The Nigerian Army has renamed the Ikeja Cantonment in honor of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Taoreed Lagbaja.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated that the decision was made to recognize Lagbaja’s bravery and dedication to the nation.

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“This renaming is more than just a change of title; it symbolizes our deep respect, appreciation, and recognition of the courage and sacrifices of one of Nigeria’s finest military officers, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“By naming the cantonment after him, we honor a leader who embodied discipline, patriotism, and bravery.

“His remarkable contributions to the Nigerian Army, especially in counterinsurgency, internal security, and peacekeeping efforts, deserve to be acknowledged.

“I commend the Nigerian Army and the Ministry of Defence for this initiative, which fosters a culture of celebrating our heroes and assures all patriots that their sacrifices will never go unnoticed.”

The Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, also paid tribute to his predecessor, highlighting Lagbaja’s infrastructural improvements during his time as Commander of the 9 Brigade.

Oluyede said the cantonment was the most fitting place to immortalize Lagbaja’s legacy.

Lagbaja served as Chief of Army Staff from June 19, 2023, until his passing on November 5, 2024, at the age of 56 due to an illness.

Appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the successor to Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, Lagbaja was remembered for his professionalism and sacrifice throughout his 17-month tenure.

The Akwa Ibom State Council of Traditional Rulers has bestowed President Bola Tinubu with its highest traditional title, “Otuekong,” Commander-in-Chief of Akwa Ibom.

The title was conferred on the President at the State House in Abuja on Friday by Nteyin Solomon Etuk, President General of Okuibom Ibibio III.

A 104-member delegation, led by Governor Umo Eno, attended the event. Among them were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his wife Ekaette, religious leaders, former ministers, lawmakers, and representatives from women and youth groups.

Expressing his gratitude, President Tinubu accepted the honour and recalled his time in Eket as an auditor for Mobil, emphasizing his connection to the state.

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He highlighted the importance of prioritizing national service over party politics, attributing Akwa Ibom’s development to a shared vision and commitment to progress.

“I have just signed the 2025 budget. The uncertainty over the economy is fading, and hope is rising. Thank you for your continued support. We must work together to build the nation,” Tinubu stated.

The President also praised Governor Eno’s leadership, describing him as selfless, visionary, and committed to the welfare of his people.

“I have listened to the governor’s concerns about the deep-sea port and a state visit. You have a very good governor, one who fears God and loves his people. I watch the Arise programme of the state and have been following developments,” he added.

Senate President Akpabio acknowledged Governor Eno’s efforts in fostering unity and assured Tinubu of the state’s full support in national development.

During the meeting, Eno outlined his administration’s achievements and reiterated Akwa Ibom’s commitment to partnering with the federal government on key infrastructure projects, including the Ibom Deep Sea Port and tackling ecological challenges.

The governor also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for their support during his time of bereavement.

Senegal will summon former President Macky Sall to court following revelations of financial irregularities in the country’s treasury records during his tenure, a government spokesman announced on Friday.

Sall is accused of overseeing a “catastrophic” mismanagement of public funds after an independent audit report challenged official figures from his administration, significantly increasing both debt and the public deficit.

Currently residing in Morocco since leaving office last year, Sall has dismissed the controversy surrounding the report as politically motivated.

Government spokesman Moustapha Sarre alleged that Sall, who led Senegal from 2012 to 2024, “could even be considered the leader of a criminal gang.”

“He will inevitably face justice. He bears primary responsibility for the extremely serious acts that were committed,” Sarre told RFM radio, emphasizing that legal action was unavoidable.

The audit report, published on February 12, uncovered significant accounting discrepancies, including a revised 2023 budget deficit of 12.3%—more than double the 4.9% previously reported under Sall’s leadership.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected in March, has vowed to distance his administration from the practices of the Sall era.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, a longtime critic of Sall, had pledged last September to investigate what he described as “widespread corruption” under the previous government.

In recent months, several former officials have been arrested and charged, including a lawmaker closely associated with Sall, who was detained on Thursday for fraud and money laundering.

Rodri has resumed training as the Manchester City midfielder aims to return earlier than expected following a serious knee injury in September.

Initially ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, the 28-year-old’s absence has significantly impacted Pep Guardiola’s squad.

The reigning English champions have struggled in his absence, sitting 20 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool and suffering eliminations from both the Champions League and the League Cup.

However, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner may make a quicker-than-expected comeback after being spotted in an individual training session at the club’s Etihad Campus, as shown in a video released by City on Friday.

Rodri, a key player for Spain, had initially hoped to recover in time for the Club World Cup, set to begin in the United States on June 14.

Guardiola has refrained from setting a definite return date for the midfielder.

Speaking earlier this month, the City manager stated, “The most important thing for him is to recover properly. He’s not a teenager, but he still has many years ahead of him, and that will only be possible if he heals well.”

Ruben Amorim revealed on Friday that Alejandro Garnacho will take his teammates out for dinner as an apology for heading straight down the tunnel after being substituted in Manchester United’s Premier League win over Ipswich.

Patrick Dorgu’s red card just before halftime on Wednesday prompted a tactical reshuffle, leading to 20-year-old Argentina international Garnacho being replaced by defender Noussair Mazraoui. Instead of taking a seat on the bench, he immediately walked off the pitch.

Speaking after United’s 3-2 victory, Amorim said he would address the issue with Garnacho. However, the winger took the initiative and approached the manager himself the following morning.

“He came to me,” Amorim said ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round clash against Fulham. “It was funny because the next day he came to my office.

“I did some checking, and he actually went to the dressing room, changed his clothes because he was wet, and watched the rest of the game from a different location—not on the bench. At the end of the match, he was there, then he went home, so there’s no issue.

“But I told him that at Manchester United, everything matters. Perception at a big club is very important. So, he’s going to treat the whole team to dinner, and that’s that.”

Amorim downplayed the situation, noting Garnacho had also shared an Instagram story of himself looking disappointed after being substituted.

“He’s a young player who will learn,” Amorim said. “The important thing is that he came to speak with me the next morning.”

Former United manager Erik ten Hag, who guided the team to FA Cup success last season before his dismissal in October, recently commented that modern footballers struggle with criticism.

Amorim acknowledged the difficulties players face in today’s social media-driven world.

“It’s completely different for players now,” he said. “Before, there were just two newspapers and nothing more. Now, with social media, everything is different.

“They are so focused on it. You can’t open social media without seeing news, a photo, or a comment. Even if you have 100 positive messages, one negative comment can grab all your attention.”

With United enduring a disappointing Premier League campaign, retaining the FA Cup remains a crucial target this season.

During Friday’s press conference, Amorim was also asked about former United captain Roy Keane’s harsh criticism of Bruno Fernandes. Keane, now a pundit, had questioned Fernandes’ leadership, claiming “talent is not enough” and labeling him “not a fighter.”

Amorim defended his captain, saying, “I heard about that. I have a different opinion. Bruno is really important for us, especially for me.

“I know sometimes his body language—raising his arms—might look like he’s criticizing teammates, but I think it’s mostly frustration with how things have gone this season and last.

“Everybody is entitled to their opinion. Roy Keane has high standards from his playing days, so it’s normal.

“But my opinion is the opposite—and I think mine matters more than Keane’s because I am the coach. I believe Bruno is doing a good job.”

Former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Maharazu Tsiga, has regained his freedom after spending 22 days in captivity.

A source confirmed to *Channels Television* on Friday night that Tsiga had been released.

The former NYSC DG is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital for security reasons.

The kidnappers, led by notorious bandit kingpin Babaro, had initially demanded ₦250 million for his release. However, it remains unclear whether any ransom was paid.

As of now, government officials and security agencies, including the Katsina State Police Command, have not issued any statements regarding his release.

Tsiga was abducted on February 6, 2025, by an unknown number of bandits who stormed his residence in Tsiga village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

During the attack, two individuals sustained injuries, while one of the gunmen was accidentally shot dead by a member of his own gang.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, along with four others, at the Abia State High Court over the alleged misappropriation of approximately ₦47 billion.

The other defendants include Orji’s son, Engineer Chinedum Orji; former Abia State Commissioner of Finance, Dr. Philip Nto; a government contractor, Obioma King; and a former Director of Finance for the state, Romas Madu.

They appeared before the Chief Judge, Justice Lilian Abai, on a 16-count charge related to conspiracy, theft, and the unlawful conversion of public funds meant for government programs.

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Specifically, the charges include: misappropriating ₦22.5 billion allocated for security votes between 2011 and 2015, diverting ₦13 billion from a Diamond Bank loan, and illegally converting ₦12 billion from the Paris Club refund.

Additionally, they are accused of converting ₦10.5 billion from a First Bank loan intended for the Abia State government and local councils, as well as ₦2 billion from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) funds meant for small and medium enterprises.

At the start of the hearing, lead prosecutor Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) requested that the charges be read to the defendants so they could formally enter their pleas. He stressed the need for them to fully understand the allegations against them.

All five defendants pleaded not guilty.

The defence team, including Bode Olanipekun (SAN) for the first defendant, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) for the second defendant, along with Okey Amechi (SAN) and Isaac Anya, filed bail applications on behalf of their clients.

While Pinheiro did not oppose the bail requests, he urged the court to set appropriate conditions.

Justice Abai granted the defendants bail and adjourned the case until June 18 and 19, 2025, for trial.

President Bola Tinubu has signed the ₦54.99 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill into law.

The new budget represents a 99.96% increase from the ₦27.5 trillion allocated in the 2024 appropriation bill. Tinubu signed the bill on Friday at the State House in Abuja, following adjustments that raised the initial ₦49.7 trillion proposal he submitted.

The National Assembly approved the revised budget on February 13 after multiple revisions.

A breakdown of the budget reveals a total expenditure of ₦54.99 trillion, including ₦3.65 trillion for statutory transfers.

The recurrent (non-debt) expenditure is ₦13.64 trillion, while capital expenditure stands at ₦23.96 trillion. Debt servicing accounts for ₦14.32 trillion, with a deficit-to-GDP ratio set at 1.52%.

Earlier this month, Tinubu informed the National Assembly of the budget adjustment, attributing the increase to additional revenue sources, including ₦1.4 trillion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), ₦1.2 trillion from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and ₦1.8 trillion from other government agencies.

He originally presented the budget to the National Assembly on December 18, 2025.

“In presenting the 2025 Budget, titled ‘The Restoration Budget: Securing Peace, Building Prosperity,’ I aim to restore macroeconomic stability, enhance the business environment, promote inclusive growth and employment, reduce poverty, ensure equitable income distribution, and develop human capital,” Tinubu stated.

He outlined revenue projections of ₦34.8 trillion to fund the budget, with total government expenditure expected to reach ₦49.7 trillion, including ₦15.81 trillion allocated for debt servicing.

“The budget deficit will total ₦13.0 trillion or 3.89% of GDP. While ambitious, this is a necessary step toward securing our nation’s future,” he added.

The budget also anticipates inflation dropping from 34.6% to 15% in 2025, while the exchange rate is expected to improve from approximately ₦1,700 per dollar to ₦1,500 per dollar.

The Supreme Court’s ruling on the ongoing crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly has put an end to impunity in the oil-rich state, according to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

In its verdict on Friday, the apex court prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other relevant agencies from disbursing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with previous court orders, which the court described as being flagrantly disobeyed.

A five-member panel of justices unanimously dismissed a cross-appeal by Governor Siminalayi Fubara challenging the legitimacy of the House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule.

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Additionally, the Supreme Court nullified the recent local government elections in the state, declaring them invalid due to gross violations of the Electoral Act.

Following the judgment, Wike addressed reporters, commending the judiciary for upholding the rule of law. He warned that allowing such actions to go unchecked could set a dangerous precedent where a single individual could declare themselves an assembly.

“You failed to follow the Electoral Act in conducting local government elections, yet people were applauding the governor. Today, I hope those same people will still hail him,” Wike said, taking a jab at PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman, Bala Mohammed, for supporting Governor Fubara.

Wike emphasized that the Supreme Court’s ruling is final and must be obeyed, stating that the matter, which had dragged on for over 15 months, has now been conclusively settled. The only appeal left, he said, would be to God.

Responding to criticism, Wike insisted that the issue was not about him but about protecting democratic principles. “How can a man demolish the State Assembly complex and relocate his faction to his house? It is unheard of,” he said.

He further argued that hiring 40 Senior Advocates of Nigeria would not change the essence of the case, stressing that what matters is upholding the rule of law and ensuring competent legal representation.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced that Saturday, March 1, 2025, will mark the beginning of Ramadan 1446AH.

He stated that the declaration was based on verified moon sightings in various parts of the country on Friday, which was the 29th day of Shaban, confirming the commencement of Ramadan on March 1.

“We received reports from Muslim leaders nationwide and have accepted the moon sighting accordingly,” the Sultan said.

He urged the Muslim community across the country to begin the Ramadan fast on Saturday, in accordance with Islamic teachings.