Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – Two of the six individuals standing trial over an alleged attempt to overthrow Bola Ahmed Tinubu have admitted they were aware of the plot, according to video recordings presented in court. The footage, played at the Federal High Court in Abuja, showed separate interrogation sessions involving three defendants: retired Navy captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, police inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and retired major-general Mohammed Ibrahim Gana. In the recordings, Mr Victor and Mr Ibrahim acknowledged they knew about discussions to topple the government but failed to report them. Mr Gana, however, denied any knowledge of such a plan. Mr…

L–R: Benue State Commissioner for Information and Technology Kwaghgba Amande, CBN Makurdi Branch Controller Olabitan Adebowale, Government Model School Principal Dr. Robert Apir, Secretary to the Benue State Government Deborah Serumun Abeeh, Keystone Bank Executive Director (North and Public Sector) Abubakar Usman Bello, Commissioner for Science and Technology James Dwem, and Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management Dr. Margaret Adamu at the handover ceremony of the newly equipped ICT centre. Keystone Bank Limited has donated a fully equipped information and communication technology (ICT) centre to Government Model School, Makurdi, in a move aimed at strengthening digital literacy and improving access…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese firms as part of a renewed effort to restart and expand the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries, which have remained inactive for months. The agreement was signed on April 30, 2026, in Jiaxing City, China, by NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, alongside senior representatives of the partner companies, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing push to revive its domestic refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products. According to NNPC, the partnership is designed to address key technical…

The Nigerian private sector remained in growth territory at the start of the second quarter of the year as customer numbers and market demand continued to strengthen. That said, the impacts of higher fuel costs as a result of the war in the Middle East were felt again, pushing up prices and reportedly limiting expansions in new orders and business activity. The headline figure derived from the survey is the Stanbic IBTC Purchasing Managers’ Index™ (PMI®). Readings above 50.0 signal an improvement in business conditions on the previous month, while readings below 50.0 show a deterioration. The headline PMI ticked…

Manny Ita  – Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has reportedly defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he positions himself for the 2027 governorship race in Enugu State. The move, described as quiet and largely unannounced, comes despite an ongoing investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations that he forged his academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates. Although Nnaji has not publicly declared his defection, PDP officials have confirmed his membership, noting that he has recently been engaging with party…

Manny Ita  – The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has sealed no fewer than 40 facilities across Lagos State for violating noise pollution regulations, in a sweeping enforcement operation carried out on Monday. The affected establishments, which include bars, nightclubs, religious centres, and event venues, were shut down after repeatedly exceeding permissible noise levels and failing to comply with environmental standards set by the state government. According to LASEPA officials, the कार्रवाई forms part of an intensified crackdown aimed at restoring sanity in residential and commercial areas plagued by excessive noise. The agency noted that many of the sealed…

Manny Ita  – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced plans to visit the United States for high-level engagements focused on Nigeria’s worsening security and economic situation, which he described as a “full-blown internal crisis.” In a statement released by his media office, Atiku said the visit would involve meetings with key stakeholders, including policymakers, members of the Nigerian diaspora, and international development partners. According to him, the discussions will center on exploring practical solutions to Nigeria’s persistent insecurity, declining economic performance, and governance challenges. The former presidential candidate expressed concern over the rising wave of violence across various parts…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria has officially commenced its 2026 Hajj operations, with Vice President Kashim Shettima flagging off the inaugural flight at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The first batch of 500 pilgrims from Kogi State departed for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of what authorities describe as a large-scale, coordinated airlift of approximately 50,000 Nigerian pilgrims for this year’s pilgrimage. Speaking during the ceremony, Shettima emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth, safe, and spiritually fulfilling journey for all participants. He noted that extensive logistical arrangements had been put in place in collaboration with aviation…

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria has defended the controversial N6.98 USSD charge imposed on banking transactions and pushed back against growing consumer criticism over data expiration policies, arguing that telecommunications companies still incur costs even when digital banking services fail. The remarks come amid increasing public frustration over charges attached to USSD banking services and the expiration of unused mobile data, issues that have become recurring complaints among Nigerian telecom subscribers. Speaking during a live programme on Nigeria Info FM 99.3 hosted by Jimi Disu, ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo said telecom operators merely provide the connection infrastructure…

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Xenophobic Matter: FG Summons South African Envoy Over  Rights Violations The Federal Government of Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner over recent reports of attacks targeting Nigerians and their businesses in the country. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the envoy has been invited to a meeting scheduled for today, May 4, 2026, in Abuja, where Nigeria will formally convey its concerns over the developments. The Federal Government said the move follows reports that recent protests in South Africa had escalated into incidents of harassment, violence, and destruction of…