Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Senator Ned Munir Nwoko Undertakes Official Visit to Kaduna State Distinguished Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, today, 18th February 2026, embarked on an official visit to Kaduna, engaging key military, political, and business stakeholders in a series of strategic meetings focused on national unity, security collaboration, and economic development. The Senator was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Alhaji Yaya Abubakar; Senator Abu Ibrahim; Sa’idu Yahaya; Ademola Odeyemi, Managing Director of Optimus Bank; and Barrister Charles Ude. The visit commenced with a courtesy call on Colonel Sani Bello (Rtd), former Aide-de-Camp to Nigeria’s late Head…

Manny Ita  – The first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line, a 27-kilometre corridor linking Oyingbo in Lagos to Agbado in Ogun State, commenced full commercial passenger operations on October 15, 2024, several months after its formal inauguration by Bola Tinubu on February 29, 2024. The Red Line forms part of a broader urban rail programme designed to modernise transportation across Lagos, where six light-rail corridors are planned under the state’s long-term mass transit master plan. At present, only the initial segments of the Red Line and the Blue Line are operational, while construction continues on the…

Manny Ita  – Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has inaugurated multiple infrastructure and institutional projects in Anka Local Government Area, describing the interventions as part of a broader drive toward sustainable development and improved public services across the state. The projects commissioned include the reconstruction and upgrade of the Emir of Anka’s palace, the commencement of work on the Anka–Abbare Road, and the construction of a new local government secretariat. Additional facilities unveiled comprise offices for the Hisbah Commission and Community Protection Guards, as well as a reconstructed Safe School intended to strengthen educational safety and capacity in the…

Manny Ita  – A sharp rise in demand for functional foods is reshaping Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, as consumers increasingly reject artificial preservatives and synthetic additives in favor of products fortified with locally sourced “superfoods” such as moringa, tigernut (ofio), and hibiscus, popularly known as zobo. Industry analysts say the shift reflects growing health awareness, changing lifestyle patterns, and heightened scrutiny of ingredient labels, particularly among urban middle-class households. Manufacturers of beverages, dairy alternatives, and snack products are now reformulating flagship brands to align with the emerging “clean label” preference for natural, minimally processed ingredients. A senior executive…

Manny Ita  – The Federal Government has intensified its nationwide Soybean Production Initiative, positioning the crop—dubbed the “Golden Bean”—as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s 2026 food security strategy aimed at reducing the country’s estimated $10 billion annual expenditure on imported protein sources for both animal feed and human nutrition. Officials say the renewed push reflects growing concern over the vulnerability of Nigeria’s food system to global supply shocks, foreign exchange pressures, and rising demand for affordable protein. The initiative focuses on expanding cultivation, improving seed quality, strengthening processing capacity, and building value chains that can support domestic consumption and export potential.…

Manny Ita  – The Nigerian music industry is observing a deepening rift between YBNL founder Olamide Adedeji and his former protégé, Portable, following allegations that the rapper is spearheading a quiet campaign to sideline the “Zazu” singer. The controversy reached a boiling point on Wednesday morning after influencer Tunde Perry claimed that Olamide and a select “circle” of international promoters and music moguls had discussed a formal blacklisting of Portable due to his recurring public outbursts and perceived lack of professional decorum. Perry alleged that Olamide, known for his prolific track record of mentoring “trenches” talent, has become increasingly wary…

Manny Ita  – The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially unveiled an 18-month Fintech Roadmap aimed at transforming Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem, with a major focus on making cross-border payments for luxury goods and lifestyle services as seamless as domestic transfers by 2027. Announcing the initiative on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, the apex bank said the plan seeks to remove longstanding barriers to international transactions, including high fees, slow processing times, and regulatory complexities that have historically constrained Nigerians’ access to global digital commerce. A senior CBN official described the roadmap as a strategic step toward positioning Nigeria as…

Manny Ita  – ​A transformative lifestyle shift is taking hold across Nigeria’s urban centers as Gen Z and Millennials increasingly adopt “Slowmaxxing,” a movement dedicated to radical tech abstinence and intentional living. In a sharp departure from the country’s high-velocity digital economy, professionals are reportedly flocking to specialized digital detox retreats in remote locations such as Epe and the Obudu mountain ranges, seeking a total disconnect from the “always-on” culture. Hospitality operators in these regions have reported record-breaking bookings for the first quarter of 2026, with many facilities now requiring guests to surrender smartphones and tablets upon check-in to facilitate…

Manny Ita  – The promoters of Centenary City have announced the launch of “The Grove,” a new luxury residential district comprising more than 200 five-bedroom housing units designed to attract high-net-worth individuals and diaspora investors. The project, located near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport corridor in Abuja, is positioned as a premium gated enclave within the broader Centenary City master plan. Developers said the estate will feature expansive duplexes equipped with modern architectural finishes, private gardens, advanced security systems, and dedicated recreational facilities. A representative of the development company described The Grove as a strategic addition to Abuja’s luxury real…

Manny Ita  – Renowned Nollywood filmmaker and actor Femi Adebayo has officially announced the commencement of his next historical cinematic project, King Kosoko, set for a 2026 release. Following the commercial and critical success of indigenous epics like Jagun Jagun and the recently released Agesinkole 2: King of Thieves, this new production aims to chronicle the 19th-century resistance of the Lagos monarch against British colonial forces. Industry insiders report that the project will involve one of the largest production budgets in Yoruba cinema history, focusing on meticulous period-accurate costume design and the reconstruction of colonial-era Lagos. Highlighting the motivation behind…