The Executive Director of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM), Abdulgafar Kamal, is dead.
The centre’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Taiye Olaifa, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Ilorin.
Olaifa said the executive director died on Wednesday in Ilorin during a brief illness.
(NAN)
The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YSIEC) has slated June 6 for the conduct of local government councils elections in the state.
Alhaji Mohammed Nguru, YBSIEC Acting Chairman and Permanent Member 1, made the announcement at a news conference in Damaturu on Wednesday.
He said Gov Mai Mala Buni had approved the election, which would bring in new chairmen, deputy chairmen and councillors across the 17 local government councils of the state.
According to him, the cost of a nomination form for chairmanship election is N300,000, while those of vice chairmanship and councillorship will go for N250,000 and N200,000, respectively.
Nguru said that all citizens of the state origin were eligible to contest in the elections after attaining the ages of 25 for councillorship elections and 30 for chairmanship and vice chairmanship elections.
The official, however, said that a contestant must be sane, not bankrupt, a resident of local community, undergo security screening and possessed a minimum of school leaving certificate or its equivalence.
He said that the commission would provide election guidelines to political parties to enable them to present suitable candidate of repute and substance for good governance at the grassroots.
Nguru maintained that the commission was ready to organise and supervise free, fair and credible elections.
He called for the support of security agencies, especially to identify flash points, where there could be threats to the smooth conduct of the exercise.
The YBSIEC acting chairman, also solicited the support of the media in the coverage of the electoral process, educating members of the public on the need to shun violence, vote buying and other acts capable of undermining the integrity of the election.
(NAN)
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 property suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities linked to Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Minister of Justice, to the Federal Government.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order following an ex-parte motion moved by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, to the effect.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the multi-billion naira landed property are located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna States.
Although the order was made on Tuesday, its certified true copy (CTC) was sighted by NAN on Wednesday.
“It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this honourable court is hereby made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the properties described in Schedule 1 below which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities,” the judge said.
Justice Nwite, in the ruling, also directed the publication of the interim order of forfeiture in any national daily “inviting any person(s) or body (ies) who may have interest in the properties listed in the schedule to show cause, within 14 days of the publication, why a final order of forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria of the said assets and properties, should not be made.”
The judge then adjourned the matter until Jan. 37 for report of compliance.
The assets include:
**Luxury Duplex at Amazon Street, Plot No. 3011 Within Cadastral Zone, A06 Maitama; File No: AN enhancement 11352, which was purchased in December 2022 at N500, 000, 000.00 (value after enhancement at N5, 950, 000, 000);
**Two Winged Large Storey Building Situate at No. 3, Onitsha Crescent, Area 11,Garki, Cadastral Zone, A03, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited), FCT, which was purchased Dec. 2018 at N7, 000, 000, 000.00.
**Plot 683, Jabi District, Cadastral Zone B04, Comprising of a five storey Building (Now Luxurious Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Jabi with 53 rooms/suites), which was purchased in Sept. 2020 at carcass level at N850, 000, 000. 00 with additional N300, 000, 000 to take possession (value after completion N8, 400, 000, 000).
**Property No. 3130 within Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja, Comprising of Terraces, purchased in Jan. 2021 at N360, 000, 000.00.
**Property No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja (MEETHAQ HOTELS LTD, MAITAMA WITH 15 ROOMS), which was purchased on in Feb. 2018 at N430, 000, 000.00 (current value after rehabilitation is N12, 950, 000, 000).
**Plot No. 1241B, Asokoro District Zone (NO. 11A YAKUBU GOWON CRESCENT) ASOKORO DISTRICT, which was purchased July 2021 at N325, 000, 000.00.
**SHOP NO. C82 CITISCAPE — SHARIFF PLAZA, PLOT 739 CADASTRAL ZONE A07, AMINU KANO CRESCENT, WUSE Il, FCT, ABUJA, which was purchased in March 2024 at N120, 000, 000.00.
**NO. 4 AHMADU BELLO WAY, NASARAWA GRA, KANO, which was purchased in Dec. 2022 at N300, 000, 000. 00
**PLOT 157, LAMIDO CRESCENT, NASARAWA, GRA, KANO, purchased in July 2019 with no specific amount stated.
**A PLAZA, COMMERCIAL TOILETS, LAUNDERING, WAREHOUSE TANKS ADJACENT TO BIRNIN KEBBI MARKET, which was purchased in 2021 at N100, 000, 000.00.
**100 HECTARES OF LAND ALONG BRININ KEBBI, JEGA ROAD, which was purchased in 2020 at N100, 000, 000.00.
** 4 BEDROOM BUNGALOW GESSE PHASE, BIRNIN KEBBI, which was purchased in 2023 at N101, 000, 000.00.
** SHOPS NOS. A36, B3 VEGAS MALL, WUSE 2, ABUJA, which was purchased in July 2023 at N158, 000, 000.00.
**NO. 26, BABBI DRIVE, BUA ESTATE, ABUJA, purchased in 2022 at N136, 000, 000.00.
**NO. 27, EFAB ESTATES AVENUE, 59™ CRESCENT, GWARIMPA, ABUJA, purchased in Jan. 2016 at N120, 000, 000.00.
**4 BEDROOM/ 2 ROOMS BOYS QUARTERS AT NO. 10B, DOKA CRESCENT ABAKPA GRA, KADUNA, purchased in Jan. 2018 at N40, 000, 000.00.
**PLOT NO. 13, IPENT 7 ESTATE, KARSANA DISTRICT, ABUJA, purchased in June 2018 at N85, 000, 000.00.
**A BEDROOM DUPLEX & BOYS QUARTERS AT NO. 12 YALINGA STREET, OFF ADETOKUNBO ADEMOLA CRESCENT, WUSE Il, ABUJA, purchased in Oct. 2018 at N150, 000, 000.00.
**TWO WAREHOUSE SHOPS B40 AND B46, WUSE MARKET, ABUJA, purchased in July 2020 at N50, 000, 000.00.
**TWIN HOUSES AT ZONE E, APO LEGISLATIVE QUARTERS, CADASTRAL ZONE B01, PLOT 14014, GUDU DISTRICT, ABUJA, it was purchased between Feb and May 2017 at N250, 000, 000.00.
**Properties acquired by Khadimiyya for Justice & Development Initiative at the Academic Garden City, Birnin Kebbi, sold by the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage namely.
Others are nine units of three bedroom, bungalow, three units of two bedroom, bungalow, and 5.4 hectares of land, which were purchased between Feb. 2023 and Sept. 2023 at N187, 000, 000.00, among other assets listed in the schedule.
NAN reports that Malami, his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz are currently facing alleged N8.7 billion money laundering charge before Justice Nwite.
The EFCC had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, named the ex-minister, Asabe, his wife and an employee of a firm linked to the former minister, Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, and his son as 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.
The anti-graft agency, in the 16 counts, accused the defendants of carrying out various suspicious transactions and attempting to conceal the unlawful origin of billions of naira through bank accounts and property acquisitions across Abuja, Kano and Kebbi.
They allegedly committed the offences between 2015 and 2025, a period that includes the eight years Malami served as the AGF during the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The commission alleged that Malami, his son, and Asabe conspired to disguise the origin of funds, acquire property indirectly, and retain sums they allegedly knew were proceeds of unlawful activity, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 (as amended) and 2022.
In count one, the EFCC alleged that between July 2022 and June 2025, Malami and his son directed Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal over one billion Naira in a Sterling Bank account, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.
(NAN)
Emirates SkyCargo has outlined an ambitious roadmap for 2026 after a year of heavy investment in fleet expansion, network growth, digital transformation and new product development.
The cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline said the initiatives undertaken over the past 12 months have positioned it for accelerated growth, improved connectivity and greater efficiency across its global operations.
Speaking on the outlook, Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, said 2025 laid the foundation for the airline’s next phase of expansion.
“In 2025, we built the runway for what comes next. We strengthened the core pillars of our business by expanding our network and innovating with our product portfolio and operations to deliver what our customers need today – and tomorrow. 2026 is set to be a pivotal year for our fleet expansion, with the expected delivery of up to 10 Boeing 777Fs by December,” he said.
According to Abbas, the additional aircraft will unlock new opportunities for network and scheduling expansion, enhance flexibility and enable the airline to deliver greater value across its global footprint.
Fleet Expansion and Network Growth
Emirates SkyCargo took delivery of its first Boeing 777 freighter early in 2025, followed by two more aircraft in subsequent months, allowing the retirement of older planes and reinforcing its commitment to operating one of the youngest cargo fleets globally.
The fleet currently comprises 11 Boeing 777 freighters and five wet-leased Boeing 747s. The airline has also begun converting its first passenger aircraft into a full freighter, with operations expected to commence in 2026. By the end of next year, Emirates SkyCargo aims to operate at least 21 freighters, significantly boosting cargo capacity.
In line with its long-term network strategy, the airline launched freighter services to eight new destinations in 2025—Copenhagen, Narita, Bangkok, Mumbai, Beirut, Conakry, Phnom Penh (KTI) and Hanoi. High-demand routes including Guangzhou, Shanghai and Johannesburg also received additional weekly frequencies. By year-end, Emirates SkyCargo served 42 freighter destinations across six continents.
The airline further strengthened its global reach through new interline partnerships, including agreements with Astral Aviation in Africa and Teleport in Southeast Asia, enhancing access to primary, secondary and tertiary airports in key growth markets. Existing partnerships with airlines such as Air Canada, United and Virgin Atlantic were also reinforced.
Operational Upgrades and Digital Transformation
Alongside plans for a new cargo facility at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Emirates SkyCargo continued investing in its current infrastructure. The airline upgraded its ground transport operations with the delivery of 40 Euro 6 low-emission trucks, with an additional five hydrogen-powered trucks expected by the first quarter of 2026.
The airline also partnered with LODD Autonomous to explore the feasibility of VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft for first- and last-mile cargo delivery throughout 2026.
Digital adoption remained a major focus, with nearly 80 per cent of shipments booked digitally by December 2025, driven largely by the eSkyCargo platform, third-party marketplaces and direct API integrations. Emirates SkyCargo also became the first carrier in the region to adopt PayCargo’s instant payment solution, replacing traditional cash-based transactions.
New Products and Specialised Solutions
In 2025, Emirates SkyCargo maintained its position as a preferred carrier for diverse shipments, ranging from household pets to high-value industrial cargo.
A major highlight was the launch of Emirates Courier Express, a door-to-door delivery service that has already expanded to Australia and Germany. The solution has delivered over 50,000 packages, achieving an average delivery time of three days globally and one day between the UK and UAE.
The airline also introduced its Aerospace and Engineering vertical, including enhanced aircraft-on-ground (AOG) services and a specialised aircraft engines offering. Movement of individual engines increased by 100 per cent year-on-year, with demand expected to rise further as new aircraft join the fleet.
The Fresh vertical, dedicated to perishables such as food and flowers, grew by 10 per cent, uplifting an additional 25,700 tonnes compared to 2024. Meanwhile, the Vital pharmaceutical solution recorded a 54 per cent increase in volume, with Emirates SkyCargo now transporting 2,000 tonnes of pharmaceutical products weekly.
Demand for the airline’s Secure solution rose by 30 per cent, driven by increased production of electronic devices in Vietnam and India, supported through a mix of freighter and sea-air services.
Outlook for 2026
Looking ahead, Emirates SkyCargo said it plans to double its current capacity, add 20 new freighter destinations, and continue shaping the future of global logistics through digital-first, customer-centric solutions.
The airline said the strong foundation laid in 2025 positions it to deliver long-term value while maintaining its leadership role in the global air cargo industry.
Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has expressed deep sorrow over the death of three brothers from the state who lost their lives in the recent Lagos Island fire outbreak on 2025 Christmas eve.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that fire had gutted the 25-storey building of Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House located on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on Dec. 24, 2025.
In a condolence message released by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, on Wednesday in Awka, Soludo described the incident as a painful tragedy.
He said that the incident turned what should have been a joyous Christmas eve, into a moment of profound grief.
The governor commiserated with families of all the victims of the inferno, adding that the loss had left many hearts heavy with sorrow.
He said that he was particularly devastated by the death of three sons of Anambra – Mr Steve Omatu, 40, Mr Casmir Omatu, 39 and Mr Collins Omatu, 37.
According to him, they are brothers from the Omatu family of Uzoakwa community in Ihiala Local Government Area.
“These industrious young men were only striving to earn an honest living for their families, yet they were taken in the most tragic circumstances,” he said.
He noted that their death represented not only a great loss to their family but also a collective loss to Anambra State.
The governor commended the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the Lagos State Fire Service and other emergency responders for their efforts in rescuing victims and containing the fire.
Soludo also advised Anambra residents living in Lagos and other parts of the country to always prioritise human life and personal safety over the recovery of property during fire incidents.
He prayed for God to grant the affected families the strength to bear the loss and asked that the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.
The governor also called on relevant authorities to conduct thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and to put measures in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
(NAN)
The Police Command in Nasarawa State said it has foiled an armed robbery operation in Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Ramhan Nansel, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) stated this in a statement to newsmen on Wednesday in Lafia.
According to the command’s spokesperson, the armed robbery operation was foiled by its operatives attached to Mararaba ‘A’ Division, Karu LGA at the early hours of Wednesday, Jan. 7.
He explained that the personnel recovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol from the scene of the operation.
Nansel noted that the police received a distress call that suspected armed robbers, numbering about four, attacked a wine shop located at Calvary Road, Mararaba, at about 4:20am, during which one person was injured.
“Upon swift response to the scene, the police operatives disrupted the robbery operation, forcing the criminals to flee in disarray upon sighting the police.
“In the process, the suspects abandoned a locally fabricated Beretta pistol, which was recovered by the police,” he said.
The PPRO explained that the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed ordered an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
Nansel added that the Commissioner has also directed that the case and the recovered exhibit be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia, for thorough investigation.
He reassured members of the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating all forms of crime and criminality in Nasarawa State.
(NAN).
Oil prices continued to fall on Wednesday morning, on fears of a supply increase after U.S. President Donald Trump said Venezuela will send up to 50 million barrels to the United States.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump said Venezuela’s interim government would hand over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of “sanctioned oil” to the U.S., in a move he framed as benefiting both nations. A barrel contains 159 litres.
The amount is the equivalent of one to two months of Venezuelan oil production.
The oil would be sold at market prices, and proceeds would be controlled by him as president to ensure they were used “to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States,” Trump posted.
A barrel of North Sea Brent for delivery in March fell on Wednesday morning by 56 cents, or nearly 1 per cent, to 60.14 dollars, after the price fell by nearly 2 per cent on Tuesday.
The price for a barrel of U.S. grade WTI for delivery in February fell by 73 cents, or 1.3 per cent, to 56.40 dollars.
It was initially unclear over what period the volume of crude oil cited by Trump would be made available by Venezuela.
Oil is Venezuela’s most important source of revenue and foreign currency.
The new leadership in Caracas did not immediately comment on Trump’s announcement.
(dpa/NAN)
A conference aimed at eradicating harmful traditional practices, particularly underage marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), was held in Mendefera, Southern Region, on January 5.
The conference focused on strengthening the role of religious leaders and influential community members in efforts to eliminate the practices.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Qaleab Tesfaselasie, Director General of Social Services in the Southern Region, noted that while progress has been made, underage marriage and FGM have not been completely eradicated. He called on religious leaders to intensify their involvement by using the influence and responsibility they hold within their communities.
Also addressing participants, Mr. Gebrehiwet Teklu, Head of the Regional Attorney General’s Office, provided an extensive briefing on Eritrea’s civil and criminal laws. He explained that marriages involving persons under the age of 18 and the practice of FGM are punishable offences under Articles 615 and 537 of Eritrea’s Criminal Law, respectively, outlining the legal consequences for offenders.
On his part, Dr. Amanuel Mihreteab, Head of the Ministry of Health branch in the region, urged the public to abandon harmful beliefs and actively participate in efforts to eliminate practices that endanger the health and well-being of women and girls.
Participants at the conference expressed their readiness to play an active role in the campaign against harmful practices and called on relevant institutions to sustain public awareness and education programmes across communities.
The African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation following a high-level meeting held on January 6, 2026, in Addis Ababa.
The meeting brought together the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the UAE Minister of State, H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, and built on the first round of political consultations held in Abu Dhabi on September 13, 2025, under the framework of the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding between both parties.
During the talks, both sides reviewed progress made since the inaugural consultations, exchanged views on priority areas of cooperation, and reaffirmed their commitment to sustained political dialogue and an expanded UAE–AU partnership.
They underscored the importance of Agenda 2063, particularly the flagship initiative “Silencing the Guns by 2030”, alongside the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The discussions highlighted the mutually reinforcing link between peace, security, trade and development, with both sides agreeing to intensify cooperation in support of these strategic objectives. They noted that lasting peace is critical for economic integration, while increased trade and investment foster stability, resilience and sustainable development across Africa.
The AUC and UAE also welcomed the launch of the USD 1 billion “AI for Development” initiative by the UAE, announced at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025. Both parties acknowledged its potential to advance Africa’s development priorities through innovation and digital transformation.
On regional peace and security, the Chairperson and the Minister exchanged views on developments in the Horn of Africa, stressing the close interconnection between stability in the region and security in the Arabian Gulf, particularly in relation to maritime security and regional prosperity.
Addressing the situation in Sudan, both sides called for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian truce, a permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access across the country, accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, and the establishment of an independent, civilian-led government that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people.
They recalled the joint statement issued by the AUC and IGAD on September 14, 2025, welcoming the QUAD Joint Statement of September 12, 2025, as well as the High-Level Humanitarian Conference convened on the margins of the AU Summit in February 2025. The parties welcomed regional and international efforts to address Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, condemned atrocities against civilians, and reaffirmed their support for Sudan’s unity, territorial integrity and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
On Somalia, both sides reiterated their support for the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and stability.
The meeting also reaffirmed the position that Iran’s occupation of the three UAE islands—Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa—constitutes a violation of the UAE’s sovereignty and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Both parties reiterated support for a peaceful resolution of the dispute in accordance with international law, including through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice.
In line with the 2026 AU theme on water and sanitation, both sides highlighted the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference, to be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, as a key platform to advance global action on water resilience. They agreed to work closely on action-oriented initiatives with measurable impact across Africa, including through the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening AUC–UAE cooperation across shared priorities in support of peace, stability and sustainable development on the African continent.
The Egyptian government is failing to meet constitutional and international benchmarks for education and health care, Human Rights Watch said on Thursday, warning that inadequate funding is undermining citizens’ access to essential services.
According to the rights group, Egypt is falling short of providing free primary education and quality health care accessible to all, with chronic underfunding contributing to shortages of classrooms, teachers, doctors, and nurses. Families are increasingly forced to cover school fees and medical costs out of pocket, while health workers reportedly pay for essential hospital supplies themselves.
“The Egyptian government has failed for years to adequately ensure the rights of education and health for everyone, as demonstrated by its chronic underfunding,” said Amr Magdi, senior Middle East and North Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The lack of adequate funding for health and education demonstrates the government’s deep indifference toward its citizens’ rights.”
Human Rights Watch analysis shows that education spending has decreased over the past five years both in inflation-adjusted terms and as a percentage of GDP and government expenditure. For the 2025-26 fiscal year, the education budget is 315 billion Egyptian pounds (US$6.3 billion), equivalent to 1.5 percent of GDP and 4.7 percent of government expenditure—the lowest share since at least 2019.
Egypt’s 2014 Constitution requires a minimum of 6 percent of GDP on education, while international standards recommend 4–6 percent of GDP and 15–20 percent of public expenditure. Human Rights Watch noted that Egypt’s current allocation places it in the 12th percentile of lower middle-income countries, below 88 percent of comparable nations.
The organization also highlighted shortages of classrooms and teachers, as well as the cost burden on families. In 2019, households spent an average of 10.4 percent of income on school-related expenses, including fees, materials, and private tutoring.
The 2025-26 health budget of 245 billion pounds (US$4.9 billion) represents just 1.1 percent of GDP and 3.6 percent of government expenditure, below the 3 percent constitutional minimum. Inflation-adjusted spending has remained largely flat, and per-person funding has not increased over the past three years.
Human Rights Watch said the health system faces severe shortages, with 11,536 doctors resigning from the public sector between 2019 and March 2022 and around 7,000 leaving the country in 2023. Egypt’s doctor-to-population ratio was 6.71 per 10,000 people in 2020, below the WHO minimum recommendation of 10. There is also a shortage of 75,000 nurses, according to the Nursing Syndicate.
Most health care costs—over 57 percent in 2023—are paid out of pocket, creating inequalities in access. The 2018 Universal Health Insurance Law aims for full coverage by 2030, but Human Rights Watch said funding remains insufficient.
Egypt is a party to international agreements including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which require governments to take deliberate steps to realize citizens’ rights to education and health.
Human Rights Watch urged the government to guarantee free primary education and ensure high-quality health care is accessible to all, warning that reductions in spending on these sectors are presumptively a violation of these obligations unless fully justified.
“By systematically failing to meet constitutional spending requirements for education and health for many years, the government is neglecting the very sectors that would enable citizens to live with dignity and for the economy to thrive,” Magdi said. “This years-long failure shows that the government’s talk of social and economic rights is essentially lip service.”
Human Rights Watch contacted Egypt’s ministries of education and health on December 22, 2025, but did not receive a response.
