Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

1,185 films approved in 2025 – Censors Board The board reduced classification fees for films produced in indigenous languages aside the major ones. The National Film and Video Censors Board has said it approved and classified 1,185 films between January and December 2025. The figure represents an increase from the 1,088 films classified in 2024. The Director of Corporate Affairs of the board, Ogbonna Onwumere, disclosed this in a statement, NAN reports on Wednesday. He said the rise in film approvals reflected sustained growth in Nigeria’s film industry and a high level of activity among filmmakers and distributors nationwide.…

AFCON semi-final: Davido stakes $50,000 on Super Eagles’ against Morocco Nigeria last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013. Nigerian Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has placed a $50,000 wager on the Super Eagles ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match against Morocco on Wednesday. The ‘Timeless’ crooner shared a betting slip via his Instagram page on Wednesday, showing his confidence in Nigeria’s performance against the Atlas Lions in Wednesday crucial encounter scheduled for 9pm Nigerian time He wrote, “Nigeria to make the finals and I’ll double my stake on my slip…. 💰…

AFCON semi-final: Super Falcons send messages to Super Eagles Super Falcons. Photo: CAF Falcons gave assurance of their full support and prayers. The Super Falcons have thrown their weight behind the Super Eagles, sending a morale-boosting message ahead of the men’s national team’s upcoming match. In a short video shared online on Wednesday, the women’s national team expressed confidence in the Super Eagles, assuring them of their full support and prayers as they continue their campaign. The Super Falcons urged the team to trust one another, stay strong, and play an injury-free game, reminding them that they have the backing…

AFCON 2025: Ghanaian referee to officiate Nigeria, Morocco match The Nigeria against Morocco match is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the tournament. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea to take charge of the high-profile 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 encounter between Nigeria and Morocco. CAF has confirmed the officiating team for the eagerly anticipated showdown, which will take place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. GMT. Laryea, one of Africa’s most experienced…

World Bank foresees Nigeria’s economy at 4.4% growth in 2026 … as Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 3.46 per cent year-on-year in real terms. The World Bank has projected that Nigeria’s economy will grow by 4.4 per cent in both 2026 and 2027, describing the outlook as the country’s fastest pace of expansion in more than a decade. According to the Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report released in January 2026, Nigeria’s 2026 growth forecast was revised upward to 4.4 per cent from the 3.7 per cent projection contained in the June 2025 edition of the report, while the…

Taiwo Oyedele speaks on challenges received for tax reform rollout including life threat Oyedele was optimistic about Nigeria’s progress through tax reform. The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has revealed that he receives life-threatening messages because of his work implementing comprehensive tax reforms in Nigeria. Speaking at a governance event in Abuja on Tuesday, Oyedele emphasized the dangers involved in changing systems that affect powerful interests. “Reforms are hard, and tax reforms are even harder. You need courage. I receive threats simply for trying to fix a broken system,” he stated…

My church will not collect offering ~ Isaac Oyedepo Isaac-Oyedepo Pastor Isaac Oyedepo, founder of the Isaac Oyedepo Evangelistic Ministries has announced that his ministry will begin holding Sunday services in Abuja and, in line with God’s instruction, will not collect offerings. Church Times on Tuesday reported that he made this known in an online message it monitored. In the video, which was posted on Sunday, January 11, Oyedepo emphasised that the ministry’s primary focus is discipleship and equipping people to follow Jesus, rather than traditional financial practices. Addressing the financial aspect of the ministry, Oyedepo clarified that “God…

Ex-Ogun gov’s wife Onabanjo died; Tinubu, Abiodun mourn FILE: Madam Lucia Onabanjo Chief Olabisi Onabanjo governed Ogun State from 1979 to 1983. President Bola Tinubu and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday mourned the passing of Madam Lucia Onabanjo, wife of Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, the first civilian governor of Ogun State. She died on Monday, January 11, 2026, at the age of 100. Her daughter, Olubukunola Onabanjo, announced her mother’s death in a statement, describing the centenarian as “beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother” whose life was marked by love, faith, and strength. “We thank God for her long and…

Davis Cup: Lagos ready for Nigeria-Uzbekistan challenge President, Nigeria Tennis Federation, Victor Ochei (middle); President, Lagos Lawn Tennis Club 1895, Dr Adeyinka Adewusi (3rd left); Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the event, Victor Hembah (3rd right), and other members of the CPC during a press briefing ahead of the Nigeria vs Uzbekistan Davis Cup clash in Lagos…on Monday The Davis Cup World Group II tie between Nigeria and Uzbekistan, scheduled for February 7–8, 2026, in Lagos, with organisers confirming full technical, security and logistical readiness for the international men’s team tennis fixture, is ready. The confirmation was given…

Singer Bunmi Akinnanu, ‘Omije Ojumi’, passes on Nigerian gospel singer Bunmi Akinnanu, known for her hit song “Omije Ojumi,” has died following a prolonged battle with a serious leg condition. Her death was confirmed Tuesday evening by sources close to the singer. The family has not yet released an official statement, with further details expected to be shared later. Akinnanu’s passing follows months of health struggles that became public in late 2025 when a video from G.F. David Ministries in Ibadan, Oyo State, showed her receiving prayers for healing. In the footage, she was seen with her leg…