Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – growing push for the adoption of exclusively local materials in runway collections is gathering momentum within Nigeria’s fashion industry as designers and stakeholders advocate for what has been described as a “Made-in-Nigeria” approach ahead of the 2026 fashion season. Industry insiders say the movement is aimed at encouraging designers to prioritise fabrics and materials produced within the country, thereby promoting indigenous textiles, supporting local artisans and strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy. The trend is increasingly being discussed across fashion circles as preparations intensify for major fashion showcases scheduled for the coming season. Several designers have already begun integrating…

Manny Ita  – A new “Loud & Clear” report released by Spotify has revealed that Nigerian artists generated more than ₦60 billion in revenue from the streaming platform in 2025, underscoring the growing global influence of the Afrobeats sound and the expanding reach of Nigerian music. The report, published as part of Spotify’s annual transparency initiative, shows that earnings by Nigerian artists on the platform have surged significantly, recording a 140 percent increase over the past two years. Industry observers say the development reflects the rising international demand for Afrobeats and the increasing visibility of Nigerian musicians on global streaming…

Manny Ita  – Entries have officially opened for the 2026 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature, widely regarded as Africa’s most prestigious literary award, with organisers calling on Nigerian writers at home and in the diaspora to submit their published works in the poetry category for a chance to win the grand prize of $100,000. The prize, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), rotates annually among four literary genres—prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature—and the 2026 edition has been designated for poetry. The organisers said submissions will remain open until March 31, 2026. In a statement announcing the…

Manny Ita  – Troops of the Nigerian military in the early hours of Monday repelled an infiltration attempt by suspected fighters of Boko Haram in the Ajilari Cross area of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, restoring calm to the community after a brief security scare. Security sources said the attempted incursion occurred before dawn when insurgents were reportedly sighted approaching the outskirts of the Ajilari Cross district. Troops stationed within the city quickly responded, engaging the suspects and forcing them to retreat after an exchange of gunfire. Military authorities said the swift response prevented the insurgents from breaching defensive…

Manny Ita  – Health authorities have raised concern over the continued spread of Lassa Fever in Nigeria after new data revealed that the country recorded 109 deaths linked to the disease within the first three months of 2026. The figures were disclosed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), which said the fatalities were recorded across several states as part of the ongoing monitoring of the viral hemorrhagic illness. Officials warned that the trend underscores the need for increased public awareness and stronger preventive measures, particularly in communities where the disease is endemic. According to health officials,…

Manny Ita  – Operations on major ride-hailing platforms were disrupted on Monday as drivers working with Uber and Bolt commenced a planned three-day protest over what they describe as unsustainably low fares and increasing operational expenses, a development expected to affect ride availability in key urban centres including Lagos and Abuja. The protest, which began early in the day, involves drivers temporarily switching off their applications or refusing ride requests as a form of pressure on the ride-hailing companies to review fare structures and commission charges. Organisers say the action is intended to highlight the growing financial strain faced by…

File photo: Inflation rate Nigeria’s headline inflation rate eased marginally to 15.06 per cent in February 2026, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report released by the National Bureau of Statistics. The report stated, “In February 2026, the Headline inflation rate eased to 15.06 per cent, down from 15.10 per cent in January 2026,” indicating a slight moderation in the pace of price increases across the economy. Data from the report showed that the Consumer Price Index rose to 130.0 in February 2026 from 127.4 in January, reflecting a 2.6-point increase within the month. The CPI measures the average…

File photo: Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Taiwo Oyedele has been sworn in as Minister of State for Finance at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the President’s office at approximately 2:30 pm on Monday. It has come five days after the Senate confirmed Oyedele’s nomination. Our correspondent had earlier observed Oyedele and his wife being cleared by Villa security at approximately 2:09 pm, with the new minister dressed in a navy blue suit while his wife wore white traditional attire. The Senate had on Wednesday, March…

Manny Ita  – The Nigerian Navy has destroyed a reactivated illegal refinery operating in the Okolomade community of Rivers State as part of its ongoing anti-crude oil theft operations under Operation Delta Sentinel. Naval authorities said the discovery was made during a routine patrol by personnel deployed to protect critical oil infrastructure and curb economic sabotage in the Niger Delta region. The illegal refining site, located in a creek within the community, was reportedly producing refined petroleum products from stolen crude oil before it was dismantled by naval operatives. According to the Navy, the facility had previously been destroyed but…

L – R: Partner and Leader, Tax and Regulatory Service, PwC, Mr. Chijioke Uwaegbute; Group Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane; Executive Director and Chief Operations and Information Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr Stanley Amuchie; Tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist, Mr. Ike Eze; and Arise TV Business News Anchor, Mr. Rotus Oddiri; at the Fidelity Diaspora Summit 2026 themed, “Navigating the New Tax Policy and Unlocking Investment Opportunities in Nigeria” recently. Tier-one lender, Fidelity Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its leadership in the diaspora banking sector with the successful hosting of the Fidelity Diaspora Summit 2026, a global virtual…