Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – A rare convergence of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent commenced on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, creating what religious observers describe as an unusual moment of shared fasting, reflection, and spiritual discipline across Nigeria. The simultaneous observance has transformed daily routines in major cities including Lagos and Kaduna, where markets have seen increased activity as Muslim families purchase dates, grains, and other staples for Suhoor (pre-dawn meals) and Iftar (fast-breaking dinners), while Christian households prepare for the solemn period leading to Easter through prayer, abstinence, and acts of charity. Clerics from…

Manny Ita  – The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a scheduled maintenance exercise at the Zungeru Substation that will disrupt electricity supply in parts of Niger State on Wednesday, February 18, and Thursday, February 19, 2026. According to the company, the planned work will take place between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on both days, during which transmission lines connected to the facility will be temporarily shut down to allow engineers to carry out essential servicing and system upgrades. TCN said the maintenance is necessary to enhance operational efficiency and prevent unplanned outages in the future. A statement…

Manny Ita  – Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political realignment in one of Nigeria’s most influential northern states. The announcement was made on Tuesday during a high-profile visit by Vice President Kashim Shettima to Kano, where the governor was officially received into the ruling party. Speaking at the event, Yusuf described his decision as one driven by the need to align the state with the federal government for accelerated development. “This move is in the best interest of Kano State and its people. We are joining…

Manny Ita  – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced that more than 1.5 million candidates have successfully registered for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with the registration deadline firmly set for February 26, 2026. The examination body disclosed the figures on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, noting that the surge in registrations reflects sustained interest among prospective undergraduates seeking admission into tertiary institutions across the country. Officials emphasized that the deadline remains unchanged and advised candidates yet to complete their registration to do so promptly. A spokesperson for the board stated, “As of today, over 1.5 million…

Manny Ita  – The Dangote Group has announced the sealing of  a $400 million agreement with Chinese heavy machinery manufacturer XCMG to supply advanced construction equipment for a major expansion of the Dangote Refinery. The project, announced today aims to raise the refinery’s processing capacity from its current 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, a scale that would position it as the largest oil refinery in the world. Company officials said the newly acquired equipment will accelerate ongoing civil works, logistics infrastructure, and additional processing units required for the expansion. The deal reportedly includes large-scale earth-moving…

Manny Ita  – Armed bandits have abducted six travelers along the Naka–Makurdi road in Benue State, including four members of the Ansaarudeen Islamic Society, in an attack that has heightened security concerns along the busy corridor. The victims were reportedly seized while traveling through a vulnerable stretch of the highway known for recurrent criminal activity, with witnesses describing the incident as swift and coordinated. Local sources said the attackers intercepted the vehicle carrying the victims, forcing it to a halt before whisking the passengers away into nearby bushland. “They blocked the road suddenly and started shooting into the air. Everyone…

Telecom Policy: NCC Presents Landmark Review of Nigeria’s 26 Years Policy Elegbede Abiodun The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially launched a comprehensive review of the National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) 2000 — a framework that laid the foundation for the country’s telecom liberalisation and digital transformation. The move signals a pivotal moment for broadband expansion, telecom investment, digital innovation, and the broader economy. A Policy That Caused Revolution Introduced in 2000, the National Telecommunications Policy reshaped Nigeria’s communications landscape. At the time, the country had fewer than one million active telephone lines and limited private-sector participation. The policy opened…

MTN Reclaims Its Initial Towers, Acquires IHS Towers in $6.2bn Deal Elegbede Abiodun MTN has recovered its old telecoms towers it initially sold to IHS Towers, as MTN Group, yesterday, reached an agreement to acquire IHS Towers, the largest independent towers, operators, and developers of shared communication infrastructure globally, at an enterprise value of approximately $6.2 billion. The deal took weeks of negotiation between both parties, which was eventually concluded yesterday. IHS Towers’ Board of Directors unanimously approved the transaction and recommended it to shareholders. Founded in Nigeria in 2001, IHS Towers grew to become one of the largest…

TCN Restores Shiroro–Mando 330kV Transmission Line Elegbede Abiodun • Reaffirms the implications of vandalism, noting that such actions undermine the stability and reliability of bulk electricity supply across the region. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the successful restoration of the 330kV Shiroro–Mando Transmission Line 1, which is currently operational, the organisation said in a statement. The line was restored at the weekend, following the completion of repair works undertaken by TCN’s engineers, General Manager of Corporate Affairs of the company, Ndidi Mbah, stated. With the restoration of line 1, bulk power supply to Kaduna Electric has…

Keystone Bank donates delivery kits to pregnant women in Jigawa As part of its continued commitment to social impact and community wellbeing, Keystone Bank Limited recently donated delivery kits to pregnant women in Jigawa State. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Izore Lami Bamawo, noted that the initiative was carried out under the Employee Volunteering Scheme (EVS) Phase 2 Project. She explained that the programme was designed to enhance maternal health outcomes, promote safer childbirth, and improve access to essential maternal care supplies. She further disclosed that 150 expectant mothers benefited from…