News
TACKLING INSECURITY IN ENUGU: Stakeholders Accuses Mbah Of Illegitimacy
The Enugu State Stakeholders Forum (ESSF) has ascribed the failure of the state government’s cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home order to the lack of legitimacy by the new Peter Mbah government that came into being last May 29.
In a statement in Enugu today signed by the ESSF’s leader, Professor Joseph Aneke, and the secretary, Dr Ifeanyi Agbo, the stakeholders said that what would have been a good government initiative failed spectacularly because Mbah did not think through it before announcing it.
“Mbah has been desperate to do something popular to get accepted by the Enugu people because he and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government did not win the March 18 gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections”, declared the stakeholders.
“He merely hit upon the idea of ending the illegal sit-at-home declared by nonstate actors; it is a brainwave rather than a sound government policy”.
The ESSF observed that if the government had thought through it, the administration would have first called a meeting of stakeholders to discuss the government’s new step to end insecurity and provide honest suggestions on the way forward which all groups would accept to implement from an agreed day.
The ESSG regretted that with “the government order failing as most Enugu people last Monday observed sit-at-home as usual, out of fear of vicious attacks by nonstate actors, the state government took a panic measure by calling for a meeting of all kinds of stakeholders yesterday (Saturday) at the Old Governor’s Lodge in GRA, Enugu.
“The meeting should have been called before announcing the cancellation as no right-thinking person puts the cart before the horse.
“The central issue in ending the destructive sit-at-home order is deploying security forces everywhere, from markets to government offices to motor parks to major and minor roads, and all other public places.
“The people will defy IPOB and its agents once there is a fair assurance of security”.
The group also faulted the government for implementing the cancellation before the appointment of key government officials.
“It is top government officials like the Commissioner for Security and the Special Adviser on Security who will drive the implementation of this security step and take responsibility for it, not just the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, a fellow Nkanu person who is the only person appointed by Mbah since assumption of office”.
The ESSF criticised the meeting at the Old Governor’s Lodge “for having only one item on the agenda: endorsement of the anti-sit-at-home order, which looks pretty sycophantic.
“It should have discussed in a serious manner modalities for the success of the government’s cancellation of the order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) that has been taking a tremendous toll on the entire people of the Southeast.
“The government’s resounding failure or inability to think correctly before taking action is what normally obtains when the people did not choose a government, and so does all manner of things to gain acceptance.
“Security is not provided through populism and all such acts of playing to the gallery”.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) responded to a distress call at 20:29 hours regarding a fire outbreak at an expansive warehouse located on Coker Market Road, Amuwo-Odofin Industrial Layout, Mile 2, Lagos.
Firefighting crews arrived the scene promptly at 20:40 hours. Firefighters from the Ajegunle, Sari Iganmu, Okota, and Alausa Fire Stations were immediately mobilised to combat the blaze.
The affected warehouse was stocked with chemical materials stored in hundreds of 200-litre drums, posing significant risk.
Through swift and coordinated intervention, the fire was brought under control, preventing further escalation and damage to adjoining facilities. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded.
The cause of the fire outbreak is yet to be ascertained, as investigations are currently ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reiterates its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges residents and business owners to adhere strictly to fire safety regulations at all times.
News
Senator Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Human-Centered Approach to AI in Education on International Day of Education 2026
In a message issued to mark the International Day of Education, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, urged Nigerians and the global community to prioritize human agency amid the rise of artificial intelligence in learning environments.
This year’s observance, held annually on January 24 under United Nations auspices, carries the theme “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.”
The First Lady emphasized that education continues to serve as the most powerful instrument for equipping individuals with knowledge, values, creativity, and ethical judgment essential for success in a fast-changing, technology-driven era.
“As we embrace artificial intelligence and innovation, we must ensure that technology serves humanity, not the other way around,” Senator Tinubu stated.
“Humans must remain the drivers of AI, harnessing innovation while preserving the values that define us and sustain development.
”Highlighting Nigeria’s national priorities, she reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in quality and inclusive education that enables children and youth to develop critical thinking, act with responsibility, and approach the future with confidence and compassion.
The First Lady’s message aligns with broader global discussions on balancing technological advancement with the irreplaceable role of human insight in education systems.
She concluded her address with warm greetings:
“Happy International Day of Education 2026.
Emergency responders successfully contained a fire outbreak at the No Sapid Container Terminal 2 area in Mile 2 on Saturday, January 24, 2026, with no loss of life or injuries recorded.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Eagle Squad, working alongside the Lagos State Fire Service, LRU Fire, and Nigeria Police, swiftly intervened to prevent the blaze from spreading to neighbouring structures.
According to a situation report issued by LASEMA Permanent Secretary Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the fire originated from a building behind the container terminal where multiple drums of chemicals and oils were stored — a factor that contributed to the intensity and rapid spread of the flames.
While the fire was still raging at the time of the report due to the highly combustible materials involved, joint firefighting efforts continued throughout the day to bring it fully under control.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the extent of property damage or any potential environmental concerns arising from the incident, but the absence of casualties has been attributed to the prompt and coordinated response by the emergency teams.
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