The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation has clarified why staff of the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and four other federal agencies have not yet received their February 2026 salaries.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to a statement by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Accountant-General’s office, the delay is due to gaps in the budget allocated for personnel costs in the affected organisations.

The agencies impacted include the Federal Ministry of Steel Development, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the National Rural Electrification Agency, Kamuku National Park, and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria. The shortfall in funds caused the hold-up in salary payments.

The Accountant-General’s office stated that the affected organisations have been instructed to liaise with the Cash Management Office of the Federal Ministry of Finance to address the funding gaps. Salaries for other federal workers outside these agencies have already been processed.

The statement also addressed civil servants with salary accounts at Standard Chartered Bank, noting that some employees were unable to access their funds because the bank requires a minimum account balance of seven million naira. Despite this policy, the salaries were fully transferred to the bank.

The office assured workers that measures are being taken to resolve the delays and ensure timely payment of salaries.

The 2026 federal budget allocates about N8.36 trillion for personnel costs, with additional provisions for pensions and gratuities, reflecting the government’s planned expenditure on staff-related obligations.

The Super Eagles and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have paid tribute to former national team coach Festus Adegboyega Onigbinde, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, was remembered by his family in a WhatsApp message signed by Bolade Adesuyi. They described him as “a respected football figure and community leader” and prayed that “your soul will rest perfectly in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In a statement on , the Super Eagles mourned the loss and celebrated his contributions to Nigerian football. “We commiserate with the family of our former coach, Festus Adegboyega Onigbinde, following his passing. A respected leader and a true servant of Nigerian football. Rest in peace, Coach,” the team said.

The NFF also expressed sorrow over the death of the former Technical Director, calling it a major loss to the sport. NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi noted that the Modakeke high chief left an indelible mark on football in Nigeria and beyond.

“Indeed, a big tree has fallen. Chief Onigbinde lived and breathed football development throughout his life. Even at his age, he never tired of advising on the growth of the game. We pray God grants him eternal rest and gives his family, friends, and the Nigerian football community the strength to bear this great loss,” Sanusi said.

Onigbinde first took charge of the national team, then known as the Green Eagles, between 1982 and 1984. He led Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where the team finished runners-up after a 3-1 loss to Cameroon.

He returned to coach the Super Eagles in 2002, following Shuaibu Amodu’s exit, guiding Nigeria to the FIFA World Cup. The team exited in the group stage after narrow defeats to Argentina and Sweden, along with a draw against England.

Beyond coaching, Onigbinde served as Technical Director of the NFF and worked internationally as a technical adviser for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA. He also contributed to youth development in Trinidad and Tobago.

Onigbinde began his coaching career in the 1960s, rising to prominence in 1977 when he led Water Corporation FC to the African Champions Cup quarter-finals. He later guided Ibadan giants Shooting Stars FC to the continental final in 1984, cementing his legacy in African football.

Tinubu Vows Nigeria Will Defeat Terrorists, Pledges Continued Economic and National Progress....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country will not allow forces seeking to destabilize it to undermine its peace, unity, or independence.

The President made the statement on Monday while hosting religious and traditional leaders for an interfaith breaking of the fast at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The gathering included leaders from various faiths and traditional institutions across the country, aimed at promoting unity and cooperation.

During the event, Tinubu addressed the nation’s security challenges, particularly terrorist activities, noting that attackers are becoming increasingly desperate as security forces intensify operations against them.

“Despite the violence they leave behind, Nigeria will never surrender in the fight against terrorism,” he said. “We remain determined to defeat those responsible for these attacks and restore peace.”

The President added that the government will not be discouraged by the actions of violent groups and will continue working to make the country safer.

Tinubu also addressed the state of the economy, highlighting improvements since his administration took office. He acknowledged inheriting significant economic difficulties but stressed that measures taken have stabilized the nation’s finances and prevented a potential crisis.

He noted that pensioners are gradually receiving their payments and relief, and state governors are no longer struggling to borrow funds just to pay workers’ salaries. The President reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the economy and improving the living standards of Nigerians.

Emphasizing national development, Tinubu pledged continued investments in critical sectors such as agriculture and education, which he said are essential for building a better future for the next generation.

He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, assuring them that his administration remains focused on creating a safer and more prosperous country.

At the event, the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, thanked the President for uniting leaders of the two major religions for the breaking of the fast, noting that the gathering reflects national unity despite religious differences. The traditional ruler prayed for peace and divine guidance for the country and its leadership. He represented the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar.

Archbishop Daniel Okoh