Category: Refined Living

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of an All Progressives Congress chieftain in Ilaje Local Government Area, Mr Owoloemi Emorioloye. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, said investigations were already underway, assuring residents that security agencies were taking the incident seriously. He noted that details surrounding the incident were still unclear but stressed that a comprehensive investigation had begun. Jimoh urged residents of the state to remain calm, adding that measures had been put in place to safeguard lives and property. Earlier, the chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Mr Maurice Oripenaye, raised the alarm over the incident. In a statement issued on Sunday, he alleged that Emorioloye was abducted by armed men who reportedly invaded his office in Igbokoda, the council headquarters, on Thursday in two Hilux vehicles. Since then, his whereabouts have remained unknown. Oripenaye condemned the abduction and called on security agencies to act swiftly to secure the victim’s safe release. He described Emorioloye as a respected media and political figure in the area, popularly known as Emotel and Director-General of the Asiwaju Media Team. According to him, the incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, along the Okonga/Olodo Junction in Igbokoda. Eyewitnesses reportedly said the victim was forcibly taken from his office by armed individuals who arrived in two Hilux vehicles. Oripenaye described the act as a serious breach of public safety, noting that it was carried out in broad daylight in a busy commercial area. He expressed solidarity with the victim’s family and associates and appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could escalate tension or obstruct ongoing investigations. The council chairman added that the local government had contacted relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, and local security groups, to ensure a swift and coordinated response, stressing that the safety of residents remains a top priority.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Davos, Switzerland, to head Nigeria’s delegation to the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum. The gathering, which convenes global political and business leaders, is scheduled to run from January 19 to 23, 2026. Shettima arrived in Switzerland from Conakry, Guinea, where he represented President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of President Mamadi Doumbouya on Friday. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, the Vice President was received on arrival by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; and officials of Nigeria’s mission in Switzerland. This year marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s participation at the forum, with the Federal Government establishing a dedicated sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade for the first time. The facility, known as “Nigeria House Davos,” was created through a public-private partnership and will serve as a centre for ministerial engagements, investment discussions, and cultural diplomacy throughout the week. The Vice President is expected to formally inaugurate the facility during his visit. Speaking to journalists after Shettima’s arrival, Oduwole said Nigeria would strongly showcase its investment opportunities at the launch of Nigeria House. She explained that four strategic playbooks highlighting President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda would be presented, covering solid minerals, climate sustainability, agriculture, and the creative and digital sectors. Also speaking, Nkwocha said the Vice President would present Nigeria’s 2026 economic outlook to global leaders during the forum. Shettima is also scheduled to take part in plenary sessions on the responsible use of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology. In addition, the Vice President will hold bilateral meetings with heads of state, senior executives of multinational companies, and leaders of international development finance institutions. The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos draws thousands of participants, including government leaders, chief executives, civil society representatives, and media professionals. The 2026 edition is expected to centre on global economic pressures, technological advancement, and climate action.

Several countries, including France and the United Kingdom, are weighing the possibility of restricting children and some teenagers from accessing social media, following Australia’s recent decision, even as experts remain divided over how effective such measures would be. Advocates of a ban argue that urgent steps are needed to address the worsening mental health of young people. Critics, however, maintain that existing evidence is mixed and call for a more balanced, targeted approach rather than outright prohibition. Australia last month became the first country to bar under-16s from major social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. In France, lawmakers are debating similar proposals for children under 15, including legislation backed by President Emmanuel Macron. In the UK, discussions have intensified after American psychologist Jonathan Haidt, a supporter of the Australian policy, was invited to brief government officials. In his 2024 book The Anxious Generation, Haidt argues that excessive screen time—particularly on social media—is reshaping children’s brains and fuelling a surge in mental health problems. While the book has gained traction among policymakers, it has sparked controversy among academics. Canadian psychologist Candice Odgers has criticised its conclusions, saying they are not firmly supported by scientific evidence. Researchers continue to disagree on the scale of social media’s impact on youth mental health. Michael Noetel of the University of Queensland said small negative effects, when spread across billions of users, can become significant. He acknowledged that while Haidt’s claims may overstate some conclusions, the overall risks justify policy intervention, describing a ban as “a bet worth making.” France’s public health authority, ANSES, recently concluded that social media has multiple harmful effects on adolescents—particularly girls—though it is not the sole cause of declining mental wellbeing. Studies also suggest a complex relationship between screen use and mental health. A large review of global research found that excessive screen time is linked to psychological distress, which in turn drives further screen use. However, other findings caution against blanket bans. Research tracking more than 100,000 young Australians showed that teenagers who used social media moderately fared better than those who used it excessively or not at all. Girls were most affected by heavy use, while complete restriction appeared more harmful for older teenage boys. French psychiatrist Serge Tisseron described social media as highly toxic but warned that bans could be easily bypassed by tech-savvy youths and might reduce parental responsibility. He called for carefully calibrated regulation rather than extreme measures. Some experts suggest observing Australia’s policy before wider adoption. Cambridge University researcher Amy Orben said clearer evidence on its effectiveness and potential unintended consequences should emerge within a year. Meanwhile, Australia’s online safety regulator has reported that technology companies have already blocked 4.7 million accounts belonging to users under 16.

The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has rejected claims by the Northern Elders Forum that the Federal Government breached the federal character principle by locating a gold refinery in Lagos. In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, the ministry said the allegation distorted remarks made by the Minister, Dr Dele Alake, on the planned inauguration of a gold refinery project and reforms in the solid minerals sector. The ministry clarified that the Federal Government neither owns nor established a gold refinery in Lagos or anywhere else in the country. It stressed that at no point did the minister state that the refinery was a government-owned project. Tomori explained that Dr Alake had made it clear that several gold refinery projects are being developed across the country and that they are all privately owned by different companies. He further stated that the refinery cited by the Northern Elders Forum is a private initiative of Kian Smith, a wholly privately owned mining company, created to support the growth of Nigeria’s local gold industry. According to him, the Federal Government does not determine where private investors site their businesses, as such decisions are driven by commercial and operational considerations. The ministry urged the public to clearly differentiate between government projects and private sector investments, reaffirming its commitment to fostering an enabling environment for solid minerals development nationwide. Tomori also commended the determination of the company’s founder and Managing Director, Ms Nere Emiko, describing the project as a flagship achievement resulting from years of perseverance, enterprise, and leadership. He added that the refinery aligns with the solid minerals sector’s value-addition policy, which seeks to curb the export of raw minerals while promoting local processing and manufacturing.

Ugandan authorities on Sunday announced that restrictions on social media platforms would remain in place, even as a nationwide internet shutdown imposed ahead of the elections was lifted, hours after President Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner. Internet access was cut two days before voting began on Thursday, a move the government said was aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation. The decision, however, drew criticism from the United Nations, which described it as “deeply worrying.” While much of the country remained relatively calm following the polls, reports emerged of minor protests late Saturday after the announcement of results. Journalists in the capital, Kampala, reported hearing tear gas in some areas. By Sunday morning, security presence in Kampala had visibly eased, with residents returning to the streets and businesses reopening. However, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), George Nyombi Thembo, confirmed that social media platforms would remain temporarily restricted. “Social media platforms remain restricted to safeguard against misuse that could threaten public order,” Thembo said, noting that most internet services had been restored. He defended the temporary shutdown as “necessary and proportionate,” explaining that it was intended to prevent the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation, curb potential electoral fraud, and reduce the risk of incitement to violence during a sensitive period. Thembo declined to provide a timeline for the full restoration of access, saying authorities did not want to commit to a specific deadline. “We do not expect this to last beyond a reasonable period needed to mitigate the risks we are seeing,” he added. The election was marked by low voter turnout and heavy security deployment, as the government sought to avert protests similar to those that erupted in neighbouring Tanzania during elections in October last year. Political analysts have long described Uganda’s elections as largely predictable, with President Museveni widely seen as maintaining firm control over state institutions and the security forces. AFP

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has killed more than 40 terrorists during coordinated close air support and air interdiction missions in the Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, dealing a major blow to planned attacks and strengthening ongoing ground operations. The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame. According to Ejodame, the operations were carried out on January 15 and 16 by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, based on actionable intelligence and in close coordination with troops on the ground. He explained that in the early hours of January 16, NAF aircraft responded swiftly to a distress call from Azir, where ground troops were engaged with terrorists attempting to withdraw from the area. Subsequent surveillance detected the terrorists trying to regroup under nearby tree cover, leading to precise and repeated airstrikes that neutralised several of them. “Post-strike assessments revealed no remaining threats, while feedback from ground troops, local authorities and community sources confirmed a significant reduction in terrorist activity and the restoration of relative calm,” Ejodame said. He added that a day earlier, on January 15, NAF air assets conducted a successful air interdiction mission at Musarram in the Tumbuns general area after intelligence indicated that terrorists were assembling in canoes to launch attacks along the Baga and Fish Dam axis. “Upon arrival, the aircraft identified about 10 canoes and more than 40 suspected terrorists. Multiple attack runs were carried out, throwing the terrorists into disarray. Some fleeing elements were pursued and neutralised, while others who regrouped at an assembly point were also engaged, effectively dismantling the concentration,” he said. Reacting to the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reaffirmed the NAF’s resolve to provide prompt and decisive air support to ground forces. He noted that the operations underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-driven air power and close air–ground coordination in denying terrorists freedom of action. Aneke assured Nigerians that sustained pressure would continue to be applied on terrorist elements as the Armed Forces of Nigeria intensify efforts to degrade their capabilities and restore stability to affected areas. Azir and Musarram, both in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, have remained flashpoints of insecurity due to the activities of Boko Haram and its splinter faction, ISWAP. Troops operating around Wajiroko in the Azir Multe area were ambushed in November 2025, resulting in the deaths of soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, including the execution of a captured Brigadier General, Musa Uba.

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their bronze medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, describing the achievement as a major source of inspiration to Nigerians. In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio praised the national team for securing third place in the continental competition. He commended the Super Eagles’ performance against Egypt, noting that the encounter showcased their skill, resilience and determination. “The match against the Pharaohs of Egypt was a testament to your skills and determination. I commend you for your exceptional performance. Your victory reflects the talent and resilience for which Nigeria is renowned, and we are proud of how you represented the country on the international stage,” Akpabio said. He urged the players to take pride in the achievement and use it as motivation for greater success in future competitions. “Your accomplishment is an inspiration to millions of Nigerians. I encourage you to celebrate this moment and channel it into striving for even greater heights. We look forward to your continued success,” he added. Akpabio further congratulated the team, expressing hope that the bronze medal would remind them of their potential and what can be achieved through hard work and determination. The Senate President’s message comes amid widespread commendation for the Super Eagles following a demanding AFCON campaign in which Nigeria narrowly missed out on a place in the final. Nigeria claimed a record-extending ninth AFCON bronze medal after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in a tense third-place play-off at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday. The encounter ended goalless after 90 minutes, with neither side able to break the deadlock before the match was decided from the spot. The victory maintained Nigeria’s perfect record in AFCON third-place play-offs, with the Super Eagles now having won all eight such matches they have contested. The Super Eagles went into the encounter seeking consolation after their dramatic semi-final loss to host nation Morocco, where they were beaten 4–2 on penalties following another goalless draw. Egypt, meanwhile, were hoping to recover from a narrow 1–0 semi-final defeat to Senegal, which ended their run of dominance at that stage of the tournament.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a scheduled power outage in parts of Sokoto Town due to planned maintenance works at the Sokoto Transmission Substation. In a statement released on Saturday and signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, TCN said it will conduct annual preventive maintenance on the 30/40MVA power transformer at the substation on Saturday, January 17, 2026, between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. According to the company, electricity supply will be disrupted during the maintenance period as the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company will be unable to receive bulk power from the affected transformer for distribution to customers. Areas expected to experience the outage include parts of Sokoto Town such as Sama Road, Abuja Road, Gagi Area, Minanata Area, Old Airport, and the Army Barracks. TCN explained that the maintenance exercise is aimed at enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the transmission equipment supplying power to the area. The company apologised to residents for the inconvenience the temporary outage may cause, noting that the exercise is necessary to improve overall power system performance and service delivery.

The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (Northern CAN) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, hailing him as an enduring symbol of courage, faith, and shared humanity. In a statement, the association described the passing of the 92-year-old cleric as the loss of a rare moral light whose selfless actions transcended religious and ethnic divides at a critical period in Nigeria’s history. Imam Abubakar rose to national and international prominence in June 2018 after armed attackers invaded communities in Barkin Ladi. At great personal risk, he opened his mosque and residence to fleeing Christians, sheltering and reportedly saving nearly 300 people, even as his own life was threatened. His extraordinary act of compassion earned him global recognition, including the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award presented by the United States government. Reacting to his death, Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the late Imam’s life was a profound reminder that true religion upholds the sanctity of human life. He noted that the cleric’s intervention during the height of the violence not only saved lives but also helped prevent further bloodshed in the troubled community. “He stood firm in the face of danger and chose humanity over hatred, peace over violence, and love over fear,” Hayab said. He described Imam Abubakar as a leader whose faith was demonstrated through courageous action, adding that his life showed that genuine leadership is rooted in sacrifice and compassion. “He was a moral compass in one of Nigeria’s darkest moments. His actions spoke louder than sermons and reminded us of our shared humanity,” the Northern CAN chairman added. Quoting the Bible, Northern CAN said, “The memory of the righteous is a blessing,” stressing that Imam Abubakar’s name and legacy would endure. The association noted that his life would continue to inspire generations and serve as a benchmark for peaceful coexistence across religious and ethnic lines. Hayab further emphasized that the late Imam’s example affirmed the belief that authentic religion promotes mutual respect, tolerance, and love, regardless of differences in faith or background. He called on religious leaders nationwide to draw lessons from the cleric’s life by consistently preaching peace, restraint, and compassion, especially during periods of tension. “The example he set reminds us that our words must be matched by actions that protect lives and promote harmony,” Hayab said. Northern CAN also urged Nigerians to uphold the values of unity and humanity exemplified by Imam Abubakar, noting that national healing and security could only be achieved through a collective commitment to peaceful coexistence. The association prayed for comfort for the family of the late Imam and extended its condolences to the Muslim community in Plateau State and across the country.

Fuel supply in Nigeria improved in December 2025, with petrol availability rising to 74.2 million litres per day and national stock sufficiency extending to over 29 days, according to a factsheet released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) on Thursday. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery significantly bolstered the domestic market, increasing its daily petrol output from 19.47 million litres in November to 32.01 million litres in December, supplying a total of 960.3 million litres, up from 584.1 million litres the previous month. The NMDPRA’s December report showed that the rise in domestic petrol supply, supported by the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote refinery and structured imports, lifted total PMS supply from 71.5 million litres per day in November to 74.2 million litres per day in December. Meanwhile, daily petrol consumption increased from 52.9 million litres to 63.7 million litres over the same period. Despite higher consumption, fuel availability improved, with stock sufficiency rising from 16.65 days to 29.20 days. The report noted that PMS supply under the DPRP framework climbed from 19.47 million litres per day to 32.01 million litres per day, while Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) supply fell from 20.4 million litres to 17.9 million litres daily, even as consumption grew from 15.4 million litres to 16.4 million litres per day. The regulator highlighted that domestic supply figures reflect volumes received at coastal depots and outputs from local refineries, with Dangote’s growing contribution reshaping fuel distribution nationwide. The refinery operated at an average capacity of 62.94% in December, supplying 32.012 million litres of PMS and 5.783 million litres of AGO daily, while state-owned refineries remained largely inactive. The Waltersmith Refinery in Imo State is set to boost domestic supply further, with Train 2 (5,000 barrels per day) completing pre-commissioning and hydrocarbon introduction expected by January 2026. Domestic natural gas supply also rose slightly from 4.684 billion standard cubic feet per day in November to 4.787 Bscf/d in December, reflecting gradual improvements in production and delivery. The December performance underscores the growing role of domestic refining in meeting seasonal demand spikes and highlights the impact of ongoing petroleum sector reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act, aimed at improving data accuracy, infrastructure utilization, and domestic fuel security.