The United States is overhauling its H-1B visa system, ending the traditional random lottery and introducing a weighted selection process that favors higher-paid, highly skilled foreign workers.

Starting February 2026, applicants with specialized roles and competitive salaries will have a better chance of securing a visa, signaling a shift toward rewarding expertise and protecting opportunities for U.S. workers.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the overhaul as part of a broader effort to ensure that the H1B program aligns more closely with its original intent: attracting highly skilled workers who complement the American workforce.

Under the new system, applications tied to positions requiring advanced expertise and offering competitive wages will carry greater weight in the selection process. Positions with lower wages are still eligible, but their chances of selection are expected to decrease significantly.

Some context on the annual lottery 

For decades, the annual lottery has frustrated applicants and employers alike. Critics have argued that the system was vulnerable to exploitation, with some companies flooding the lottery with applications for lower-wage positions simply to increase their odds of approval.

“The random lottery had been exploited by companies looking to import lower-paid workers,” said Matthew Tragesser, a spokesperson for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The new weighted approach, he said, nudges the program back toward fairness while incentivizing employers to focus on genuine talent needs.

The overall cap on H1B visas remains unchanged: 65,000 visas under the regular quota, with an additional 20,000 for applicants holding advanced degrees from U.S. institutions. The key change lies in how visas are allocated. By weighting selections toward higher-paid, specialized roles, DHS aims to prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring that the program continues to meet U.S. labor market demands without displacing domestic workers.

When will the new policy take effect?  

The regulation is scheduled to take effect on February 27, 2026, ahead of the fiscal year 2027 registration season, which typically opens in March for jobs starting October 1.

• The update is part of a broader policy shift, including recent measures requiring employers to pay an additional $100,000 per visa to qualify, signaling the administration’s expectation that H1B workers be highly valued and not used to depress wages.

For employers, the changes will likely mean more rigorous documentation, higher salaries, and clear demonstrations of specialized skill requirements.

For applicants, those in higher-wage, highly technical roles may see their chances improve. As the H1B system evolves, the U.S. government is signaling that it will continue to refine the program to balance foreign talent acquisition with protections for American workers, marking a significant departure from decades of lottery-driven selection.

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Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, brought festive relief to her constituents this Christmas by distributing more than 2,000 bags of rice and assorted relief items across the five local government areas in the district.

Spreading joy across the district

The distribution, carried out simultaneously in Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okene, Okehi, and Ogori-Magongo, aimed to ease the burden of rising food prices and ensure families could celebrate the season with dignity.

According to her media aide, Mike Idoko, the initiative targeted women’s associations, youth organisations, religious bodies, the elderly, and other vulnerable residents.

A leadership rooted in compassion

Speaking during the outreach, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasised that leadership must translate into tangible improvements for citizens.

“Christmas is a season of love, sacrifice, and shared joy. This rice distribution is to ensure families across Kogi Central can celebrate without hardship,” she said.

Community leaders supervising the exercise hailed it as one of the largest Christmas palliatives ever seen in the area.

Building a record of service

This festive initiative is part of a series of constituency projects by the senator, including healthcare improvements, solar-powered infrastructure, water projects, and empowerment programmes for women and youth.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, describing the gesture as timely and reflective of a people-centred leadership approach.

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Yusuf Ebiti

Geofluids Plc is set for high growth prospects as it successfully implements a wholistic growth strategy that will redefine its business operation aimed at driving up value for its current and prospective investors. The plan has three lane paths of a strengthened board, business line expansion, and rejigging of its operational structure, all aimed achieving a better value for investors and all stakeholders.

Besides, company looks forward to  the listing of its  shares on multiple exchanges both local and offshore, the current move by the company to reenvision and redefine its goals with needle-point implementation of its growth strategies is most timely.

According to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Geofluids Plc, Jacob Esan,  this bold and ambitious turnaround strategy  will improve value and place the company at the top of its industry of operation.

Esan, a corporate finance expert, who initiated the strategic plans and has been overseeing its successful implementation to date, stated that the decision of the company to expand its business lines by entering into bitumen and hydrocarbon exploration and extraction is aimed at positioning it  for greater value delivery.

He said: “Geofluids holds significant interest in Bitumen blocs, each capable of producing a significant commercial quantity of tar sand (bitumen) and other hydrocarbons. These blocs are located in Ondo State, and has the capacity to trigger strong corporate revival for the company’s fortunes.” 

He added that the process which started in 2012 has reached a stage where the company has now been completely stabilised with new focus and new energy for growth and value creation for its shareholders and all other stakeholders.

He noted that the shares of the company are currently listed and actively traded on NASD board, explaining that the plan is to list the company on the NGX and on other offshore international stock exchanges.

According to a report of a market analyst, the stock which trades around N5.50 on the OTC market has the potential for upside in hidden-market value opportunities if Geofluids succeeds in its new business direction and chooses to become a fully listed company on an alternative non-OTC market. The report further noted that even if the company chooses to remain on an OTC trading platform, there possible huge opportunities for investors to benefit from additional market value.

A review of the stock’s price performance in the course of the year shows that on the overall, excluding the outlier, Geo-Fluids’ price ranged from N1.62 to N5.00, characterised by high volatility, episodic liquidity, and event-driven swings typical of Nigerian small-cap energy stocks.

Geofluids is one of the players in the oil and gas sector. It was originally set up to supply drilling mud, barite, bentonite, and calcium carbonate. It also handled jobs on engineering, marketing, and project management services in the oil and gas industry, where it quickly built a strong reputation, attracting elite clients.

It will be recalled that Geofluids had a downturn in its operations leading to an erosion of value. The company found itself trapped in a commercial logjam. The shareholders abandoned a potential corporate revival and agreed to transfer the company to Esan on mutually agreed terms. And over the past several years, the business underwent several iterations until it emerged from its dire situation stable but with thin operating cash flow.

According to Esan, it took this long to fully reestablish Geofluids for very many good reasons.

“First, there were a lot of issues we needed to resolve, and that was successfully. Secondly, we had to clearly redefine the strategic focus of the company; that was necessary to give us a direction. Thirdly, we needed to review operational systems and put it in place such structure that will complement the new driving force to achieve the overall goal that has been established. And finally, we needed to put in place a financing structure that will give the company the necessary live blood that will keep it engines running,” he said.

The Chairman/CEO  noted, “it was a tough and rigorous process, but we are happy we took those right steps and have successfully gone through all that to lay a new foundation for the company, and we now have a very stable company that is ready to advance its fortunes for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

He further explained that Geofluids is now run by a new agile and versatile board with deep and broad experience in various sectors. “Our board shows regional spread, diverse expertise, and relevant experience.  The new board brings needed experience across energy, finance, law, governance, and strategic investments. It includes the following members:

It is expected that this new board will provide Geofluids with the socio-political and economic network, expertise, and governance support needed to drive the company’s subsequent evolution into one of Nigeria’s principal hydrocarbon businesses”.

It is of interest to note that these efforts have had very positive impact on the financials of the company, though marginally, but a clear indicator that the firm is on the path of recovery and growth.

The financials of Geofluids over the past 13 years shows a shift to a stable cashflow profile from a prior stream of operating losses. The positive change is underlined by some investment and financing activities that had significant impact on liquidity. Operating cash flows were volatile but gradually improved, moving from negative figures in the early years to steady positive inflows from 2018 onwards, and peaking at N35.51 million in 2022 and remaining robust at N34.34 million in 2024. This indicates better earnings quality and improved working capital management, as accounted for by the new operational structure of the organisation.

Though there have been spot cash inflows of N3.81 billion inflow in 2013 and N1.13 billion in 2024, the end of period cash levels remained modest, fluctuating between N1.34 million and N7.96 million, ending FY 2024 at N7.27 million. This underscores tight liquidity and a tendency to reinvest rather than hoard cash.

In all Geofluids’ cash flow pattern indicates a modest but emerging business, reliant on strategic financing cycles and asset monetisation to support growth, now entering a phase of stronger operational cash generation, consistent with its strategic repositioning. 

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The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has assured Nigerians of the prompt restoration of electricity supply after a recent decline caused by a temporary shortfall in power generation.

 Mr Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister of Power made this known in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday night.

Tunji said that the minister gave the assurance during a meeting held with key power sector stakeholders, including Nigeria Independent System Operator (NISO).

Others in the meeting included Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Ministry of Power, Power Generation Companies (GenCos), and Power Distribution Companies (DisCos).

According to him, the situation is expected to be resolved within the next 24 to 48 hours.

”The drop in power supply followed an explosion on the Escravos–Lagos Gas Pipeline (ELP), compounded by acts of vandalism on critical gas infrastructure, which disrupted gas supply to several thermal power plants across the country”he said.

At the meeting, stakeholders confirmed that repairs to the vandalised pipelines would be completed within 24 to 48 hours, enabling the resumption of gas supply.

The minister subsequently directed all relevant agencies to intensify their efforts to ensure the timeline was adhered to.

The minister’s  assurance also came in response to a statement   by the NISO  informing the public and power sector stakeholders that it was closely monitoring ongoing repair works being carried out by the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company (NGPTC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

NISO also confirmed that the pipeline explosion resulted in a significant reduction in electricity generation nationwide.

According to NISO, several gas-fired power stations recorded reduced output following the incident, leading to a drop in available generation capacity on the national grid and a consequent shortfall in electricity supply to consumers.

The system operator, however, noted that it had received assurances from NGPTC that restoration works on the vandalised pipeline were nearing completion and that full operations were expected to resume within 24 to 48 hours.

Adelabu acknowledged the inconveniences currently being experienced by households and businesses.

He emphasised that the disruption was temporary and directly linked to acute gas supply constraints affecting several thermal power generation stations.

Given the increased electricity demand during the Yuletide season, he stressed  the urgency of restoring gas supply and ramping up energy generation.

 Adelabu said that preliminary investigation  had established that the gas supply shortage was caused by the ELP explosion and acts of vandalism on gas pipelines in the Niger Delta region.

”These incidents significantly reduced the volume of gas required to power key electricity plants, resulting in a sharp decline in overall generation on the national grid,”he said.

Adelabu,  while acknowledging the impact of the power disruption on businesses and households,  assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving the issue swiftly.

“We understand the frustration this has caused Nigerians.

“However, we wish to assure the public that the federal government, through the Ministry of Power, is working round the clock to address the situation with utmost urgency,” he said.

He also expressed confidence that a marked improvement in gas supply and power generation would be achieved within the next 24 to 48 hours, with a gradual return to normal generation levels thereafter.

The minister further stated that the federal government was treating the incident with utmost seriousness.

He  noted that beyond immediate restoration efforts, long-term measures were being accelerated to diversify the nation’s energy mix, strengthen grid resilience, and deploy advanced surveillance technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure.

Adelabu appealed to the public for patience and understanding during the temporary disruption.

He also  urged communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around power and gas facilities to security agencies, stressing that the protection of national infrastructure was a shared responsibility.

Adelabu, however, reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu-led administration to delivering stable, reliable, and sustainable electricity to power homes, industries, and the broader economy.(NAN)

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By Dickson Omobola

Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, has concluded plans to transition all regional operations from night-time services to daytime flights from February 2, 2026.

The airline’s management said the shift was designed to improve passenger convenience, operational reliability and regional connectivity, while offering more competitive schedules that align seamlessly with onward domestic, regional and long-haul departures.

Spokesperson for Air Peace, Efe Osifo-Whiskey, in a statement, said: “The airline will operate a new regional daytime schedule with flights on the Lagos–Abidjan–Dakar–Banjul–Dakar–Abidjan–Lagos route every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, departing Lagos at 7:00 am and returning at 9:40 pm, while services on the Lagos–Accra–Roberts International Airport (Monrovia)–Freetown–Roberts International–Accra–Lagos route will run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, leaving Lagos at 8:00 am and arriving back at 7:25 pm; in addition, daily Lagos–Accra–Lagos flights will operate with morning departures at 7:00 a.m., alongside additional evening frequencies on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The frequency of the new regional

“The transition to daytime regional operations will enhance passenger comfort and travel experience, improve schedule reliability and on-time performance, provide stronger connectivity to night-time long-haul departures, support business, government, and leisure travel across West and Central Africa

“This optimized schedule gives Air Peace a strong competitive advantage over both regional and international carriers operating from Lagos, reinforcing its role as a key enabler of intra-African trade, tourism, and mobility.”

The post Air Peace scraps night regional flights appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The United States (US) has reportedly been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November this year.

According to flight-tracking data, current and former US officials, as reported by Reuters, the development signalled increased security cooperation between the two countries.

However, the report could not determine the specific information the flights were gathering.

The surveillance missions in West Africa follow threats made in November by President Donald Trump to militarily intervene in Nigeria over what he described as the government’s failure to stop violence targeting Christian communities.

The flights are also taking place just months after a US pilot working for a missionary agency was kidnapped in neighbouring Niger Republic.

According to the Reuters’ report, the US contractor-operated aircraft used for the surveillance missions typically take off from Ghana, fly over Nigeria and then return to Accra, the Ghanaian capital, as shown by flight-tracking data for December.

The data indicate that the operator is Mississippi-based Tenax Aerospace, a company that provides special-mission aircraft and works closely with the US military, according to its website. Tenax Aerospace did not respond to requests for comment.

Liam Karr, Africa team lead for the Critical Threats Project at the American Enterprise Institute, analysed the flight data and said the operation appeared to be departing from an airport in Accra, a known hub for the US military’s logistics network in Africa.

Karr said the operation was an early sign the US was rebuilding its intelligence and surveillance capacity in the region after Niger ordered US troops to leave a sprawling, newly built air base in the desert last year and instead turned to Russia for security assistance.

“In recent weeks, we have seen a resumption of intelligence and surveillance flights in Nigeria,” Karr said in an interview.

A former US official said the aircraft was among several assets the Trump administration moved to Ghana in November.

While it remains unclear how many aircraft are still based there, the former official said the missions include efforts to track the kidnapped US pilot and gather intelligence on militant groups operating in Nigeria.

Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province, are among the militant organisations active in the country.

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• As 56 vehicles impounded at Lagos Airport Road

The Lagos State Mobile Courts, on Tuesday, ordered the remand of six suspected notorious miscreants apprehended for a violent assault on personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other sister agencies.
This is as the agency has impounded 56 vehicles for various traffic and environmental infractions at the Lagos Airport Road.

A statement on Wednesday by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, said that the attack took place during a coordinated midnight enforcement operation along Airport Road, Lagos.

The statement hinted that seven miscreants had carried out the attack, but one of the suspects entered a plea of not guilty and was consequently admitted to bail, while the six others were remanded in custody.

According to Taofiq, the seven suspects were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate of the Lagos State Mobile Court on four-count charges.
The case was, however, adjourned to February 19, 2026, for further hearing.

The enforcement exercise, Taofiq said, was led by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, and in strategic collaboration with other government agencies, including security operatives, the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Corps, the Lagos State Task Force, and LASTMA field officers.

He emphasised that the operation was conducted after a formal complaint submitted by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which lamented the persistent and unlawful encroachment on its facilities by criminal syndicates and recalcitrant commercial bus operators operating in flagrant defiance of extant regulations.

Taofiq expressed that during the execution of the enforcement operation, five officers of the joint task force were viciously attacked with dangerous weapons, while one of the authority’s tow trucks was deliberately set ablaze by the rampaging miscreants in a desperate attempt to sabotage the exercise and challenge the authority of the state.

No fewer than 56 vehicles were impounded for various traffic and environmental infractions, comprising 44 commercial buses, five private vehicles, and seven trucks.

Bakare-Oki reiterated the resolve of the State Government to safeguard critical public infrastructure, guarantee the safety of all road users, and uphold law and order across the metropolis.

He warned that the government would neither capitulate to intimidation nor tolerate violence from criminal elements.
He vowed that every act of lawlessness would be met decisively with the full weight of the law.

The statement added: “LASTMA boss further assures members of the public that enforcement operations along critical and strategic corridors of Lagos will remain continuous, intensified, and firmly anchored within the confines of the law, in close collaboration with sister agencies, to eradicate criminality, restore public order, and safeguard lives and property.”

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…15 passengers rescued, 6 adults, four minors missing

Barely a few hours to the Christmas celebration, troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl-Stroke, said their men have foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Otukpo–Enugu expressway in Benue State, rescuing several passengers and forcing the assailants to flee.

The incident occurred at about 10:00 pm on Monday, following a distress call that prompted troops on routine patrol to mobilise swiftly to the Amoda axis in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

OPWS spokesman, Lieutenant Zubairu Ahmad Zubairu, said in a statement that the armed criminals had emerged from the bush and briefly occupied an existing checkpoint.

Zubairu said, “The assailants subsequently stopped two 18-seater commercial buses travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, and attempted to abduct all passengers.

“However, the timely intervention of troops of Operation Whirl-Stroke led to a firefight that compelled the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into the bush.

“In the initial encounter, 15 passengers were rescued and handed over to the Nigerian Police Division, Otukpo, while six adults and four minors were declared missing, however, subsequent operations led to the rescue of an additional five adults and all four minors now in custody of the Police Area Command, Otukpo, with search efforts ongoing to locate the remaining missing passengers.

The Force Commander of the Operation, Major General Moses Gara, in a reaction, commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism.

Major General Gara reaffirmed the OPWS’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property within its Area of Responsibility, stressing that sustained offensive operations, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated engagements with sister security agencies would continue to deny criminal elements freedom of action.

He sent Christmas and Yuletide greetings to all Christian faithful within the Joint Operations Area, covering Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, and prayed that the season brings God’s abundant mercy, peace, and enduring joy to families and communities.

The Force Commander OPWS urged all believers to remain united, to shun all forms of violence and to live by the noble virtues exemplified by the Lord Jesus Christ of love, humility, tolerance, and compassion as a prerequisite for shared prosperity throughout the festive period and beyond.

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The Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has ordered the dismissal of four aides folowing the report of the investigative panel on the assault against the Councillor representing Shamaki Ward in Gombe Local Government Area, Abdulrahman Abubakar Sheriff.

According to a statement by the Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, all four aides were found culpable by the special committee that probed the incident.

The decision, conveyed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, listed the affected aides as Adamu Abdullahi Danko, (Senior Special Assistant II, Domestic), Garba Mohammed Mai Rago – Senior Special Assistant II, Political), Rabiu Sulaiman Abubakar (Senior Special Assistant II – Social Media) and, Ali Ibrahim Baban Kaya – Senior Special Assistant II, Community Relations).

The statement added that the findings of the committee, which were further corroborated by security agencies’ reports, informed the Governor’s action.

Governor Yahaya directed that the disengagement take immediate effect.

Naija News reports that all affected officers have also been instructed to hand over all government property in their possession to the appropriate authorities without delay.

“Governor Inuwa Yahaya Reaffirmed his administration’s zero tolerance for violence, misconduct and abuse of office, stressing that actions capable of threatening public peace or undermining confidence in government will not be condoned.

“He assured the people of Gombe State of his government’s commitment to the rule of law, accountability and peaceful coexistence, adding that decisive measures will always be taken to safeguard public order and sustain the state’s hard-earned stability,” the statement concluded.

See a video of the viral incident as captured on social media.

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Jigawa State House of Assembly has passed into law the State 2026 Appropriation Bill of N901.8 billion and Local Government Budgets of N288 billion respectively.

The passage follows the approval of the report of the House Committee on Appropriation, presented by the Committee Chairman, Hamza Ibrahim Adamu.‎

‎The budget targeted “Budget of Innovation and Transformation for Greater Jigawa II” was earlier presented to the Assembly on November 25, 2025, focusing heavily on capital projects (77%), education (over 26%), and agriculture, aiming to boost development in the state.

‎Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Aliyu Dangyatim, while announcing the passage of the budget during a plenary session, said  the budget has been approved as presented, with a total sum of N901.841 billion.

‎According to Dangyatim, the budget allocation is strategic, with capital expenditure getting N693.4 billion to drive infrastructure growth and development.
‎
‎The budget represents a 19.2% increase from 2025, showing the state’s commitment to progress, Dangyatim said.
‎
‎The state  Assembly however commended Governor Umar Namadi for giving more emphasis on innovation and transformation.
‎
‎“This budget aligns with our vision for Jigawa,”  the speaker stated.
‎
‎He also assured  to continue working with the executive for the implementation of the budget.

‎

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Former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has been granted bail by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Judicial Division.

Naija News reports that Malami was granted bail on Monday by Justice Bello Kawu in connection with the charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The bail was granted on the same terms earlier considered by the EFCC, including the surrender of Malami’s international passport and the execution of bail bonds by two sureties.

The sureties include the Director-General of the Nigerian Legal Aid Council and a serving member of the House of Representatives representing the Augie/Argungu Federal Constituency.

Justice Kawu held that the application for bail was granted on grounds of exceptional hardship, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion on notice.

The matter has been adjourned to January 5, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.

Earlier, Malami had rejected allegations by the EFCC that he operates 46 unlawful bank accounts and has ties to financial misconduct, including the repatriation of the late General Sani Abacha loot.

​In a statement issued by his media aide, Bello Doka, Malami maintained that the accusations are “ridiculous and baseless,” insisting he has only six bank accounts in his name, which are already known to the anti-graft commission.

​Doka emphasized that the former Minister has no connection to the recovered funds of the late dictator or any other allegations of financial impropriety being circulated in the media.

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles opened their AFCON 2025 campaign with a 2–1 victory over the Taifa Stars of Tanzania, but it was a night that underlined both promise and problems.

Against a Tanzania side desperate to make history, Nigeria did just enough.

Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman found the net, while a moment of overconfidence from Stanley Nwabali allowed Charles M’Mombwa pull Tanzania level, briefly turning what should have been a controlled evening into a test of nerve.

It was a performance heavy on defensive grit and individual moments, but light on fluency and ruthlessness, a reminder that tournament football punishes waste.

PREMIUM TIMES provides a detailed assessment of the Nigeria Super Eagles, following their narrow win over the Tanzania Taifa Stars.

The first eleven

Goalkeeper

Stanley Nwabali – 6/10

The Chippa United captain had a largely quiet first hlf, but his lapse early in the second period proved costly. Nwabali was slow to close down Charles M’Mombwa, allowing Tanzania back into the game.

The error exposed a momentary loss of defensive focus, with Zaidu Sanusi closest but switched off. A reminder that concentration is non-negotiable at AFCON.

Defenders

Calvin Bassey – 7.5/10

Strong, composed and largely dominant. Bassey anchored the backline with authority, forming a solid partnership with Semi Ajayi. The goal conceded was the only blemish on an otherwise assured display.

Semi Ajayi – 8/10

Nigeria’s standout defender on the night. Calm under pressure, commanding in the air and decisive when it mattered most.

His second international goal, Nigeria’s opener, proved vital and set the tone early.

Bright Osayi-Samuel – 6.5/10

Balanced and disciplined. Osayi-Samuel offered defensive solidity while still supporting attacks when needed. Not spectacular, but effective.

Zaidu Sanusi – 6/10

The obvious weak link on the night. While neat in possession at times, his positional awareness was exposed in the build-up to Tanzania’s equaliser. AFCON-level football demands sharper defensive discipline.

Midfielders & Forwards

Wilfred Ndidi – 7/10

A captain’s performance in effort and commitment.

Wearing the armband with authority, Ndidi covered huge ground, disrupted Tanzania’s rhythm and provided balance in midfield. His leadership presence was clear.

Alex Iwobi – 7.5/10

Influential and composed. Iwobi dictated tempo, kept Nigeria ticking and delivered the assist for Ajayi’s opener. One of Nigeria’s most reliable outlets on the night.

Ademola Lookman – 8/10

Decisive when Nigeria needed him most. Just two minutes after Tanzania equalised, Lookman restored Nigeria’s lead with a calm, confident finish. Moments like this define tournaments.

Fans would be hoping that it becomes a regular sight as the team

Samuel Chukwueze – 6/10

Bright early on, but faded after the break. His influence dropped as Tanzania grew into the game, and his substitution felt timely.

Akor Adams – 6.5/10

Unlucky not to score. His first-half header rattled the crossbar, and his movement caused problems. A solid showing without end product.

Victor Osimhen – 6/10

A frustrating evening for Nigeria’s talisman. Osimhen worked hard but missed several presentable chances, particularly in the first half. His goals will come, but this was a night to forget.

The Substitutes

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 6/10

Brought energy and legs into midfield after coming on for Chukwueze. Kept things tidy without significantly shifting momentum.

Moses Simon – 6.5/10

Lively and direct. Simon injected pace and creativity from the bench, troubling Tanzania’s defence with his dribbling and movement. Also, stretching the opposition thing.

Paul Onuachu – N/A

Introduced late for Osimhen with little time to influence proceedings.

READ ALSO: AFCON 2025: Three Tanzania stars Nigerias Super Eagles must stop in Fez

Final Word

Nigeria got the result, and in tournament football, that matters. But the Super Eagles will know they must sharpen up quickly. Defensive lapses, missed chances and spells of sluggish control are luxuries AFCON rarely forgives.

Three points secured. Lessons learned. The real test begins now.

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Lady shares how her parents refused to attend her wedding because her husband did not pay her bride price, as required by tradition.

In a post shared on TikTok, the lady, identified as @itsreallyorga, revealed that only a few friends, coworkers, and two of her siblings were present on her wedding day.

Lady.

She explained that the absence of her parents was due to their disagreement over the bride price.

According to her, the decision for her husband not to pay the bride price was entirely hers, but her parents strongly opposed it.

She noted that despite explaining her stance, her parents chose to stay away from the ceremony in protest.

The lady said …

“I just wish my parents were there for me. Especially having eight siblings and only three of them showing up on the biggest day of my life. I was emotionally hurt, but I tried my best to stay focused on my wedding. I cried a lot. I’ve learned that people only show up if they truly want to. A lot of people will congratulate you online, but won’t show up in person. Still, I genuinely appreciate every congratulations and all the support even from people I don’t know.”

Watch the video below …

@itsreallyorga

I just wish my parents were there for me. Especially having eight siblings and only three of them showing up on the biggest day of my life. I was emotionally hurt, but I tried my best to stay focused on my wedding. I cried a lot. I’ve learned that people only show up if they truly want to. A lot of people will congratulate you online, but won’t show up in person. Still, I genuinely appreciate every congratulations and all the support even from people I don’t know. #brideprice #africanparents #traditionalwedding #foryoupage

♬ original sound – ✨Olga M🫧

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The Action people’s Party, APP, lmo chapter, has condemned the alleged restriction of its leader, Mazi chima Matthew Amadi, not to use the private wing of Sam Mbakwe lnternational Cargo Airport, Owerri, by the agents of the lmo state government.

The opposition party claimed the political pettiness and intimidation against Amadi was under the directive of Governor Hope Uzodinma.

The unfortunate incident, according to the party, took place on Tuesday in the presence of the member representing Ngor Okpala/Aboh Mbaise federal constituency, Hon. Matthew Nwogu who shared the flight with Amadi.

APP viewed the attack as not logistical oversight but a targeted and state-orchestrated action designed to harass and intimidate its leader, Amadi.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the state Publicity Secretary, Cajetan Duke and made available to DAILY POST.

Part of the statement reads, “We find this action both laughable and profoundly condescending. Amadi has always been and remains a man of the people; the public wing of the airport better aligns with his personal character and commitment to interacting directly with citizens.

“This petty restriction, therefore, fails as an inconvenience and succeeds only in revealing the administration’s deep-seated insecurity and its reliance on intimidation and brute force as political tools.”

It stated that the incident was not isolated but part of a sustained and worrying pattern of conduct, nothing that It follows closely on the heels of the government’s shameful attempt to disrupt the civic reception organized by the enterprising and resourceful people of Ideato Nation in honour of their brilliant, illustrious, and performing son and representative, Rt. Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere.

“We stand in solidarity with all Imolites and advocates of democracy in condemning this brute-force approach to dissent. Such actions represent a reckless resort to political rascality and brutality.

“Targeting perceived opponents with state power is the reflex of an administration that has lost the argument with the people and now clings to coercion.

“It is, unequivocally, the grasping at straws of a drowning government.This sustained culture of political banditry and brigandage has become the unfortunate hallmark of the present state government.

“Instead of channelling state resources and energy into this barren pursuit of harassing opponents, we demand an immediate redirection of focus toward the pressing needs of Imo State.

“The people yearn for and deserve good governance, not grudge-holding.

“The energy spent on orchestrating airport restrictions should be committed to providing security, rebuilding infrastructure, reviving healthcare, and creating opportunities for modest, dignified living. This administration’s priorities are dangerously misplaced.

“Though we have observed a sustained pattern of harassment and outright suppression targeted at prominent leaders of opposition political parties in the state, our party remains undaunted and resolute.

“We will not be intimidated by these juvenile displays of power. We call on all people of goodwill to recognize these acts for what they are: signs of a failing government.Our commitment to the people of Imo State and to the principles of democratic engagement remains unwavering.

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The cry of persecution emanating from the camp of the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, AbubakarMalami, over his arrest and detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is a far cry from what he unleashed on people while in office, Wale Igbintade writes.

The unfolding confrontation between former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, AbubakarMalami (SAN) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is far more than a clash of personalities. It has evolved into a defining moment for Nigeria’s justice system, testing not only the independence of its anti-corruption institutions but also the sincerity of elite commitment to the rule of law.

Malami, who is facing an investigation for 18 alleged offences, including money laundering, abuse of office, and terrorism financing, and his detention, is claiming that he is being persecuted by the anti-graft agency for political reasons.

At the heart of the controversy lies a fundamental question: can a former Chief Law Officer of the Federation legitimately resist investigation through public outrage instead of judicial process?

Malami’s demand that EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, recuse himself from an investigation involving him on allegations of bias, personal vendetta, and political persecution—marks a sharp and troubling departure from the legal principles he once vigorously defended while in office.

Rather than embracing the courts as the constitutionally recognised forum for resolving disputes, Malami has chosen to wage his defence in the court of public opinion, relying on press statements and political narratives to preempt institutional scrutiny.

This approach has attracted widespread criticism, particularly from voices who view it as inconsistent with his own record as Attorney-General. One of the interventions came from the Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly (FOF-MEHA), Josef Onoh.

In a statement issued from Paris, Onoh described Malami’s call for Olukoyede’s recusal as “pathetic, unfortunate and desperate,” arguing that it amounted to an attempt to blackmail and intimidate the anti-graft agency.

Onoh dismissed Malami’s reliance on Chapter Nine of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report as legally unsustainable, insisting that nothing in the report bars the EFCC from investigating former public officials, including a former Attorney-General.

According to him, the invocation of the report was a deliberate misrepresentation designed to confer on Malami a false sense of immunity from scrutiny.

More significantly, Onoh underscored what he described as the irony of Malami’s sudden discovery of persecution. He recalled that as Attorney-General, Malami presided over and defended several prosecutions that were widely criticised as politically motivated.

Among the most prominent was the prolonged detention of former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), despite multiple court orders granting him bail. Onoh also referenced the prosecution of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesman, OlisaMetuh, as well as the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the handling of NnamdiKanu’s case, all of which, he argued, illustrated an expansive and often coercive use of prosecutorial power under Malami’s watch.

These recollections are not mere historical footnotes. They form part of a broader pattern that weakens Malami’s current posture. As Attorney-General, he repeatedly insisted that investigation did not amount to guilt and that only courts were empowered to determine culpability.

Today, confronted with investigative scrutiny, he appears unwilling to submit to the very process he once urged upon others. The contradiction is difficult to ignore and has done little to strengthen public sympathy for his claims.

Onoh further accused Malami of orchestrating the 2020 removal of former EFCC Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, describing it as a vindictive power struggle rather than a principled anti-corruption intervention. He noted that Malami levelled more than 22 allegations against Magu and supervised the Justice Ayo Salami Panel that investigated them. Yet, despite the gravity of those allegations, Magu was never prosecuted or convicted of any offence. His career, however, was effectively destroyed. To Onoh, this episode exemplifies a troubling pattern in which allegations are weaponised for control rather than pursued to logical legal conclusion.

Beyond personalities, the legal point remains central. Onoh argued that Olukoyede’s role as Secretary to the Salami Panel does not amount to a conflict of interest requiring recusal. He stressed that recusal is a doctrine applicable to judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings, where impartial adjudication is required, not to routine law-enforcement investigations. To conflate the two, he warned, is to distort settled legal principles and undermine the operational independence of investigative agencies.

This position reflects established jurisprudence. Allegations of bias or selective prosecution are not resolved through media exchanges. They are addressed through motions, affidavits, cross-examination, and judicial review. Courts exist precisely to test claims of institutional abuse and protect individual rights. By sidestepping these mechanisms, Malami risks creating the impression that he seeks exemption from accountability rather than vindication through due process.

Civil society organisations have echoed similar concerns. The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Accountability (CACA) described Malami’s posture as ironic and unbecoming of a former Attorney-General and Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The criticism resonates because holders of high prosecutorial offices carry an enduring obligation to respect the institutions they once commanded. That obligation does not diminish after leaving the office; if anything, it increases.

The broader operational record of the EFCC further complicates claims of political persecution. The commission has investigated and prosecuted individuals across party lines, including politically influential figures associated with the ruling party. The arraignment of Senator Chris Ngige and the ongoing investigation of former Delta State Governor, IfeanyiOkowa, despite his political realignment—undermine assertions that the EFCC operates as a partisan tool. Political affiliation, in law, has never constituted a shield against investigation.

Perhaps the most uncomfortable backdrop to Malami’s current protest lies in the memory of judicial raids carried out during his tenure as Attorney-General. The night-time invasions of the homes of serving judges—widely condemned as assaults on judicial independence, remain among the darkest chapters in Nigeria’s recent legal history. The judges were publicly humiliated, and later exonerated, but the judiciary was left deeply shaken.

Not done, the former AGF also instigated the removal from office, of the then Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, through the Code of Conduct Tribunal over hopeless allegations. Those legacies continue to inform public perception.

Against this background, appeals to institutional victimhood ring hollow. Accountability, as Onoh observed, is reciprocal. A former Attorney-General who presided over such excesses cannot plausibly demand exceptional sensitivity when the investigative lens turns inward.

On its part, the EFCC has maintained that it will not be intimidated or blackmailed into abandoning lawful investigations. Onoh reinforced this stance, warning that attempts to undermine the commission would fail under the Tinubu administration. He urged Malami to submit himself to investigation if confident of his innocence and challenged him to publicly declare his assets prior to assuming office—an act that would lend credibility to his claims.

Also reacting to Malami’s claim that the EFCC was acting political script in its dealings with him, a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. ChidiOdinkalu, criticised the former AGF, describing him as a “grubby, vexatiously political Attorney-General” during his tenure.

He added that if the former AGF now believes the EFCC is politicised, he should remember that “they’re following what he taught them.”

“Someone should tell AbubakarMalami to please sit this out. If he’s now complaining that EFCC is political, they should tell him that they’re following what he taught them. They have no need to deny it!”

Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford an accountability framework that collapses under pressure from powerful former officials. Where the EFCC errs, the courts exist to correct it. Where investigators overreach, judicial oversight provides remedy. What remains impermissible is the attempt to delegitimise lawful investigation simply because the subject once occupied high office.

At its core, this episode is about leadership by example. Arraignment is not humiliation; it is the lawful gateway to exoneration. A person confident in his innocence does not fear the courtroom—he embraces it. Delay, diversion, and media advocacy only deepen suspicion and erode public trust.

Ultimately, the Malami–EFCC standoff transcends the individuals involved. It exposes a persistent weakness in Nigeria’s political culture: resistance to accountability once power has been relinquished. In a constitutional democracy, former authority confers no permanent privilege.

The courts remain open. The law is clear. What remains is the willingness to submit to both. In Nigeria’s justice system, there is no higher vindication, and no credible alternative.

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