Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

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…

Adekunle Gold, Simi share heartfelt messages about seventh wedding anniversary By Elegbede Abiodun Popular Nigerian singers, Adekunle Gold and Simi, have shared heartfelt messages that drew admiration from fans and fellow as they take to social media to celebrate their seventh wedding anniversary. In a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday, Adekunle Gold, described Simi as his best friend, reflecting on their journey together since tying the knot seven years before. “Seven years ago, I married my best friend. And somehow, every year since then has been gentler than the last,” he wrote. He stated that their marriage has been…

Only profits will be taxed, we won’t touch savings in bank accounts — NRS boss By Elegbede Abiodun The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji, on Tuesday sought to calm public fears over the new tax laws, insisting that neither the old regime nor the new one empowers any authority to tax money sitting in Nigerians’ bank accounts. “Whether old tax law or new tax law has nothing to do with your personal bank account, whether you’re a company or you are an individual. “Don’t forget that tax is a percentage of your profits. So…

Olubadan Disregards Alaafin’s Handshake At Inter-faith Event For yet to be known reason, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was snubbed by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Sen.) Abdulrashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, during the 2026 Inter-Faith Gathering held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Secretariat Grand Space, behind the Oyo State House of Assembly. Following eyewitnesses records at the event, tension filled the air when the Alaafin, in what appeared to be a respectful gesture, extended his hand to greet the Olubadan. The Olubadan disregarded the outstretched hand, proceeded to exchange pleasantries with the Governor of Oyo State,…