Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – Residents of Oshodi in Lagos have raised the alarm over a recent spike in hoodlum attacks and increased “area boy” activity across several communities in the district, saying the development has heightened fear and disrupted commercial and social activities in the area. Community members reported that neighbourhoods including Owoseni, Inasa, Eyin-Ogun, Orile-Oshodi, Branco, Aiyetoro Compound and Ilesanmi have witnessed repeated incidents of harassment, extortion, assault and vandalism allegedly carried out by groups of young men operating openly in the area. Speaking at a news conference, a community leader described the situation as “very disturbing,” noting that dozens…

Manny Ita  – A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has discharged and acquitted Tuoyo Omatsuli, a former Executive Director of Projects at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), alongside Francis Momoh and two corporate entities, of a 46-count charge bordering on alleged ₦3.6 billion money laundering brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Delivering judgment, the trial judge held that the prosecution failed to establish the essential elements of the offences of proceeds of unlawful activity and money laundering against the defendants. The court ruled that “the prosecution failed to establish the offence of proceeds…

Manny Ita  – The United States Embassy in Abuja has cancelled all visa appointments for the day and advised U.S. citizens in Nigeria to stay indoors as a security precaution amid heightened global tensions linked to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. The move follows security concerns over possible protests in the Federal Capital Territory tied to the escalating hostilities between Washington and Tehran. In its notice, the embassy stated that routine visa interviews and consular services scheduled for today would not take place and urged American citizens to avoid non-essential travel and large gatherings. “Following the…

Manny Ita  – Distillers and workers in the alcoholic beverage sector are scheduled to stage a protest at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) office in Oshodi, Lagos, today beginning at 8:30 a.m., in opposition to the nationwide crackdown on sachet alcohol and small polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. The planned demonstration follows enforcement actions by NAFDAC restricting the production, distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small PET bottles, a move the agency says is aimed at curbing alcohol abuse, particularly among youths. Industry representatives said the protest would bring together distillers,…

Manny Ita  – Health experts on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to integrate obesity prevention and routine weight monitoring into services offered at Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the country, as stakeholders marked World Obesity Day. The appeal comes amid growing concerns over rising cases of overweight and obesity among adults and children, which experts say are contributing to an increase in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. Speaking to journalists in Lagos to commemorate the day, a public health physician, Dr. Amina Yusuf, said obesity should be treated as a national public health priority. “Obesity…

FMDQ’s building In a landmark demonstration of its steadfast commitment to advancing Nigeria’s debt capital markets, promoting sustainable finance and enabling transformative economic development, FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited has approved the listing of Lagos State government’s N14.82 billion five-year bonds. The Series 3 fixed-rate green five-year bond is 16 per cent coupon rate. There is also N230 billion 10-year 16.25 per cent Series 4 fixed rate bond issued under its N1 trillion debt and hybrid instrument programme. This historic dual-series approval by the Exchange’s Board Listings and Markets Committee is one of the most significant sub-national debt capital market transactions…

Manny Ita – The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has opened subscriptions for a ₦1.05 trillion Treasury Bills auction, with bidding scheduled to close at 11:00 a.m. today, according to a market notice issued to authorised dealers. The offer, one of the largest single-day Treasury Bills issuances this year, is expected to attract strong demand from banks, asset managers, pension funds and other institutional investors seeking to manage liquidity positions and lock in attractive short-term yields. Treasury Bills are short-term sovereign debt instruments issued by the CBN on behalf of the Federal Government to finance budgetary obligations and regulate liquidity…

AFP photo showing explosion in Iran The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup may be facing an unexpected detour as uncertainty surrounds Iran’s participation following escalating military tensions with the United States and renewed diplomatic strain tied to expanded travel restrictions. The President of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, has acknowledged that the country’s appearance at the tournament is now in doubt. Speaking to Tehran public television, Taj suggested recent U.S. military action has cast serious uncertainty over Iran’s involvement. “With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can…

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso | Credit: CBN The Central Bank of Nigeria reduced the Monetary Policy Rate by 50 basis points to 26.5 per cent on 24 February 2026, after the Monetary Policy Committee’s 304th meeting. SAMI TUNJI examines the disinflation trends, foreign exchange stability and banking sector reforms supporting the decision, alongside the fiscal risks that could challenge the outlook. When the Monetary Policy Committee met for its 304th session in Abuja, it delivered what several analysts had expected by cutting the Monetary Policy Rate by 50 basis points to 26.5 per cent. However,…

Mr Taiwo Oyedele and President Bola Tinubu. Photo: State House President Bola Tinubu has nominated the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Dr. Taiwo Oyedele, as the Minister of State for Finance. Oyedele replaces Dr. Doris Anite-Uzoka, who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning as Minister of State, her third portfolio in the administration. The President on Tuesday conveyed Oyedele’s nomination to the Senate for confirmation in a letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on…