General News
RSG DISMISSES RALLY BAN CLAIMS, SAYS YAKUBU GOWON STADIUM UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The Rivers State Government has dismissed claims that it denied the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, for a proposed Renewed Hope Ambassadors rally, describing the allegation as false and politically motivated.
The government said the decision was based solely on safety concerns, as the stadium is currently undergoing extensive reconstruction and is unfit for public use.
Addressing journalists during an inspection tour of the facility on Friday, January 30, 2026, the Coordinating Commissioner for Sports and Attorney-General of the state, Barrister Chris Green, said no formal application was submitted for the use of the stadium.
He challenged those making the claim to provide evidence of any rejected request, stressing that the facility remains an active construction site.
“The Yakubu Gowon Stadium is a work zone with heavy-duty equipment and sensitive installations. I have not received any application, and if anyone claims otherwise, they should present proof,” Green said.
He explained that the reconstruction, being handled by Monimichelie Sports Construction Company, is aimed at upgrading the stadium to meet FIFA and World Athletics standards.
According to him, over 40,000 pipes have been buried beneath the main pitch, making it extremely fragile and unsafe for large gatherings.
Green noted that alternative government facilities remain available for political and public events, including the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium and the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic.“If the intention was to stop rallies, why are other public facilities open? We do not restrict access to government venues,” he added.
An engineer with the construction firm, Michael Ebitenye, said the project was about 55 per cent completed and currently at a delicate mechanical stage.
He warned that human traffic could damage the hydrological and drainage systems being installed, adding that the site’s insurance policy prohibits public access until completion.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, said checks across relevant government offices confirmed that no application was received for the use of the stadium.
He urged political actors to avoid unfounded allegations capable of causing tension, stressing that the administration of Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara remains committed to peace, development and inclusive governance.
General News
Alue-Do Festival Assault: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Condemns Attack on Women, Calls for Justice
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has strongly condemned the reported assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the incident as “horrific” and unacceptable.
Reacting to viral footage from Ozoro, the First Lady expressed outrage over scenes showing young girls being physically and sexually assaulted, as well as subjected to degrading treatment during what was meant to be a cultural celebration.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that no tradition or custom should be used as justification for violating the dignity and rights of women and girls.
She commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force for making arrests in connection with the incident and urged authorities to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The First Lady also called on victims to seek immediate medical and psychological support, offering prayers for their healing, peace, and strength in the aftermath of the ordeal.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stricter measures to protect women and girls during cultural and public events across the country.
General News
World Water Day 2026: Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Gender Equity Through Improved Water Access
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action to promote gender equality through improved access to water and sanitation, as the world marks World Water Day 2026.
In a message commemorating the day, Senator Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” emphasizing the strong link between water access and gender equity.
She noted that in many communities, women and girls bear the burden of sourcing water, often trekking long distances to streams, a situation that negatively impacts their education, health, and economic opportunities.
“When we ensure safe, clean, and accessible water, we do more than quench thirst; we open doors for girls to stay in school, for women to pursue livelihoods, and for families to live healthier lives,” she said.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to work together to ensure equitable access to water resources across the country, stressing that improved water systems can drive social and economic development.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace the spirit of the global observance and reaffirm commitments toward building a more inclusive society.
“Let us work together to ensure that where water flows in Nigeria, equity truly grows,” she added.
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources worldwide.
Fresh hostilities in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict intensified early Sunday, with Iran launching strikes near Israel’s main nuclear research centre, leaving dozens injured and raising fears of wider regional escalation.
According to reports, missiles hit areas close to the nuclear facility in Dimona and the southern city of Arad. Rescue services confirmed that nearly 70 people were injured in Arad alone, with several in serious condition and multiple residential buildings severely damaged.
The Israeli military said it had begun retaliatory strikes targeting locations in Tehran, further escalating the conflict, which has now entered its fourth week.
Iran warned that any attack on its energy facilities would trigger retaliatory strikes on U.S. and Israeli infrastructure across the region. The threat followed a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the United States could target Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iranian authorities described such threats as provocative, vowing a firm response if carried out.
Saudi Arabia also confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones targeting its territory, including areas near key oil installations, with no casualties reported. In a separate incident, a projectile struck near a commercial vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, causing an explosion but leaving the crew unharmed.
Iran’s state media reported that the death toll within the country has surpassed 1,500 since the conflict began, raising humanitarian concerns. Legal experts have also warned that targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants could violate international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as “a very difficult moment,” as emergency teams continued search-and-rescue operations in affected areas.
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels warned they could join the conflict if attacks against Iran intensify, cautioning that further escalation could disrupt global energy supplies and economic stability.
Despite diplomatic signals, including a temporary U.S. move to ease sanctions on Iranian oil shipments, there are no clear signs of de-escalation, with both sides continuing military operations. Analysts warn the conflict risks expanding into a broader regional war with significant global implications.