By Favour Bibaikefie, International Affairs Correspondent

Tehran — In an unprecedented escalation of Middle East tensions, Iran’s state media has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel, the government announced late Saturday.

In a statement broadcast on state television, Iranian authorities declared a 40-day period of mourning and seven days of public holiday across the Islamic Republic in memory of the 86-year-old cleric, who had led Iran since 1989.

The announcement confirmed reports from earlier in the day by U.S. and Israeli officials that Khamenei had been killed during a major offensive dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” — a series of air and missile strikes targeting regime leadership and strategic sites across Iran.

President Donald Trump, in a social media post, hailed Khamenei’s death as a significant blow to the Iranian regime, describing him as one of “the most evil people in history.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said there were strong indications that the cleric was “no longer alive” after his compound in Tehran was hit during the attack.

Iranian state media further reported that several members of Khamenei’s immediate family, including a daughter, son-in-law and a grandchild, were killed in the same strike. Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council labelled the attack an “act of aggression” and vowed to hold the United States and Israel accountable.

The death of Iran’s supreme leader — who wielded ultimate authority over the country’s military, judiciary and all branches of government — has triggered widespread uncertainty about the future leadership of the Islamic Republic and heightened fears of broader regional conflict.

The strikes have already prompted retaliatory actions from Iranian forces, with explosions reported across several Middle East countries. International capitals are watching developments closely as responses from neighbouring states and global powers continue to unfold.

By Favour Bibaikefie

LAGOS — Nigeria’s Dangote Group has signed a $400 million equipment agreement with China’s Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) to accelerate the expansion of its oil refinery, reinforcing efforts to boost domestic refining capacity and industrial development.

The company disclosed on Tuesday that the newly acquired equipment will support ongoing projects across its refining, petrochemical, agricultural, and infrastructure operations. The strategic investment is part of Dangote Group’s broader plan to scale up the refinery’s output toward a projected capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day.

Industry analysts say the expansion represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products while strengthening local production and economic growth.

The Dangote Refinery, regarded as one of Africa’s largest industrial projects, is expected to enhance fuel availability, stimulate job creation, and position Nigeria as a key exporter of refined petroleum products in the global energy market.

By: Divine Perezide

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved new caretaker committees to oversee the affairs of the party in five states, pending the inauguration of fresh executive structures.

In a public notice dated January 15, 2026, and signed by the National Organising Secretary, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, the NWC said the decision was taken on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and in line with constitutional provisions. According to the statement, the appointments were made “pursuant to Section 29(2)(b) of our Constitution (2025 as amended).”

State Committees Announced

For Delta State, the committee is headed by Prof. Sylvester Monye as Chairman, with Dr. Michael Tidi, Esq. serving as Secretary. They will be supported by 16 other members including Ujor Ucheonny, Pharm. Victor Ofobrukuta, Comdr. Johnbull Aghogho Kenairu, Chief Ekiyor Charles, and Hon. Mrs. Vero Egbuna, among others.

In Enugu State, Barr. Steve Oruruo was appointed Chairman, while Martin Ugwuamaideze was named Secretary. The committee includes seven additional members such as Ugwu Uchenna Godswill, Lilian C.E. Ugwuoke, and Chief Cosmas Onyia.

The Imo State Caretaker Committee is comparatively lean, with Chief John Jude Okere as Chairman and Mr. Magnus Amadi as Secretary.

For Rivers State, Ogbam Ojimah was named Chairman, with Dr. Field Baribeful Nkor appointed as Secretary. Other members include Richard Enyia Victor, Grace Boma Harry, Princess Isoma Stella Elenwa, and Austin Emeka Wali.

In Osun State, Hon. Tunde Tijani leads the committee, with Hon. Bamidele Seyi-Abiola serving as Secretary. Five additional members were listed, including Hon. Lateef Mumini Obidel and Alhaji Sarafa Gbadeamosi.

Mandate and Tenure

The PDP clarified that the committees are mandated to “manage the affairs of the Party in their respective States, as stipulated in Section 21(2)(a-b) of the PDP Constitution.” The party further noted that the duration of the committees “shall not exceed 90 days, or until such a time as a new Executive Committee is elected.”

Members were also advised to conduct their activities in compliance with the PDP Constitution (2025 as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Nigerian Constitution (1999 as amended).

Meanwhile, the notice closed with the party’s slogan, “PDP, Power to the People,” indicating continuity of its internal restructuring ahead of future political engagements.