Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has confirmed that he was a specific target for arrest or assassination during a foiled coup attempt uncovered by Nigerian security agencies in late 2025. Speaking on the Channels TV programme Sunday Politics, the retired Army General disclosed that intelligence gathered during subsequent investigations revealed his name was listed among several high-ranking government officials marked by the conspirators. Regarding the specific instructions given to the plotters, Mr. Musa stated, “I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was supposed to be shot.” This confirmation follows exclusive reports from…

Manny Ita The management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, has officially refuted social media allegations suggesting that a lack of adequate care or a shortage of anti-snake venom led to the death of singer Ifunanya Nwagene. Ms. Nwagene, a soprano with the Amemuso Choir popularly known as Nanyah, passed away on January 31, 2026, following complications from a snake bite. In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Bioku Muftau, the head of clinical services, the hospital described her death as a “painful loss” and extended condolences to the family, stating, “First and foremost, we express…

My comment not targeted against Funke or Toyin — Kunle Afolayan declares By Elegbede Abiodun Nollywood director and producer, Kunle Afolayan, has cleared the controversy about his recent comments on film promotion and cinema releases, saying his comments were misunderstood and never directed at his colleague, Funke Akindele. Speaking on Arise TV earlier today, Afolayan explained that the viral video was taken from a film business forum where industry stakeholders were discussing cinema economics and sustainability. “I am a product of travelling theatre and travelling cinema,” Afolayan said. “Our parents would go into the streets to tell people to…

Coup: Officers involved must face consequences of plot ~ Christopher Musa General Christopher Musa On January 26, the DHQ confirmed that the arrests were linked to a foiled plot to overthrow President Tinubu. Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, says military officers arrested over the foiled coup plot against President Bola Tinubu were fully aware of the consequences of their actions and are prepared to face the law. Musa said the 16 officers implicated in the plot—including a brigadier general and a colonel—“must have made up their minds” before engaging in what he described as a serious breach of military…

Prof. Onigbinde Launches ‘The Stubborn Goat”, Peter Obi, Gbenga Daniel, Others Celebrate his 70yrs birthday An influential assembly of political figures, traditional leaders, and civil rights advocates gathered at Mauve 21 in Ibadan for the unveiling of “The Stubborn Goat: A Citizen’s Engagement with Nigeria.” Written by distinguished public intellectual and former Philosophy Department Head at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Professor Akinyemi Onigbinde, the two-volume collection debuted on January 26, 2026, marking the author’s 70th birthday. Attendees characterized the occasion as a thoughtful examination of Nigeria’s current state, offering what many called an “ethical diagnosis” of the nation’s challenges. Distinguished…

Lagos pastor claims millions touched in 24 hours through tattoo Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, and the tattoo inscription on his arm in the video A Nigerian pastor and relationship coach, head of David Christian Centre, Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, has defended his Bible-inspired tattoo on his arm, describing it as a way of evangelism. The tattoo, which was shown in a video posted on Okonkwo’s official Instagram page on Saturday, bears the scripture John 3:16 in Roman numerals — “III: XVI.” The clip, released in celebration of his 50th birthday, opens with a voice-over of the scripture, a verse widely regarded as…

Manny Ita Julius Rone, Chief Executive Officer of UTM Offshore, has announced that construction will commence in 2026 on Nigeria’s first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility, marking a major milestone in the country’s energy sector. Rone made the declaration while accepting The Sun Newspaper’s Investor of the Year 2026 award, telling the audience, “This year, we are moving into the construction phase.” Rone’s emergence as a leading figure in Nigeria’s gas industry follows a career spanning public service and private enterprise. He previously worked with the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission and the Niger Delta Development Commission…

Manny Ita The Recording Academy celebrated the enduring legacies of Fela Kuti, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher, Carlos Santana, and Paul Simon during the Grammy Special Merit Awards on Saturday night at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony was highlighted by the posthumous induction of Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, who became the first African musician to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Accepting the honor alongside his siblings, Femi Kuti underscored the global weight of the moment, stating, “Thank you for bringing our father here. It’s so important for us, it’s so important for Africa, it’s…

Manny Ita Ethiopian athletes Nibret Melak and Anchinalu Dessie secured first-place finishes in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, at the 25th anniversary edition of the Dubai Marathon on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The results marked the fourth consecutive year that Ethiopian runners have swept both major categories of the event. Melak completed the course with a time of 2:04:00, improving upon the previous year’s winning time by 50 seconds. In the women’s race, 23-year-old Dessie clocked a time of 2:18:31, bettering her previous personal best by nearly four minutes. ​The race concluded with a finish on the parade…

Manny Ita The Federal Government of Nigeria has entered high-level diplomatic negotiations with the United States government to secure a removal from the immigrant visa restrictions that were implemented on January 21, 2026. The engagement, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeks to address the administrative and security concerns cited by the U.S. State Department, which led to the suspension of certain categories of permanent residency visas for Nigerian citizens. Officials from both nations are reportedly reviewing data-sharing protocols and security documentation processes to resolve the “specific technical requirements” that triggered the current restrictions. A senior diplomat familiar…