Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – Oil prices jumped sharply as Iranian missile strikes damaged a major liquefied natural gas export facility in Qatar, stoking fears of a broader supply disruption. The strikes followed Tehran’s warnings to target energy infrastructure in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates after Israel bombed a natural gas processing facility in Iran. Brent crude May futures rose 4% to $111.80 as of 8:45 p.m. ET, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures for April gained more than 3% to $99.47. Iranian missile strikes inflicted “extensive damage” on Ras Laffan Industrial City, the world’s largest LNG export facility,…

Manny Ita  – FIFA has signaled that Iran’s matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will not be relocated from the United States, following recent US and Israeli airstrikes in Iran. The decision comes after Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, stated that Iran was negotiating with FIFA to move its matches outside the United States due to ongoing security concerns. Former US President Donald Trump said last week that he did not believe it was “appropriate” for Iran to play games in America “for their own life and safety.” Iran is scheduled to play all three of…

Manny Ita  – The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has signed a deal with UK-based Asset Green Ltd to develop a $500 million large-scale dairy project in Nigeria, in a move aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on dairy imports and strengthening domestic production. The agreement was confirmed in a statement issued by NSIA following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in London. The partnership is expected to enhance food security while expanding local capacity across the dairy value chain. NSIA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Aminu Umar-Sadiq, described the initiative as a landmark investment, stating, “NSIA is…

Manny Ita  – Jay-Z has announced plans to stage two major anniversary concerts at Yankee Stadium in New York City, where he will perform two of his most celebrated albums in full. The rapper is scheduled to open the series on 10 July with a performance commemorating the 30th anniversary of his debut album Reasonable Doubt, followed by a second show on 11 July dedicated to a full rendition of The Blueprint in honour of its 25th anniversary. Details regarding ticket sales, special guests, or the possibility of additional dates have not yet been disclosed. An announcement shared via Instagram…

Manny Ita  – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has underscored a strategic shift toward the rapid development of satellite towns around Abuja, identifying districts such as Kuje, Karu, and Apo-Karshi as emerging hubs for residential and infrastructure expansion aimed at easing pressure on the city center. Speaking on the ongoing urban development drive, the minister highlighted that the renewed focus on these areas is already yielding measurable improvements in mobility and accessibility, with newly constructed and rehabilitated road networks significantly reducing travel time into central Abuja. “What used to take over an hour can now be…

Manny Ita  – Luno has launched what it describes as Nigeria’s first structured crypto prediction market, marking a significant shift in the country’s digital asset landscape from passive trading toward more interactive, data-driven participation. The new offering allows users to make informed projections on cryptocurrency price movements and market trends within a controlled and regulated framework, a departure from the conventional buy-and-hold or speculative trading approach that has dominated Nigeria’s crypto space. According to the company, the initiative is designed to deepen user engagement while promoting analytical decision-making among participants. A Luno spokesperson said the platform “represents the next phase…

Manny Ita  – The 21-day Eledumare Festival has officially commenced across Yorubaland, drawing participants, cultural enthusiasts, and tourists into a vibrant celebration of heritage, spirituality, and indigenous creativity. Organized by the Olokun Festival Foundation, the festival is designed to showcase the depth of Yoruba traditions while positioning the region as a major cultural tourism hub. Activities lined up for the multi-week event include traditional games such as Ayo Olopon, fashion exhibitions highlighting indigenous fabrics and designs, as well as a series of sporting competitions aimed at engaging young people. Festival coordinators say the initiative is not only about celebration but…

Manny Ita  – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly directed all political appointees in his administration with ambitions to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their positions on or before March 31, a move widely interpreted as an early effort to instill discipline within government ranks and prevent the use of public office for campaign advantage. Sources within the presidency indicate that the directive, though not yet formally gazetted, has been communicated through internal channels, with aides quoting the president as insisting that “governance must not be distracted by premature political activities,” adding that those with electoral interests…

Manny Ita  – The Nigerian Dental Association has raised a major public health concern, revealing that an estimated 120 million Nigerians are currently living with various forms of oral diseases, a figure that underscores what experts describe as a growing but often neglected health crisis. According to the association, the burden of oral conditions—ranging from tooth decay and gum disease to more severe infections—continues to rise due to a combination of poor oral hygiene practices, limited access to dental care, and low public awareness about preventive measures. A senior official of the association stated that “oral health is a critical…

Manny Ita  – President Bola Tinubu is currently being hosted at Windsor Castle as a guest of King Charles III in what officials have described as a historic state visit, marking the first time in 37 years that a Nigerian leader has undertaken such an engagement in the United Kingdom. The two-day visit is being closely watched across diplomatic and economic circles, as it signals a renewed phase in Nigeria-UK relations, particularly in trade, infrastructure development, and security cooperation. The symbolism of Windsor Castle, one of the oldest and most significant royal residences, hosting the Nigerian leader has been widely…