Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita   – Actor Paapa Essiedu has revealed that he has received multiple racist death threats following his casting as Professor Severus Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter series adaptation. In an interview with The Times UK, Essiedu described being targeted with vitriolic messages. “I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you,’” he shared. Essiedu, known for his role in I May Destroy You, will take over the role from the late Alan Rickman. Warner Bros Television plans for the actor to portray Snape for a decade. “Yes, this is a big commitment,” he said. “I’ll be 45 by the…

Manny Ita  – Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has visited victims of the recent attacks in Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, assuring residents of intensified security measures as authorities work to track down suspected suicide bombers reportedly still at large. During the visit, the governor expressed concern over the security situation and the impact of the attacks on affected communities, reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability. “We are deeply saddened by the incident and the suffering it has caused our people. Security agencies have been placed on high alert to prevent further…

Manny Ita  – Nollywood actor Aremu Afolayan has publicly withdrawn his earlier support for the 2027 reelection bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a wave of criticism and backlash from members of the public over his initial stance. The actor, who had previously expressed support for the President’s potential second-term ambition, announced his decision in a statement shared via his social media platforms, acknowledging the intensity of the reactions that trailed his earlier comments. “I have listened to the voices of many Nigerians and I understand the concerns being raised,” he said, adding that his position was not intended…

Manny Ita  – The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has directed an immediate reversal of recently introduced shipping tariff increases, in a move aimed at protecting Nigerian businesses from escalating operational costs and preserving stability within the maritime sector. In a statement issued over the weekend, the Council said the decision followed a surge of complaints from importers, exporters, and other industry stakeholders who warned that the new charges would significantly raise the cost of doing business and disrupt supply chains. The regulator emphasized that the tariff hike was not properly aligned with existing guidelines and lacked sufficient consultation with relevant parties.…

Manny Ita  – Nigerian Afropop star Ayra Starr has offered fresh insight into her evolving artistry, revealing that her recent studio sessions mark a deliberate shift toward what she describes as “sonic growth,” a phase she says will redefine her sound and deepen her musical identity. Speaking during a recent interaction with fans, the singer disclosed that she has been exploring new layers of creativity, experimenting with different sounds and influences while refining her vocal delivery and songwriting approach. “I’ve been experimenting a lot more with my sound. This phase is about growth for me — not just lyrically, but…

Manny Ita  – The Presidency has extended warm birthday felicitations to Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa, as he marks his birthday on March 22, commending his enduring contributions to economic development and entrepreneurship across Africa. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Presidency described Elumelu as “a visionary entrepreneur and investor whose commitment to empowering African businesses continues to inspire a new generation of leaders across the continent.” It particularly highlighted his widely acclaimed Africapitalism philosophy, noting that it has reshaped conversations around private sector responsibility in driving Africa’s growth. According to the statement,…

Manny Ita  – The United States military has deployed multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones and approximately 200 personnel to Nigeria to support ongoing operations against Islamist militants in the country’s northern regions. According to reports, the deployment is focused on intelligence gathering and capacity building, with U.S. personnel providing training and technical support to Nigerian forces. Officials emphasized that the troops are not embedded in frontline combat operations, while the drones are being used strictly for surveillance rather than airstrikes. A U.S. defence official stated that the deployment was carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities, describing the situation as…

Manny Ita  – The planned expansion of JPMorgan Chase in Nigeria is being interpreted by analysts and market watchers as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s economic direction, underscoring renewed global investor interest in Africa’s largest economy. The move, which will see the financial giant upgrade its operations from a representative office to a full-service banking presence, is viewed not merely as routine business expansion but as a strategic decision grounded in long-term data, market analysis, and forward-looking investment positioning. As the world’s largest bank by market value, JPMorgan’s decision to deepen its footprint in Nigeria signals a…

File photo: Blood The discussion has brought attention to the death of cancer patient and social media personality, Mensah Omolola, also known as AuntieEsther, who died in December 2025. Jehovah’s Witnesses have announced a major clarification on blood transfusions, giving members the right to choose whether their own blood can be used during surgery or other procedures. The move maintains the ban on transfusions of another person’s blood but allows individual discretion in life-saving treatments. In a video statement released on their website on Friday, Governing Body member Gerrit Lösch said the clarification aims to give Christians the freedom to…

Elegbede Abiodun The CEO highlighted the critical role of advocacy, explaining that the Foundation consistently brings entrepreneurs and policymakers to the same table to solve systemic hurdles. The Tony Elumelu Foundation has set a new benchmark for philanthropic impact across the continent with the selection of 3,200 young African entrepreneurs for its 2026 cohort, a move described by the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Somachi Chris-Asoluka, as a decisive step toward future-proofing the African economy. Speaking during a high-level virtual media parley on Saturday, Chris-Asoluka emphasised that the current selection represents a historic milestone in the Foundation’s twelve-year journey, particularly noting…