Economy
Former Minister Uche Ogah Backs Deputy Speaker Kalu To Boost Tinubu’s Reelection Bid On Abia: 2027
Former Minister Uche Ogah Backs Deputy Speaker Kalu To Boost Tinubu’s Reelection Bid On Abia: 2027
Former minister Uche Ogah backs deputy Speaker Kalu to boost Tinubu’s reelection bid in Abia: 2027. In a major political alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah, has declared support for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, as part of efforts to galvanize support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection in Abia State and across the Southeast.
Ogah, who is also Chairman of Master Energy Oil, made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Speaker at the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) office in Umuahia on Saturday.
Describing Kalu as a “brother and friend,” the former minister commended the Deputy Speaker’s legislative efforts particularly the successful sponsorship of the bill establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC). He emphasized the importance of unity and teamwork in delivering renewed hope to the region.
“We will do everything within our capacity… using all the social capitals we have to see that this Renewed Hope partnership is a success,” Ogah stated. “When the two of us are united with everyone here, we all have a part to play.
I can tell you the President should go and sleep.” Ogah also lauded Kalu for his role in ensuring the passage of the SEDC bill, describing it as a long-overdue step towards reconstruction, reconciliation, and rehabilitation in the Southeast.
“Something that has been denied us since 1970 has now come into realization,” he added. “We are very grateful.” In response, Deputy Speaker Kalu welcomed the former minister’s endorsement and reiterated the importance of strategic collaboration to consolidate Tinubu’s achievements ahead of the 2027 polls. “Dr. Uche Ogah brings immense value to Abia politics,” Kalu said.
“His support is a signal that unity is gaining ground. We will continue showcasing what the President has done, not just in the Southeast but across the country.”

Former Minister Uche Ogah
Kalu hinted at plans for a regional tour to promote the administration’s accomplishments, noting that the Renewed Hope Partners platform would be instrumental in mobilizing support.
“There are thousands of people out there waiting to get on board,” he said. “Unity is strength. If we work together, we achieve results.”
The meeting is being seen as a strategic political development that could reshape the political landscape in Abia and beyond, as the race toward 2027 begins to gather momentum.
Economy
Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition
Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition
Lagos assembly strongly seeks suspension of Makoko demolition. The Lagos state house of assembly has called for the suspension of demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities following protests by displaced residents and growing public concern over the exercise.
The call was announced on Tuesday by Noheem Adams, chairman of an ad hoc committee set up by Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the house, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lateef Jakande auditorium.
Adams called on all state ministries to cease demolition work and promised compensation to the affected residents.
“On behalf of the speaker and all 40 members of the house, we are directing that all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities should stop from today until further notice,” New Telegraph quoted Adams as saying.
He called for transparency by demanding the full list of taskforce members and the criteria used for engagement, insisting that residents must be actively involved in the process.
“That the taskforce that was constituted, we want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting,” Adams added.

Lagos Assembly
“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensations for all those whose properties have been demolished.”
Stephen Ogundipe, member of the ad-hoc, said there is need for clear communication, adding that residents targeted for relocation or redevelopment must be informed of the government’s plans in advance.
Babatunde Olajide, special adviser to governor of Lagos on E-GIS and urban renewal, confirmed that $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 to transform Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.
He said enumeration of affected properties is underway and reiterated the administration’s commitment to handling the situation with a human face, prioritizing resident safety and fair compensation.
Yusuf Sagra, baale of Makoko, described the assembly’s decision as a “word of peace,” while Orioye Ogungbure, another leader of the community, praised the “democratic responsiveness” of the government.
Crime
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.
Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

EFCC
Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.
The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026
Economy
Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Access Bank gets new board chair Ifeyinwa Osime. Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29.
Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.
Ms Osime, a legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s board in November 2019 as an independent non-executive director and had chaired its Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. This role made her contribute significantly to the bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.
Additionally, Ms Osime is a director at Ebudo Trust Ltd. and a partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial matters and contributes to strategic leadership.
She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the group chairman, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said, “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.
“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African bank.”
Mr Aig-lmoukhuede also congratulated Mr Usoro on the completion of his tenure and on his exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.
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