Category: Refined Living

Japanese equities climbed to a record high on Monday following a decisive election victory by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). In Sunday’s poll, the LDP won 316 of the 465 seats in the lower house, marking the first time since 1947 that a single party has secured a two-thirds majority under Japan’s current parliamentary system. Its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, captured an additional 36 seats, bringing the alliance’s total to 352. The landslide result represents a significant political win for Takaichi, who now faces the task of reviving Japan’s sluggish economy and addressing mounting cost-of-living pressures. Markets reacted swiftly to the outcome. The Nikkei 225 index surged more than 5 percent in early trading on Monday, briefly surpassing the 57,000 mark for the first time. Although it later pared some gains, the index closed up 3.9 percent at a record 56,363.94. The LDP’s commanding mandate is expected to allow Takaichi to push forward her pro-business agenda with minimal resistance from opposition parties. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, she said her government would pursue a “responsible yet aggressive” fiscal approach and confirmed that there would be no cabinet reshuffle, noting that the current team was appointed less than four months ago. Japan’s first female prime minister called the snap election shortly after taking office in October. Her victory contrasts sharply with the tenure of her two immediate predecessors, during which the LDP lost its parliamentary majority, faced corruption allegations, and struggled to manage rising living costs. Market analysts believe Takaichi’s policies could provide momentum for the Japanese economy. Investment analyst Yuka Marosek said measures such as stimulus spending, tax adjustments and deregulation could further strengthen an already positive market trend. Chris Scicluna, head of research at Daiwa Capital Markets Europe, noted that equity investors have long backed Takaichi’s economic vision. He said confidence is driven by her commitment to end austerity, increase investment to support growth, and prioritise strategic sectors including defence and artificial intelligence. However, Scicluna added that investors in Japanese government bonds and the yen remain cautious, citing concerns over how the government plans to finance increased spending given Japan’s substantial public debt. Japan’s historically low inflation has made households particularly sensitive to recent increases in living costs. During the election, voters told reporters they were concerned about rising prices for food and housing. The economy also continues to face structural challenges from an ageing population, a shrinking workforce and growing social welfare expenses. Takaichi has pledged to cut taxes and stimulate growth through higher public spending, though critics warn that without clear funding sources, such policies could heighten risks in an already fragile economic environment. As her party’s victory became clear, Takaichi said the government carried a heavy responsibility to deliver on its campaign promises. The LDP had lost its majority under former prime minister Shigeru Ishiba, and Takaichi relied heavily on her personal appeal to restore the party’s dominance. She has strengthened support among conservative voters by revisiting long-standing priorities such as constitutional revision and the promotion of traditional values, while also resonating with younger voters in an unusually personal way. International reaction followed swiftly. US President Donald Trump congratulated Takaichi on her victory, describing it as an “honor” to have endorsed her ahead of the election and pledging continued support for Japan. Her early tenure has already drawn attention abroad. Just a week after assuming office, Takaichi hosted Trump during a visit to Japan, marking her first major diplomatic engagement and underscoring her intent to strengthen ties with key allies.

Nigeria’s new tax laws have moved beyond speculation and debate. They are now fully in effect and firmly established. President Bola Tinubu deserves recognition for undertaking a difficult but necessary reform of a tax system that for years placed excessive pressure on salary earners while allowing inefficiencies and abuses to persist. At a moment when tough decisions were required to stabilise the economy and shield the most vulnerable, the administration chose structural reform over political convenience. That choice, now reflected in real outcomes, is increasingly proving to be timely and people-centred. From the outset, however, the tax reforms were met with sustained misinformation. Opposition figures and social media commentators, many lacking a sound grasp of tax policy, spread fear to score political points. Nigerians were warned that their earnings would shrink, that take-home pay would fall, and that workers would be burdened with heavier taxes. PAYE was portrayed as a fresh penalty rather than a restructured system designed to offer relief. These claims gained traction not because they were accurate, but because anxiety often spreads faster than facts online. Now, reality is beginning to replace speculation. As January salary payments were received, Nigerians started sharing their own experiences—personal accounts rather than official assurances. Many salary earners reported that despite adjustments to gross income, their net pay increased. PAYE deductions fell. Overall tax payments declined. From verified social media accounts to private messages expressing appreciation to those who clarified the reforms early, the pattern has become clear: a significant number of workers are paying less tax, not more. As several analysts have pointed out, many Nigerians were never at risk of being adversely affected. The new tax framework is intentionally designed to protect low- and middle-income earners and to promote equity. Gradually, the uproar is subsiding, and the figures are telling a story very different from the narrative initially circulated. Beyond the immediate relief being felt, the reforms represent a broader commitment to long-term nation-building. They aim to establish a fairer, more transparent, and sustainable tax system one that strengthens public finances, supports development, and lays a stronger foundation for a more stable and prosperous Nigeria.

The Government of Ghana has recalled its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Ahmed, amid allegations connecting him to electoral misconduct during a party primary election in Ghana. The decision, directed by President John Mahama, was communicated in a presidential statement released on Saturday. The recall took immediate effect, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tasked with handling all required diplomatic and administrative procedures. The action follows claims of voter inducement and vote-buying during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary in the Ayawaso East Constituency. At the time of the election, Ahmed was serving as Ghana’s envoy to Nigeria and was also a candidate in the contest. Reports from the primary alleged that items including television sets and food supplies were distributed to delegates, which critics described as inducements. Ahmed has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the items were acts of goodwill and not meant to influence voters. In explaining the recall, the Presidency said the decision was taken to uphold the ethical standards expected of public officials and to prevent any perception of impropriety. The government also pointed to concerns over a potential violation of Ghana’s Code of Conduct for political appointees, which regulates the political involvement of serving officials. The Ayawaso East primary was conducted to select the NDC’s candidate for a parliamentary by-election following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament. Ahmed emerged as the winner, securing the highest number of votes among the contestants. Meanwhile, the NDC has announced the launch of an internal investigation into allegations of inducement and other irregularities linked to the primary. Party officials said the inquiry is intended to safeguard the credibility and integrity of the party’s internal democratic processes.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 62-year-old Lagos-based businessman, Nwabueze Izueke, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano State, for attempting to traffic cocaine to China. Izueke was intercepted during the outward clearance of passengers travelling to China via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 on Saturday, January 31, 2026. A statement issued on Sunday by the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said the suspect was subjected to a body scan, which confirmed that he had ingested illicit drugs. While placed under observation, Izueke reportedly excreted 95 jumbo-sized pellets of cocaine in seven batches. The drugs, classified as Class A substances, weighed a total of 1.589 kilogrammes. According to Babafemi, the suspect, who claimed to be involved in clothing and auto spare parts business in Lagos, admitted that he resorted to drug trafficking to raise funds to complete a house he is building in his village, Iwollo, in Enugu State. The arrest, Babafemi said, was part of a series of nationwide NDLEA operations that led to multiple seizures and arrests across several states. In Abuja, NDLEA operatives recovered 627.7 kilogrammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis, from a makeshift warehouse at Fums Plaza, Kubwa. Attempts to smuggle methamphetamine concealed in MP3 speakers from Enugu to Abuja and Kaduna were also foiled, leading to the arrest of four suspects. A follow-up operation in Zuba, FCT, resulted in the arrest of one suspect, Ebube Okeke, while three others Evans Ugwu, Mohammed Eze Arinze and Friday Michael were arrested in Kaduna when they attempted to collect another consignment. In Taraba State, NDLEA officers intercepted methamphetamine concealed in packs of yoghurt, while in Oyo State, several arrests were recorded, including that of a drug kingpin operating a facility producing synthetic cannabis. Babafemi added that large quantities of tramadol, skunk and other illicit drugs were also seized during operations in Kwara, Imo, Ondo, Lagos and Enugu states. In Ibadan, a suspect, Adeniyi Adeola, also known as Prince, was arrested with thousands of ampoules of pentazocine injection and capsules of tramadol, while another suspected drug kingpin, Jimoh Nurudeen, was arrested alongside an accomplice at Badeku, where a synthetic cannabis production facility was uncovered. In Imo State, a couple was arrested with 203 kilogrammes of skunk, while NDLEA operatives in Ondo State recovered 420 kilogrammes of the same substance concealed in a bush at Ikun Akoko.

A teacher from Yobe State, Gambo Lawan, has been named Best Teacher in the North-East at the 2026 National Teachers Award Ceremony organised by the Federal Ministry of Education. Lawan, who teaches at Yerimaram Government Day Junior Secondary School in Potiskum, was announced as the regional winner at an event held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. She received a N25 million cash prize at the ceremony, which recognised teachers for exceptional excellence, dedication and innovation in classroom practice, placing her among the top award recipients nationwide. Officials of the Yobe State Universal Basic Education Board (YSUBEB) described the selection process as rigorous, transparent and strictly merit-based, with strong emphasis on professionalism, classroom innovation and measurable learning outcomes. Speaking exclusively to our correspondent on Sunday, Lawan attributed her success to years of dedication and passion for teaching. “I am deeply grateful to God for this recognition. It is the result of hard work, patience, consistency and love for the profession. This award has motivated me to do even more for my students,” she said. She admitted that the announcement came as a surprise, describing the moment as overwhelming. “I did not expect it, but I trusted that God’s will would prevail. This is a great honour, not just for me, but for Yobe State and my school,” she added. Lawan noted that the award had further strengthened her commitment to the education sector. “This recognition places a greater responsibility on me. I am determined to work harder, mentor younger teachers and continue to instil knowledge, values and discipline in my students,” she said. Reacting to the achievement, the Executive Chairman of YSUBEB, Umaru Hassan-Babayo, said Lawan’s emergence had projected Yobe State positively at the national level. “Her success highlights Yobe State’s growing prominence as a key stakeholder in western education. It reflects the investments being made in education and human capital development across the state,” he said, adding that the award validates the state government’s commitment to supporting teachers and improving learning outcomes in public schools. In addition to the N25 million cash prize, Lawan also received a tertiary education scholarship in recognition of her outstanding performance. The honour comes months after three Yobe State students Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukayya Muhammad-Fema and Hadiza Kashim-Kalli emerged winners at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, where they excelled in spelling bee contests, writing challenges and knowledge quizzes.

United States Congressman Riley M. Moore has dismissed claims that the US supports any move to disintegrate Nigeria, warning that separatist agitations would only deepen insecurity and further endanger Christian communities. Moore made the clarification in a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account following a visit to Nigeria, where he met with government officials, church leaders, humanitarian organisations, and internally displaced persons. According to the lawmaker, his engagements focused on understanding the ongoing persecution of Christians across the country, not on discussions about dividing Nigeria. “Throughout my meetings, the idea of breaking up Nigeria did not arise in any serious way,” Moore said, noting that “attempts to embolden separatist movements ultimately harm Christians, particularly in the North and Middle Belt.” He warned that any weakening of Nigeria’s unity would have far-reaching security implications beyond its borders. “A destabilised Nigeria would embolden terrorist groups and make Christians less safe, not only within Nigeria but across the African continent,” he stated. Moore also reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for victims of terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, stressing that his concern extends to all affected citizens regardless of faith. “I remain committed to working to save the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ and, indeed, all Nigerians suffering from the instability caused by terrorists,” he said. The congressman linked his stance to ongoing security cooperation between Washington and Abuja, describing the recently signed US-Nigeria security cooperation agreement as a significant step toward curbing violence and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

What began as a day of celebration turned into a nightmare on Tuesday in Woro community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The town was alive with activities, hosting a large wedding ceremony and a youth football tournament, drawing crowds from within and outside the community. By around 5 p.m., heavily armed terrorists struck. Survivors said the attackers, who arrived on motorcycles, launched a coordinated assault, shooting indiscriminately and setting houses and shops ablaze. Residents who tried to flee were chased and gunned down, while those who ran indoors were burnt alive as their homes were set on fire. Three survivors Ibrahim Farouk and Joshua Deme, both farmers, and Usman Bangoro, a miner narrated their ordeal from their hospital beds in Ilorin, where they are receiving treatment. They said the attackers numbered in the hundreds, with three armed men on each motorcycle, many of them teenagers. All were armed with guns and ammunition; none carried cutlasses. According to the survivors, the attackers had earlier sent a letter claiming they wanted to come and preach, but the village head rejected the request and alerted authorities. Security operatives were deployed briefly but left days before the attack. The terrorists reportedly returned shortly after and surrounded the community before launching the assault. Bombs were thrown into homes and shops, and an explosive device was also planted along the Kaiama road, where a trailer carrying soya beans later detonated and burnt. Dozens of residents were abducted, including women and children, and taken away using a community vehicle. At least 35 additional bodies were recovered from nearby forests days after the attack, while more corpses are still being discovered. Many of the victims were attacked while returning from farms, markets, or social events. The injured survivors sustained severe gunshot wounds, with bullets shattering bones in some cases. They described the attackers as ruthless, unrepentant, and determined to wipe out the community. Residents have called on the government to intensify security efforts, clear surrounding forests believed to be terrorist hideouts, and ensure lasting protection for vulnerable rural communities.

The Lagos State Environmental Taskforce has carried out another enforcement operation on Lagos Island, demolishing illegal shop extension structures along Breadfruit Street and surrounding areas. The exercise, aimed at curbing street trading and other environmental violations, targeted the display of goods on roadways and walkways, unauthorized road blockages, and illegal shop extensions erected in violation of the state’s master plan. Led by the taskforce chairman, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Adetayo Akerele, the operation covered Marina, Davies Street, Breadfruit Street and adjoining roads. Officials removed traders who had encroached on highways, walkways and the Lagos Marina Expressway, creating obstructions and environmental nuisance. Speaking during the operation, Akerele expressed concern over the persistent disregard for environmental and traffic regulations by some traders. He described it as troubling that street trading activities had blocked the entrance to St Paul Primary School, causing hardship for pupils and school authorities. During the exercise, all goods displayed illegally along Davies and Breadfruit streets were confiscated, while order and cleanliness were restored to the affected areas. Davies Street, once a vibrant social hub on the island, has deteriorated due to unregulated street trading and the erection of illegal stalls on roads and walkways, the taskforce noted. In a related development, the taskforce also cleared street traders and unauthorized structures from the Iyana-Ipaja Underbridge, restoring the entire stretch for public use. Normal traffic flow has since resumed, improving movement for motorists, commuters and pedestrians. Akerele said all confiscated items would be forfeited to the Lagos State Government in line with the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017. He warned traders against conducting activities on highways and road corridors that obstruct traffic and increase travel time, urging street traders and illegal occupants of public roads to desist or face enforcement action.

A federal grand jury has charged a 33-year-old Ohio man with threatening to kill US Vice President JD Vance during the vice president’s visit to the state in January, the US Justice Department said on Friday. The suspect, Shannon Mathre of Toledo, is accused of making threats to take the life of and inflict bodily harm on the vice president. According to the Justice Department, Mathre allegedly said he intended to locate Vance and kill him using an M14 automatic rifle. Authorities did not disclose where the threat was made. Mathre was arrested by US Secret Service agents on Friday and made his initial court appearance before a US magistrate judge in the Northern District of Ohio the same day. The Justice Department said investigators also discovered multiple digital files containing child sexual abuse material in Mathre’s possession during the probe into the alleged threat. He remains in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for February 11. The charge is the latest in a series of security incidents involving Vice President Vance. In early January, Vance reported that an individual attempted to break into his Ohio home by hammering on the windows. His family was not present at the time, and a 26-year-old suspect was later taken into custody, according to US media reports. AFP

The University of Jos (UNIJOS) has matriculated more than 7,000 newly admitted students and inducted 140 nursing graduates during separate academic ceremonies. Speaking at the matriculation, Vice-Chancellor Professor Tanko Ishaya said the students were selected from 27,451 applicants, describing their admission as a privilege earned through a highly competitive process. He urged them to justify the confidence placed in them by demonstrating diligence, discipline and strong academic commitment. “You must count yourselves fortunate to have scaled such an intense selection process. Your admission should motivate you to justify the confidence reposed in you,” Ishaya said, while assuring parents of the university’s commitment to providing a safe and conducive learning environment. The vice-chancellor encouraged students to balance academics with recognized union activities for character development but warned against involvement in unregistered associations. He stressed that only groups registered with the Directorate of Students Affairs would be allowed to operate, adding that cultism and disruptions would attract severe sanctions, including expulsion. The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, represented by the Director of Admissions, Dr Muhammed Babaji, confirmed that all admitted students were duly processed and captured on the National Matriculation Register. He urged them to uphold the university’s tradition of discipline and academic excellence. In a related event, the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology inducted 140 nursing graduates during its 8th Nursing Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony at the Naraguta Campus. Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Joshua Chollom, the vice-chancellor congratulated the graduates for their resilience and charged them to uphold integrity, compassion and professionalism in service to humanity. He described the induction as a defining milestone, noting that the graduates had undergone rigorous academic and clinical training. Professor Ishaya also highlighted key institutional achievements, including the securing of over ₦4 billion in TETFund interventions to strengthen the Colleges of Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry and related departments. He added that the university had recently secured projects for an Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Centre and a solar power farm through the African Development Bank to enhance research capacity and address power challenges. The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Dr Ndagi Alhassan, represented by Mr Aliyu Adamu, administered the oath and urged the inductees to uphold professional ethics, embrace technological innovation and demonstrate humility during their internship and future practice. He emphasized that digital skills and the integration of artificial intelligence are increasingly vital in modern healthcare delivery.