Author: Naija Daily News

Pope Leo will visit four African nations in April in his first major overseas trip of 2026, but Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and one of the continent’s largest Catholic communities, is not on the itinerary. The Vatican announced on Wednesday that the pope will travel to Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon from April 13-23, underscoring the Church’s focus on Africa, where Catholicism is growing fastest. Nigeria, home to tens of millions of Catholics and roughly 20% of Africa’s Catholic population, was absent from the schedule, despite its demographic weight and strategic importance within the global Church. Church officials…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to a precautionary recall of certain Aptamil and Cow & Gate infant and follow-on milk formulas over concerns of possible contamination. In a public notice published on its website, the agency disclosed that the recall was initiated due to potential contamination with cereulide, a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus. The toxin is known to cause foodborne illnesses, including nausea and severe vomiting, particularly in infants and young children. According to NAFDAC, the affected batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate products were manufactured in…

Gunmen have killed a senior palace chief in Iduah Kingdom, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, and abducted two of his daughters in a late-night attack that has thrown the community into panic. The victim, Chief Jimah Jacob Ogboi, was reportedly attacked at his residence on Monday night by armed assailants who stormed his home and shot him at close range. His wife was also brutally attacked with machetes and other dangerous weapons, leaving her in critical condition. One of the deceased’s sons, Lucky, said he was away from home when the incident occurred. “I received a call…

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has announced a ban on the importation of poultry and table eggs from 40 countries, including Nigeria, as part of measures to safeguard public health and ensure food safety in the domestic market. The authority also imposed partial restrictions on specific regions in 16 other countries. According to the regulator, the list of affected countries is subject to periodic review in line with global health developments and epidemiological updates. The announcement, reported by Gulf News on Tuesday, noted that while some of the bans date back to 2004, others were introduced gradually following risk…

The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the appointment of Dr. Dagogo S.A. Wokoma as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Barrister Sunny Ewule as the Chief of Staff (CoS). According to a special announcement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, on Thursday, the appointments take immediate effect. The new appointees are scheduled to be sworn in at 2:00 p.m. today, February 26, 2026. The ceremony will take place at the Executive Council (Exco) Chamber, Government House, Port Harcourt.

By Deborah Nnamdi The Taraba State Police Command on Wednesday confirmed the death of five children from suspected food poisoning in Takum town, headquarters of Takum Local Government Area, while eight others are receiving treatment in hospital. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said the children reportedly consumed suspected poisoned meat during a Ramadan lecture held on Tuesday. He disclosed that the victims were from three different families. According to him, an investigation has commenced to determine the exact cause of the incident and circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The police spokesperson urged members of the public to remain…

The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Edward Okorie from Isiugwu, Ohafia, over the alleged killing of his girlfriend, a nurse identified as Sophy Chika, during a domestic altercation. The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday at Isiugwu in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State. The deceased, said to be from Ozu Abam in Arochukwu Local Government Area, was allegedly involved in a dispute with her boyfriend before the situation escalated. Sources in the community disclosed that the couple had been living together in Okagwe village, Ohafia, for more than three years before…

Confusion and tension have reportedly engulfed a faction of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) following the death of a senior commander allegedly killed by an improvised explosive device planted by members of his own group in Borno State. Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred on February 24 in the Lake Chad Basin axis, an area known for persistent insurgent activity and clashes between rival extremist factions. According to the sources, the commander, identified as Amir Musa, was reportedly confronted by a Unit Intelligence Member (UIM) over the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two fighters, Abu Nazir and…

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed readiness to collaborate with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for the overall benefit of the people of the state. The governor made the declaration while congratulating Ukalikpe Napoleon and Loolo Bulabari Henrietta, winners of the recent bye-elections held in Ahoada East and Khana State constituencies. The polls, conducted on Saturday, February 21, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were organised to fill vacant seats in the state House of Assembly. Both candidates, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), emerged victorious in their respective constituencies. Napoleon clinched the Ahoada East State Constituency…

By Deborah Nnamdi Officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have dismissed claims that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, suffered a nosebleed while in the commission’s custody. The anti-graft agency was reacting to allegations made by El-Rufai’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, who had stated that the former governor experienced a health challenge during his detention. According to Adekeye, El-Rufai’s lawyers reported that he suffered an overnight episode of bleeding from his nose. However, ICPC spokesperson, Okor Odey, refuted the claim on Tuesday, insisting that the allegation was untrue. “The allegation that he (El-Rufai) bled from…