Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – ​TikTok has officially named Nigeria as a central hub for global digital content trends in its newly released “Global Discover List 2026,” a selection of 50 creators recognized for their significant impact on culture and storytelling worldwide. The list, which highlights creators across five categories—Educators, Foodies, Icons, Innovators, and Originators—includes prominent Nigerian talent, signaling the country’s growing dominance in the short-form video ecosystem. Among the featured creators is Lagos-based medical practitioner Dr. Olawale Ogunlana, known on the platform as @doctorwalesmd, who was recognized in the “Educators” category for his work in simplifying complex medical information through engaging…

Manny Ita  – The National Assembly Joint Committee on Health has officially recommended a ₦2.136 trillion allocation for the health sector in the 2026 fiscal year, specifically advocating for dedicated “take-off grants” to operationalize four newly established federal tertiary health institutions. During the submission of the harmonized budget report on Wednesday, the committee identified the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia; the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Akure; the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo; and the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ila-Orangun as the primary beneficiaries requiring urgent start-up funding. ​Senator Ipalibo Banigo, Chairperson of the Joint…

Manny Ita  – The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has announced the renewal of its partnership with Ecobank Nigeria and Soto Gallery for the third consecutive year to host the +234 Art Fair, a major international exhibition scheduled to take place from March 5–8, 2026. The upcoming edition, themed “Inclusivity,” will be held at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, serving as a strategic platform to spotlight 260 exhibitors and bridge the gap between Nigeria’s creative economy and the global finance community. ​The organizers stated that the 2026 theme reflects a deliberate commitment to expanding access within the creative…

Manny Ita  – Foreign investment in Nigeria’s production and manufacturing sector recorded a sharp 54.11 percent decline during the first nine months of 2025, falling to $463.52 million from the $1.01 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2024. According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and corroborated by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), this significant downturn occurred despite a massive 131.96 percent surge in total capital importation into the country, which rose to $16.78 billion. Analysts report that the overwhelming majority of these new inflows—upwards of 80 percent—were directed toward short-term portfolio investments in…

Manny Ita  – The Lagos State Government has officially commenced a 64-day traffic diversion plan on the Lekki-Epe Expressway to facilitate the comprehensive reconstruction of the corridor from the Ajah Bridge to the Admiralty section. Following the early completion of the nine-kilometre Lagos-bound stretch from Chevron to Admiralty Way, authorities have now shifted focus to the Epe-bound carriageway, necessitating a phased closure of key intersections. The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, confirmed that the project is being executed intersection by intersection to avoid a total shutdown of the vital artery, noting that “the re-scheduled rehabilitation works will commence for an…

Manny Ita  – Organised Labour has moved to a high-alert status today, Friday, February 27, 2026, as the final deadline expires for the Federal Government to settle three months of outstanding wage awards and various promotion arrears. The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), representing eight major unions within the federal civil service, has maintained that its members will initiate “decisive action” if the Ministry of Finance fails to confirm the disbursement of these funds by the close of business. The dispute centers on the unpaid N35,000 monthly palliative awards—originally introduced to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal—alongside…

Manny Ita  – In a scathing social media critique that has ignited widespread debate, controversial life coach and social media personality Solomon Buchi has slammed Nigerians who are rallying behind singer Simi following recent public discourse surrounding her career and personal stances. Buchi, known for his polarizing takes on gender roles and societal ethics, did not mince words as he characterized the defensive posture of the singer’s fanbase as a reflection of a deeper moral decay, explicitly labeling the sentiment as “evil.” ​The friction began when Simi became the subject of online scrutiny regarding her musical evolution and her outspoken…

Manny Ita  – In January, the Federal High Court in Lagos granted Moniepoint Microfinance Bank Limited a Mareva injunction against Alerzo Limited and its associates, restraining financial institutions from releasing funds linked to the defendants pending the resolution of an alleged debt dispute. The bank instituted the action against Alerzo Limited; its Managing Director, Opaleye Adewale Adesina; three guarantors — Opaleye Bukola Modinat, Dauda Hakeem Omotayo Taiwo; and Alerzo PTE Limited, a Singapore-based entity. According to court documents, Alerzo Limited applied for the loan through a board resolution dated January 20, 2025, to meet its working capital requirements. Moniepoint approved…

Union Bank of Nigeria has issued a statement reaffirming its steadfast position in the course of ongoing regulatory engagements in response to recent media queries at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) 304th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) press briefing. The bank’s affirmation comes in the wake of Governor Olayemi Cardoso’s clarification on the regulatory framework governing institutions under intervention while speaking on the complexities and structural considerations influencing the recapitalisation timeline. According to the CBN Governor, institutions currently under regulatory oversight are subject to unique circumstances that necessitate a differentiated approach, distinct from those institutions that have had an extended…

By Elegbede Abiodun Berklee programme set to provide participants with instruction in music production, songwriting etc Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has unveiled the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, a new initiative designed to nurture emerging African creatives, alongside a landmark partnership bringing Berklee College of Music to Lagos for the first time. The 46-year-old singer announced the initiative on her social media on Wednesday, declaring: “After years of building globally… It’s time to build at home.” She described the foundation as “dedicated to empowering emerging African creatives through access, mentorship and world-class music education.” As part of the launch, the…