News February 03, 2026 BREAKING: Renowned Gospel icon Ron Kenoly passes on at 81

 

Ron Kenoly, the American Christian worship leader, singer, and songwriter, has passed away at the age of 81.

Bruno Miranda, Kenoly’s music director, broke the news in a statement released via the singer’s Instagram page.

The statement revealed that the worship leader died on February 3, but did not specify the cause of death.

Miranda, who worked alongside Kenoly for more than two decades, described him not only as a mentor but as a spiritual father. He emphasised that Kenoly was deeply intentional about his vocation.

“This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly,” it reads.

“For over 20 years, I had the honor of walking alongside him in ministry around the world, not just as his music director, but as a son, a student, and a witness to a life marked by faithfulness.

“Doc was very intentional about one thing: he was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader. And he took all the time necessary to explain what that truly meant.”

The statement elaborated on Kenoly’s philosophy of worship, noting that he saw his role as guiding people into genuine reverence.

“A worship leader’s calling is not to perform songs, but to lead people into true worship in the presence of a King; the King of Kings, Jesus Christ,” it added.

“He taught me that a worship leader is not merely a song leader, but a servant who connects with people whose hearts are open to worship, guiding them to “enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4, ESV). Worship, he would say, is always rooted in gratitude for what Christ has done for us, and never in anticipation of what we want Him to do.

“Off the stage, Doc carried the same integrity, humility, and reverence for God that the world saw under the lights. He taught me that worship begins long before the first note is played, shaped by obedience, character, and a deep fear of the Lord.

“Today we grieve deeply but not without hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds.

“Until we meet again, my pastor, my mentor, my friend.”

Kenoly was born and raised in Coffeyville, Kansas on December 6, 1944. After high school, he moved to Hollywood, California, and later served in the United States air force from 1965 to 1968.

During his service, he performed with a cover band, the Mellow Fellows, which toured military bases.

Following his discharge, he returned to Los Angeles to pursue a full-time music ministry, eventually becoming one of the most influential worship leaders in contemporary Christian music.

His musical career breakthrough came in 1992 when ‘Lift Him Up’ became the fastest-selling worship album.

His discography includes ‘Jesus Is Alive’ (1991), ‘Ancient of Days’ (1992), ‘God Is Able’ (1994), ‘Sing Out With One Voice’ (1995), ‘Welcome Home’ (1996) and ‘High Places: The Best of Ron Kenoly’ among others.

Crime News February 03, 2026 BREAKING: DSS Arraigns Ex-AGF Malami, Son over Illegal firearms, terrorism financing

 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism and illegal firearms possession.

In the charge filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Malami is also accused of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers, whose case files were handed to him while he served as the AGF and Minister of Justice.

Malami and Abdulaziz are equally accused of warehousing firearms in their residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birain Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State without lawful authority.

In count one of the charge, the DSS said the Former AGF with knowingly abetting terrorism financing, while the ex-AGF and his son are charged in counts two to five, with unlawful, possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5720 live rounds of cartridges and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, contrary to and punishable under relevant Sections of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and Firearms Act, 2004.

Malami and Abdulaziz pleaded not guilty when the counts in the charge sheet were read to them.

Shortly after they pleaded to the charge, prosecuting lawyer, Calistus Eze prayed the court to order their remand in the custody of the DSS and fix a date for the commencement of trial.

Responding, defence lawyer, Shuaibu Aruwan (SAN) applied orally for bail for the defendants, arguing that the defendant have been in DSS custody for over two weeks.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik rejected the oral bail application, noting that her court is a court of record, and ordered the defence to file a formal application for bail.

She ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the DSS and adjourned till February 20 for the commencement of the trial.

Counts in the charge reads:

“That you, Abubakar Malami of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, Adult, male, sometime in November, 2022 at Federal Ministry of Justice, Maitama, Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did knowingly abet terrorism financing by refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose case files were brought to your office as the Attorney-General of the Federation, for prosecution, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 26 (2) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami of Gesse Phase II, Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December, 2025, in your res:dence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did engage in a conduct in preparation to commit act of terrorism by having in your possession and without licence, a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar AAA 5’20 Cartridges, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 29 of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“That you, Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December, 2025, in your residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without licence, did have in your possession a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3 of Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act.

“That you, Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December, 2025, in your residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without licence, did have in your possession sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of cartridges, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(1) of Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act.

“That you, Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December, 2025, in your residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without licence, did have in your possession twenty-seven (27) expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(1) of Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act.

Crime News February 03, 2026 NAPTIP, Taraba hand over 10 trafficked children to families

 

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, in collaboration with the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, has reunited 10 trafficked children with their biological parents in Jalingo, the state capital.

The children were rescued on Saturday, after NAPTIP operatives intercepted a suspected trafficker conveying them at Kurmi Motor Park, Jalingo.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Taraba State Commander of NAPTIP, Bako Amos, said the children were formally handed over to their families on February 2.

Amos said the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs Mary Sinjen, accompanied by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Eric Juyo, visited the NAPTIP command to receive the victims and interact with them.

According to Amos, the interaction was aimed at identifying the circumstances that led to the illegal movement of the minors from their communities to an unknown destination.

“The visit was also to analyse the challenges confronting the children and proffer lasting solutions through policy development and implementation to reduce the incidence of human trafficking and irregular migration of minors,” the statement read.

NAPTIP warned that irregular movement of children, often carried out without parental consent or under false promises of better opportunities, exposed them to exploitation and abuse.

The agency cautioned parents against handing over their children to traffickers under the guise of alleviating economic hardship, noting that such actions placed minors at serious risk.

Amos reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to the protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of trafficking victims, stressing that the agency would ensure traffickers were prosecuted.

“It will not be business as usual for traffickers in Taraba State. Anyone found culpable will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” he added.

He said the 10 children had been counselled before being reunited with their families.

NAPTIP urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements involving minors to security agencies.

On Thursday, an organised child trafficking and illegal surrogacy syndicate operating under the guise of an orphanage was dismantled by the Ogun State Police Command.

Seven children were rescued, and five principal suspects were arrested during the operation.

(Punch)

Business News February 03, 2026 Rivers, Lagos emerge top states for under-age sachet alcohol consumption — New Report

 

Rivers and Lagos States lead in the consumption of alcoholic drinks sold in sachets and Polyethylene Terephthalate bottles among minors and underage persons, a nationwide survey by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has revealed.

According to NAFDAC, the study, conducted in collaboration with the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria and carried out by Research and Data Solutions Ltd, Abuja, surveyed 1,788 respondents across six states between June and August 2021.

The agency said the report examined access to alcohol and drinking frequency among minors (below 13 years), underaged (13–17 years), and adults (18 years and above).

Presenting the findings of the survey on Tuesday, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said alcohol remains “one of the most widely used substances of abuse among youths” and noted that “the availability and easy access to alcohol have been identified as a contributory factor to the increasing alcohol consumption among minors.”

“54.3 per cent of minors and underage respondents obtained alcohol by themselves. Nearly half (49.9 per cent) purchased drinks in sachets or PET bottles, with Rivers State recording the highest rates — 68.0 per cent for sachets and 64.5 per cent for PET bottles. Lagos followed with 52.3 per cent and 47.7 per cent, respectively, while Kaduna recorded 38.6 per cent sachet and 28.4 per cent PET bottle consumption.

“The proportion of drinks procured in sachets was higher among males (51.4 per cent) compared to females (41.5 per cent), and more in rural (50.1 per cent) compared to urban (45.3 per cent) locations,” the report stated.

The report also revealed that minors and underaged respondents also accessed alcohol from friends and relatives (49.9 per cent), social gatherings (45.9 per cent), and parents’ homes (21.7 per cent).

It said that among those who bought alcohol themselves, 47.2 per cent of minors and 48.8 per cent of underaged respondents procured drinks in sachets, while 41.2 per cent of minors and 47.2 per cent of the underaged bought PET bottles.

On consumption frequency, 63.2 per cent of minors and 54.0 per cent of underaged persons were occasional drinkers, but 9.3 per cent of minors and 25.2 per cent of underaged respondents reported drinking daily.

The report urged stricter regulation, noting that “access to alcohol by children can be limited if pack sizes that can be easily concealed are not available.”

It added, “A ban on small pack sizes, including sachets and bottles below 200 millilitres, can reduce the menace of underage drinking.”

The report further appealed to parents, teachers, religious leaders, and the community to act, saying, “Consumption of alcohol by children should raise alarm for parents, teachers, religious leaders and the community at large.”

The report stated that the survey underscores the need for policy interventions and public awareness campaigns to curb underage drinking in Nigeria’s urban and rural communities.

(Punch)

Education News February 03, 2026 NECO releases 2025 SSCE external results

 

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External results, recording a 71.63 per cent pass rate.

The Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim-Wushishi, announced this at a news conference on Wednesday at the council’s headquarters in Minna.

Ibrahim-Wushishi said the examination was conducted from Nov. 26 to Dec. 13, 2025, while the marking exercise took place between Jan. 5 and Jan. 21, 2026.

He noted that the results were released 52 days after the last written paper.

According to him, 96,979 candidates registered for the examination, comprising 51,823 males (53.43 per cent) and 45,156 females (46.56 per cent).

He said 95,160 candidates sat for the examination, including 50,785 males (53.36 per cent) and 44,375 females (46.63 per cent).

The registrar disclosed that 93,425 candidates sat for English Language, out of which 73,167 candidates, representing 78.32 per cent, obtained credit and above.

He added that 93,330 candidates sat for mathematics, with 85,256 candidates, representing 91.35 per cent, scoring credit and above.

Ibrahim-Wushishi said 68,166 candidates, representing 71.63 per cent, obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

He added that 82,082 candidates, representing 86.26 per cent, obtained five credits and above, irrespective of English Language and Mathematics.

The registrar explained that the SSCE external provided a second opportunity for candidates seeking admission into universities and other tertiary institutions within and outside Nigeria.

He said the examination covered 16 subjects and described the release of the results as another milestone in NECO’s mandate to deliver credible assessments.

Ibrahim-Wushishi disclosed that 9,016 candidates were booked for various forms of examination malpractice during the exercise.

He said the figure was higher than the 6,160 candidates booked in 2024, representing an increase of 31.7 per cent.

The registrar added that five supervisors were recommended for blacklisting for aiding and abetting malpractice.

According to him, two of the supervisors are from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while one each is from Kano, Adamawa and Ondo states.

He also said four examination centres were recommended for derecognition over whole-centre malpractice.

He said two of the centres were from Niger, while one each was from Yobe and Kano states.

The registrar advised candidates to check their results on NECO’s website, www.neco.gov.ng, using their examination registration numbers.

He also announced the release of the 2026 Automated Staff Posting Calendar (APC).

Ibrahim-Wushishi explained that staff postings would now be randomised, adding that staff could access their posting status online.

He said staff could check their APC details at https://apcic.neco.gov.ng/myapc using their date of birth and file number without the prefix “P”. (NAN)

News February 03, 2026 Leaders Without Borders Development Centre Signs Strategic Partnership with Ethiopian University

A global leadership, business, and socio-economic development organisation, Leaders Without Borders Development Centre (LWBDC), has entered into a strategic partnership with Mekelle University in Ethiopia, marking a significant step toward strengthening leadership development and academic collaboration across Africa.

The partnership was formalised during a colourful ceremony held at the university campus, attended by senior officials of Mekelle University, representatives of LWBDC, faculty members, and invited stakeholders from the education and development sectors. 

The Founder of LWBDC, Ambassador Dr. Hillary Emoh, signed the agreement on behalf of the Centre, while top management of the university represented the institution.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Emoh expressed delight over the collaboration, describing it as a milestone in the Centre’s mission to build credible, ethical, and transformative leadership across the continent. 

According to him, the partnership will provide a platform for joint training programmes, leadership certification courses, research exchange, and youth empowerment initiatives designed to equip emerging leaders with practical skills for governance, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

He noted that Africa’s development depends largely on the quality of its leadership and institutions, adding that LWBDC is committed to working with reputable academic institutions such as Mekelle University to nurture a new generation of visionary leaders. 

Dr. Emoh emphasised that the collaboration would also promote cross-border knowledge sharing, innovation, and cultural exchange among students and professionals.

Officials of Mekelle University welcomed the partnership, describing LWBDC as a respected international organisation with a strong track record in leadership and human capital development. They expressed optimism that the collaboration would expand opportunities for students and faculty through exchange programmes, joint conferences, and capacity-building workshops.

The agreement is expected to open doors for collaborative research, policy dialogues, and development projects aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges in Africa. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the partnership and ensuring that its outcomes contribute meaningfully to regional integration and sustainable development.

LWBDC operates in several countries, promoting leadership excellence, entrepreneurship, and inclusive socio-economic growth through training, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. 

Mekelle University is recognized as one of Ethiopia's premier higher education institutions, often ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

In Africa, it is frequently cited among the top 100 universities on the continent.

Events News February 03, 2026 Int'I Day of Clean Energy 2026: COLE2Power Positions Clean Energy as a Foundation for Health, Jobs, and Community Security Across Rivers State

As the world marks the International Day of Clean Energy on 26 January 2026, under the global theme “Clean Energy for People and Planet,” The COLE’ctive Initiative has announced COLE2Power as its clean energy access and transition platform—designed to position renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable power solutions as core drivers of human wellbeing, economic opportunity, and environmental protection across Rivers State.

COLE2Power reframes clean energy not as a technical sector alone, but as essential civic infrastructure—one that underpins healthcare delivery, enterprise productivity, education access, public safety, and climate resilience. The programme aligns renewable energy deployment, community participation, innovation, and inclusive financing into a people-centred energy transition model.

At scale, COLE2Power is structured to support:

• Expanded access to clean and reliable energy for over 230,000 households, clinics, schools, and small businesses, including clean or hybrid energy solutions for 230 public and community institutions across 23 LGAs.

• Green jobs and enterprise opportunities for 23,000 MSMEs and creative enterprises, activating 2,300 clean energy service providers and supporting 10,000+ green and energy-linked jobs across renewable energy value chains.

• Energy-efficient solutions across 319 wards that reduce energy costs, lower emissions, and decrease environmental pressure through cleaner power and reduced reliance on diesel and inefficient energy sources.

• Community-level ownership, stewardship, and accountability through 230 clean energy stewardship zones, engaging 230,000 citizen participants and reaching an estimated 2.3 million citizens via education, advocacy, and media mobility platforms.

“Clean energy is not only about technology—it is about dignity, opportunity, and security,” said Mr. Tonye Patrick Cole, whose leadership vision inspires The COLE’ctive. “COLE2Power places people at the centre of the energy transition, ensuring that power improves lives while protecting the planet.”

Clean Energy as a Driver of Health, Wealth, and Security

COLE2Power directly links energy access to improved health outcomes, by supporting reliable power for healthcare facilities, cold chains, water systems, and clean cooking solutions. It advances wealth creation by enabling productive use of energy for micro, small, and creative enterprises, while reducing operational costs for local businesses. It also strengthens community security, supporting public lighting, emergency response capacity, and climate resilience.

A COLE’ctive programme representative highlighted the systems approach.

“Energy access cuts across every development goal,” the representative said. “COLE2Power ensures that clean energy strengthens healthcare, education, jobs, safety, and climate resilience at the same time.”

Community-Centred Energy Transition

COLE2Power is embedded within The COLE’ctive’s broader civic architecture—connecting energy initiatives with education, innovation, finance, environmental action, and community mobilisation. Through learning platforms, media mobility, and local engagement, communities are supported to understand, adopt, and steward clean energy solutions.

The programme aligns with global climate and sustainability commitments while grounding implementation in local realities.

“A successful energy transition must be inclusive and locally owned,” said an energy and sustainability stakeholder. “COLE2Power demonstrates how clean energy can be delivered in ways that create jobs, reduce inequality, and strengthen environmental stewardship.”

Clean Energy for People and Planet

In line with the International Day of Clean Energy theme, COLE2Power recognises that renewable energy and energy efficiency are essential to reducing emissions, protecting ecosystems, and building long-term resilience. By linking clean energy deployment to civic participation and economic inclusion, the programme ensures that environmental responsibility and human development advance together.

“When clean energy is designed around people, it accelerates progress for both society and the environment,” said a COLE’ctive institutional spokesperson. “COLE2Power shows how climate action and development can reinforce one another.”

Marking International Day of Clean Energy 2026 with Action

As the world reflects on the role of clean energy in shaping a sustainable future, COLE2Power positions Rivers State as a living example of how people-centred clean energy solutions can improve daily life while safeguarding the planet.

By embedding renewable energy, innovation, and efficiency within a broader civic and development framework, COLE2Power reinforces a central principle of The COLE’ctive Initiative: when energy is clean, inclusive, and accessible, it becomes a catalyst for healthier communities, stronger economies, and a more secure future.

 

About COLE2Power

COLE2Power is the clean energy access and transition platform within The COLE’ctive Initiative. It advances renewable energy, energy efficiency, and community-centred power solutions to improve health, wealth, and security outcomes while supporting climate action and environmental protection.