POLITICAL LANDSCAPE:
Former Oyo State Governor, Victor Omololu Olunloyo, Passes Away at 89: Tributes are pouring in for the former governor, the first Ibadan indigene to hold the office.
Anambra Gubernatorial Election Updates:
- Nicholas Ukachukwu has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the November 8, 2025 election.
- Chris Okonkwo withdrew from the APC primary election.
- The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has extended its primary election to April 8.
- Godwin Ezeemo withdrew from the Labour Party primary election.
- Confusion reportedly trailed the APC primary election.
- Benue State Politics: Governor Hyacinth Alia has denied plans to leave the APC for the Social Democratic Party (SDP). A Northern group has issued a warning to Governor Alia regarding incessant killings in the Otukpo area and other parts of Benue State.
- Emir of Kano Invited by Police: A group has raised concerns over the invitation of the Emir of Kano by the police.
- Lagos State Government Investigates Death of Pregnant Woman: The government has launched a probe into the alleged denial of treatment to a pregnant woman who later died, reportedly due to a lack of deposit.
- Dave Umahi Orders Closure of Lagos Waterway: The Minister of Works has ordered the immediate closure of a Lagos waterway.
- Ambassadorial Screening: The Federal Government is screening nominees for ambassadorial positions, including Femi Fani-Kayode and Femi Pedro.
- 2027 Elections: The APC in Zango Kataf, Kaduna State, has declared that there is “no vacancy” in Aso Rock (Presidential Villa) and the Kaduna State Government House in 2027.
- NYSC Proposal: The Federal Government is proposing a two-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program to boost youth employment.
SECURITY:
- Rising Insecurity Concerns: There is growing fear and anxiety in several states due to a resurgence of suspected herdsmen abductions and killings.
- Gunmen Kill Chinese Expatriates and Police Escort in Abia: Two Chinese nationals and their police escort were killed in an ambush while en route to a quarry site in Abia State.
- Police Arrest Suspects in Niger State: Police have arrested 55 suspects in Niger State for thuggery and restiveness, and have recovered weapons.
- Ogun State Road Crash: A multiple road crash in Ogun State resulted in the death of 18 people, including a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) official. The FRSC has warned against speeding.
- Lagos Crime: A father in Lagos has allegedly killed his daughter and buried her in a shallow grave.
- Benue Kidnapping: Police have confirmed the rescue of 13 kidnapped victims from a Benue Links bus.
- Plateau Killings: The death toll from recent attacks in Plateau State has reached 52. President Tinubu has ordered security agencies to hunt down the attackers.
- Lagos Grenade Explosion: A scavenger died and three others were hospitalized after a military grenade exploded in Lagos.
- Nasarawa Illegal Mining: Three foreigners have been arrested in Nasarawa State during a raid on an illegal mining site.
- NDLEA Operations: The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted cocaine hidden inside the walls of suitcases.
ECONOMY AND BUSINESS:
- Naira Depreciation: The Nigerian Naira has recorded major drops against the US dollar week-on-week.
- World Bank Loan: SERAP has urged President Tinubu to reject a recently approved $1.08 billion World Bank loan, calling for an investigation into previous loans. The World Bank clarified that a recent $10.50 million funding was a grant, not a loan.
- Public Debt: Nigeria’s public debt has risen to N144.67 trillion as of December 2024, marking a 48.58% year-on-year increase.
- US Tariffs: The United States has begun collecting new tariffs, with reports indicating a 14% tariff against US-Nigeria’s AGOA duty-free trade.
- CBN Intervention: To maintain liquidity, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is reportedly injecting dollars into the foreign exchange market in response to US tariffs.
- Petrol Prices: Nigerians may pay less for petrol as oil prices drop to $65 per barrel.
- Tax Payment: Six banks in Nigeria reportedly paid over N751 billion in tax to the government in 2024.
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL:
- Coronation of the Alaafin of Oyo: The ancient city of Oyo is preparing for the coronation of the 47th Alaafin. Goldberg Lager Beer is honoring the coronation of the 46th Alaafin. Oba Owoade has been crowned the 46th Alaafin, and President Tinubu has sought support for the monarch.
- Entertainment News:
- Singer 2Face has reacted to his mother’s claim, stating he is looking for ransom to pay his kidnappers (in a likely jocular manner).
- Actress Funke Akindele has stated that one must do “dirty work” to attain success.
- Radio host Lolo has alleged that she was raped by a colleague.
- Comedian Ushbebe has called for prayers for 2Face.
- BBNaija’s Uriel has offered to adopt an abandoned baby in Kogi.
- Actress Jemima Osunde has spoken out against filmmakers forcing actors to become content creators.
- Singer Liz Anjorin has stated she still respects Tope Alabi despite the latter not attending her birthday after a reported N2.5 million payment.
- Health: Nigeria has received one million Gavi-funded vaccine doses to combat the ongoing meningitis outbreak, which has affected 23 states and caused at least 74 deaths.
- Education: The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has opened the portal for printing the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) mock exam slips. A university don has called for a ban on the use of mobile phones in secondary schools and higher institutions.
- “Everything is not money”: A Nigerian nurse has reportedly left her job in the United States and relocated to Nigeria in pursuit of a more fulfilling life.