head coach Philippe Clement later said that U.S. international Josh Sargent refused to play in the game.
Relegation-fighting West Ham needed extra time to beat QPR 2-1. Valentin ‘Taty’ Castellanos’ goal saw Nuno Espirito Santo’s team end a 10-match winless run.
West Bromwich Albion beat Swansea 6-5 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra time. Hull won 4-3 against Blackburn on penalties after a 0-0 draw. (JapanToday)
Venus Williams lost 6-4, 6-3 to Tatjana Maria in the first round at the Hobart International on Tuesday, less than a week before her appearance at the Australian Open.
The 45-year-old Williams received a wild-card entry for the first Grand Slam event of the year. She also had a wild card to play in Hobart, where she lost to sixth-seeded Maria in a match lasting almost 1 1/2 hours.
Williams also lost her first-round match at Auckland, New Zealand last week.
The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, who is 576th in the world rankings, broke 38-year-old Maria’s serve in the opening set. But Williams dropped serve twice, handing the set to Maria, who is 42nd on the WTA rankings.
A single service break in the second set was enough for Maria to clinch victory.
Williams has made the Australian Open singles final twice — in 2003 and 2017 — losing to her sister Serena both times.
The Australian Open begins Sunday. Williams has not played at Melbourne Park for five years and will break the age record held by Kimiko Date, the Japanese player who was 44 when she contested the 2015 Australian Open.
In another first-round result in Hobart, two-time major winner Barbora Krejčíková lost to Peyton Stearns. Krejčíková, ranked 55th and unseeded in Hobart, lost to Stearns 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4). (JapanToday)
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue to partner with the Federal Government to support the Nigerian Armed Forces, fallen heroes, and their families.
Mbah also stressed the need to learn from the scars of division and internal conflicts inherent in the nation’s history in order to build a more united and secure society, saying that “peace and safety must be protected by restraint, dialogue, and shared responsibility.”
Laying Ceremony at Okpara Square, Enugu, describing January 15 of every year as a solemn day when Nigerians must pause, reflect deeply, and acknowledge the price paid by the nation’s heroes so that other citizens may live in safety.
“As a state government, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and their families. This support goes beyond ceremony. It is reflected in practical care, in advocacy, and in partnership with the Federal Government to ensure that those who serve, and those who have served, are treated with respect and care.
“On this day of remembrance, we honour those families who continue to carry their memory. And we recommit ourselves to the values for which they served: unity, discipline, service, and respect for human life.
“The wreaths we lay today remind us of the responsibility to live as citizens worthy of the sacrifices our heroes made for us,” he said.
He, however, emphasised that the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces transcended an annual ceremony and should always be borne in the hearts of all Nigerians.
“When a soldier falls, the loss does not end at the battlefield. It enters homes. It settles into families. It is borne in the human heart and becomes part of daily life for those left behind.
“Grief does not announce itself outwardly; it is carried for a lifetime by spouses, parents, brothers, sisters, and by children who grow up holding memories instead of hands.
“We recognise the weight you carry. We recognise the lives that were disrupted, the futures altered, the memories that require loving guardianship. Your loss is now ours to help you carry.
“As a society, we must not look away from that responsibility. To remember the fallen is also to care for the living. To honour the cost of human life is to ensure that families are supported with consistency and compassion,” Mbah stated.
Mbah stressed that “above all, peace and security are sustained by a mindset that understands the value of prevention.”
“Our history carries the scars of division. From the Civil War of the late 1960s to later internal conflicts, we have learned, at great human cost, what happens when unity fractures and lives become casualties of discord.
“That history reminds us that progress is never guaranteed, and that peace and safety must be protected by restraint, dialogue, and shared responsibility,” he concluded. (Vanguard)
President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to fallen soldiers and serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, praising their courage and commitment to the unity and security of the country, saying that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Tinubu delivered the keynote speech in his Armed Forces Remembrance and Celebration Day message on his official X handle on Thursday.
Tinubu described the day as a moment “Nigeria pauses to honour its heroes.”
Tinubu wrote, “We remember the brave men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces who sacrificed everything for our country. Their names might not always be remembered, but their courage sustains our freedom and peace.”
Tinubu further stated that “a nation that forgets its fallen heroes loses its direction; Nigeria, however, remembers.”
President Tinubu offered his heartfelt condolences to the families and dependents of fallen heroes, vowing that their sacrifices would never be forgotten..
He said, “I also speak today to the families of our fallen heroes- widows, children, and loved ones. Your loss is profound, and no words can replace the sacrifices of your loved ones. They served Nigeria with honour, and our people will never forget their sacrifices.
“Today, we celebrate our serving personnel. From the frontlines to support positions, on land, sea, and air, you carry the heavy responsibility of protecting our people and sovereignty with discipline, courage, and professionalism, often far from home.”
The President added, “As President and Commander in Chief, I reaffirm my commitment to the welfare and dignity of our Armed Forces. A secure Nigeria stands behind those who defend it. We will continue to support them in action.”
“May our fallen heroes rest in peace. May God strengthen our Armed Forces. May God bless Nigeria,” the President concluded.
TVC News previously reported that President Bola Tinubu on Thursday led senior government officials in Abuja to honour Nigeria’s fallen and serving military personnel at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) ceremony.
Observed annually on January 15, AFCRD commemorates the sacrifices of military personnel in both internal security operations and foreign missions.
The 2026 ceremony began with the parade commander presenting the parade state, followed by an inspection of the Guard of Honour by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President, accompanied by the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya. (TVC)
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