Author: Tech & Tools Desk

The Delta State Government has urged eligible indigenes to apply for the 78th Regular Course intake at the Nigerian Defence Academy, as the institution’s online application portal is now open. The announcement was made in a statement on Wednesday by Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Director General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications. “The state government is encouraging qualified Deltans to seek admission into this prestigious military institution,” the statement said. “This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen the state’s representation within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.” Oghenesivbe highlighted that the NDA’s comprehensive academic and military training programmes align with the MORE Agenda championed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, which focuses on quality education, wealth creation, and employment generation. The statement confirmed that the application window for the 78th Regular Course is open and will close on Thursday, 30th April 2026. Admissions are open to both male and female candidates of Delta State origin, as well as other qualified Nigerians. Prospective applicants are advised to complete their submissions via the official NDA portal at www.ndaapplications.net⁠. Entry requirements include a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, from GCE, SSCE (WAEC/NECO), or equivalent examinations. Candidates must also register for and sit the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), selecting the NDA as their first-choice institution. Eligibility for the Screening Test Admission Card and further screening requires a minimum UTME score of 210 for Engineering courses, and 180 for Arts, Social Sciences, and Sciences. Successful applicants will undergo a rigorous five-year programme combining military and academic training as Officer Cadets. Graduates will receive an Honours Degree (B.Sc., B.Eng., or B.A.) in their chosen discipline and a Presidential Commission into the Armed Forces of Nigeria. “The Delta State Government encourages all qualified Deltan youths to seize this opportunity to pursue a distinguished and rewarding career in the military, serving the nation with pride and honour,” the statement concluded.

Japan recorded a decline in births for the 10th consecutive year in 2025, according to official data released on Thursday, underscoring the demographic challenges confronting Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Preliminary figures from the health ministry showed that 705,809 babies were born during the year, representing a 2.1 per cent drop from 2024. The data covers births to Japanese citizens within the country, children born in Japan to foreign nationals, and babies born overseas to Japanese parents. Marriage numbers, however, showed a modest rise, with 505,656 couples tying the knot in 2025—an increase of 1.1 per cent. Divorces declined by 3.7 per cent to 182,969 cases. Deaths also fell slightly, down 0.8 per cent, or 13,030, to 1,605,654. Meanwhile, the internal affairs ministry estimated Japan’s population at 122.86 million as of February, a decrease of 580,000 people, or 0.47 per cent, compared with the previous year. As the world’s fourth-largest economy, Japan continues to grapple with one of the lowest birth rates globally, alongside a rapidly ageing and shrinking population. The trend has contributed to labour shortages, rising social security costs, and a shrinking tax base, further straining public finances. Japan already carries the highest debt-to-GDP ratio among major economies. Recent figures indicate that nearly 100,000 people in the country are aged 100 or older, with women accounting for almost 90 per cent of that group. Rural areas have been particularly hard hit, with an estimated four million homes now abandoned. Studies suggest that more than 40 per cent of municipalities face the risk of disappearing altogether. Successive administrations, including that of Takaichi—the nation’s first female prime minister have pledged to boost birth rates, but results have been limited. In an unconventional effort, Tokyo’s metropolitan government introduced a dating app that requires users to provide proof they are single and to sign a declaration expressing intent to marry. “The declining birth rate and shrinking population are a quiet state of emergency that will gradually erode our country’s vitality,” Takaichi told parliament last week. Her ruling Liberal Democratic Party secured a two-thirds majority in snap elections held on February 8. While analysts note that higher immigration could help offset population decline and ease labour market pressures, Takaichi has promised stricter immigration policies amid pressure from the “Japanese first” Sanseito party. The government said on Thursday that it is working to strengthen the economy and ease the financial burden of childcare on working families. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki acknowledged some progress but admitted that the downward trend in births has yet to be reversed, stressing that economic strength remains a key factor in addressing the issue.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday declared what he described as a historic political turnaround during a record-breaking State of the Union address, as he sought to counter weak approval ratings and mounting domestic and foreign policy challenges ahead of the midterm elections. Speaking before a joint session of the United States Congress, Trump received repeated standing ovations from Republican lawmakers, while most Democrats remained seated in silent protest, with occasional interruptions. The address lasted one hour and 48 minutes, setting a new record for the longest presidential speech to Congress. The previous record was also held by Trump, whose address last year ran for 100 minutes. Before then, the longest speeches belonged to former President Bill Clinton, who spoke for 89 minutes in 2000 and 85 minutes in 1995. Opening on an optimistic note, Trump told lawmakers and viewers that the United States was “bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before,” claiming his administration had delivered an unprecedented transformation during its first year back in office. The prime-time address, broadcast nationwide, was widely seen as an effort to re-energise voters amid concerns within the Republican Party about losing control of Congress in November’s midterm elections an outcome that could stall the remainder of Trump’s second term and expose him to renewed political pressure. Trump also leaned into patriotic moments, inviting members of the US Olympic ice hockey team, fresh from a gold medal victory, onto the House floor to loud applause and chants of “USA.” He announced the award of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the team’s goalkeeper and presented Medals of Honor to a helicopter pilot injured during a January operation in Venezuela and to a 100-year-old Korean War veteran. On foreign policy, Trump said Iran was pursuing missiles capable of reaching the United States and reiterated that the country would never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. While describing Iran’s nuclear ambitions as dangerous, he said his preferred solution remained diplomacy and confirmed that negotiations were ongoing. He also claimed that Venezuela had resumed shipping oil to the United States and pointed to the killing of a major Mexican drug kingpin as a success in the fight against organised crime. Midway through the address, the tone hardened as Trump criticised Democrats and undocumented immigrants, accusing political opponents of undermining the country. He urged Congress to pass legislation introducing stricter voter identification requirements, repeating his long-standing claims of widespread election fraud assertions disputed by opponents, who argue the measures could disenfranchise eligible voters. The speech came as Trump’s approval ratings remained low. Recent polling showed public dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy and inflation, while his administration has faced setbacks including a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States striking down his use of coercive trade tariffs. Despite briefly greeting members of the court during the address, Trump later criticised the decision as “very unfortunate,” adding to the tensions that have marked his return to office. The president has also faced renewed scrutiny over immigration enforcement actions and lingering controversy linked to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, further complicating his political standing as the midterms approach.

The Airport Police Command in Lagos has confirmed that the fire outbreak at the Old Terminal 1 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport has been successfully extinguished, with normal operations restored and flights fully resumed. In a statement released on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Mohammed Adeola, the police said the incident, which occurred on Monday, February 23, 2026, was effectively contained through coordinated emergency efforts. The fire had earlier disrupted flight schedules, stranded passengers, and forced the diversion of some international flights after it affected activities around the control tower. Thick smoke was seen rising from sections of the terminal as firefighters worked for several hours to put out the blaze. According to the command, the situation was stabilised later the same day. “The Airport Police Command, Ikeja, Lagos, is pleased to inform the public of the successful containment of the fire outbreak at the Old Terminal 1 building of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport,” the statement said. Adeola explained that the fire, which started in a section of the old terminal, was fully brought under control through the joint efforts of all responding agencies. He added that by late hours on Monday, conditions at the airport had returned to normal. The police also disclosed that 12 workers trapped in affected areas, including sections close to the control tower, were safely rescued. “All evacuated persons received immediate medical attention, and no injuries or fatalities were recorded,” the statement noted. The command confirmed that flight operations, which were temporarily disrupted, have now fully resumed. It added that all activities have been relocated to the New Terminal, while the Old Terminal 1 remains closed pending further safety assessment and clearance. Commending the emergency responders, the police praised the professionalism and swift collaboration of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Rescue and Firefighting Services, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, medical teams, and other personnel involved in ensuring the incident was contained without loss of life. Passengers and airport users were advised to rely on official communication channels for accurate updates

A new government was inaugurated in the Netherlands on Monday, with 38-year-old centrist Rob Jetten taking the oath of office as the country’s youngest-ever prime minister and its first openly gay leader. Jetten secured a dramatic victory in October’s election, overturning an early deficit to narrowly defeat the far-right Freedom Party led by Geert Wilders. The snap poll followed the collapse of the previous coalition after Wilders’ party withdrew, ending what had been the most right-leaning government in Dutch history after just 11 months. Jetten’s Democrats 66 (D66) formed a governing alliance with the centre-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). Together, the coalition controls 66 seats—nine short of an outright parliamentary majority. Coalition talks lasted 117 days, significantly shorter than the 223 days required to form the outgoing administration. Following his win, Jetten said populist movements could be defeated through “a positive message for your country.” During the campaign, he emphasised restoring the Netherlands’ central role in Europe, arguing that European cooperation is essential to national success. In a joint manifesto released in January, the coalition partners pledged full backing for Ukraine and committed to meeting NATO defence spending targets. Despite being less hardline than its predecessor, the new administration still carries what analysts describe as a “right-wing signature.” Sarah de Lange, a political science professor at Leiden University, noted that the coalition plans to fund investments through budget cuts rather than deficit spending and that its immigration policies largely mirror those of the previous government. The coalition intends to tighten migration rules, including stricter family reunification requirements, and to reduce certain social benefits, such as unemployment support, to help finance defence and military spending. However, with no parliamentary majority, the government will depend on opposition backing to pass legislation, a factor De Lange said could slow the pace of major reforms. Jetten and his ministers were formally sworn in by King Willem-Alexander at Huis Ten Bosch in The Hague. Although Jetten initially favoured a broader alliance that included the left-leaning GroenLinks–PvdA bloc, this option was strongly opposed by VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz. Wilders, whose party shocked Europe with an election breakthrough in 2023, suffered a sharp decline at the polls. The PVV fell from 37 seats to 26 after a campaign widely viewed as underwhelming. While it finished second overall, coalition parties had ruled out working with Wilders, leaving him excluded from government. Other far-right groups made gains, however. Forum for Democracy, led by 28-year-old Lidewij de Vos, won four seats on a platform opposing what it called uncontrolled immigration and the European Union. The hard-right JA21 party also surged, picking up eight seats and coming close to joining the cabinet before being blocked by Jetten’s camp.

Donald Trump has put forward a proposal that could halt work permits for asylum seekers for years, marking what could become one of the most significant changes to asylum-related employment policy in decades. The draft regulation, released Friday by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), would suspend the issuance of work permits for new asylum applicants until average processing times for certain asylum cases fall to 180 days or less. According to DHS estimates based on the current backlog, reaching that benchmark could take anywhere from 14 to 173 years. However, the department noted that administrative reforms and efficiency improvements could accelerate the process. In a statement, DHS said the proposed rule, if finalised, would help curb “frivolous, fraudulent, or otherwise meritless asylum claims.” The agency emphasised that employment authorisation is discretionary and “not an entitlement,” resting with the DHS secretary. Under the proposal, migrants who entered the United States illegally would generally be ineligible for new work permits and would also be barred from renewing existing authorisations. The measure is expected to draw significant debate as it moves through the regulatory process.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an interim Mareva injunction freezing copyright levy funds due to the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN). The order bars the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and 20 commercial banks from releasing or disbursing the funds pending further proceedings. The ruling, delivered on February 9, 2026, followed an ex parte application filed on February 5, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/207/2026 by the Record Label Proprietors’ Initiative alongside 11 major record labels and music companies. The plaintiffs are Mavin Records Ltd; Davido Music Worldwide Ltd; Premier Music Publishing Limited; Chocolate City Music Limited; Hypertek Digital Limited; Digital Music Commerce & Exchange Limited; Beggars Group Media Limited; Universal Music Group; Sony Music Entertainment Africa; Warner Music South Africa Ltd; and Gamma Media Middle East. The 2nd to 12th plaintiffs instituted the action through their authorised attorney, the Record Label Proprietors’ Initiative. Arguing the application, counsel to the plaintiffs, Oragwu Nnamdi, urged the court to preserve the disputed funds pending the hearing of the substantive Motion on Notice. He requested an order restraining the CBN from disbursing, transferring, or otherwise paying out any copyright levy funds attributable to sound recordings and earmarked for MCSN until the Motion on Notice is determined. Nnamdi also asked the court to restrain MCSN, whether directly or through its agents, from receiving, accessing, withdrawing, transferring, dissipating, or otherwise dealing with the levy funds, whether paid directly by the CBN or through commercial banks. In addition, the applicants sought an order directing the CBN and the affected banks to preserve the funds and file affidavits of compliance within three days of service, disclosing the amounts standing to the credit of MCSN in respect of the levy payments. After considering the submissions and reviewing the affidavit evidence sworn to by Dr Chinedu Chukwudi, Justice Lewis-Allagoa granted all the reliefs sought. In a brief ruling, the judge restrained the CBN, its officers, agents, or anyone acting on its authority from disbursing any copyright levy funds attributable to sound recordings and payable to MCSN pending the determination of the Motion on Notice. The court further barred MCSN from receiving, accessing, using, withdrawing, transferring, converting, dissipating, or otherwise dealing with the funds, whether already received or yet to be disbursed. Justice Lewis-Allagoa also ordered the CBN and the listed banks to preserve the disputed sums and file affidavits of compliance within three days, detailing the amounts standing to the credit of MCSN in respect of levy payments already made or awaiting disbursement. Additionally, the court directed that any copyright levy funds already received by MCSN and attributable to sound recordings owned by the 2nd to 12th plaintiffs after they had validly opted out of collective management of their rights must be preserved intact. MCSN was also ordered to render an account of such funds and to refrain from any further dealings with them pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice. The case was adjourned to March 12, 2026, for the hearing of the Motion on Notice.

Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment after a Seoul court found him guilty of leading an insurrection by attempting to impose military rule. The court ruled that on 3 December 2024, Yoon sought to undermine the constitution by deploying troops to seal off the National Assembly and ordering the arrest of political opponents. Presiding judge Ji Gwi-yeon said Yoon’s actions severely damaged the country’s democracy and warranted the harshest punishment. Prosecutors had pushed for the death penalty. Although the martial law declaration lasted only hours, it deepened political divisions nationwide. Large crowds of Yoon’s supporters gathered outside the courthouse ahead of sentencing, waving banners and chanting in his favor. Many were visibly emotional after the verdict. Anti-Yoon demonstrators were also present, calling for capital punishment. Yoon showed little reaction as the sentence was delivered. His legal team argued that the ruling lacked sufficient evidence and accused the judge of delivering a predetermined judgment. If either side appeals, the case will move to the Supreme Court, potentially delaying a final decision for months. Yoon stunned the nation when he announced martial law during a live television broadcast, claiming it was necessary to counter “anti-state” forces allegedly sympathetic to North Korea. However, critics argued the move was driven by mounting domestic pressures, including a hostile opposition-controlled parliament and corruption allegations involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee. Lawmakers forced their way into the National Assembly and overturned the order within hours, triggering months of political turmoil. Yoon was later impeached and indicted alongside several senior officials. Former prime minister Han Duck-soo received a 23-year sentence for his role in the plot, while ex-defence minister Kim Yong-hyun, who reportedly advised Yoon to impose martial law, was sentenced to 30 years. Other senior officials, including former interior minister Lee Sang-min, former intelligence commander Roh Sang-won and ex-police chief Cho Ji-ho, were also jailed in what judges described as “an insurrection from the top.” Security was tight around the courthouse, with police buses forming barricades and around 1,000 officers deployed. Throughout the trial, Yoon maintained that he had constitutional authority as president to declare martial law, arguing that the move was necessary to protect the country’s sovereignty and freedom. The ruling Democratic Party, which won the presidency following his removal from office, criticized the life sentence as too lenient and said justice had not been fully served. South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997, meaning even a death sentence would likely have resulted in life imprisonment. Yoon is already serving time for separate convictions related to abuse of power and obstructing his arrest, and he still faces additional trials. Several former South Korean presidents have previously been jailed but later pardoned after serving a few years raising speculation that Yoon could eventually receive similar clemency.

The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, has said Türkiye places special importance on Nigeria because both countries face similar security challenges, particularly in the fight against terrorism. Poroy stated this during an interview in Abuja on Wednesday, noting that Ankara and Abuja share a common interest in developing effective counterterrorism strategies. He explained that Türkiye has spent years combating different terrorist groups and has built substantial experience and capacity in the process, which it is prepared to share with Nigeria. According to him, this support would include expertise, resources, and defence capabilities. The ambassador stressed that Nigeria’s success in tackling terrorism is vital not only for the country but also for the stability of West Africa and the African continent at large. From Türkiye’s perspective, Poroy said Nigeria is unique because both nations are confronting comparable security threats. He noted that while Türkiye has dealt with several terrorist organisations over the years, Nigeria is also battling groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, making cooperation both natural and necessary. He revealed that Türkiye has significantly developed its defence industry as part of efforts to address insecurity within its borders and the wider region. This progress, he said, has strengthened its armed forces and helped reduce terrorist threats, adding that similar collaboration could benefit Nigeria through close defence industry partnerships. Poroy said Türkiye is already working with Nigerian authorities to strengthen military cooperation, in line with assurances from the Turkish leadership that Nigeria has Ankara’s full support in its fight against terrorism. He added that beyond supplying military equipment and critical systems, Turkish companies are also partnering with Nigerian institutions on joint local production initiatives. Beyond security, the envoy said Nigeria’s economic standing also makes it an important partner. He described Nigeria as West Africa’s largest economy and one of Africa’s biggest, noting that such a position commands global attention. He further highlighted Nigeria’s population of over 230 million people, its economic potential, and the strong case for expanding bilateral trade and investment. According to him, Türkiye views Nigeria as a key strategic partner on the continent and intends to deepen cooperation. Poroy recalled that relations between both countries date back to the 16th century, during interactions between the Ottoman Empire and the Kanem-Bornu Empire. He added that Türkiye’s decision to open an embassy in Nigeria shortly after independence underscored the long-standing value it places on the relationship. He said the renewed engagement builds on recent high-level contacts, including President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Türkiye, which further strengthened commitments in security and economic cooperation.

The family of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu has said that more than eight years ago, he foretold that his detention in Sokoto would signal the beginning of his eventual freedom. They also insisted that those responsible for Kanu’s continued incarceration would find no peace. Kanu’s parents, the late HRM Eze Israel Okwu Kanu and his wife, Ugoeze Kanu, were laid to rest on February 14, 2020, after passing away in October 2017. Their deaths followed the invasion of the family home in Afaraukwu by soldiers during Operation Python Dance, an incident the family says left them traumatised. Speaking during a memorial ceremony held on February 14 at the family compound to mark the burial anniversary of the late parents, Kanu’s younger brother and family spokesperson, Prince Emma Kanu, said his brother had long predicted that reaching Sokoto would mark a turning point in the Biafra struggle. According to him, Kanu maintained that once he arrived in Sokoto, it would signify that the quest for Biafra had reached a decisive stage. He described his brother as a peaceful man who could not be intimidated, adding that if the actualisation of Biafra became the final option, then so be it. Prince Emma said the family remained committed to the cause their parents stood for, stressing that they would not betray their sacrifices. He added that Kanu believes strongly in dialogue rather than violence and maintained that the family would not rest until he regains his freedom. At the graveside of their parents, family members offered prayers, calling on divine forces and the land to act against those they accused of conspiring against Kanu and the Biafra cause. They declared that anyone who had worked against the family or sought to profit from Kanu’s ordeal would face consequences. Pouring libation, Prince Emma told his late mother that her death was not in vain and urged her to rise against all those opposing the family, Kanu, and the Biafra struggle. He also expressed confidence that Kanu would emerge victorious, describing him as a symbol and light of Biafra. Several speakers, including representatives of Biafran veterans and supporters from different parts of the country, said the gathering was meant to honour the dead and renew commitment to the struggle. They urged supporters not to lose faith and called on the Federal Government to release Kanu without conditions. A cleric, Evangelist Nnamdi Obike of the Jehovah Elohim Evangelical Ministry, also said Kanu had earlier predicted that the struggle would culminate in Sokoto, noting that events had so far aligned with his words. He added that Kanu would soon regain his freedom and emerge with renewed purpose.