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MACBAN: Cattle Breeders Union Not Religious Group, Says President

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MACBAN

MACBAN: Cattle Breeders Union Not Religious Group, Says President

MACBAN: Cattle breeders union not religious group, says president. Mr Othman-Ngelzarma stated that Nigeria’s pastoral sector was a critical part of the nation’s economy.

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), says the organisation is not a militia, armed group or religious movement, but a socio-economic association engaged in lawful trade representation.

The President of MACBAN, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, stated this on Sunday in Abuja at a news briefing on the U.S. House Resolution (H. Res.) 860 and recent developments.
Mr Othman-Ngelzarma also said that MACBAN does not support, condone, harbour, finance, or protect any form of criminality, extremism or violence, adding that the association was not and never  been an armed group or violent organisation.
According to him, MACBAN condemns in the strongest possible terms banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping, terrorism, or any crime whatsoever.
The president stated that any individual who engages in crime, whether pastoralist or not, acts alone ” and must face the full weight of Nigerian law.

He said, “Our membership spans all states of the federation and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s food security, rural economy, and national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As a non-political, non-religious and non-violent association, our focus remains advocacy for pastoral development, modernisation of livestock systems, and the peaceful coexistence of herders and farmers through dialogue and mutual respect.

“MACBAN’s identity is founded on appreciation, service, and community development—not violence or confrontation. Any attempt to associate us with any extremists or criminal elements misrepresents our core objectives and values.”

Mr Othman-Ngelzarma assured that MACBAN would continue to support peace building and security initiatives for a harmonious and resilient Nigeria.
He said that criminals must not be mistaken for pastoralists, and the peaceful pastoral majority should not and must not ever be profiled because of the actions of a few violent individuals who exploit pastoral identity.

He added, “MACBAN wishes to address the Nigerian public, the international community, and particularly the United States Government including the distinguished members of the United States Congress regarding the recently introduced U.S. House Resolution H. Res. 860.
“MACBAN acknowledges the humanitarian concerns that underpin the resolution. However, some of its assertions present an incomplete and misleading picture of pastoral communities in Nigeria.

We, therefore, find it important to request for a balanced, factual, and informed position and offer clarification that reflects the realities on the ground.
“Any international intervention—legislative or humanitarian—must be based on accurate context, not stereotypes or incomplete narratives.”
Mr Othman-Ngelzarma appealed to the United States Congress to reverse HR 860 to remove all mention of MACBAN.

MACBAN

MACBAN

“They should engage with credible local actors, including pastoralist and farming groups, security agencies, and civil society partners and evidence-based assessments that include the humanitarian losses of pastoral communities. The congress should support long-term interventions, including grazing reserves and land restoration,” he said.

Mr Othman-Ngelzarma stated that Nigeria’s pastoral sector was a critical part of the nation’s economy and cultural heritage and required support, not stigmatisation.

He added,” MACBAN reaffirms its dedication to peace, justice, and national unity. We will continue to work with the security agencies, development partners, and governments to address the root causes of conflict and ensure that herding and farming communities coexist in safety and mutual respect.

“We urge all Nigerians and international stakeholders to stand with those who risk their lives daily—security operatives, community mediators, traditional rulers, and pastoral leaders—working tirelessly to restore peace to our nation. ”

Economy

Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition

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Lagos Assembly

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

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.

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Crime

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video

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EFCC Probes Man

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 Probes Man

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

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Economy

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

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National Bank Of Kenya

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.

National Bank Of Kenya

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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