NEWS

SpaceX Shifts Focus to Self-Growing Moon City, Elon Musk Announces

by

Elon Musk has revealed that SpaceX is prioritizing the development of a self-growing city on the Moon over its long-term Mars colonization plans.

In a post on X on February 8, 2026, the CEO explained the strategic shift, noting that a lunar settlement could be achieved in less than 10 years, while a similar project on Mars might take over 20 years.

Musk emphasized that securing the future of civilization is the overriding priority, and the Moon offers a faster path due to more frequent launch opportunities compared to Mars, where planetary alignments limit missions to every 26 months.

The announcement marks a pivot for SpaceX, which has long been associated with Musk’s ambition to make humanity multi-planetary, starting with Mars. However, recent developments highlight the company’s growing emphasis on lunar exploration.

SpaceX plans an uncrewed lunar landing by March 2027, aligning with NASA’s Artemis program, where the Starship vehicle will play a key role in human Moon missions.

Musk stated that Mars efforts will still begin within five to seven years, but the Moon’s shorter trip time (two days versus six months to Mars) and easier logistics make it the immediate focus.

This change comes as SpaceX advances its Starship rocket, designed for both Moon and Mars missions. The company has conducted multiple test flights, with orbital refueling, a critical step for deep-space travel remaining a challenge.

Musk’s vision for a self-growing lunar city involves autonomous expansion, potentially using in-situ resources like lunar regolith for construction and solar power for sustainability.

The shift has implications for NASA’s goals and international partnerships, as SpaceX’s role in Artemis accelerates Moon base plans.

Critics note the ambitious timelines, but Musk’s track record with rapid innovation fuels optimism. SpaceX continues to eye Mars, with concept art showing futuristic settlements, but the Moon now takes precedence.

This update underscores Musk’s pragmatic approach to space exploration, balancing long-term dreams with achievable milestones.

1949 Massacre: UK Court Orders 21 Nigerian Families to Receive ÂŁ420 Million

by
Union Jack UK flag flying on building against blue sky

The Enugu State High Court has issued a landmark ruling ordering the British government to pay ÂŁ20 million to each of the families of 21 coal miners killed by colonial forces in 1949, totaling ÂŁ420 million. Justice Anthony Onovo delivered the judgment on February 5, 2026, describing the incident as an unlawful and extrajudicial violation of the right to life.

The tragedy occurred at the Iva Valley coal mine in Enugu during a workers’ strike on November 1, 1949, demanding better wages and conditions.

British colonial police opened fire, killing 21 miners and injuring 51 others. The suit, filed by human rights activist Greg Onoh, sought acknowledgment of liability, a formal apology, and comprehensive compensation.

The court held the British colonial administration responsible, mandating reparations, diplomatic action, and formal apologies to the victims’ families.

This decision highlights ongoing efforts to address colonial-era injustices in Nigeria, where the massacre remains a symbol of resistance against exploitation.

While symbolically significant, some observers note the judgment may not be enforceable against the UK, as international courts or agreements could be required for implementation. The ruling has sparked discussions on historical accountability and reparations for colonial atrocities.

The case underscores Nigeria’s pursuit of justice for past violations, with potential implications for similar claims worldwide.

“The ruling has sparked discussions on historical accountability, similar to ongoing US-Nigeria security partnerships against threats.”

Grammys 2026: Tyla Wins Again, Nigeria Returns Empty-Handed

by
Burna Boy and Tyla at Grammys awards ceremony with Grammy trophy Nigeria

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles, saw Nigeria’s strong nominations in the Best African Music Performance category fail to secure a win, leaving the country without any trophies despite high expectations.

Nominees including Burna Boy for “Love,” Davido featuring Omah Lay for “With You,” and Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid for “Gimme Dat” all fell short, marking one of the rare years where Nigerian artists returned empty-handed.

South Africa’s Tyla claimed the Best African Music Performance award for “Push 2 Start,” her second consecutive win in the category after “Water” in 2025. Tyla’s victory edged out the Nigerian contenders, highlighting the competitive nature of the new global music category introduced to recognize African sounds.

The loss has sparked discussions among fans and industry observers about the criteria for the award and Nigeria’s continued representation on the global stage.

Burna Boy, Davido, Omah Lay, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid had been tipped as strong contenders following their nominations, which reflected the growing international influence of Afrobeats.

Despite critical acclaim and chart success, the awards went elsewhere, underscoring the challenges Nigerian acts face in Grammy voting. Tyla’s back-to-back success reinforces her rising status as a leading voice in African music.

The 2026 Grammy results emphasize the evolving landscape of global recognition for African artists, with Tyla’s win celebrated while Nigeria’s nominees drew attention to the genre’s depth.

The ceremony featured other notable wins, but Nigeria’s absence from the winners list stands out amid the country’s consistent nominations in recent years.

Lassa Fever Outbreak: Two Die in Benue, One in Jigawa as Cases Rise

by
Laboratory mouse being injected for Lassa fever research or vaccine testing

Lassa fever has claimed lives in Benue and Jigawa states amid an upsurge in cases across Nigeria. In Benue, two people have died from the viral hemorrhagic illness, with seven confirmed infections reported earlier, bringing the total suspected cases to nine, five of which tested positive.

The Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, disclosed the fatalities during a briefing in Makurdi on January 30, 2026. Makurdi and Buruku local government areas are the most affected, with two health workers among those infected.

The commissioner explained that the dry season heightens risk, as burning grasses drives rodents—the primary carriers—into homes seeking shelter and food. Uncovered food items can become contaminated, leading to transmission.

Symptoms include prolonged fever, body weakness, fatigue, and bleeding from body openings. The ministry has activated its rapid response team and public health emergency operations centre, stepped up awareness campaigns, and strengthened laboratory capacity.

A stakeholders’ meeting involving federal medical centres, teaching hospitals, the World Health Organisation, state epidemiologists, and donor partners is underway to contain the outbreak.

The commissioner explained that the dry season heightens risk, as burning grasses drives rodents—the primary carriers—into homes seeking shelter and food. Uncovered food items can become contaminated, leading to transmission. Symptoms include prolonged fever, body weakness, fatigue, and bleeding from body openings.

The ministry has activated its rapid response team and public health emergency operations centre, stepped up awareness campaigns, and strengthened laboratory capacity.

A stakeholders’ meeting involving federal medical centres, teaching hospitals, the World Health Organisation, state epidemiologists, and donor partners is underway to contain the outbreak.

In Jigawa State, one death from Lassa fever was confirmed on Wednesday, January 29, 2026, following an investigation at Babura General Hospital. The Jigawa State Rapid Response Team from the Public Health Department, led by WHO/APHO

Dr.Sabiu Aliyu, verified the case in Babura Local Government Area. Several contacts are under surveillance for symptoms, with health officials monitoring closely to prevent further spread.

These incidents reflect Nigeria’s persistent Lassa fever challenge, particularly during the dry season when rodent activity increases. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported rising cases and deaths nationwide in early 2026.

Authorities in both states urge residents to maintain strict hygiene, store food securely, avoid rodent-infested areas, and seek early medical attention for symptoms. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment remain essential for managing the disease and limiting fatalities.

The outbreaks highlight the need for sustained surveillance, community education, and rodent control measures to protect vulnerable populations.

Security concerns extend to international cooperation, as the US military has dispatched troops to Nigeria against Boko Haram and banditry.”

Google Introduces AlphaGenome, an AI Tool to Uncover Human DNA Mysteries

by
Google logo on modern building exterior headquarters

Google DeepMind has introduced AlphaGenome, a deep learning AI model designed to advance understanding of the human genome by predicting how DNA sequences influence gene activity.

The tool, announced on January 28, 2026, can process up to one million DNA base pairs in a single context window, offering unprecedented accuracy in analyzing regulatory elements and variant effects.

AlphaGenome was trained on extensive datasets from human and mouse genomes, enabling it to map functional elements in non-coding DNA, often called the genome’s “dark matter,” and predict how single-letter mutations or distant regions affect gene expression.

This capability addresses a long-standing challenge in genetics, where only a small fraction of DNA codes for proteins, while the majority regulates processes linked to health and disease.

The model excels at identifying causal variants in genetic studies, potentially accelerating discoveries for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and rare disorders.

By simulating how changes in DNA sequences alter regulatory activity, AlphaGenome provides insights that could guide targeted therapies and personalized medicine. DeepMind has released the source code, allowing researchers worldwide to build on the tool and adapt it for specific studies.

This development builds on DeepMind’s AlphaFold series, which revolutionized protein structure prediction, extending similar AI-driven approaches to genomic regulation.

The tool’s large context window and comprehensive predictions set it apart from previous models, promising to speed up functional genomics research and improve interpretation of genome-wide association studies.

AlphaGenome’s launch highlights AI’s growing role in biology, offering a powerful resource for unraveling the complex instructions encoded in DNA.

AlphaGenome’s launch highlights AI’s growing role in biology, similar to advancements in Nigeria’s fintech sector with CBN upgrades.

Naira Appreciates to N1,490/$ in the parallel market and depreciates in NFEM

by
Hand holding ₦1000 Naira banknotes from Central Bank of Nigeria

The Naira recorded a slight appreciation in the parallel market, closing at N1,490 per dollar on January 27, 2026, compared to N1,495 the previous weekend.

This improvement reflects reduced demand pressure and increased supply from diaspora remittances during the festive season.

In the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the Naira depreciated to N1,416.5 per dollar, driven by ongoing supply constraints and import demand.

The gap between the parallel and official rates remains narrow, indicating relative stability compared to earlier volatility in 2025.

“The CBN’s interventions support this stability, building on recent reforms like the national license upgrades for Opay, Moniepoint, and Palmpay.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has maintained interventions to support the Naira, including forex sales and policy adjustments to enhance liquidity.

Recent data shows improved inflows from exports and remittances, contributing to the parallel market gain. However, the NFEM rate reflects structural challenges in official supply channels.

These movements impact inflation, import costs, and investor confidence. The parallel market rate influences cash-based transactions, while NFEM affects official imports and debt servicing. Analysts monitor these trends closely for signs of sustained stability or further shifts.

The CBN’s ongoing reforms aim to converge rates and reduce arbitrage opportunities, with expectations of continued monitoring in early 2026.

“Naira fluctuations impact import costs, including fuel, with marketers warning of petrol reaching N1,000/litre as crude crosses $70.”

Opay, Moniepoint, and Palmpay are upgraded to national licenses by CBN

by
CBN upgrades Opay and Moniepoint to national licenses in Nigeria 2026

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has upgraded the licenses of several major fintech companies and microfinance banks, including Opay, Moniepoint, and Palmpay, to national status. This move allows these institutions to operate nationwide, expanding their services beyond previous regional limitations.

The upgrade reflects compliance with regulatory requirements, including increased capital thresholds and enhanced risk management standards.

Operators with national licenses can now open physical branches across all states, offer a wider range of financial products, and serve as salary accounts for employees. This change aligns with the CBN’s push for financial inclusion and a more robust digital banking ecosystem in Nigeria.

Fintech firms like Opay, Moniepoint, and Palmpay have grown significantly in recent years, providing mobile money, payments, and lending services to millions of Nigerians.

The national license status recognizes their systemic importance and subjects them to stricter oversight, including higher capital requirements (raised from previous levels) and mandatory geotagging of POS terminals for better transaction monitoring.

The decision comes amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s financial sector, where the CBN has been tightening regulations to reduce risks from rapid fintech growth. While the upgrade enhances operational flexibility, it also imposes greater accountability to prevent money laundering and ensure stability.

This development is expected to boost competition in the digital payments space, benefiting consumers with improved access to services. Further details on implementation will be monitored as the affected companies adjust to the new framework.


“The upgrade enhances digital banking amid positive forex trends such as the Naira appreciation to N1,490/$ in the parallel market.”