Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – Trading on the Nigerian Exchange Limited ended the first week of March on a positive note, with the market recording a steady advance driven largely by strong gains in oil and gas stocks. Data from the exchange shows that the All-Share Index rose by 4,141.37 points during the week ended March 6, closing at 196,968.15 points. The increase represents a 2.15 per cent gain compared with the previous week, despite a slowdown in overall trading activity. Market capitalization moved in tandem with the upward price movement, rising by 2.16 per cent to N126.4 trillion. However, trading volume…

Manny Ita  – Members of the Iran women’s national football team have reportedly been placed under house arrest after refusing to sing the national anthem associated with the ruling government, according to claims made by a commentator during a broadcast discussion. The allegations were highlighted by James Macpherson, a host on Sky News Australia, who said the players were facing restrictions after their protest during a football event drew criticism from state media figures in Iran. Speaking during a televised segment, Macpherson said the team’s decision not to sing the anthem had been interpreted by pro-government commentators as an act…

Manny Ita  – Manager José Mourinho was sent off following a heated confrontation with opposition staff as SL Benfica fought back from two goals down to secure a dramatic 2–2 draw against league leaders FC Porto in a tense edition of “O Clássico” in the Primeira Liga. Porto made a strong start to the encounter, taking the lead in the 10th minute through Danish midfielder Victor Froholdt. The visitors extended their advantage shortly before halftime when Polish player Oskar Pietuszewski doubled the lead, putting Porto in firm control as they headed into the break. Benfica responded strongly in the second…

Manny Ita  – All eyes are on the Court of Appeal (Nigeria) today as it prepares to deliver a decisive ruling in the protracted leadership dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a development that could significantly shape the internal structure and future direction of Nigeria’s main opposition party. The judgment is expected to address legal challenges arising from the long-running struggle between rival factions within the party, a crisis that has fueled tensions among party stakeholders and supporters across the country. The dispute, which has lingered for months, centers on competing claims to key leadership positions and disagreements over…

Manny Ita  – Several state governors, political organizations and civil society groups across Nigeria have pledged to increase female representation in governance following activities marking International Women’s Day, with some political groups announcing plans to reserve up to 40 per cent of leadership positions for women. The commitments came in the aftermath of nationwide celebrations and advocacy events held on March 8, where leaders and stakeholders renewed calls for greater gender inclusion in political leadership, public administration and decision-making processes. Officials from several political parties said the new commitments are part of broader efforts to close Nigeria’s gender representation gap,…

Manny Ita  – The United States Embassy in Abuja is set to resume routine consular and administrative operations today following a temporary closure prompted by security concerns linked to potential protests in Nigeria’s federal capital. Embassy officials had earlier announced the suspension of normal services as a precautionary measure after receiving reports indicating that demonstrations could occur in parts of Abuja. The temporary closure affected routine embassy activities, including visa services and public access to the diplomatic facility. In a statement issued prior to the reopening, the embassy explained that the decision to suspend operations was taken to ensure the…

Manny Ita  – The Federal Government has announced the commencement of nationwide recruitment for Batch B of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP), a flagship initiative designed to tackle youth unemployment while addressing social instability through economic empowerment. Officials said the programme, which begins its new intake today, is aimed at providing startup capital and business support to millions of young Nigerians across the country. The initiative targets unemployed and underemployed youths, equipping them with financial assistance and enterprise development opportunities intended to help them establish sustainable businesses. According to programme coordinators, the initiative forms part of the…

Manny Ita  – The Lagos State Government has warned Nollywood actress Sarah Martins against conducting charity cooking activities on public roads, walkways, or medians across the state, reiterating that such acts violate environmental and public order regulations. The warning comes four months after authorities apprehended the actress for a similar outreach programme in the Admiralty area of Lekki Phase 1 in Lagos. In October 2025, officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) arrested the actress for engaging in unauthorised activities on public infrastructure. Authorities cited provisions of the LAGESC/KAI law on street vending, which prohibits cooking or selling…

Manny Ita – The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and the Bank of Industry (BOI) have announced a ₦10 billion support package aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s domestic sugar industry and attracting increased private sector investment into the sector. Officials of both institutions said the initiative is designed to accelerate the development of local sugar production projects and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported sugar. The fund will provide financial backing to investors and operators within the sugar value chain, including plantation development, sugar milling, refining, and other supporting infrastructure required to expand local production capacity. The agencies said the programme forms…

Manny Ita- The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a former local government councillor in Lagos over alleged involvement in the trafficking of 40 kilograms of cannabis popularly known as “skunk”. According to the anti-narcotics agency, part of the illicit substance was discovered concealed inside baby diapers in what officials described as an attempt to evade detection during transportation. The NDLEA said the suspect, who previously served as a councillor in one of the local government areas in Lagos State, was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the agency. Preliminary investigations by the agency…