Economy
NAF Sets To Fast-Tracks Acquisition Of AH-1Z Helicopters
NAF Sets To Fast-Tracks Acquisition Of AH-1Z Helicopters
NAF sets to fast-tracks acquisition of AH-1Z helicopters. The CAS said the acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters would significantly enhance the NAF’s combat effectiveness
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken steps to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters as part of sustained efforts to bolster its operational capabilities.
The NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Mr Ejodame said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, led a high-level delegation to the United States for a programme management review meeting on the acquisition of the 12 helicopters.
He said the strategic meeting, held from June 9 to 13, in San Diego, California, brought together top officials from the United States government and representatives of Messrs Bell Textron, manufacturers of the AH-1Z helicopters.
“Following the programme review, the CAS proceeded to Camp Pendleton, California, where he visited the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 (HMLA-367) and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39 (MALS-39), both under the Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39.
“These squadrons are actively engaged in the operation and maintenance of the AH-1Z helicopter.
“During the visit, the CAS had the opportunity to inspect the helicopters firsthand and engage with senior officers of the United States Marine Corps on best practices for the operation, sustainment, and logistics support of the AH-1Z platform,” Mr Ejodame said.
In his remarks during the engagement, Mr Abubakar expressed appreciation to the U.S Government for its enduring strategic partnership.
He said the acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters would significantly enhance the NAF’s combat effectiveness, operational efficiency, and mission readiness.
Mr Abubakar reaffirmed the NAF’s determination to expedite the procurement process by ensuring the platforms were delivered in the shortest possible time.
“Every necessary step will be taken to facilitate a seamless procurement and integration process.
“This visit has provided a unique opportunity to understand best practices for the operation, sustainment, and logistical support of the AH-1Z platform from the United States Marine Corps,” he said.
Mr Abubakar also reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to the effective and responsible deployment of all acquired air assets in the ongoing fight against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements threatening the peace and stability of the nation.

Nigerian Air Force
According to him, the goal is to create enduring peace, while protecting innocent lives and property in line with internationally accepted rules of engagement.
He also extended appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and strategic guidance.
“The progress made in the AH-1Z acquisition project is a direct reflection of the President’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture,” he said.
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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