INEC ADDRESSES RAMADAN OVERLAP IN 2027 ELECTION TIMETABLE 

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has addressed concerns over its recently released Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, particularly regarding the dates fixed for the conduct of the elections.

Recall that INEC had on Friday announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, 2027, while the governorship and state assembly polls will be held on March 6, 2027.

However, concerns have arisen from some Nigerians, especially Muslims, over the date of the general election, as they noted it falls within the holy month of Ramadan, just as they also emphasised that the physical demands of fasting may impact voter turnout, logistical, observers and electoral officers’ efficiency.

Meanwhile, INEC, in a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the timetable was developed in strict compliance with the timelines contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, 2022, and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022. 

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LAGOS CITY MARATHON RACE BEGINS, ROAD DIVERSION TAKES EFFECT 

The 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon commenced on Saturday, with athletes already running across major routes in the state.

A video shared by sports photographer Sulaimon Adebayo, popularly known as Pooja, showed runners in motion as the race got underway.

Ahead of the event, the Lagos State Government announced traffic diversions  to ensure the smooth conduct of the marathon, which features both 42-kilometre and 10-kilometre races.

Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the restrictions were necessary.

He stated that First, 42-kilometre race, will commence at Ahmadu Bello route and run through the entire stretch of the Coastal Road, which is the end point of the race.

According to the State Government the Second, 10-kilometre race, will cover Durosimi Etti in Lekki which is the starting point and will run through Ozumba Mbadiwe to Bishop Oluwole to Akin Adesola and Sanusi Fafunwa, which is the end point.

The government added that “all affected adjoining Roads, Junctions and Intersections along race one and two will be blocked from 12.00 am and 12.30 pm on Saturday, 14th February, 2026.

=======================================STUDENTS OF UNIBEN PROTEST OVER BLACKOUT, WATER SHORTAGE 

Students of the University of Benin, Ekheuan Campus, on Saturday morning blocked the school gate over a power outage and lack of water for the past three days at the institution.

This left many stranded, including workers of the university, business operators and several people who had social engagements in the school.

A student who gave his name as Prosper said he was sad that, despite paying their school and other fees, the management of the institution had continued to fail in its responsibilities of providing basic amenities for students.

He said, “We have been in this situation for the past three days — no light, no water — yet we have paid our fees, including several other charges that have been increased since the beginning of the new session. The hostels are messed up because there is no water.

“For you to have your bath is like getting gold on this campus.”

Another student said the campus had been without light and water for the past three days and that last night, an unknown person armed with a cutlass tried to enter the girls’ hostel, noting that he inflicted an injury on a student while trying to escape.

The presence of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Ekheuan Campus of the university, Professor Adesina Ayinde, did not assuage the students.

Adesina told them that plans had been concluded to provide water for the students today, while the issue of light was being sorted out.

Despite the assurance from the deputy VC, the students insisted they would not open the gate until water started flowing.

It was gathered that the only generator on the campus had packed up.

Also, the backup generator bought during the tenure of Professor Friday Orunmwense was moved to the main campus in Ugbowo by the last management.

As of the time of filing this report, the DVC and other senior staff of the university were still trying to pacify the students to allow movement in and out of the campus.

=======================================FIRST LADY OF ANAMBRA PREACHES LOVE 

Wife of the Anambra State governor, Nonye Soludo, has joined millions of people to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day, urging Nigerians to celebrate the occasion with the people they love, and also remember to extend a hand of kindness to everyone around them.

Soludo called on the people to exhibit words and actions that carry significant kindness and genuine affection.

The Anambra first lady, stressed that there’s nothing more evoking than the gift of true love.

She stated this in a statement she released on Saturday as part of her message marking the celebration, emphasising that exhibiting one little act of love can make a memorable and long-lasting impact.

Recall that Valentine’s Day celebration originated as a Christian feast day, honouring a martyr named Saint Valentine, and through later folk traditions, it has also become a significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of romance, commitment, and love in many regions of the world. 

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SECURITY OPERATIVES ARRESTS NINETEEN SUSPECTS OF ILLEGAL MINING 

Nineteen suspected illegal miners have been arrested and a stolen rifle recovered following an attack on a joint security patrol in Zuzungi Kataeregi village, Niger State.

The arrests came after security operatives were ambushed on Wednesday during a routine patrol around a mining site, just as a police officer was lynched and a patrol vehicle set ablaze.

Confirming the development, the spokesman of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Police, Wasiu Abiodun, told reports that a police officer was killed, his rifle taken, and another officer injured during the incident.

Meanwhile, The Federal Government, through the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on Thursday vowed to intensify its crackdown on illegal mining, describing the killing of a security officer in Niger State as a criminal murder and pledging that those responsible would be tracked down and prosecuted. 

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POLICE BEEF-UP SECURITY IN ADAMAWA AHEAD OF PRESIDENT TINUBU’S STATE VISIT 

The Adamawa State Police Command has beefed up security ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit on Monday to commission some major projects executed by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

In a press statement issued on Saturday by the spokesman of the command, Suleiman Nguroje, stated that the security arrangement is to ensure that there is no breach of security during and after the president’s visit to Adamawa State.

He said that the Commissioner of Police, Dankwambo Morris, has convened a strategic meeting with security commanders and senior officers of the command to review and strengthen existing security measures in the state.

The Spokesman also pointed out that the Adamawa Police Command is working closely with other security agencies to ensure a hitch-free visit.

The command therefore urged residents to cooperate with security agents deployed and report any suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods to the nearest police station. #

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WORLD LEADERS TO ATTEND AI SUMMIT IN INDIA 

At least 17 heads of state, the United Nations chief, and several global tech CEOs are set to attend next week’s AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, India.

Touted as the biggest yet, it is the fourth edition of the annual global gathering to address the risks and opportunities posed by the booming artificial intelligence technology.

According to a statement from India’s foreign ministry, leaders from France, Brazil, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and 13 other nations will join, as well as Google’s Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman of OpenAI, and Nvidia boss Jensen Huang.

The summit “will bring together global leaders, policymakers, innovators, and experts from across the world to deliberate on the way forward for AI”, it said.

Panels and talks are planned from Monday, and on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will open the two-day summit with leaders.

Earlier editions of the AI Impact Summit were held in Paris, Seoul, and the British wartime code-breaking hub Bletchley.

The Delhi event will focus on issues like child safety and sustainability.

According to the Foreign Ministry, leaders from Bhutan, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Serbia, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, and Switzerland are among those who have confirmed they will attend.