Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita The Chief Executive of the newly renamed Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Mrs. Tola Akerele, has returned Nigeria to the forefront of global cultural discourse following her high-profile participation at the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) Congress in New York. Held from January 13 to 15, 2026, the congress gathered approximately 500 arts leaders from over 50 countries under the theme “Resilience: A Global Dialogue,” a forum dedicated to ensuring cultural institutions remain financially sustainable and impactful despite dwindling public funds and geopolitical pressures. Mrs. Akerele, representing Nigeria’s premier cultural monument, was featured…

Manny Ita Organizers have finalized preparations for the 2026 National Yoruba Youth Summit, popularly known as “Îwà Day,” scheduled to convene on February 7, 2026, at the Federal School of Surveying in Oyo, Oyo State. Hosted by the Coalition of Yoruba Youth Leaders Forum in partnership with the Palace of the Alaafin of Oyo and the Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture, the summit is designed to institutionalize the philosophy of “Îwà Omolúàbí” or “good character” as a cornerstone for contemporary leadership. Prof. (Prince) Tolani Hassan, President-General of the coalition, characterized the gathering as “a movement to restore values and…

Manny Ita Access Holdings Plc has officially emerged as the largest financial institution in West and Central Africa by asset base, overtaking long-time rivals Zenith Bank and First Bank of Nigeria. According to the 2025 Africa’s Top 100 Banks report released in mid-January 2026, the group now commands a balance sheet of approximately $26 billion (estimated at over ₦42.45 trillion), supported by a Tier 1 capital of roughly $2 billion. This shift at the top of the regional hierarchy highlights a strategic divergence in the Nigerian banking sector; while competitors have focused on profit margins and digital efficiency, Access Holdings…

Manny Ita The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued a comprehensive regulatory circular aimed at streamlining the use of international payment cards within the country to bolster tourism and diaspora engagement. Signed by Dr. Rita Sike, Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, the document, titled “Facilitation of Seamless Use of Foreign Cards,” mandates that all Deposit Money Banks and non-bank acquirers ensure their Automated Teller Machines, Point-of-Sale terminals, and web-based platforms are fully configured to accept international cards. The apex bank emphasized that terminals must comply with global card scheme standards and maintain necessary certifications to eliminate technical…

WAFCON 2025: Nigeria in Group C, to face Zambia Reigning champion Nigeria will meet Zambia again, while Morocco will face Algeria in a North African derby in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) group stage. The Super Falcons beat Zambia 5-0 and Morocco 2-1 in last year’s final in Rabat, winning their 10th Wafcon title. In 2026, Nigeria will play Zambia, Egypt, and debutants Malawi in Group C. Morocco, hosting for the third consecutive time, will play Algeria, Senegal, and Kenya in Group A. Other groups: Group B: South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania Group D: Ghana,…

HoR minority caucus honours Nigeria’s fallen heroes during Armed Forces Remembrance Day … wounded soldiers and veterans were recognized. The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has joined Nigerians to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, paying tribute to fallen and serving personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces and assuring them that their sacrifices would never be forgotten. In a commemorative message signed by the Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, the caucus described the day as one of solemn national reflection, honouring the courage, patriotism and selflessness of officers and men who laid down their…

Adron Homes Sets Strategic Direction for 2026 at National Business Convention Adron Homes has officially commenced its 2026 National Business Convention, themed “Breaking New Grounds, Beyond and Above 2.0,” reaffirming its commitment to innovation, growth, and leadership in Nigeria’s real estate sector. The convention opened with a strategic address by the Chairman/Group CEO, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, who charged executives and managers across the organization to sustain excellence, embrace innovation, and drive sustainable expansion as Adron Homes strengthens its footprint nationwide. Bringing together top executives, directors, and managers from across the country, the convention serves as a platform for…

Manny Ita Nigeria is on the verge of a significant technological leap as analysts from TechCabal Insights predict that 2026 will mark the commissioning of the nation’s first dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers. This milestone is anchored by a massive $240 million investment from MTN Group into its “Genova” unit, a specialized division focused on delivering AI computing power directly to African businesses and governments. The project is part of a broader $1 billion infrastructure push involving global giants like Microsoft and Equinix, aimed at localizing high-performance computing and reducing Nigeria’s $850 million annual spend on foreign cloud services.…

Manny Ita ORS Olive Oil Nigeria has launched a new luxury Hair Maintenance Range under its “Shine Your Crown Unapologetically” campaign, aiming to elevate professional care for textured African hair. The announcement was made at a Lagos event that celebrated beauty, culture and self-expression, bringing together influencers, creators, students and loyal users for product demos, education and community activities. The new range includes several key products designed to support the health, manageability and shine of textured hair. Among these are the ORS Incredibly Rich Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion infused with castor oil — formulated to hydrate, strengthen and restore natural…

Manny Ita Organisers of the 2026 Beauty Nigeria International Expo have officially opened registration as plans advance for the country’s premier beauty and wellness trade event, scheduled to take place from July 8 to July 10, 2026, at the Blue Roof Event Centre in Ikeja, Lagos. The expo is expected to host more than 100 local and foreign exhibitors, attracting industry professionals, brands, distributors and beauty sector stakeholders. According to the event’s official programme, the three-day exhibition will feature a wide range of products and services across the beauty and personal care ecosystem, including skincare, haircare, cosmetics, wellness offerings and…