Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

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…

Elegbede Abiodun NCC Pushes Green Telecoms Drive, Aims 50% Cost Cut In Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has renewed its commitment to accelerating its Green Telecoms Initiative, aiming to transform Nigeria’s digital infrastructure through environmentally sustainable technologies aligned with global best practices. The Commission said the initiative could deliver up to a 50 per cent reduction in operating costs across the telecommunications sector, while also promoting eco-friendly and energy-efficient operations. Speaking at a recently concluded Green Conference, the EVC and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasised that adopting green telecom solutions would enable…

Manny Ita  – German automaker Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its latest electric concept, the Mercedes-Benz VLE, signaling a strategic push into the premium multi-purpose vehicle segment with a model that blends limousine-level comfort with family and executive transport versatility. The company said the all-electric VLE represents “the next chapter for the grand limousine,” positioning the vehicle as a high-end mobility solution designed for both private and commercial use, including luxury shuttles and long-distance travel. According to details released by the automaker, the VLE will feature an 800-volt architecture powered by a 115 kWh battery, with preliminary estimates suggesting a driving range…

Manny Ita  – The Federal Government has set a firm March 31 deadline for the completion of all 2025 capital projects, in a decisive move aimed at ending the long-standing practice of budget rollovers that has contributed to widespread project abandonment across the country. Officials say the directive is part of a broader fiscal reform agenda designed to ensure that the 2026 budget cycle begins on a “clean slate” from April 1, marking a shift toward stricter discipline in public financial management. A senior government official familiar with the policy explained that the move seeks to address inefficiencies that have…

Manny Ita  – The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has issued an Air Operator Certificate to Binani Air, an airline founded by Aishatu Binani Dahiru, in what stakeholders have described as a significant breakthrough for gender inclusion in Nigeria’s aviation industry. The certification, which authorizes the airline to commence commercial flight operations, follows the successful completion of the NCAA’s rigorous five-phase approval process, including technical evaluations, safety compliance checks, and operational readiness assessments. Confirming the development, NCAA officials stated that Binani Air met all regulatory requirements necessary for the issuance of the Air Operator Certificate, emphasizing that safety and operational standards…

Manny Ita – The Federal Government has announced the early commencement of planning for the 2026 “Detty December” festive season, in a bid to address structural challenges observed during previous editions and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading global holiday destination. Minister of Tourism, Hannatu Musawa, disclosed the development on Saturday, stating that preparations would begin this month to ensure a more coordinated and seamless experience for both local and international visitors. According to the Minister, the government is particularly focused on tackling persistent issues such as inadequate accommodation, inconsistent service standards, and price inflation, which drew criticism during the…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria’s security landscape has come under renewed strain following a string of violent incidents across the North-East and North-West, with the Nigerian military warning of a looming suicide bombing threat even as deadly attacks in Maiduguri, Katsina State and Taraba State have left scores of people dead and several others injured. The Nigerian Army issued an alert over what it described as credible intelligence indicating that terrorists may be planning to deploy multiple suicide bombers into Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. The warning follows intensified military operations in the North-East, during which the Defence Headquarters said…