16-Year Single Presidency? Nigerian Senator Sparks Reaction with Bold Reform Proposal

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 

EBONYI, NIGERIA — In a move that has sent ripples through the Nigerian political landscape, Senator Kenneth Eze (APC-Ebonyi) is calling for a radical overhaul of the nation’s leadership structure. The lawmaker is advocating for a single 16-year presidential tenure, arguing that the current four-year cycle is the primary "stumbling block" to national development.

Addressing journalists on Monday at his country home in Ezza South, Eze who serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation critiqued the "campaign mode" that consumes Nigerian governance.

Under the current 1999 Constitution, presidents serve a four-year term with the option of a single renewal. However, Eze contends this system breeds instability.

“Every four years, we return to campaign mode. By the third year, governance slows as attention shifts to re-election,” Eze stated. “That is why projects are abandoned and policies are not allowed to mature.”

The Senator’s proposal aims to insulate the Presidency from the "distractions" of seeking a second term. By extending the mandate to 16 years, Eze believes the government can finally tackle long-term projects that currently fail due to political turnover.

Key sectors cited by the lawmaker include: Energy & Power: Reforms that require a decade or more to stabilize. Agriculture: Long-term irrigation and mechanization schemes. Infrastructure: Preventing the "abandoned project" syndrome. Fiscal Reform: Allowing tough economic transitions, like the fuel subsidy removal, to bear fruit.

Defending the current administration's economic shifts, Eze noted that Nigeria was previously "borrowing to pay salaries" a path he described as unsustainable. He framed the 16-year proposal not as an assault on democracy, but as a governance conversation designed to ensure that "tough decisions" lead to long-term stability rather than electoral suicide.

Eze acknowledged that such a monumental shift would be an uphill battle. Any change to the presidential tenure requires:

1. National Assembly Approval: Significant majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

2. State Ratification: Approval by at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s State Houses of Assembly.

3. National Dialogue: A transparent process to ensure checks and balances remain intact.

While the proposal is bound to face scrutiny from those wary of long-term power consolidation, Eze insists that without a "national dialogue" on how the system functions, Nigeria will remain trapped in a cycle of short-term thinking.

(NAN)

SEAL Initiative and Grace Clinicals Impact 100+ at Badagry Outreach

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Organizing team 

SAMO SEJE, BADAGRY – In a display of community-driven healthcare, the SEAL Initiative, in collaboration with Grace Clinicals, successfully hosted a comprehensive School Community Medical Outreach Program on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The event, held in the Samo Seje area of Badagry, Lagos State, provided life-saving healthcare services and vital health education to over 100 students, parents, staff members, and residents of the surrounding underserved community.

Founded by Makinde Endurance Anuoluwapo, the SEAL Initiative is a student-centered NGO dedicated to empowering the next generation through education and social impact. This latest intervention, facilitated through the "SEAL Community" platform, specifically targeted Ade Galaxy School, bringing a "hospital to the doorstep" for families who often face significant barriers to quality medical care in the border town.

The outreach addressed a critical need for accessible primary healthcare in Badagry. Medical experts from Grace Clinicals conducted basic evaluations for adults and staff, identifying common issues such as hypertension and malaria. Following consultations, essential medications and Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) were distributed to participants. The provision of ORS was particularly timely, serving as a preventative measure against dehydration-related complications in the current climate.

One of the most impactful segments of the day was the interactive educational session for female students on menstrual health. In many rural Lagos communities, "period poverty" and social taboos often lead to school absenteeism.

"Inside that classroom, we are not just talking about biology; we are restoring dignity," an organizer noted.

The team dispelled common myths and provided practical tips on hygiene management. To ensure the lessons were backed by action, sanitary pads were distributed to every student present, a gesture designed to keep them in school and focused on their studies regardless of their monthly cycle.

In a rare but necessary addition to local medical outreaches, a dedicated Mental Health Awareness session was organized for both parents and students. The facilitators focused on early signs of emotional distress and the importance of open communication within the family. By reducing the stigma associated with mental health challenges, the SEAL Initiative aimed to foster a more supportive home and school environment for the young learners.

This outreach is part of a broader mission by the SEAL Initiative to promote inclusive development. By combining medical assessments with social education, the NGO ensures that its impact goes beyond the physical distribution of drugs.

"Our mission is to support vulnerable populations by ensuring they have the health awareness needed to thrive," said founder Makinde Endurance Anuoluwapo. "When students are healthy and informed, their leadership potential is limitless."

The residents of Samo Seje and the management of Ade Galaxy School expressed deep gratitude for the intervention. For many parents, it was their first professional medical check-up in months. Community leaders praised the collaboration between SEAL Globals and Grace Clinicals, noting that such partnerships are essential in bridging the infrastructure deficit in Badagry’s health sector.

"A National Disgrace": Residents Cry Out Over Deplorable Mowo-Ikoga-Ado Odo Road

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Mowo-Ikoga-Ado Odo road 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a scathing indictment of infrastructure neglect, Badagry activist Prince Samuel Mawutin Ofade has labeled the current state of the Mowo-Ikoga-Ado Odo road a "national and state disgrace." 

The outcry, made on Monday, February 16, 2026, highlights the worsening conditions of a critical artery that connects the historical town of Badagry in Lagos State to the industrial and agrarian hub of Ado Odo in Ogun State.

For thousands of commuters, the road has transformed into a death trap and a graveyard for vehicles. Once a bustling route during the era of "Molue" and "Bolekaja" transportation, the road is now in total shambles. Residents describe a hellish daily commute marked by deep craters, stagnant pools of water, and mud that effectively cuts off hundreds of communities from essential services.

Mowo-Ikoga-Ado Odo road 

Prince Ofade’s critique took a sharp political turn as he questioned the efficacy of the area’s representatives at both state and federal levels. Specifically, he called out the Deputy Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), who represents Badagry Constituency II.

"There is no evidence of lobby or presentation regarding the worst condition of this dilapidated road at the Lagos State House of Assembly," Ofade stated in a post on his official Facebook page. "Despite a ten-year tenure spanning three terms, the road remains a nightmare. What then prompts a request for a fourth term?"

The activist also extended the challenge to the federal representative in Abuja, arguing that four years is more than enough time to achieve results if the representative understands the "game of lobbying," especially for a road that leads directly to their home community.

Mowo-Ikoga-Ado Odo road 

The Mowo-Ikoga axis is not just a transportation corridor; it is an economic lifeline for farmers, traders, and small business owners. Its continued dilapidation is seen by many as a deliberate stunting of Badagry’s development.

"The road’s condition is not just a transportation issue; it’s a human rights issue," Ofade argued. "It is as if our area’s development is being deliberately ignored. Is Badagry truly part of Lagos State, and do our votes matter?"

While rumors circulated last year that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had awarded a contract for the road's reconstruction, residents claim there has been no visible mobilization to the site. Many now view such reports as "mere political propaganda" designed to keep the electorate hopeful as the 2027 general elections approach.

Beyond the economic toll, the road has become a significant health hazard. Dust during the dry season and waterborne diseases during the rains have made life unbearable for those living along the Mowo to Koga Zebbe stretch. The silence of the youth many of whom are allegedly swayed by short-term political gains was also highlighted as a factor perpetuating the underdevelopment.

In a direct appeal for intervention, the people of Badagry are looking toward the Executive Chairman of the Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Adande Hunpe. Stakeholders are urging the Chairman to use his office to bridge the communication gap between the local needs and the state and federal governments.

The demand is clear: Badagry should not be treated as a mere "political tool" for votes. As the 2027 election cycle begins to loom, the "National Disgrace" at Mowo-Ikoga stands as a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done.

US Military Jets Touch Down as Joint Counter-Terror Deployment Begins

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

C-17 Globemaster III

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — The landscape of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency effort shifted significantly this week as three United States military aircraft arrived at the Nigerian Air Force base in Maiduguri. The arrival of the C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Super Hercules transport planes marks the "vanguard" of a strategic deployment aimed at dismantling jihadist networks and restoring stability across West Africa.

The first aircraft touched down late Thursday night, February 12, 2026, followed by two more by Friday evening. This operation is the first major physical manifestation of a bilateral agreement between the Biden-Trump transition era policies and the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, following a series of high-level security talks in Abuja earlier this year.

The deployment consists of approximately 100 US troops arriving this weekend, with the total number expected to reach 200 personnel in the coming weeks. However, Major General Samaila Uba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, was quick to clarify the parameters of the mission to prevent any misconceptions regarding national sovereignty.

"These personnel do not serve in a combat capacity and will not assume a direct operational role," General Uba stated. "Nigerian forces retain full command authority, make all operational decisions, and will lead all missions on Nigerian sovereign territory."

The US forces, primarily intelligence analysts and tactical trainers, will focus on enhancing the Nigerian military's capability to coordinate air strikes and ground maneuvers simultaneously a critical gap in past operations against ISWAP and Boko Haram.

Beyond personnel, the aircraft have begun offloading massive quantities of ammunition and specialized gear. This influx of equipment is part of a broader logistical "stream" intended to replenish Nigerian stocks exhausted by years of persistent conflict.

Security experts tracking the deployment noted that while Maiduguri serves as the primary hub for northeastern operations, other aircraft have touched down at Kainji Air Base and Kaduna International Airport. The spread suggests a multi-front strategy targeting not only the Lake Chad region but also the Middle Belt, where resource-based conflicts have frequently spiraled into ethnic and religious violence.

The current mission builds on the momentum of a "rapid shift" in US-Nigeria relations following US-supported airstrikes against Islamist militants last Christmas. Washington has increasingly focused on what it calls the "protection of vulnerable communities," particularly in the Middle Belt, following intense diplomatic pressure from international activists and Republican lawmakers in the US.

The joint operation focuses on three main pillars: Intelligence Sharing: Utilizing US surveillance data to identify high-value terrorist targets. Infrastructure: Establishing secure, encrypted communication lines between command centers. Rescue Operations: Training Nigerian special forces in advanced navigation and personnel recovery.

As additional C-17 flights are expected over the next fortnight, the presence of foreign boots even in an advisory role signals a new phase in Nigeria's security architecture. For residents of Maiduguri, the sight of the massive American transport planes is a visual reminder of the internationalization of the fight against insurgency.

Argungu Fishing Festival 2026: A Masterclass in Heritage, Unity, and Spectacle

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

The Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival returned in 2026 with a resounding display of Nigeria’s vibrant cultural identity, transforming the historic town of Argungu, Kebbi State, into a global theater of tradition. 

Originally established in 1934 to cement peace between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom, the festival has evolved from a local reconciliatory pact into a UNESCO-recognized masterpiece of intangible cultural heritage. 

This year's edition, which concluded on February 14, 2026, drew over 50,000 participants and tourists, proving that the festival remains a vital pillar of national unity and a crown jewel of West African tourism.

The Grand Finale: A 59kg Catch Steals the Show

The climax of the four-day event was the legendary mass fishing competition at the Matan Fada River. In a moment of high drama, a massive crowd of fishermen, unable to contain their excitement, surged into the river shortly after noon, even before the official arrival of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

Armed only with traditional hand-woven nets and large calabash gourds, the fishermen demonstrated ancestral skill and physical endurance. The 2026 champion, Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area, emerged victorious after landing a staggering 59kg croaker fish, earning him two brand-new Toyota cars and a ₦1 million cash prize.

A Multidimensional Cultural Exhibition

Beyond the adrenaline-fueled fishing contest, the 2026 festival expanded its reach with a diverse array of events. The Kabanci water displays featured thrilling canoe races, wild duck catching, and diving contests that tested the limits of the participants' aquatic prowess. 

On land, the air was thick with the sounds of traditional drummers and praise singers, while masquerades and cultural dancers animated the festival grounds. A new highlight for the 2026 edition was the International Catapulting Competition, which successfully fused indigenous hunting traditions with modern competitive sport, captivating an international audience.

Presidential Recognition and National Stability

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attending as the Special Guest of Honour, lauded the festival as a "powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence." He noted that the successful hosting of the 61st edition is a testament to the return of stability and normalcy in the region. 

The President emphasized that such socio-cultural events are essential drivers for economic diversification, tourism, and rural development. He further commended Governor Nasir Idris for his "purposeful leadership" and for maintaining the security atmosphere necessary to host an event of such international magnitude.

Preserving a UNESCO Global Legacy

The Argungu Festival is more than a competition; it is a living archive of the Kebbawa culture. By banning modern fishing techniques and equipment, the festival ensures that traditional methods are passed down to younger generations. 

This commitment to authenticity is what earned the event its UNESCO inscription in 2016. As the 2026 festival closes, its impact resonates far beyond the riverbanks, stimulating local commerce, boosting the hospitality sector, and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a premier destination for cultural tourism on the global stage.

Badagry Deep Seaport Developer Sultan bin Sulayem Resigns Amid Jeffrey Epstein Revelations

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Proposed Badagry Seaport and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem

DUBAI, UAE – Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the longtime Chairman and CEO of DP World, has resigned following the release of thousands of emails detailing a graphic and personal relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The departure of the Emirati billionaire marks a dramatic fall for the man who once spearheaded a multi-billion dollar bid to transform Nigeria’s maritime landscape through the Badagry Deep Seaport.

The resignation, announced on Friday, February 13, 2026, came after intense pressure from international investors. DP World confirmed that Essa Kazim has been appointed as the new Chairman, while Yuvraj Narayan takes over as Group CEO. The company stated the move was to "support its strategy for sustainable growth," though the timing directly follows the unsealing of U.S. Justice Department files that named bin Sulayem over 4,000 times in correspondence with Epstein.

Bin Sulayem’s influence famously extended to Nigeria, where he aggressively pursued the development of the Badagry Deep Seaport in Lagos. Emails from June 2018 reveal that bin Sulayem contacted Jide Zeitlin, a Nigerian-born Wall Street investor and former Goldman Sachs partner, to express his preference for the Badagry site over Lekki.

"Dear Jide, Jeffrey introduced us a while ago. We are very interested in Nigeria. The two locations available are Badagry and Lekki, we prefer Badagry because the infrastructure is better," bin Sulayem wrote in a 2018 email, highlighting how the Epstein network acted as a bridge for Nigerian infrastructure discussions.

The unsealed files paint a disturbing picture of the bond between the Dubai ports boss and the convicted paedophile. In one 2013 exchange, Epstein referred to bin Sulayem as one of his "most trusted friends in every sense of the word," adding that the Emirati had "never let him down."

The correspondence included lewd details, with bin Sulayem recommending a Tokyo-based spa to Epstein that offered explicit services such as "facesitting" and "ejaculation by hand massage." In other messages, bin Sulayem boasted of his sexual exploits, describing a September 2015 encounter with a Russian woman as the "best sex I ever had."

The scandal has also cast a shadow over former Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okey Enelamah. Reports suggest that Jide Zeitlin the man bin Sulayem lobbied for the Badagry project had previously introduced Enelamah and Sulayem through the Epstein network. While Enelamah, a Pentecostal pastor, has maintained he committed no wrongdoing, the revelation of these high-level connections to the Epstein circle has sparked fresh scrutiny of past Nigerian trade negotiations.

The fallout reached a breaking point when major financial partners began severing ties. British International Investment (BII) and Canada’s La Caisse, which has invested over $5 billion in DP World, paused future ventures, demanding that the company "shed light" on bin Sulayem’s conduct.

"We have made it clear to the company that we expect it to shed light on the situation and take the necessary actions," a representative for La Caisse stated, emphasizing the distinction between the corporation and the individual.

With bin Sulayem out, the new leadership under Kazim and Narayan faces the monumental task of restoring the reputation of Dubai’s largest seaport operator. The company oversees roughly 10% of global container traffic, but the shadow of the Epstein files and the "torture video" comments which bin Sulayem was allegedly associated with threatens to linger.

For Nigeria, the resignation marks the end of an era for the specific vision of the Badagry Deep Seaport once pushed by bin Sulayem. As the global maritime community watches the transition, the focus shifts to whether the new leadership will revisit abandoned African projects or distance itself entirely from the controversial legacy of its former chief.

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**Would you like me to draft a follow-up analysis on how this leadership change might impact current DP World investments in other African ports?**

APC Vows to Resist Vandalism of President Tinubu’s Billboards

 By: Manoah Kikekon

GUSAU, Zamfara – The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a stern warning against the "unruly" destruction of billboards featuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle.

In a statement released on Friday, February 13, 2026, the party condemned the wave of vandalism sweeping through the state capital, Gusau. The party leadership cautioned that these targeted attacks on political symbols are not mere acts of mischief but are calculated attempts to incite political violence and destabilize the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the Zamfara APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, the party has observed a systematic removal and destruction of billboards carrying the President’s image. This "erratic behavior," he noted, has transitioned from a general clampdown on APC branding to direct disrespect toward the nation’s Commander-in-Chief.

"This behavior has been ongoing over time, and it started with the clampdown on all APC billboards until the party petitioned security agencies," Idris stated. "Enough is enough. The APC, as a peace-loving party, will not fold its arms while disrespectful citizens carry out such illegal activities in the name of politics."

The statement highlighted a specific incident on Wednesday when sponsored thugs allegedly attempted to vandalize a prominent billboard located in front of the personal residence of Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence. The billboard also featured **Senator Abdulaziz Yari, both of whom are former governors and influential leaders within the party.

The APC credited the quick intervention of security personnel attached to the minister’s residence for preventing the total destruction of the facility. The party warned that using "thugs" to stir up crisis ahead of party congresses is a dangerous precedent that must be stopped immediately.

The Zamfara APC is now calling on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to treat these acts of vandalism as a threat to national security. Idris emphasized that the party would no longer tolerate the "incivility" of selfish politicians who encourage lawlessness to gain political leverage.

"We will not tolerate the activities of some selfish politicians to encourage political violence. We implore security agencies in the state to stop such vandalism and disrespect to the president," the statement added.

As the 2027 election cycle begins to loom, the political atmosphere in Zamfara remains tense. The APC maintains that while political rivalry is expected, the destruction of public and private property crosses a legal and moral line.