Business News February 01, 2026 Soludo lifts Onitsha market closure

 

The Anambra State Government has confirmed that the Onitsha Main Market will reopen on Monday, allowing traders to resume full commercial activities, while assuring residents and business owners of adequate security.

The market had been shut for one week after Governor Chukwuma Soludo ordered its closure over traders’ failure to comply with the state government’s directive to ignore the Monday sit-at-home order.

The directive followed an on-the-spot assessment of the market by the governor on Monday, during which he was accompanied by senior government officials and security operatives.

At the time, Soludo warned that the shutdown could be extended if compliance was not achieved, noting that security agencies had been deployed to seal the market and enforce the order.

However, in a statement released on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, announced that the one-week closure had ended and instructed traders to return to normal business operations on Monday.

Mefor urged traders to disregard threats from non-state actors, assuring them of maximum security across the state. He also encouraged residents to report any security concerns through the emergency line, 5111.

The commissioner further reminded civil servants and teachers that the state’s pro-rata salary policy remains applicable, stressing that “no work on Monday means no pay.”

He also cautioned parents to ensure that their children attend school on Mondays to avoid sanctions.

The statement read in part, “This is to inform the general public that the closure of Onitsha Main Market, ordered by Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, lapses this weekend.

“Accordingly, all traders are hereby directed to resume business as usual on Monday, February 2, 2026, as there is no longer any form of sit-at-home on Mondays in Anambra State.

“Ndị Anambra and residents are assured of adequate security and are encouraged to report any security concerns to 5111.

“Meanwhile, civil servants and teachers are reminded that the pro-rata salary system remains in force — no work on Monday, no pay.

“Parents are also advised to release their children for school on Mondays to avoid sanctions.”

Abuja News February 01, 2026 25-year-old singer dies in Abuja after snakebite

 

A 25-year-old Abuja-based singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known by her stage name Nanyah, has reportedly died after sustaining a snake bite at her residence in Abuja.

The incident was said to have occurred in the early hours of the morning when a snake attacked her at her home, inflicting a bite that later proved fatal.

Information gathered indicates that Nanyah made desperate efforts to save her life following the incident. She reportedly rushed herself to two different hospitals in search of urgent medical care.

However, she was allegedly either turned away or left unattended due to the absence of anti-venom at the facilities she visited.

Reports indicate that she did everything possible to survive, visiting more than one hospital, but anti-venom was unavailable.

It was also gathered that this was not the first time a snake had been sighted in or around the late singer’s residence.

Following confirmation of her death, the incident has continued to generate reactions on social media. While many Nigerians expressed shock and grief, others speculated about possible supernatural causes.

Some social media users alleged that the snake attack could be linked to juju or spiritual manipulation, though no evidence has been presented to support such claims.

As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official statement from health authorities or the police regarding the circumstances surrounding her death. It also remains unclear whether any investigation has been initiated.

Nanyah, who was known for her classical, jazz, RnB, and soul music, was described by friends and fans as a promising young artiste with a growing presence in the local music scene.

Her death has once again drawn attention to concerns over Nigeria’s emergency healthcare response, particularly the reported shortage of critical life-saving drugs such as anti-venom, even within the Federal Capital Territory.

(SAHARA REPORTERS)

News Politics February 01, 2026 2027: Showunmi questions Peter Obi’s strategy, calls him lazy

 

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Showunmi, has criticised former presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing him as lazy, particularly in matters of political structure and strategy.

Showunmi made the remarks on Saturday while speaking on Hard Copy, a programme aired on Channels Television.

According to him, Obi’s political movements reflect a lack of seriousness and long-term planning.

He said, “Peter Obi is not serious. He doesn’t know where his victory card is. He could have stayed in the Labour Party, and there could have been a clear path to victory for him.

“Every time he’s moving around. I don’t deal with that kind of laziness. When it comes to structural thinking, Peter Obi is very lazy. He is too lazy to think that if he had remained in APGA all this while, he couldn’t have built the crowd he has now.

“Now he has aligned himself with people among whom I know he can’t even win a primary. I know Atiku very well, and nobody takes him for granted when it comes to primaries because he has institutional experience of how these things work out since 1992.

“You don’t come to a political party with that kind of man and start screaming that if it’s not Peter Obi, you won’t agree. Who will listen to that?”

News January 31, 2026 Corpse of missing 3-year-old boy recovered from well

 

The Kano State Fire Service has recovered the body of a three-year-old boy, Abdura’uf Badamasi, who was earlier declared missing in Wangara Village, Tofa Local Government Area of the state.

The Director of the service, Sani Anas, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday in Kano and signed by the service’s Public Relations Officer, Saminu Abdullahi.

According to the statement, the service received a distress call on Friday morning concerning the disappearance of the child.

He said, “We received a distress call from one Dan Asabe Rabiu on Friday morning at about 7:50 a.m reporting the disappearance of Badamasi.

“Upon receiving the report, a rescue team from the agency’s headquarters was immediately deployed to the scene.

“On arrival, it was gathered that Badamasi, had been missing since Thursday evening, with his parents suspecting that he might have fallen into a well.”

Abdullahi explained that firefighters immediately commenced a rescue operation and entered the well, where the child was found unconscious. He was later confirmed dead.

The body was subsequently handed over to the Ward Head of Wangara Village for burial.

He said, “The Kano State Fire Service expresses deep condolences to the bereaved family and urges the residents to cover open wells and take adequate measures around other hazardous areas, particularly to safeguard children.”

Business News January 31, 2026 Why First HoldCo recorded 92% fall in profit — Otedola

 

Chairman of First HoldCo Plc, the parent company of First Bank of Nigeria, Femi Otedola, has explained the sharp 92 per cent drop in the group’s profit, attributing it to a deliberate decision to write off long-standing bad loans rather than weaknesses in its core operations.

The billionaire businessman said the group took a one-time hit of ₦748 billion to recognise old non-performing loans that had accumulated over previous years, describing the move as a strategic clean-up aimed at strengthening the bank’s balance sheet.

In a post on his X handle on Saturday, Otedola said, “At First HoldCo we decided to clean house properly. We took a huge one-time hit of ₦748bn to admit old bad loans instead of pretending they do not exist. That is why profit looks like it crashed by 92%. Painful headline, but it is a serious long-term move.”

The write-off resulted in a 92 per cent decline in profit for the period.

However, Otedola explained that the losses were one-off, arising from the recognition of non-performing loans carried over from prior years.

He added that the move was in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive for banks to strengthen their balance sheets and stop delaying the recognition of bad assets, particularly as the sector undergoes recapitalisation.

“Because the @cenbank is pushing banks to stop kicking problems down the road. So First HoldCo basically closed the chapter on messy loans from past years, which sends a clear message that borrowing has consequences, and it helps rebuild trust,” he stated.

Despite the write-off, Otedola said the group’s underlying business remains solid, with interest income of ₦2.96 trillion and net interest income of ₦1.91 trillion, providing sufficient capacity to absorb the impact of the losses.

He noted that the clean-up is expected to enhance transparency, restore investor confidence, and position First HoldCo for sustainable long-term growth.

International News January 31, 2026 Sahel States talk tough over Niger airport, air base assault, vow collective action

 

The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) has denounced an attack on key facilities in Niamey, Niger, describing it as a “barbaric and cowardly” act that threatens regional security.

The assault occurred on the night of Jan. 28–29 and targeted the Diori Hamani International Airport as well as Niger’s Air Base 101, according to a communiqué released by the President of the Confederation from Ouagadougou.

In the statement, the AES characterised the operation as “premeditated, coordinated and indiscriminate,” noting that both strategic military assets and civilian infrastructure were deliberately targeted.

The Confederation warned that the attack placed civilians at serious risk and damaged property used for civil purposes, emphasising that such violence endangers not only Niger but also the wider stability and security of the Sahel region.

“The Confederation of Sahel States condemns in the strongest terms these cowardly, barbaric and indiscriminate acts against not only a member state, but also against regional stability and the shared efforts of Sahelian peoples toward peace and development,” the communiqué said.

The AES said the incident should not be viewed in isolation, but rather as part of a broader destabilisation campaign supported by complex networks.

It further alleged that the attackers received direct or indirect assistance, including backing from foreign state sponsors, whose moral and political responsibility, the Confederation said, was “fully engaged.”

The statement cautioned against complacency or any form of manipulation or support that could enable such acts.

“The perpetrators of these acts, as well as all those who finance, arm, provide intelligence to, or offer them political support, will be held accountable,” it said.

Reaffirming unity among its member states, the Confederation said it remained vigilant and resolute in pursuing a coordinated and sovereign fight against terrorism and its backers.

The AES also expressed solidarity with Niger’s government and citizens, as well as its defence and security forces, commending their commitment to safeguarding the population.

“Nothing will weaken the determination of Sahelian peoples to defend their sovereignty, protect their citizens and build a future founded on peace, justice and genuine independence,” the communiqué added.

The statement was signed in Ouagadougou on Jan. 31.

News Politics January 31, 2026 ADC talks drag as Kwankwaso awaits clarity on Obi’s presidential bid

 

Rabiu Kwankwaso, National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has yet to finalise his planned defection to the African Democratic Congress despite earlier engagements with the party, amid concerns over whether former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, would clinch the ADC’s presidential ticket.

Multiple sources within the Kwankwasiya Movement and the ADC revealed that the former Kano State governor’s decision to switch parties is closely tied to guarantees surrounding the party’s 2027 presidential arrangement.

There is an ongoing proposal for an alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso, with both expected to contest on a joint presidential ticket on the ADC platform in the 2027 general election. Political figures familiar with the talks said the arrangement was initiated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

It was gathered that a three-member ADC committee constituted to engage prominent politicians interested in joining the party had held discussions with Kwankwaso through a committee he also established.

Confirming the development, a senior ADC official told our correspondent that both committees met recently in Abuja to advance discussions on Kwankwaso’s defection but failed to reach a final resolution.

According to the party official, some contentious issues remained unresolved, although efforts were ongoing to conclude talks within the shortest possible time.

“We’re closing in on Kwankwaso, and we will be happy to receive him. Our committee and his met a few days ago and they will meet next week to take, maybe, a strong decision and reach a strong conclusion. We’re still engaging, though there are some unresolved issues,” he said.

However, a source close to Kwankwaso confirmed the meeting but stated that the former governor was unlikely to leave the NNPP in the immediate future.

The source disclosed that Kwankwaso had been advised by some northern leaders and Obasanjo to exercise caution and avoid rushing into the ADC without firm assurances on the party’s presidential ticket.

According to the insider, Kwankwaso’s political weight is central to Obi’s chances within the ADC, making it necessary for his camp to tread carefully.

“Many things are playing out, and some northern leaders and Obasanjo are advising RMK (Kwankwaso) on his defection. As it is, it seems Kwankwaso is the bargaining strength for Peter Obi to get the presidential ticket in the ADC, and the card must be carefully played,” the source said.

The loyalist further alleged that pressure was being mounted on Kwankwaso to join the ADC, even as concerns grew over what he described as a growing influence of interests aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“Currently, ADC leaders are mounting pressure on RMK to join the party. Of course, he is interested, but we don’t want to play into the hands of some people rooting for Atiku’s presidency who have almost taken over the party.

“The picture we are seeing from outside is that Obi was lured into the party, and we don’t want to fall into that trap. The game ahead is that Obi will participate in the ADC presidential primary, and after losing to Atiku, he will be persuaded to take the VP slot. How far he wants to go on that, we don’t know.”

He added that both Obi’s and Kwankwaso’s camps had held consultations with key national figures to mobilise support for Obi’s presidential ambition.

The NNPP chieftain said Kwankwaso’s defection would depend on the outcome of broader political consultations.

“We are committed to seeing the South complete its eight years, which is only possible with Peter Obi’s presidency. People like Baba Ota (Obasanjo) also believe in that, and it is in that line that Kwankwaso can have a chance to contest the 2031 presidential election.

“RMK is still consulting, and until those consultations are concluded, nothing serious will happen. As it stands, Kwankwaso is Obi’s only strong bargaining chip for the ADC presidential ticket. Notwithstanding, politics is dynamic. A day is too long in the political arena,” he added.

The source also reaffirmed that both committees had agreed to reconvene soon.

“Yes, the two committees met a few days ago in Abuja and they agreed to meet again. By next week, we should have a position,” he stated.

When contacted, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said he was unaware of the talks and declined further comment.

“I am not part of any committee speaking with Kwankwaso, so how would I know what you are talking about?” he said, while describing Kwankwaso as a strong political figure.

Similarly, the spokesperson for the NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, said he had no information regarding Kwankwaso’s possible defection.

“I’m not in possession of any useful information on what you’re asking, so I may not be able to comment,” he said.

(PUNCH)