Operation Fansan Yamma seems to have been a significant success in disrupting terrorist networks in Zamfara and Sokoto states. By neutralizing high-ranking commanders and dismantling over 40 hideouts, the military has dealt a strong blow to the terror groups operating in those regions. The recovery of arms and ammunition, along with the rescue of kidnapped victims, further underscores the operation’s success in enhancing security and providing relief to affected communities.

It’s encouraging to hear that the operation is part of a larger effort to tackle terrorism in the North-West and Niger State. The military’s call for public support, particularly in providing intelligence about fleeing terrorists like Bello Turji, highlights the importance of community involvement in combatting these threats. Hopefully, this operation helps to bring lasting peace to the region.

Do you think more such operations are needed to restore full security in the area?

It’s great news that Ambassador Bankole Adeoye has been re-elected as the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security at the African Union Commission! His leadership since 2021 seems to have made a positive impact, particularly in advancing peace, security, and governance across the continent. His re-election is a recognition of his efforts in addressing critical issues within Africa.

His victory over Jean Jacques Demafouth from the Central African Republic in a competitive race highlights his strong reputation within the AU. It’ll be interesting to see the continued progress in these vital areas under his leadership for the next four years.

The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where about 10 students were hospitalized after inhaling a mysterious substance. The substance was released in a classroom near the sewage area, though the exact cause and identity of the substance are still under investigation. The school’s management believes it could be a case of sabotage, possibly involving one or more individuals.

The institution took immediate action by evacuating the affected area and requesting emergency medical assistance from the state’s Commissioner for Health. Some of the students received treatment at the school’s health center, while others were transferred to the Ring Road State Hospital. The Public Relations Officer, Soladoye Adewole, emphasized that the classroom in question had nothing to do with chemicals, which adds to the mystery surrounding the event. The school is collaborating with the health ministry to assess the situation further.

This investigation has sparked concern, but it’s good to hear that the students are reportedly doing better now.

Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation as the U.S. President’s spy chief. This is an interesting shift in her career, considering her history as a former Democrat and her privacy-focused stance, which contrasted with some of the political lines in play during the confirmation process.

This confirmation also appears to have sparked considerable debate, as seen in the Senate’s 52-48 vote and the opposition from key figures like Mitch McConnell. The involvement of 18 different intelligence agencies shows the significance of the position, and it must have been a contentious hearing, given the complexity of Gabbard’s background and political shift.

What are your thoughts on Gabbard’s appointment, or the political landscape around her confirmation?

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has taken a firm stance against the recent tariff hike by major telecom companies like MTN, Airtel, and Glo. The NLC’s Central Working Committee (CWC) has directed workers and willing citizens to participate in a boycott of these telecom services daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, starting on Thursday, February 13, 2025, until the end of the month. The boycott is aimed at protesting the tariff hike, which was implemented recently, and to demand an immediate reversal.

The NLC’s statement criticized both the government and telecom companies, accusing them of exploiting the public, and urged for a fair resolution of the issue. If the tariff hike isn’t reversed by February 29, 2025, the NLC has threatened to escalate the protest with a nationwide telecom shutdown starting on March 1, 2025.

Additionally, the NLC has expressed concerns about upcoming tax reforms, warning against policies that may further burden Nigerian workers, though it acknowledged the need for fiscal reform. The Congress has called for policies that are more worker-friendly and fair to the general public.

The Oyo State Government has appointed three new Executive Secretaries for the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) to enhance the implementation of basic education policies in the state. Dr. Kemi Adeosun, Dr. Adebola Ayegboyin, and Mr. Raji Fatai were selected by Governor Seyi Makinde for their extensive experience and expertise in education. The appointments, announced by OYOSUBEB Chairman Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, followed a competitive selection process and will involve working closely with Mrs. Olaide Ladipo, the board’s substantive Executive Secretary. The new appointees will oversee the activities of OYOSUBEB across Oyo State’s three senatorial districts, focusing on transparency and efficiency to strengthen basic education.

Dr. Godknows Igali’s perspective on the exit of some Sahelian countries (Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali) from ECOWAS highlights several key points, particularly the sovereign rights of nations to make decisions about their alliances. He emphasizes that no country can be forced to be part of an organization it does not wish to join, underscoring that these countries’ decision to exit ECOWAS is within their rights.

Igali also touches on the idea that ECOWAS has historically allowed for micro-relationships and smaller associations among countries. He provides an example of a collaboration between Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo, called the Co-Prosperity Zone, which existed alongside ECOWAS without interfering with the broader regional framework. This shows that smaller unions or informal arrangements within ECOWAS have been acceptable in the past.

The implication for the sub-region and the continent as a whole is likely to be a mixed one. While these countries’ exit reflects their desire for autonomy in shaping their foreign relations, it could challenge the unity and effectiveness of ECOWAS, especially in dealing with shared regional issues. However, the flexibility within ECOWAS could allow for these micro-alliances to continue existing and functioning without completely destabilizing the broader regional organization.

In essence, Igali seems to suggest that this exit does not necessarily undermine ECOWAS, but may bring a shift in how smaller unions and bilateral relationships within the region evolve.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has made another significant move by reducing its diesel price to N1,020 per litre, down from N1,075. This follows its efforts to make fuel more affordable for Nigerians. The refinery has already lowered the diesel price multiple times, from N1,700 per litre to N1,000 when it began production in January 2024.

In addition, the refinery recently reduced the ex-depot price of petrol from N950 to N890, leading marketers to lower their prices as well, with MRS now selling petrol at N925 per litre.

The reduction in diesel prices is seen as part of Dangote’s ongoing commitment to ensuring accessible fuel prices for Nigerians. According to Prof. Ken Ife, a Development Economist and Public Policy Analyst, the refinery sacrificed over N10 billion to ensure the uniform availability of petrol during the festive season. He also pointed out that the government owes marketers over N80 billion in equalization funds.

Prof. Ife also highlighted that the Dangote refinery is helping Nigeria shift its focus beyond just Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), tapping into a broader range of petroleum-based exports. With international players like Saudi Aramco purchasing products from Nigeria, the country is gaining recognition as a global player in the petroleum market.

Keir Starmer’s commitment to protecting British steelworkers is a strong stance, especially in light of global trade tensions. His remarks reflect the importance of the steel industry to the UK, both economically and culturally. The fact that Starmer emphasizes the need for a “level-headed assessment” suggests he is taking a pragmatic approach to navigating these challenges. This could mean advocating for strategic responses to Trump’s tariffs while ensuring that workers and national interests are prioritized.

Trump’s tariff announcement on steel and aluminum imports has caused ripple effects worldwide. While his policy is framed as a way to boost U.S. manufacturing, it also brings uncertainty for other countries, particularly in the EU and UK, which are major producers of steel. The EU’s response, saying it sees no justification for these tariffs, reflects the global tension over trade policies.

It will be interesting to see how the UK government, under Starmer’s leadership, reacts to this move, especially given the strategic importance of steel production to the UK’s industrial base. How do you think this trade dispute will impact the broader global economy in the coming months?

The House of Representatives has taken a strong stance regarding the ongoing power crisis at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, urging the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the health sector to address the issue. This decision follows a motion of urgent public importance raised by Afolabi Afuape during plenary on Wednesday.

The situation at UCH, which has been without consistent power for nearly three months due to an outstanding bill of N495 million with the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, has severely disrupted its medical services. The lawmaker emphasized that the blackout has forced patients’ families to bring their own generators and solar inverters to ensure continued operations at the hospital. This disruption has led to the loss of lives and caused emotional distress, which prompted the urgent need for intervention.

The House has called on several key individuals, including the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to act swiftly in restoring power, as well as the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, to provide an action plan and account for the state of affairs at the hospital. Additionally, the Chief Medical Director of UCH has been summoned to provide insights and collaborate with the health ministry to find a long-term solution.

In summary, the House of Representatives is urging immediate action from the federal government to tackle the power crisis at UCH, which is a critical healthcare provider in Nigeria, and to prevent further degradation of its services.

UAE’s ambassador, Yousef Al Otaiba, is highlighting the complexity of the situation regarding Gaza and acknowledging the challenges of aligning the approaches of different countries, such as the UAE and the United States. His comments reflect an understanding that while disagreements might exist, dialogue and collaboration are still possible.

The mention of former President Trump’s idea about the U.S. taking over Gaza and developing it economically suggests a highly controversial and possibly unrealistic proposal, which contrasts with the UAE’s more diplomatic stance.

Al Otaiba’s comments about “trying” to find common ground show a desire for cooperation, even when there are differences in perspective. His emphasis on the importance of dialogue despite disagreements reflects a pragmatic approach to international relations, especially on such a sensitive and divisive issue like Gaza.

Do you think the UAE and the U.S. will be able to find that common ground on Gaza, or are the differences too wide?

Bashir Ahmad’s position on negotiating with bandits reflects a tough stance on ensuring that any such agreements are handled with extreme caution. His proposal that repentant bandits be drafted to fight against terrorists emphasizes a more proactive role for those who surrender, holding them accountable for their actions. Ahmad’s suggestion aims to prevent bandits from simply walking free without consequences, and instead, they would contribute to the fight against the remaining insurgents, which he argues could help the government ensure they are truly remorseful.

This approach could help deter further banditry, as it ties the future of these surrendered individuals to their actions in the fight against terrorism. However, it also brings up several challenges, like how to effectively monitor the behavior of these individuals and the risk of them reverting back to their criminal ways.

What do you think about Ahmad’s stance? Does it seem like a reasonable approach to you?