Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has said recent reforms in the country’s financial sector are yielding tangible results, declaring that the banking system now possesses “a stronger capacity to withstand external shocks” amid ongoing global economic uncertainties. Speaking at a policy engagement on Thursday, Cardoso emphasized that the reform measures—anchored on tighter regulatory oversight, improved liquidity management, and enhanced transparency—have begun to stabilize key indicators within the financial system. He noted that the CBN’s focus on restoring discipline and credibility in monetary operations is gradually rebuilding trust among both domestic and foreign…

Manny Ita – The medical department of Galatasaray S.K. has confirmed that Nigerian international Victor Osimhen sustained a significant fracture to his right forearm during the club’s 4-0 UEFA Champions League defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday night. The injury occurred in the opening minutes of the Round of 16 second-leg tie following a high-impact aerial collision with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté, who inadvertently landed on the striker’s arm. Despite visible distress, the 27-year-old forward attempted to defy the injury by continuing with a heavily bandaged forearm until the interval, at which point the escalating risk of structural damage…

Manny Ita  – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has become the first Nigerian leader to be formally hosted at Windsor Castle, where he met with King Charles III in a landmark engagement that underscored renewed diplomatic momentum between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The visit, described by officials as both symbolic and strategic, culminated in the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) targeting migration management, the fight against organized immigration crime, and the expansion of business visa access for UK-based firms seeking to operate in Nigeria. According to sources within the presidency, the agreements are designed to “create a structured…

Manny Ita  – The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) has issued a high-level clarification following a series of fire outbreaks across the federation that were speculative in nature and linked to alternative power systems, most notably the devastating blaze at Singer Market in Kano. Speaking during a strategic engagement with the Federal Fire Service in Abuja on Thursday, March 19, 2026, the association’s leadership maintained that while the adoption of solar technology has accelerated due to grid instability, the technology itself is inherently safe. REAN emphasized that the primary catalysts for recent disasters are human and logistical errors rather…

Manny Ita  – The Central Bank of Nigeria’s latest Balance of Payments report has confirmed a significant structural pivot in the nation’s economy, revealing that the current account surplus narrowed to $14.04 billion in 2025 from $19.03 billion the previous year. This contraction is primarily attributed to a 14.41% decline in crude oil exports, which fell to $31.54 billion as the state increasingly diverts its primary resource to the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Petroleum Refinery for domestic processing. While the shift has placed immediate pressure on traditional foreign exchange earnings from raw crude, the goods account managed a resilient surplus of $14.51…

By Manny Ita, The runways of Shibuya Hikarie have transformed into a laboratory of “Romantic Realism” as Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo enters its penultimate days, cementing the bow not as a mere flourish, but as the definitive structural motif for the Autumn/Winter 2026/27 season. Designers across the official schedule, which runs through March 21st, have moved aggressively away from the “coquette” nostalgia of previous years, instead utilizing oversized, sculptural knotting to dictate garment silhouettes. This shift marks a sophisticated evolution where the bow functions as an architectural anchor, often replacing traditional buttons and zippers to provide a sense of “precarious…

Elegbede Abiodun Rite Foods was commended for the initiative which aligns with environmental standards and strengthening public-private collaboration. Rite Foods Limited has reinforced its commitment to environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance with the launch of its “Waste-Is-Naira” (W.I.N) initiative, in partnership with RecyclePoints. It is an ambitious, community-driven programme designed to advance Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) while transforming plastic waste into a viable source of income for Nigerians. The initiative, unveiled at the company’s corporate headquarters in Opebi, Lagos, marks a significant step in Rite Foods’ long-term sustainability strategy, aligning its operations with national environmental priorities and global best practices…

Elegbede Abiodun Nigerian billionaire entrepreneur Folorunso Alakija has been ranked the second richest woman in Africa, according to the latest ranking by Forbes, reaffirming her status as one of the continent’s most influential business figures. Alakija, whose net worth is estimated at over $1 billion, has consistently remained the richest woman in Nigeria for several years. Her wealth is largely derived from her extensive interests in the oil and gas sector, alongside ventures in fashion printing and real estate. She is the founder and managing director of Rose of Sharon Group, a conglomerate with diversified investments across key industries. On…

In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026, Fidelity Bank Plc has announced a series of masterclasses and support initiatives designed to help women build practical, income generating skills, strengthen professional visibility, and accelerate career growth throughout March 2026. The activities are being delivered under the bank’s women focused proposition, HerFidelity, and align with the “Give to Gain” theme guiding this year’s programme of engagements. On March 18, 2026, HerFidelity hosted a “Give to Gain” masterclass focused on communication and presentation. The session offered practical guidance on audience engagement, event moderation, confidence-building, and personal branding, with a strong focus on women…

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has made public plans to unveil the 12th cohort of its flagship Entrepreneurship Programme on Sunday, March 22, 2026, marking another milestone in its mission to empower young African business leaders. The 2026 edition of the programme attracted over 265,000 applications from all 54 African countries, highlighting both the continent’s thriving entrepreneurial spirit and the growing demand for early-stage funding. According to the Foundation, key sectors of interest among applicants include agriculture, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and the green economy. This year, TEF will support a total of 3,200 entrepreneurs through various partnerships. These include 1,751…