Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – The Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) has pledged improved returns for shareholders following the approval of an ₦8.9 billion dividend at its 32nd Annual General Meeting held in Lagos. Chairman of the board, Temitope Popoola, assured investors that increasing dividend payouts remains a priority, although recent regulatory changes have required a more cautious approach. He explained that new capital requirements introduced by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have compelled firms in the capital market to retain more earnings to strengthen their financial base. The approved dividend translates to ₦1.78 per share, reflecting what the company described…

Manny Ita  – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticised Seyi Makinde over comments referencing the violent “Operation Wetie” era, describing his remarks as reckless and potentially dangerous. In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused the governor of making statements capable of inciting unrest and undermining national stability. The APC said it was particularly troubling that a sitting governor would invoke such a sensitive historical episode given his responsibility as chief security officer of his state. Mr Makinde had made the remarks during a political gathering in Ibadan, where opposition leaders met…

Manny Ita  – Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and opposition leader Yair Lapid have announced a joint political list to contest this year’s elections, in a coordinated effort aimed at unseating incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a televised joint statement on Sunday, Bennett said, “I am pleased to announce that tonight, together with my friend Yair Lapid, I am taking the most Zionist and patriotic step we have ever taken for our country.” He added that the alliance would be called the Beyahad (Together) party, which he said would “lead to a great victory and open a new…

Manny Ita  – The much-anticipated biopic “Michael”, based on the life of late pop legend Michael Jackson, has debuted at the top of the North American box office, earning an estimated $97 million in its opening weekend. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and distributed by Lionsgate, the film traces Jackson’s journey from child star to global music icon. The lead role is played by Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s nephew. Industry analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research described the opening as historic, saying, “This is a record-shattering opening for a musical biography.” While the film has been praised by audiences…

Manny Ita  – The Lagos State Government has formalised new Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and concession arrangements with three independent power producers as part of a broader push to significantly expand electricity generation capacity across the state. The agreements, signed at Lagos House in Marina under the supervision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, involve Mainland Power Limited, Fenchurch Power Limited in partnership with Aggregate Utilities Limited, and Viathan Engineering Limited. These transactions cover three of the four independent power plants (IPPs) under the state’s embedded generation programme. According to the government, the initiative is designed to scale Lagos’ current generation capacity—estimated…

Manny Ita  – A senior figure in the All Progressives Congress, Ajibola Basiru, has taken a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar after a viral image appeared to show him dozing during a high-profile opposition meeting in Ibadan. Basiru shared the image—captured from a live broadcast—on social media, sarcastically remarking that the opposition leader had fallen asleep at a crucial gathering. The post quickly gained traction, sparking a wave of reactions ranging from criticism to humor, with some users questioning Atiku’s readiness for leadership while others dismissed the moment as trivial. The meeting, held at the Oyo State Government…

Manny Ita  – Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake is poised to make another major statement in the global music scene as he prepares to release his highly anticipated fourth studio album, M$NEY, this Friday, May 1. The announcement has sparked widespread excitement among fans and industry watchers, coming off the back of a relentless run that has seen the artist dominate charts and streaming platforms both locally and internationally. Known for his unique fusion of Fuji influences, street-hop energy, and melodic Afrobeats, Asake has built a reputation for delivering back-to-back hits with remarkable consistency. His previous projects have not only topped…

Manny Ita  – A diplomatic and cultural storm is brewing between Nigeria and Kenya following controversial remarks by William Ruto, who appeared to mock Nigerian English during a recent public engagement, triggering widespread outrage across Nigeria’s political and cultural circles. The comments, which quickly went viral on social media, were interpreted by many Nigerians as dismissive of the country’s linguistic identity and rich literary tradition. Critics argue that Nigerian English—shaped by history, culture, and local expressions—is a legitimate and globally recognized variant of the language. Among those who strongly condemned the remarks is Shehu Sani, who described Ruto’s statement as…

Manny Ita  – Pan-African publishing powerhouse Cassava Republic Press has added a bold new title to its growing catalogue with the release of My Own Dear People, a literary fiction novel by emerging writer Dwight Thompson. The book, which delves into complex themes of masculinity, justice, and societal expectation, is already drawing critical attention within literary circles and sparking conversations about gender and accountability in contemporary African contexts. Known for championing diverse African voices and thought-provoking narratives, Cassava Republic’s latest offering reinforces its reputation as a leading force in shaping modern African literature. My Own Dear People is described by…

Manny Ita  – A wave of urgency is sweeping through Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem as two high-impact funding opportunities approach their final deadlines, offering a combined prize pool exceeding $1.5 million and ₦1 billion respectively. Founders, small business owners, and innovators across the country are being urged to act სწრაფly to take advantage of what many stakeholders have described as a “golden window” for enterprise growth and capital access. At the forefront is the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) competition, an initiative of the Jack Ma Foundation, which has rapidly become one of the continent’s most prestigious entrepreneurial contests. With a total…