Oladele Hands Over to New FCC Executive Chairman, Omidiran

The former Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, formally handed over the affairs of the Commission to the newly appointed Executive Chairman, Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The handover ceremony came a few days after Hon. Omidiran was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last Thursday. Hon. Oladele had served as Acting Chairman since July 2, 2025, following the exit of the immediate past substantive Executive Chairman, Muheeba Farida Dankaka. In her acceptance remarks, Hon. Omidiran expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and commended Hon. Oladele for his leadership during his nearly seven-month tenure. “I accept this responsibility with a profound sense of honour and commitment. I sincerely appreciate Hon. Kayode Oladele for his dedication, stability, and efforts in steering the Commission over the past almost seven months,” Omidiran said. She further noted that Oladele’s stewardship ensured continuity and institutional balance within the Commission, commending the cooperation and professionalism that characterised the transition process. Assuring commissioners and management of inclusive leadership, the new Executive Chairman reaffirmed her commitment to transparency, fairness, and national cohesion. “I look forward to working closely with all commissioners and the management team to strengthen the Commission and effectively deliver on our constitutional mandate,” said Omidiran, who represented Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019. Following the handover ceremony, Hon. Omidiran formally submitted the official handover documents to the Commission’s Verification Committee for review and documentation. The executive chairman also announced the constitution of various statutory and ad hoc committees aimed at strengthening internal processes and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the Federal Character Commission. The event was well attended by the Secretary of the Commission, Mohammed Musa, state commissioners, key stakeholders, and members of the media.

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Sportivation Media Launches Online Radio Station

Sports media company, Sportivation Media, has launched Sportivation Radio, an online radio station, to deliver timely, credible, and interactive broadcast to audiences across Nigeria and beyond. The launch of the station marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to promote sports development, storytelling, and analysis through innovative media platforms. Sportivation Radio will provide live commentary, in-depth analysis, documentaries and special features on sports personalities, game day coverage, community-driven programmes, grassroots sports coverage, and discussions from local and international scenes, including entertainment on a daily basis. Chief Executive Officer of Sportivation Media, Taiwo Ibrahim, described sportivation radio as a bold step toward reshaping sports broadcasting in Nigeria in the digital age. “Sportivation Radio was founded out of a deep passion for sports and a clear gap we identified in how sports stories are told and consumed. Too often, sports coverage focuses only on results and headlines, while the people, struggles, growth, and impact behind the games are overlooked. We created Sportivation Radio to change that narrative. “Our objective is to build a credible and inclusive sports platform that gives voice to athletes, fans, coaches, administrators, media practitioners, and young talents across all levels of sports. We aim to deliver accurate news, thoughtful analysis, and meaningful conversations that reflect the true spirit of sports and its role in society. “It is going to be a mix of Sports and entertainment programmes tailored to meet the yearnings of our esteemed listeners.” With a team of experienced broadcasters, analysts, and young media talents, Sportivation Radio aims to set new standards in sports radio programming by combining traditional broadcasting with digital-first strategies to reach a wider, younger audience. Ibrahim also stated that Sportivation Radio will focus on nurturing young media talents and creating opportunities for them in Sportscasting. Sportivation Radio is accessible on Sportivationng.com, the station’s social media platforms, such as (@ Sportivation Radio on Facebook), and other Radio apps, like Radio World and Naija Radio Portal.  

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2026 ITTF World Championships: Nigeria Draws Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, South Africa

Nigeria has been drawn alongside Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa in Group 15 of the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals, set to take place in London from April 28 to May 10, 2026. The draw, held today at The Shard, marked the beginning of a historic celebration of 100 years of the World Championships. “From London to London, we have come full circle,” said ITTF President Petra Sörling. “England has hosted the World Championships on seven occasions, but returning to where it all began makes this centenary edition truly special. This event is already historic, but I am confident it will also be unforgettable.” The Quadri Aruna-led men’s team will face tough opposition from Asian giants Hong Kong, who boast some of the finest young players in the world, as well as Middle Eastern powerhouse Saudi Arabia and continental rivals South Africa. In the women’s category, Fatimo Bello will captain Nigeria in Group 11, where they will battle against Australia, Uzbekistan, and Wales. African champions Egypt, led by Omar Assar, received a favourable draw in the men’s event, facing Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Thailand. Rising star Hana Goda will lead Egypt’s women’s team against Algeria, South Africa, and Syria. Reigning champions China, winners of the last 11 editions, headline Group 1 alongside host nation England, five-time winners Sweden, and Korea Republic. France, silver medallists at the last edition, will face Japan, Germany, and Chinese Taipei in Group 2 as they bid to lift the Swaythling Cup for the first time. In the women’s competition, hosts England were drawn in Group 2 with Japan, Germany, and France, while China, 23-time Corbillon Cup winners, lead Group 1 against Korea Republic, Chinese Taipei, and Romania. The draw ceremony was attended by ITTF President and IOC Member Petra Sörling, ITTF Executive Vice President Beatrice Romanescu, World Table Tennis CEO Steve Dainton, Chair of Table Tennis International Events Richard Scruton, Table Tennis England Chair Clare Briegal MBE, Table Tennis England President and World Championship medallist Jill Parker MBE, England men’s athlete and three-time Olympian Paul Drinkhall, ITTF Nominations Committee Chair Sandra Deaton, and UK Sport Deputy Director Esther Britten MBE. The top eight seeds in each competition will contest Stage 1a at OVO Arena Wembley from May 2–3, with all teams progressing to Stage 2. Group performances will determine seedings for the knockout rounds. Stage 1b will take place at the Copper Box Arena from April 28–May 1, where 56 teams in each competition will battle for the remaining 24 places in the Main Draw. London 2026 marks 100 years since the first World Championships were held in the city in 1926, making this the most significant edition in the event’s history.  

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Nigeria Judicial System

Court Orders FCT Workers to Suspend Strike Pending Case Resolution

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja has ordered workers under the Joint Union Action Committee to suspend their ongoing strike, following an interlocutory injunction filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration. The suit, filed against the Chairman of the Joint Union Action Committee, Rifkatu Iortyer, and its Secretary, Abdullahi Umar Saleh, under case number NICN/ABJ/17/2026, sought to restrain the defendants and their members from engaging in any industrial action, picketing, or lockout. Delivering his ruling on Tuesday, Justice E.D. Subilim recognized that the matter qualified as a trade dispute and met the required legal conditions but emphasized that the right to strike is not absolute. He directed that workers must halt any strike action once a dispute is brought before the National Industrial Court. Any ongoing strike must cease until the court delivers a final judgment. “An order of interlocutory injunction is hereby granted, restraining the defendants and their representatives from further embarking on any industrial action against the claimants. This order shall remain in effect pending the determination of the suit,” Justice Subilim stated.

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Fuel marketers accuse Dangote Refinery of distributing substandard petrol

Dangote Petroleum Raises Petrol Price to N799 Per Litre, MRS Stations Sell at N839

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased the price of petrol sold to marketers from N699 per litre to N799 per litre, with MRS filling stations now retailing the fuel at N839 per litre. In a statement on Monday evening, the refinery said the adjustment follows the end of the festive season. “With the festive period concluded, PMS prices have been modestly realigned to sustainable levels to support long-term market stability and affordability. Under the current alignment, the PMS gantry price is N799 per litre, while MRS retail outlets are selling at N839 per litre,” it said. The refinery stressed its commitment to stable pricing and a steady petrol supply nationwide. It noted that during the festive period, prices were temporarily reduced to ease financial pressure on households during high spending periods. According to the statement, this marks the second consecutive festive season in which the refinery absorbed extra costs in the national interest, citing logistics support in 2024 and a price cut in 2025 as part of efforts to keep fuel affordable and maintain market calm. “Despite the price reduction, many filling stations failed to reflect the new price at the pump, thereby denying Nigerians the benefits of the reduction,” the statement added.

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Femi Adebayo’s Family Defends Him Over Estranged Wife’s Eviction, Cites Bank Foreclosure

A family member of filmmaker Femi Adebayo has spoken out amid social media backlash over the eviction of his estranged wife, Omotayo Sanusi, also known as Iyan Aladuke. Mrs Taiwo Abdulmalik, related to Femi, clarified that the eviction from a Lagos property was due to a bank foreclosure, not abandonment. She explained that Femi purchased the property with a bank loan, and when repayment issues arose, the bank initiated recovery proceedings. “She knew Femi bought those properties with a loan and that the bank was coming for recovery. Those properties belong to him alone, and he is still paying heavy principal with interest,” Abdulmalik said. She added that Femi ensured Sanusi, her family members living with her, and her staff were immediately relocated to a short-let apartment, with all expenses covered. “He made sure everyone was moved safely and paid for everything,” she said. Abdulmalik also stated that Femi encouraged Sanusi to find another rental property, promising to cover the cost, regardless of the price. Abdulmalik further revealed that in 2022, Femi purchased land near Sanusi’s business on Muritala Muhammed Way and registered it in her name as a financial backup. However, he was later surprised when she sold the land and spent the proceeds. Responding to claims that Femi had neglected his family, Abdulmalik emphasized that he continues to support their son, including spending around $50,000 on a medical procedure in India last year. “He has never stopped taking care of his son. He loves his children dearly and is very involved in their lives,” she said. Sanusi, meanwhile, has disputed parts of the family’s account on social media, alleging that armed men came to her business during the eviction and that her elderly mother was also forced out. She said she had avoided taking the matter online but felt compelled to respond to what she described as “false information” circulating about her.

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Portable Flaunts New Jeep Wrangler Days After Prison Release, Taunts Enemies

Nigerian singer Portable marked his return to freedom with a flashy new Jeep Wrangler just days after being released from prison. He shared the excitement with his hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers, posting videos that highlighted both the exterior and interior of the vehicle straight from the motorshop. In the clips, Portable held up the car key and boldly declared that all his enemies had been disgraced, using the moment to celebrate his triumph and resilience. Fans quickly flooded the comments, praising his style and audacity. The Jeep Wrangler is the latest in a series of high-profile purchases by Portable since regaining his freedom, reinforcing his reputation for turning personal victories into headline-making celebrations.   View this post on Instagram  

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APC Dismisses Speculation About Replacing Vice President Shettima Ahead Of 2027 Election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected claims that Vice President Kashim Shettima could be dropped as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 general election. APC’s national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, stated on Monday that reports suggesting Shettima’s replacement are “purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless.” He called on media organisations to avoid giving platforms to “rumour-peddlers and mischievous news sources” whose aim is to create confusion and discord. Speculation had circulated that figures such as Sokoto Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah, former House Speaker Yakubu Dogara, and Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd) could take Shettima’s place. The claims drew reactions from party members, including Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, who warned that removing a Northern Muslim from the ticket could weaken APC’s chances in 2027. Morka noted that earlier stories about Shettima’s possible replacement were subtle but have recently escalated, with specific names being circulated. He urged ministers, senior government officials, and APC leaders to focus on their responsibilities and support the party’s agenda rather than fuel unnecessary speculation. “Our Party remains committed to supporting President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda, advancing reforms that are transforming the economy, creating prosperity, and improving living conditions for Nigerians,” the statement read. He added that officials should concentrate on diligent service to the government and party while strengthening the achievements of President Tinubu, whom he described as “our inimitable and visionary leader.”

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