Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Funke Akindele Elegbede Abiodun “This one is really special to me,” Akindele says. Nollywood’s undisputed box office queen, Funke Akindele, has extended her golden run from the cinemas to the global streaming stage. Her latest blockbuster, ‘Behind The Scenes’, has officially claimed the number one spot on Netflix Nigeria just 24 hours after its digital debut. The film, which had already cemented its legendary status by raking in over ₦2 billion during its theatrical run, arrived on the streaming platform on Friday. By Saturday morning, it had climbed to the top of the “Top 10” chart, sparking an emotional outpouring…

Elegbede Abiodun Connecting digital wallets to a national identity card makes financial services more accessible for Ghanaians now. Ghanaians can now use their National identification cards to make payments after the country’s National Identification Authority (NIA) added a digital wallet to the Ghana Card, expanding the card’s use beyond identification and travel documents. The new feature, which was first announced in September 2025, now allows Ghana Card holders to withdraw cash from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), make payments in stores and online, carry out international transactions in more than 200 countries, and access services such as insurance and emergency assistance.…

Manny Ita – Renowned ARISE News anchor and analyst, Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, has announced her decision to dump the newsroom for politics, marking a bold transition from journalism to public service. Dr. Ikokwu revealed she is taking a leave of absence from Arise News as she prepares to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives, representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency. Explaining her decision, she described the move as a continuation of her commitment to national development, but on a different platform. She noted that her years in journalism—holding leaders accountable and amplifying citizens’ voices—have given her…

Manny Ita – Burkina Faso’s military ruler, Ibrahim Traoré, has declared that democracy is unsuitable for his country, urging citizens to “forget” the system entirely. His remarks came during a televised interview aired on state media, marking one of his strongest rejections yet of democratic governance. Traoré, who seized power in a 2022 coup, argued that democracy has caused more harm than good in Africa. According to him, attempts to impose democratic systems—particularly by Western powers—have often led to instability and violence rather than progress. He cited the situation in Libya as a cautionary example, pointing to the turmoil that…

Manny Ita – The Kwara AI Fellowship has officially commenced in Kwara State, with 20 young women selected to participate in a nine-month intensive training program focused on artificial intelligence, data science, and emerging digital technologies. The initiative is backed by the government as part of ongoing efforts to expand digital inclusion and prepare young people for opportunities in Nigeria’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem. The program is being implemented under the supervision of the Kwara State government in partnership with selected technology training institutions and private sector collaborators. Officials say the fellowship is designed to address the gender gap in…

Manny Ita  – A decade after the release of the Panama Papers in April 2016, Nigerian media and policy commentators have renewed discussions on the global leak’s long-term impact on financial transparency, asset declaration practices, and offshore wealth structures linked to political and business elites. The Panama Papers investigation, which exposed how high-profile individuals and entities across multiple countries used offshore companies to conceal assets and minimize tax exposure, continues to shape public discourse in Nigeria. Analysts note that the revelations at the time triggered widespread scrutiny of wealth management practices among influential figures, particularly in politics, business, and entertainment.…

Manny Ita  – The Nairobi Lifestyle Tour, a new intra-African tourism initiative, has officially been launched by stakeholders with plans to hold the experience later this month. The program is designed to deepen cultural exchange and strengthen tourism and business connections between West and East Africa, particularly between Nigeria and Kenya. Organizers say the initiative is focused on promoting “Africa-to-Africa” travel by encouraging more Africans to explore destinations within the continent rather than relying heavily on outbound tourism outside Africa. The tour will showcase the vibrant lifestyle, entertainment scene, hospitality industry, and cultural heritage of Nairobi, while also building stronger…

Manny Ita  – UK-based Nigerian DJ DJ Izzy has unveiled a new educational initiative aimed at empowering young creatives between the ages of 10 and 16 with skills in artificial intelligence-assisted music production. The program is designed to bridge traditional DJ artistry with modern digital tools, helping participants understand how emerging technologies are reshaping the global music industry. The initiative focuses on introducing students to the basics of DJing, beat-making, and sound design while integrating AI-powered software that can assist in composing, mixing, and mastering music. According to organizers, the goal is not to replace creativity but to enhance it,…

Manny Ita  – The Lagos State Government has concluded preparations for the highly anticipated 2026 Fanti Carnival, set to take place on Easter Monday, April 6, at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square. The annual cultural celebration, deeply rooted in Afro-Brazilian heritage, is expected to draw large crowds of residents, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond. This year’s edition promises a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation, featuring colorful parades, elaborate costumes, music, dance performances, and theatrical displays that highlight the historical ties between Brazil and the Fanti community in Lagos. Organizers say the carnival will not only…

Manny Ita  – At least 11 people have been confirmed dead and over 50 houses destroyed following a violent communal clash in Nasarawa State over the weekend, deepening concerns about recurring inter-community conflicts in the region. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday in the Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities, located in the Nasarawa Local Government Area. According to reports, the violence was triggered by a reprisal attack linked to the alleged killing of two individuals, which escalated tensions between the communities. Eyewitness accounts and official statements indicate that suspected hoodlums carried out coordinated attacks, leading to the…