Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita The Presidency has declared that Nigeria is officially on a “healing journey” toward achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030, signaling a transition from painful stabilization reforms to a period of expansion. Speaking at a media parley in Abuja on Saturday, January 31, 2026, Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, the Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, stated that the administration remains firmly on course to reposition the country as Africa’s leading hub for a borderless digital economy. Dr. Zauro emphasized that while the recent policy changes have been difficult, they were necessary “surgery” to restore…

Manny Ita ​President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Saturday night, January 31, 2026, following a five-day state visit to Turkey aimed at deepening bilateral ties and expanding economic cooperation. The presidential aircraft landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at approximately 8:55 p.m., concluding a trip that centered on a “paradigm shift” in Nigeria-Turkey relations. During the visit, President Tinubu and his Turkish counterpart, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, oversaw the signing of nine strategic agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) spanning defense, energy, education, and trade. These agreements are designed to provide a legal framework for a shared…

Manny Ita ​Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has ordered the immediate dismissal of all political appointees and the dethronement of traditional rulers from the Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area following a surge in communal violence. The executive order, issued on Saturday, January 31, 2026, comes in response to a brutal attack on the neighboring Okporojo village in Edda Local Government Area, which resulted in the beheading of four residents and the destruction of significant property. Among those affected by the sweep is the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Amari Omaka (SAN), along with all management committee members,…

Manny Ita The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have officially signed their first-ever formal bilateral labour recruitment agreement. The deal, finalized on the sidelines of the Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh by Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, and Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, establishes a legal framework to govern the recruitment and placement of Nigerian workers. This agreement marks a departure from previous informal arrangements, aiming to eliminate the exploitation of Nigerian citizens by unlicensed middlemen and human traffickers. ​Under…

Leke Adeboye speaks, “I am not aiming to become GO” By Elegbede Abiodun Pastor Leke Adeboye, son of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has shut down the speculation that he is positioning himself to succeed his father as the next General Overseer of the church. While speaking during a recent programme, Leke Adeboye made it clear that he has no ambition to take over the leadership of the RCCG, describing the role as an enormous spiritual burden. “I am not aiming to become the General Overseer of RCCG. It’s a…

Manny Ita An inter-agency probe panel, led by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, has concluded its investigation into a failed coup attempt targeting President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Exclusive findings obtained by PREMIUM TIMES reveal that the plot involved an elaborate network of military officers and civilians engaged in reconnaissance, funding, and propaganda operations. During the operation, investigators recovered a significant cache of weaponry from a lieutenant colonel attached to the army’s 130 Battalion, including two gun trucks, anti-aircraft guns, PKT guns, RPG bombs, AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and tactical gear. ​In addition to the arms, security…

Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress. He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation. According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private…

Itele narrates success story after ‘Koleoso’ meets 100m YouTube views By Elegbede Abiodun Actor and filmmaker Ibrahim Yekini, popularly known as Itele, has expounded on the journey to success after his movie “Koleoso” hit 100 million views on YouTube, becoming the first Nollywood title and African movie to reach this milestone. In an Instagram post, Itele credited his success to discipline, consistency, and focus, stating that he chose discipline over distraction and consistency over excuses. He emphasised that there were no shortcuts or distractions, just pressure and faith in the process. The actor rehearsed how he went from being…

LIRS pushes ahead deadline for filing of annual returns till February By Elegbede Abiodun The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has pushed forward the deadline for filing of employers’ annual tax returns by one week, from February 1 to February 7, 2026. In a statement issued on Friday, and signed by Head, Corporate Communications, LIRS Monsurat Amasa-Oyelude, on behalf of the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Dr. Ayodele Subair, explained that the statutory deadline for filing of employers’ annual tax returns is January 31, every year. He stated that the extension is intended to provide employers with additional time…

Fifth seed Rybakina defeats Sabalenka to win 2026 Australian Open final By Elegbede Abiodun Fifth seed Elena Rybakina beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping three-set final to capture the Australian Open women’s singles crown. The 26-year-old Kazakh, born in Moscow, secured a hard-fought 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory at Rod Laver Arena, marking her second Grand Slam title and her first Australian Open triumph. Rybakina took control early, breaking Sabalenka in the opening game and closing the first set 6-4 in just 37 minutes. “Serving at 4-3, the 26-year-old Rybakina saved two break points: the first with…