Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita ​The Misty Glam Company has concluded Nigeria’s first-ever Albinism Advocacy Pageant, crowning entrepreneur and gospel artist Anita Chidiebube-Dike as the inaugural queen at a grand finale held in Lagos. The event, themed “Beauty in Inclusivity,” was organized in collaboration with the Albinism Association of Nigeria to shift the narrative from traditional beauty standards toward social advocacy and leadership. Chidiebube-Dike, who also leads Anibrieght Ventures, secured a prize package featuring N500,000 in cash, a digital skills scholarship, and beauty products valued at over N3 million. Upon receiving the crown, the new queen stated, “My first priority is to create…

Manny Ita The Association of Professional Party Organisers and Event Managers of Nigeria (APPOEMN) has finalized plans for the fifth edition of its flagship annual gathering, Owambe 5.0, scheduled for February 3, 2026, at the Shaba Event Centre in Ikeja, Lagos. Under the theme “Nigeria Old Skool Concept – The 1940s Revival,” the event aims to pay homage to the “vibrant, timeless, and colourful heritage” of the country’s classic party era. APPOEMN President Ayiri Oladunmoye characterized the celebration as “more than just a party,” describing it as a “cultural thanksgiving” intended to usher in the new year while celebrating professional…

Federal Gov’t Will Commence 100,000-hectare Agro Revolution, Obtains Niger State C-of-O * 20,000 hectares are located along the Minna–Zungeru Road. The federal government has formally taken delivery of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) from the Niger State Government to kick-start a 100,000-hectare agro-industrial development under the Sustainable Integrated Productive Communities (SIPC) programme, marking a major step in its push to tackle food insecurity, housing deficits, unemployment and rural-urban migration. The initiative, driven by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) in partnership with Niger State, is designed as an integrated development model that combines large-scale agriculture with affordable housing, renewable energy, water…

Manny Ita IShowSpeed’s Lagos Tour Showcases City’s Culture Amid Viral Street DramaAmerican digital creator IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., has concluded a widely followed visit to Lagos that generated intense global attention and multiple viral moments, positioning the tour as one of the most talked-about influencer visits of early 2026. The trip coincided with Watkins surpassing 50 million subscribers on YouTube and unfolded largely through live broadcasts watched by millions worldwide. A central flashpoint of the visit emerged during a street livestream in Lagos, where Watkins attempted to give a local man $1,000 as a goodwill gesture.…

Sterling HoldCo Recognised For ‘Responsible Workplace Practices’ Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc (Sterling HoldCo) has been recognised by the Institute for Work and Family Integration (IWFI), in collaboration with Lagos Business School (LBS), for its leadership in responsible workplace practices. The recognition was announced at the Corporate Family Responsibility Index (CFRI) Awards, which assess organisations on the extent to which they embed family-friendly policies into workplace design, culture and leadership priorities. According to the organisers, the recognition places Sterling among a select group of organisations demonstrating strong institutional commitment to policies that help employees balance work, family and…

LAWMA Sweepers respond to mistreatment, harassment LAWMA boss requested Lagosians to respect sweepers. Street sweepers employed by the Lagos Waste Management Authority have responded to fresh concerns over what they described as persistent harassment, discrimination and unsafe working conditions on Lagos roads, recounting daily experiences of verbal abuse, intimidation and neglect by motorists, residents and roadside traders. The sweepers shared their stories during a recent episode of The Morayo Show, which celebrated their work and amplified the challenges they face in keeping the city clean. Several of the workers said they are often treated with disdain by members of the…

Adron Homes Bags NBCC Award, Reaffirms Commitment To Affordable Housing At 2026 Economic Outlook Adron Homes and Properties Limited has reinforced its position as a leading force in Nigeria’s real estate industry after receiving a prestigious recognition from the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) at the 2026 NBCC Economic Outlook event. The high-profile gathering, held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the NBCC Plaza on Olubunmi Owa Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, brought together policymakers, business leaders, and industry stakeholders to examine Nigeria’s economic trajectory while celebrating exemplary corporate achievements. The award presentation to Adron Homes was one…

Manny Ita ​The real estate market in the Lekki-Epe corridor has officially transitioned into a “Golden Growth Phase,” with the Ogba-Idunnu and Lekki Aviation Town axes emerging as the primary beneficiaries of the proposed Lekki International Airport. As of January 2026, real estate analysts and major developers, including Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Ltd, have confirmed that this sub-market is outperforming traditional investment zones due to its strategic proximity to a suite of mega-infrastructure projects. Analysts project that capital appreciation for properties in these specific zones will reach 35% this year, driven by an “infrastructure-led growth” model where value spikes…

Manny Ita Renowned Nigerian novelist and two-time Caine Prize finalist Elnathan John is set to release his first foray into children’s literature with the upcoming title Hassan and Hassana Share Everything. Published by Cassava Republic Press, the 40-page full-color picture book signals a notable departure from John’s established body of work in political satire and gritty fiction. The narrative follows eight-year-old twins whose relationship is tested on their birthday when they receive gifts—a bicycle for Hassan and drums for Hassana—that trigger a confrontation with traditional societal expectations. ​The plot centers on a pivotal moment of peer pressure when Hassan’s friends…

Manny Ita The Republic of Turkey and the Federal Government of Nigeria have reached a significant milestone in cultural diplomacy following the identification of 76 wooden and metal artifacts belonging to Nigeria. Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, confirmed the development during a diplomatic visit to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, in Abuja on Thursday. Ambassador Poroy stated that while the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Turkey has flagged the items, formal discussions for their return are currently underway, noting that the repatriation process will commence once the Nigerian government officially submits a…