News February 07, 2026 Nomination Opens for 2026 Silent Heroes Award, Over 25 Categories Listed

Nomination has commenced for the 2026 edition of the Silent Heroes Award, the 8th edition of the annual recognition organised by the Nigerian Silent Heroes Awards Initiative (NSHAI). 

In this year's edition, at least 27 award categories have been shortlisted where prominent personalities who have distinguished themselves in their various professional endeavours will be honoured. 

The categories include, Silent Hero in Policing and Intelligence, Silent Hero in Human Rights Advocacy, Silent Hero in Journalism, Silent Hero in Image Management, Silent Hero in Business and Enterprise, Silent Hero in Politics and Silent Hero in Medicine. 

Others are, Silent Hero in Motherhood, Silent Hero of Faith, Silent Hero in Good Governance & Infrastructure Development, Silent Hero in Management, Silent Hero in Journalism (broadcast), Silent Hero in ICT Tech Development, Silent Hero in Public Service, Silent Hero in Transparent Banking Culture and more. 

The award is one of the most prestigious across the country as it has demonstrated high selection standard in the last eight years since it was first introduced. 

The 2025 edition was indeed a convergence of high profile personalities, including the founder UK-based Myrtle Healthcare Ltd, Tamuno Tonte Abban, then Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa now Minister of Defence, Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, IGP Kayode Egbetokun and a host of others. 

Speaking on the commencement of nominations, the Project Coordinator, Mrs. Odita-Sunday, said the initiative remains committed to celebrating individuals whose impactful contributions often go unnoticed despite shaping communities and strengthening institutions.

According to her, the Silent Heroes Award is designed to spotlight integrity, sacrifice, and excellence across sectors, while inspiring a culture of service and accountability among Nigerians.

“Every year, we are reminded that some of the most powerful contributions to national development come from individuals who work quietly but consistently for the greater good. The Silent Heroes Award exists to recognise these changemakers and to tell their stories. We encourage the public to nominate deserving personalities whose work has positively touched lives and reflects the values of dedication, honesty, and service,” she said.

Nominations are expected to attract entries from across the country, with organisers assuring a transparent and merit-based selection process ahead of the 2026 ceremony.

Crime News February 07, 2026 Kaduna: Bandits abduct Chief Imam, Fulani leader, others

 

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have reportedly abducted the Chief Imam of the Janjala Central Mosque, Malam Bello Abdullahi, and the Fulani leader of the area,  Shehu Bello, alongside a woman, during coordinated attacks on several communities in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The assailants were said to have stormed several villages, including Iddo, Gidan-Makeri, Kohoto and Janjala, where they abducted residents, rustled cattle and forced many villagers to flee for safety.

The latest incident was disclosed on Saturday morning by a security source @DanKatsina50 in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

A community leader, quoted on condition of anonymity for security reasons, reportedly confirmed that the most recent attack occurred on Tuesday night at about 9pm.

“The bandits came in large numbers, heavily armed with AK-47 rifles,” the source said. “They first went straight to the house of the Chief Imam and took him away. From there, they moved to the house of the Fulani leader. That was when people started running for their lives.”

The source added that the attackers also abducted a woman during the raid, while several cattle were rustled.

Following the attack, residents of the affected communities, especially Kohoto, reportedly fled in large numbers to Kagarko town and nearby Sabon-Wuse.

“The panic was total. Once people heard that the Imam and the Fulani leader had been taken, everyone knew the situation had completely collapsed,” the community leader said.

“Many families slept in the bush that night before finding their way to Kagarko and Sabon-Wuse.”

The fresh abductions were said to have occurred only days after bandits issued a seven-day ultimatum to the communities, demanding a ₦6 million ransom for the release of a woman and her four children who had earlier been kidnapped.

Community leaders said the deadline expired without any rescue operation or visible security response, after which the attackers returned with fresh violence.

“We made several distress calls to the police, the military and other security agencies, but there was no meaningful response,” one resident reportedly said. “Now they have taken our religious and community leaders. We are completely exposed.”

Residents described the situation across Kagarko LGA as dire, with deserted villages, abandoned farmlands and economic activities at a standstill as fear spreads.

Kagarko Local Government Area, located along a strategic route linking southern Kaduna to Niger State, has experienced repeated bandit attacks in recent years, including mass abductions, killings and cattle rustling, despite official claims of improved security.

As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official statement from the Kaduna State Police Command or the state government on the latest abductions.

The incident has again raised concerns about the effectiveness of security operations in rural Kaduna, particularly in Kagarko, where residents say bandits operate with little resistance.

“With our leaders abducted, our villages emptied and our cries ignored, we don’t know who will protect us,” a displaced resident said. “If nothing is done urgently, more lives will be lost.”

Residents are now appealing to the federal and Kaduna State governments to urgently deploy security forces to the area, secure the release of the abducted victims and prevent further attacks.

Entertainment News February 07, 2026 Cubana Chief Priest named Imo director of City Boy Movement

 

Pascal Okechukwu, the Nigerian socialite popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has been appointed the Imo state director of the City Boy Movement (CBM).

The youth-focused group backing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid disclosed the appointment via its Instagram page.

According to the movement, Chief Priest “brings experience, influence, and a people-centred approach to mobilising support” for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

“Cityboy Movement appoints Pascal C. Okechukwu (Cubana Chiefpriest), who stands as a symbol of dedication, strategic leadership, and unwavering commitment to the growth of the City Boy Movement,” the statement reads.

“As the Imo State Director, he brings experience, influence, and a people-centred approach to mobilising support, strengthening party structures, and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“With a clear vision for progress and unity, Imo State remains firmly positioned for inclusive development, effective leadership, and sustained political engagement. Together, we move forward stronger, focused, and united.”

Earlier, on February 3, Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, handed businessman Obi Cubana a letter of appointment as the South-east director of the CBM.

News February 07, 2026 NiDCOM demands justice over killing Of Nigerian student in UK

 

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged authorities in the United Kingdom to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the killing of Khaleed Oladipo, a 20-year-old Nigerian student who was stabbed to death in Leicester.

Oladipo, a second-year Cybersecurity student at De Montfort University, was reportedly attacked and killed while returning home after watching a football match.

In a statement signed by NiDCOM’s Head of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Commission described the killing as “heartbreaking” and a “painful loss” to the Nigerian community both at home and in the diaspora.

The NiDCOM boss demanded that the UK police ensure no stone is left unturned in bringing the perpetrators of the heinous crime to justice.

“The tragic death of Khaleed Oladipo is a huge blow. We are requesting the UK authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure justice is served for this promising young man whose life was cut short in his prime,” the statement read.

The killing of Oladipo adds to the growing list of tragic incidents involving Nigerian students in the United Kingdom.

Oladipo, who was described by peers as a bright student pursuing a career in the high-demand field of Cybersecurity, has become another statistic in the rising tide of knife crime in British cities.

NiDCOM reiterated its commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad, noting that it would remain in contact with the Nigerian mission in the UK and the Oladipo family to monitor the progress of the investigation.

“NiDCOM will continue to be committed to the welfare and protection of Nigerians in the diaspora community,” Dabiri-Erewa assured.

The commission urged the Nigerian community in Leicester to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting the outcome of the police investigation.

News February 07, 2026 Eminent Magazine to Confer 2026 Man of the Year Awards, Fashion Show in Lagos

Plans are ongoing for the 2026 edition of the annual Eminent Magazine Man of the Year award, which will also feature very colourful and electrifying fashion show. 

The 2026 edition which is the 8th in the series is aimed at recognizing individuals, organisations and groups who have through their endeavours made significant contributions in the service of humanity. 

Scheduled to hold on 28th June 2026 at the elegant Coronnades Hall, Ikoyi, Lagos, the landmark event according to the organisers will be an unforgettable convergence of influence, achievement, style, and culture. 

This year's edition has as the theme “Celebrating Accomplishments”. The Eminent Man of the Year Awards & Fashion Show has in the past eight years established itself as a premium platform that recognizes outstanding men and women whose leadership, innovation, creativity, and service have made remarkable impacts across politics, business, media, fashion, entertainment, philanthropy, and community development.

Featuring, Distinguished award presentations honouring of exceptional Achievers, high-fashion runway showcase spotlighting top designers and emerging fashion talents, Red-carpet glamour with prominent personalities, industry leaders, and cultural icons as well as Media engagements and exclusive networking opportunities, the 2026 edition is poised to build on gains recorded in the past. 

This 8th edition has been carefully designed to be very outstanding from previous editions as the award category has been expanded to make space for a larger population of individuals making positive impact in the society. 

From influential policymakers and captains of industry to creative trailblazers and social change makers, the Eminent Awards continues to celebrate individuals whose stories inspire progress, unity, and excellence.

The publisher, Uchenna Obizoba Henry urges the public to catch a glimpse of the hospitality of Eko city and the unique culture of the people by making plans to attend this year's award and fashion show.

News February 07, 2026 How I sold limousine to buy motorcycles for my pastors – Adeboye

 

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has shared an emotional account of how he dealt with expensive gifts during the early years of his ministry.

Speaking during the church’s thanksgiving service, Adeboye narrated how an elderly woman once surprised him with a Mercedes Benz at a time he was still relying on public transportation.

“I almost said, ‘Alakoba wo le leyi?’ I hope this one is not trying to get me into trouble,” he said.

Unsure of what to do with the car, he explained that he parked it and refused to use it. He said he later received a warning from God in a dream for not accepting the woman’s generosity.

“Why are you robbing my daughter of her blessing? She sowed a seed, and you are not allowing the seed to germinate,” he quoted God as saying.

Following the instruction, Adeboye said he gave the car to his late deputy, Pastor Abiodun, who advised him to keep and enjoy the gift himself, but he insisted on giving it away.

He said he soon received three more Mercedes Benz cars, a development he described as surprising.

According to him, while he was still wondering what to do with the vehicles, a man arrived at his residence around 2:00am with a rare six-door Mercedes limousine, saying God had directed him to deliver it immediately.

“I said to God, ‘Even if I die and they put me in this car, I will wake up. Will you permit me to sell the car?’” he recalled.

He said he prayed about it and received permission to sell the luxury vehicle.

“I remember I sold it and used the money to buy motorcycles for my pastors,” he concluded.

News Politics February 07, 2026 Convention : Drama as APC removes Uzodimma as committee chair, names Wike’s ally, others as new members

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday surprised political observers with a major shake-up in the leadership of its convention planning committee.

In a development that has heightened anticipation within the ruling party, the APC replaced Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma with former Katsina State governor, Aminu Bello Masari, as Chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee.

Masari’s appointment came just days after Uzodimma had been presented as chairman of the key preparatory committee for the party’s March 27–28, 2026 convention.

The decision is seen as significant in the build-up to the party’s March 27 and 28, 2026 national convention.

In a statement signed by the APC National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, on Friday, the party said the committee was reconstituted following “further consultations with its leadership and national stakeholders”.

Observers say the move signals a forceful restructuring of party organs ahead of the 2026 congresses and the 2027 general elections.

Under the new arrangement, Uzodimma has been reassigned to serve as Treasurer of the committee.

The party also increased the size of the committee from 73 to 90 members, bringing in additional chieftains such as Senator Barry Mpigi – an ally of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and other senior party figures.

With the revised structure, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, will serve as Vice Chairman I, while Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, takes the role of Vice Chairman II.

The abrupt change in the committee’s leadership has introduced fresh intrigue into the APC’s convention plans.

Meanwhile, the party has extended its nationwide electronic membership registration exercise to February 8, 2026, as part of efforts to broaden its support base and update its membership records.

Ward congresses are now fixed for February 18, with local government, state, zonal and national convention activities outlined in a revised timetable.