Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – The United States Embassy in Abuja is set to resume routine consular and administrative operations today following a temporary closure prompted by security concerns linked to potential protests in Nigeria’s federal capital. Embassy officials had earlier announced the suspension of normal services as a precautionary measure after receiving reports indicating that demonstrations could occur in parts of Abuja. The temporary closure affected routine embassy activities, including visa services and public access to the diplomatic facility. In a statement issued prior to the reopening, the embassy explained that the decision to suspend operations was taken to ensure the…

Manny Ita  – The Federal Government has announced the commencement of nationwide recruitment for Batch B of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP), a flagship initiative designed to tackle youth unemployment while addressing social instability through economic empowerment. Officials said the programme, which begins its new intake today, is aimed at providing startup capital and business support to millions of young Nigerians across the country. The initiative targets unemployed and underemployed youths, equipping them with financial assistance and enterprise development opportunities intended to help them establish sustainable businesses. According to programme coordinators, the initiative forms part of the…

Manny Ita  – The Lagos State Government has warned Nollywood actress Sarah Martins against conducting charity cooking activities on public roads, walkways, or medians across the state, reiterating that such acts violate environmental and public order regulations. The warning comes four months after authorities apprehended the actress for a similar outreach programme in the Admiralty area of Lekki Phase 1 in Lagos. In October 2025, officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) arrested the actress for engaging in unauthorised activities on public infrastructure. Authorities cited provisions of the LAGESC/KAI law on street vending, which prohibits cooking or selling…

Manny Ita – The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and the Bank of Industry (BOI) have announced a ₦10 billion support package aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s domestic sugar industry and attracting increased private sector investment into the sector. Officials of both institutions said the initiative is designed to accelerate the development of local sugar production projects and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported sugar. The fund will provide financial backing to investors and operators within the sugar value chain, including plantation development, sugar milling, refining, and other supporting infrastructure required to expand local production capacity. The agencies said the programme forms…

Manny Ita- The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a former local government councillor in Lagos over alleged involvement in the trafficking of 40 kilograms of cannabis popularly known as “skunk”. According to the anti-narcotics agency, part of the illicit substance was discovered concealed inside baby diapers in what officials described as an attempt to evade detection during transportation. The NDLEA said the suspect, who previously served as a councillor in one of the local government areas in Lagos State, was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the agency. Preliminary investigations by the agency…

Manny Ita  – Electricity distribution companies in Nigeria generated a total of ₦207 billion in revenue in December, according to new data released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), highlighting the scale of earnings in the power distribution segment despite persistent supply challenges. The regulator disclosed the figures in its latest industry data, indicating that the revenue was collected across the country’s electricity distribution companies, commonly referred to as DisCos, which are responsible for distributing power to end users. The development comes as some communities in Lagos served by Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) prepare for a scheduled power…

Manny Ita  – The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has released additional details regarding payments allegedly made to Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a former lawyer to its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, amid an ongoing dispute over claims that the legal services were rendered without charge. In a statement issued on Saturday, IPOB said it was providing further clarification about a $19,000 payment allegedly made to Ejiofor for humanitarian and advocacy purposes connected to Kanu’s legal defence. The statement was signed by Madam Nnennaya Anya, Head of the group’s Directorate of Finance. The development comes days after the pro-Biafra organisation disclosed that…

The world celebrates International Women’s Day 2026, this year with the theme “Give to Gain”, and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Lagos State Chapter, is emphasizing the importance of investing in women journalists to accelerate progress in the media space and strengthening The voice of women in Nigeria. The “Give to Gain” theme resonates with the mission of NAWOJ to promote the rights and welfare of women journalists, by giving access to mentorship, advocacy, and capacity-building opportunities. This year, the Association’s Lagos Chapter will celebrate the day with a commemoration lecture and Panel discussion on the theme, “Give…

Polaris Bank has joined the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day 2026, reaffirming its commitment to promoting gender equality, empowering women, and supporting initiatives that foster inclusive growth across society. International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, provides an opportunity to recognize the achievements of women across all sectors while highlighting the need to accelerate action towards gender equality. At Polaris Bank, the day serves as a reminder of the vital role women play in driving economic growth, innovation, and community development. Speaking in commemoration of the day, the Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, emphasized the…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has affirmed the capitalization of Alpha Morgan Bank, marking an important milestone in the Bank’s growth journey and reinforcing its commitment to building a strong, resilient, and future-ready financial institution. This affirmation reflects the Bank’s adherence to regulatory requirements and its strategic focus on strengthening its capital base to support sustainable growth, innovation and improved service delivery to customers. With this milestone, Alpha Morgan Bank is well positioned to continue expanding its footprint with its 14 approved branches across different states, while deepening inclusivity and enhancing the range of banking solutions available to individuals,…