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By — Pen Blog Media | World News Date : Sunday, 1st March, 2026 ( 12th Ramadan, 1447 AH ). IRAN has officially announced the death of its Supreme Leader , Ali Khamenei , confirming that the long-serving cleric was killed during recent military strikes attributed to Israel and its allies. The confirmation, which came a few hours ago, put an end to uncertainty and conflicting claims surrounding his fate. In a nationwide broadcast, Iranian state television described Khamenei’s death as martyrdom , declaring a prolonged period of national mourning. Senior officials said the Supreme Leader gave his life in defense of Iran’s sovereignty, framing the development as a turning point in the country’s modern history. FROM DENIAL TO CONFIRMATION Recall that Pen Blog Media had earlier reported that Iranian authorities had rejected foreign claims that Khamenei was among those killed. Officials repeatedly dismissed the reports as psychological warfare, insisting that the country’s leadership remai...

By — Pen Blog Media | World News Date : Saturday, 28th February, 2026 ( 11th Ramadan, 1447 AH ). ISRAEL has said that Iran’s Supreme Leader , Ali Khamenei , may have been killed following recent military strikes , a claim that Iranian authorities have firmly dismissed as false. Speaking after the attacks, Israeli officials suggested that intelligence gathered from the strikes indicated that Khamenei did not survive the bombardment, which reportedly targeted strategic locations linked to Iran’s leadership and military command structure. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that there were “strong indications” pointing to the death of the Iranian leader, adding that the operation also struck senior figures within Iran’s security and nuclear establishments. However, no independent or visual confirmation has been released to support the claim. IRAN PUSHES BACK Iranian authorities quickly rejected Israel’s statements, insisting that the Supreme Leader remains alive. Governme...

By : Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus . Date : Friday, 27th February, 2026 ( 10th Ramadan, 1447 AH ). Abakaliki — THE Federal Government has launched a free cancer screening exercise in Ebonyi State as part of a nationwide health intervention aimed at improving early detection and reducing cancer-related deaths. The programme, which commenced at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital , is expected to provide screening services for 1,000 individuals in its initial phase. Health officials said the exercise aligns with efforts to raise public awareness and strengthen preventive healthcare. Speaking on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare , officials explained that cancer remains a significant public health concern, with late diagnosis contributing heavily to mortality rates. They noted that individuals diagnosed during the screening would be linked to appropriate treatment and care. The initiative also includes training sessions for medical pe...

By : Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus . Date : Friday, 27th February, 2026 ( 10th Ramadan, 1447 AH ). Abuja — THE Federal Government has stated that Nigeria has reached a stage where the adoption of state police has become both necessary and achievable, citing growing security demands across the country. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris , disclosed this while speaking with stakeholders in Abuja, noting that decentralising policing would allow states to respond more effectively to local security challenges. According to him, the current security framework has placed enormous pressure on federal law enforcement agencies, making collaboration with state-managed police structures increasingly important. He explained that community-based policing would enhance intelligence gathering and foster closer relationships between residents and security operatives. The minister added that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to security sector reforms and ...

By : Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus . Date : Thursday, 18th February, 2026 ( 2nd Ramadan , 1447 AH ). PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked Nigerians to forgive him for any lapses in his leadership as the holy month of Ramadan commenced on Wednesday. He made the appeal during the opening Tafsir at the State House Mosque, Abuja . Tinubu urged citizens to embrace humility, reflection, and goodwill, stressing that Ramadan is not just about fasting, but also about kindness, patience, and moral renewal. “As we begin this Ramadan, we are reminded to do good, share love, and forgive. If I have erred, I ask Nigerians to forgive me,” he said. Watch Video Here Highlighting the overlap between Ramadan and Christian Lent , the President said it symbolizes shared values of sacrifice, prayer, and self-discipline, encouraging interfaith harmony . He also called on Nigerians to pray for peace, stability, and progress, urging support for efforts addressing security and economic challenges . Religious...

By : Pen Blog Media . Date : Wednesday, 18th, February, 2026 ( 1st Ramadan , 1447 AH ). MUSLIMS and Christians around the world have entered their sacred fasting seasons simultaneously, as Ramadan and Lent begin on the same day for the first time in 33 years. The last occurrence was in 1993, making this year’s alignment notable for both faiths. Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar , which is approximately 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. As a result, the month of fasting shifts earlier each year and coincides with Lent roughly once every three decades. In Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and several other nations, Muslims commenced fasting at dawn on Wednesday after authorities confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the start of Ramadan 1447. In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto , Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar , declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan following verified moon sightings across various parts of t...

By : Pen Blog Media . Date : Tuesday, 17th February, 2026 ( 29th Sha'ban, 1447 AH ). Abuja, Nigeria – February 17, 2026 THE Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has officially confirmed the sighting of the Ramadan crescent in Nigeria, signaling the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan 1447AH . In a statement issued in the night of Tuesday, the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in collaboration with the National Moonsighting Committee, announced that verified reports of the new moon were received from various locations across the country. His Eminence, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar , the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the NSCIA, subsequently accepted the reports and declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026 , as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH. According to the statement signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, the Sultan congratulated the Nigerian Muslim Um...

By : Pen Blog Media . Date : Tuesday, 17th February, 2026 ( 29th Sha'ban, 1447 AH ). THE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially declared the sighting of the Ramadan crescent, marking the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH . The confirmation was issued just in the beginning hours of this evening, following verified reports from authorized moon-sighting committees across different regions of the country. With the new moon established, Sha’ban has concluded, and Muslims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will begin observing Ramadan from tonight, with the first day of fasting set for Wednesday. Earlier, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia had called on residents to observe the sky on the 29th night of Sha’ban and report any credible sighting of the crescent. The latest announcement affirms that the hilal has been successfully observed in accordance with Islamic tradition. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a sacred period dedicated to fasting fr...

By : Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus . Date : Monday, 16th February, 2026 ( 28th Sha'ban, 1447 AH ). THE Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 United States military personnel in Nigeria to strengthen the operational capacity of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). According to military authorities, the U.S. personnel and their equipment landed at the Bauchi Airfield as part of a bilateral defence cooperation agreement between Nigeria and the United States. The arrangement followed a formal request by the Federal Government to enhance specialised training and technical support for Nigerian troops. The DHQ disclosed that the decision was finalised during a joint working group meeting involving senior defence officials from both countries. The discussions reportedly centred on bridging identified gaps in training, intelligence sharing, and technical operations within the Nigerian military. A senior military official explained that the vi...

By : Pen Blog Media . Date : Monday, 16th February, 2026 ( 28th Sha'ban, 1447 AH ). THE Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced that Muslims across the country should look out for the crescent marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447AH on Tuesday evening (tomorrow), 17th February, 2026. The directive was issued by the President-General of the Council and Sultan of Sokoto , Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar , in a statement endorsed by the NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede , and released to the press. According to the statement, “If the crescent is sighted on Tuesday, fasting will commence on Wednesday, 18 February 2026. However, if it is not sighted, Ramadan will begin on Thursday, 19 February 2026.” The Sultan disclosed that the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), working alongside the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has concluded arrangements for coordinated and official observation across the country. The Council also ex...

By : Pen Blog Media . Date : Sunday, 15th February, 2026 ( 27th Sha'ban, 1447 AH ). SUPREME Court of Saudi Arabia has appealed to Muslims throughout the Kingdom to look out for the crescent moon that will signal the commencement of Ramadan 1447 AH . In a public notice issued ahead of the expected date, the Court requested that citizens and residents observe the sky on the evening of Tuesday, 29 Sha’ban 1447 AH, which corresponds to February 17, 2026, based on the Umm Al-Qura calendar . “The sighting of the crescent is the established method for confirming the beginning of the blessed month,” the statement noted, urging collective participation in the process. Authorities encouraged individuals who are able to sight the moon—either with the unaided eye or by using optical aids such as binoculars —to report their observation to the nearest court and formally record their testimony. “The Court calls upon anyone who witnesses the crescent to come forward and register their stat...

By : Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola , Badmus . Date : Friday, 13th February, 2026 ( 25th Sha'ban, 1447 AH ). THE Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) has officially unveiled the timetable and comprehensive schedule for the 2027 general elections . Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan , dismissed earlier media reports claiming that the electoral body had already published the election timetable prior to the official announcement. Amupitan explained that the issuance of the election schedule aligns with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended). According to the Commission, the Presidential Election is slated for 20th February, 2027, while governorship, senatorial, and other federal and state assembly elections will take place on 6th March, 2027. Details later...

By : Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus . Date : Thursday, 12th February, 2026 ( 24th Sha'ban, 1447 AH ). NORTH Korean leader,  Kim Jong Un has reportedly designated his 13-year-old daughter, Kim Ju Ae , as his successor, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS). The agency informed lawmakers on Thursday that its assessment was based on Ju Ae’s increasing presence at key state events and her prominent portrayal in official media. She first appeared publicly in 2022 during a missile inspection and has since accompanied her father to major military and political functions, including a recent trip to Beijing . South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kwen said Ju Ae, previously believed to be undergoing leadership grooming, has now entered the stage of formal “ successor designation .” He added that signs suggest she may already be involved in discussions on certain state matters. Attention is now on whether she will attend the Workers’ Party congress later this month — t...

By: Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus. Date: Wednesday, 11th February, 2026 ( 23rd Sha’ban, 1447A H). THE United States has dispatched approximately 200 military personnel to Nigeria to support the country’s fight against terrorism through training and advisory roles, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal . An American defence official told the publication that the deployment follows recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who criticised Nigeria over alleged failures to protect Christians from extremist violence. The troops are expected to enhance Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations by providing specialised training and operational assistance. They will reinforce a small contingent of US military advisers already stationed in the country, who work with Nigerian forces on intelligence gathering and target identification, officials from both nations confirmed. Speaking during a virtual briefing on Tuesday, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen Dagv...

By : Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus . Date : Monday, 9th February, 2026 ( 21st Sha'ban, 1447 AH ). THE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board ( JAMB ) has announced that registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination ( UTME ) will end in 17 days, on Thursday, 26 February 2026, with no provision for an extension. The Board urged intending candidates to complete their registration promptly, emphasising that the closing date would not be altered under any circumstance. In its weekly bulletin issued on Monday, JAMB expressed worry over the poor turnout at several accredited registration centres across the country, despite the process having commenced weeks ago. It cautioned that the long-standing habit of candidates delaying registration until the final days and later calling for an extension would not be accommodated in 2026. “This repeated trend, where candidates intentionally wait until the deadline and then agitate for an extension, will not be entertain...

By : Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus . Date : Monday, 9th February, 2026 ( 21st Sha’ban, 1447 AH ). CAMBRIDGE University in the UK has formally transferred ownership of 116 Benin artefacts from its Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA) to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM). The move, described by the university as “an important step in addressing colonial-era cultural losses,” follows a formal request by the NCMM in January 2022. The request sought the return of items taken during the 1897 British expedition against Benin City . The artefacts, mostly brass, along with ivory and wooden carvings, were seized during the punitive military campaign of February 1897. “These objects are not just artefacts; they carry history and identity,” said NCMM Director-General Olugbile Holloway . Most of the items will be returned to Nigeria in the coming months. A few will remain in Cambridge on loan for research and public display. Cambridge noted that the decision ...

By : Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus . Date: Monday, 9th February, 2026 ( 21st Sha’ban, 1447 AH ). A Borno State police officer, Mohammad Muhammad , has been commended for returning ₦2.6 million that was mistakenly credited to his bank account. The officer, a United Bank for Africa (UBA) customer, received the funds in error from a Moniepoint customer but promptly ensured they were returned to the rightful owner. The commendation followed a Facebook post by Bello Jafar on Friday, praising Muhammad for what he called an “uncommon display of honesty and integrity .” “I would like to formally appreciate Mohammad Alhaji Muhammad , a police officer and loyal UBA customer, for his exceptional integrity,” Jafar wrote. “Rather than ignoring the unexpected credit, he made deliberate efforts to trace the source and return the funds in full.” Jafar described the action as a reflection of strong moral values and professionalism. “His conduct demonstrates honesty, responsibility, and moral discipl...

By : Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus . Date : Monday, 9th February, 2026 ( 21st Sha'ban, 1447 AH ). POPULAR Nollywood actress Faithia Balogun has announced the passing of her mother, a sad development that occurred around the period of her 55th birthday celebration. The actress, who marked her 55th birthday on Thursday, February 5, 2026, revealed that her mother died on the eve of her birthday dinner, which was held on Sunday, February 8. She explained that her family intentionally withheld the information from her so she could proceed with the celebration without distress. Faithia stated that she was only able to attend the star-studded event because she was unaware of the incident at the time. Expressing her grief, the actress described her late mother as her greatest supporter, prayer partner , closest friend, and trusted companion, noting that the reality of the loss has yet to fully sink in. She added that the family has taken solace in Allah (SWT) and has chosen to keep the...

By : Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola Badmus. Date : Saturday, 7 February 2026 (19th Sha’ban 1447 AH). THE Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu , has approved an increase in the annual uniform allowance for nurses in federal service from N20,000 to N80,000. The approval was granted by the National Salaries, Wages and Income Commission (NSIWC), according to an official memo signed by the Commission’s Chairman, Ekpo Nta . The revised allowance represents a 300 per cent increase and takes effect from January 1, 2026. The memo directs that the allowance be paid through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to nurses working in federal hospitals, medical centres and clinics across ministries, departments and agencies. It also states that the payment will no longer be sourced from overhead allocations, noting that the change aligns the allowance with other statutory entitlements processed through the IPPIS platform. The correspondence was addressed to the Min...

By : Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus . Pen Blog Media .            COMMON REASONS 1. Illness : Fever , colds, flu, ear issues, or stomach infections can briefly lower appetite. 2. Stomach Problems: Constipation , diarrhea, bloating, or tummy pain may make eating unpleasant. 3. Mouth or Tooth Pain : Teething , mouth sores, or dental discomfort can cause food avoidance. 4. Low Iron or Poor Nutrition : Certain nutrient shortages may affect appetite and energy levels. 5. Emotional Stress : Starting school, separation, or changes at home can influence eating habits. 6. Normal Growth : Toddlers may reject food as part of growing independence. 7. Too Many Snacks or Sugary Drinks : These can dull hunger during meal times. 8. Stressful Mealtimes : Pressure to eat or distractions like TV and phones may reduce interest in food.           WHAT PARENTS CAN DO - Serve small, nutritious meals. - Maintain calm and consistent meal routines. - Cut do...

By : Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus Date : Tuesday, 3rd February, 2026 (15th. Sha'ban, 1447 AH). The National Examinations Council ( NECO ) has released the results of the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External , recording a strong overall performance among candidates nationwide. According to figures presented by the council, 96,979 candidates enrolled for the examination across 16 subjects, made up of 51,823 males and 45,156 females. Of this number, 95,160 candidates eventually participated in the exercise. Performance statistics revealed that 82,082 candidates—representing 86.26 per cent—secured five credits and above irrespective of English Language and Mathematics. Meanwhile, 68,166 candidates, accounting for 71.63 per cent, achieved five credits and above including both core subjects. • Related article: How To Check NECO Results Online: Step-by-step Guidelines For Candidates A subject-by-subject analysis showed that 93,425 candidates sat for English Langua...