Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – Nigeria’s military has reported the killing of at least 65 armed bandits in a large-scale operation carried out in the northwestern part of the country, marking what authorities describe as a significant breakthrough in the fight against criminal groups responsible for widespread violence and mass abductions. The operation took place in Zamfara State, a region that has remained one of the epicenters of banditry in Nigeria. According to a security report, the offensive involved coordinated air and ground assaults that lasted several hours and targeted hideouts used by the armed gangs. Military officials said the operation was…

Manny Ita  – As the political chessboard for Nigeria’s 2027 elections takes shape, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has made a high-stakes opening move. Documents from the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that Atiku has committed $1.2 million (approximately ₦1.9 billion) to a Washington-based lobbying firm, signaling an aggressive intent to secure international favor and a dominant position within his new political home, the African Democratic Congress (ADC). ​The 12-month deal with Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., formally registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) on April 1, 2026, is a strategic investment in “soft power.” The firm is tasked with…

Manny Ita  – Global interest in space exploration continues to grow as NASA progresses with its Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight in the Artemis program designed to return humans to the vicinity of the Moon. The mission has reached another milestone with the release of new visuals from the Orion spacecraft as it undergoes final preparations ahead of its planned lunar flyby. Commander Reid Wiseman has shared newly captured images that highlight the spacecraft’s systems and the view from orbit, offering the public a rare glimpse into the conditions astronauts will experience during deep space travel. The images…

Manny Ita- Family and entertainment circles have been filled with excitement following the announcement that Cute Abiola and his wife, Khudrah Abiola, have welcomed their second child today. The news has been met with widespread joy from fans, colleagues, and well-wishers, who have taken to social media to send congratulatory messages and celebrate the growing family. The skit maker, widely known for his humorous online content and relatable storytelling, continues to maintain a strong connection with his audience, who have followed both his professional journey and personal milestones over the years. The arrival of the newborn marks another significant chapter…

Manny Ita  – Momentum is building across the consumer goods sector as top executives, distributors, and technology innovators prepare for the upcoming RTM West Africa 2026, a key gathering expected to redefine how brands approach distribution and growth across the region. This year’s pre-summit conversations are increasingly centered on the rise of “Continental Champions”—a new class of brands leveraging data, logistics technology, and localized strategies to penetrate Africa’s vast informal retail ecosystem. Industry estimates indicate that between 80 and 90 percent of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sales across West Africa still occur within informal channels, including open markets, roadside vendors,…

Manny Ita  – Developments in the global tech and media space have sparked widespread reactions, as controversies involving Saturday Night Live UK and high-profile business figures dominate headlines and social media discussions. The UK edition of the long-running comedy franchise has come under intense criticism following a controversial sketch that featured a satirical portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg. The segment, which aired during a recent episode, was intended as a comedic take on issues surrounding data privacy, artificial intelligence, and the growing influence of tech giants. However, viewers and commentators have accused the show of crossing the line, arguing that the…

Manny Ita  – The cultural impact of the hit Nigerian TV drama Wura continues to dominate conversations in Nollywood and among fans, as new revelations and casting changes reshape the narrative both on and off screen. Lead actress Scarlet Gomez has opened up about the intense emotional toll of portraying the complex and often ruthless character that made the series a household name. In a candid disclosure, she revealed that she had to seek professional therapy to cope with the psychological strain brought on by fully immersing herself in the role. According to her, the character’s layered personality and morally…

Manny Ita  – Global markets are facing mounting uncertainty as tensions escalate around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Iran’s effective blockade of the waterway has severely disrupted maritime traffic, sending shockwaves through global energy markets and raising fears of a prolonged supply crisis. The crisis has intensified following a series of ultimatums issued by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has demanded that Iran reopen the strait or face severe military consequences. In his latest warning, Trump set a firm deadline, threatening targeted strikes on key Iranian infrastructure if…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria’s consumer goods sector is witnessing a strong rebound in 2026, as leading manufacturers including Nestlé, Cadbury Nigeria, and Nigerian Breweries return to profitability after a turbulent economic period marked by currency instability and rising production costs. At the forefront of this recovery is Nestlé, which has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing ₦1 trillion in annual revenue for the first time. The company’s performance reflects a combination of increased consumer demand across its food and beverage portfolio and improved foreign exchange conditions, which have eased the burden of import-dependent raw materials and reduced exchange rate losses…

Manny Ita  –  ​The World Bank has officially approved a $500 million credit facility from the International Development Association to support the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth project, also known as AGROW. This six-year initiative, scheduled to run from 2026 to 2032, is designed to tackle the systemic challenges hindering Nigeria’s agricultural sector, including low productivity, high post-harvest losses, and limited market access. By focusing on smallholder farmers and private sector integration, the project aims to transition subsistence farming into a commercially viable agribusiness model while bolstering national food and nutrition security. ​Central to the AGROW project is a…