Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – UK-based Nigerian fashion designer Quwiyat Lawal is attracting international recognition for her innovative approach to African textiles through her latest collection, “Sisi Sewing.” The collection is being celebrated for redefining how traditional Nigerian fabrics can be adapted into contemporary corporate wear suitable for global audiences. Lawal’s work blends indigenous materials such as Ankara and adire with modern tailoring techniques, creating outfits that align with professional dress standards while preserving cultural identity. Her designs challenge long-held perceptions that traditional African prints are limited to ceremonial or casual use, instead positioning them as viable options for formal and business…

Manny Ita  – A fresh wave of tension has erupted in Nigeria’s music scene following reports of an alleged physical confrontation involving Burna Boy and DJ Tunez at a high-profile party in Lagos. The incident, which quickly gained traction on social media, has sparked widespread reactions from fans and industry insiders, reigniting conversations around rivalries within the Afrobeats space. According to circulating accounts, tensions reportedly flared during the event, leading to a brief altercation between Burna Boy and DJ Tunez, who is known to be a close associate of Wizkid. While details remain unconfirmed and no official statements have been…

Manny Ita  – The World Bank has revised Nigeria’s economic growth projection for 2026 downward to 4.1 percent, citing persistent structural challenges that continue to weigh on key sectors of the economy. The new estimate represents a slight drop from the earlier forecast of 4.4 percent, reflecting concerns about the pace and sustainability of the country’s economic recovery. According to the updated outlook, Nigeria’s growth will continue to be driven largely by the services sector, particularly in areas such as information and communications technology and financial services. These sectors have shown resilience and expansion in recent years, supported by increasing…

Manny Ita  – Authorities in Akwa Ibom State have launched an investigation into the death of a 12-year-old student following allegations of bullying at a school in the state. The incident has raised concerns among residents, parents, and education stakeholders, prompting calls for a thorough and transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Preliminary accounts suggest that the student may have been subjected to persistent bullying prior to the incident, although officials have yet to confirm the exact cause of death. School authorities are expected to cooperate with law enforcement agencies as part of efforts to establish what transpired…

Manny Ita  – Motorists across parts of Lagos have been advised to expect partial road closures and traffic diversions today as the state government rolls out a series of infrastructure inaugurations. The affected areas include Ikeja, Ojota, and Victoria Island, all of which are key commercial and residential hubs known for heavy daily traffic. Authorities say the temporary restrictions are necessary to ensure smooth coordination and public safety during the commissioning of major projects, including the newly completed Opebi-Mende Link Bridge. The bridge is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion by providing a direct connection between Opebi in Ikeja and…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria’s Federal Government has approved a significant increase in funding for the reintegration of former militants, with the allocation rising by ₦50 billion to a total of ₦115 billion under the 2026 budget framework. The decision, approved by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represents a major boost to the Presidential Amnesty Programme aimed at stabilising the Niger Delta region. Budget documents show that the new allocation marks a sharp increase from the ₦65 billion previously earmarked for the programme in recent years, reflecting a substantial expansion in government commitment to post-conflict rehabilitation efforts. The Presidential Amnesty Programme, introduced in…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria is set to host a major high-level policy dialogue as the Voice of Nigeria convenes its 2026 forum in Abuja, bringing together key stakeholders to examine the country’s leadership role in sustaining democracy across West Africa. The event, scheduled to commence at 10:00 a.m. at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, is expected to attract policymakers, diplomats, media professionals, and development experts from within and outside the region. Chaired by former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, the forum is centered on the theme of Nigeria’s long-standing contributions to democratic stability within the Economic Community of West African…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria’s electricity sector continues to grapple with deep financial inefficiencies despite strong revenue inflows, according to newly released data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission. The report indicates that electricity distribution companies collectively generated about ₦204 billion within the review period, reflecting sustained demand and consumer willingness to pay for power supply across the country. However, the gains were significantly undermined by a persistent revenue shortfall estimated at ₦131 billion, attributed largely to poor collection efficiency, energy theft, and widespread metering deficiencies. Industry data shows that a substantial portion of electricity supplied to consumers remains either unbilled…

• Before age of 50, Adenuga had ascended the summit of one of Africa’s most formidable business empires. • With innovations, he shapes Globacom into competitive landscape. In a few days’ time, on April 29, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr., the quintessential architect of enterprise and trillionaire Chairman of Globacom, will mark his 73rd birthday. To think that time has dimmed his fire would be profound misjudgement. For the man, fondly called the “Spirit of Africa” by close associates, life, even in the 70s, remains an unrelenting pursuit of accomplishment. Achievement is not an episode in his life’s journey; it is…

Zenith Bank Plc has released its audited results for the 2025 financial year, posting a pre-tax profit of N1.26 trillion, representing a marginal decline of 4.78 per cent compared to the N1.3 trillion recorded in 2024. This is because the board of the bank is proposing a final dividend of N8.75, bringing the total dividend payout to N10 per share The bank had sustained strong earnings momentum driven by robust growth in interest income, which rose significantly to N3.6 trillion from N2.7 trillion in the previous year. The performance was largely supported by increased earnings from loans and advances to…