Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita The Edo State Police Command has achieved a historic milestone in Nigerian law enforcement after successfully rescuing nine kidnap victims through its first-ever drone-led tactical operation. In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, on Saturday, it was revealed that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, activated the newly formed “Eagle Combat Drone Unit” following the abduction of residents at Egbojo Ikabigbo community in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area. At approximately 4:25 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, real-time aerial intelligence from the drone unit pinpointed the exact location of the kidnappers’ forest camp,…

Manny Ita The Super Eagles of Nigeria have arrived in Fez to begin preparations for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against host nation Morocco, following a 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals. The match is scheduled for Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Victor Osimhen, who scored Nigeria’s opening goal against Algeria, said the team expects a difficult contest against the hosts but remains focused on reaching the final. “It is not going to be an easy walk for us, but I believe in this squad, and I believe in the players,” the Napoli…

Manny Ita Commercial bank lending to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector declined by ₦2.1 trillion in the most recent fiscal cycle, reflecting mounting pressure on the real sector amid rising borrowing costs and tighter credit conditions. Data show that total credit to manufacturers fell by 16.2 per cent, from ₦13.06 trillion to ₦10.94 trillion, highlighting a sharp pullback by banks from industrial financing. Industry analysts attribute the decline largely to elevated lending rates, which have risen to as high as 36.6 per cent at some commercial banks. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has linked the contraction to what it described as a…

Surprise as Retailers lower petrol below Dangote’s N739/litre File photo: Fuel pump As tide is gradually taking new turn, some filling stations now sell petrol at prices lower than those of MRS. The price war in the petroleum sector has continued to deepen as some retail outlets have dropped the prices of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) below the N739 per litre recommended by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Since the Dangote refinery slashed petrol pump prices from about N900 to N739 in December, many importers and depot owners have lamented mounting losses. To remain competitive, many operators were forced to sell…

Manny Ita Funmi Adewara, a British-Nigerian physician and bioscience entrepreneur, has secured a multi-million-dollar strategic partnership to expand her telehealth platform, Mobihealth International, to 300 locations across Nigeria. The expansion is being executed in collaboration with financial and telecommunications institutions, including Union Bank and Airtel Nigeria, and is aimed at establishing walk-in telehealth clinics nationwide. According to information released by the company, the new facilities will operate as hybrid healthcare hubs where patients can consult remotely with a global network of more than 100,000 medical professionals based in the United States, the United Kingdom and Nigeria. The clinics are designed…

Manny Ita Dr. Ije Akunyili has been appointed Chief Medical Officer of Jersey City Medical Center, becoming the first Black physician to hold the position since the hospital was founded in 1882. The appointment marks a historic milestone for the New Jersey-based institution, which is part of the RWJBarnabas Health system and serves as a major healthcare provider in Hudson County. Jersey City Medical Center management announced the appointment this week, noting that Dr. Akunyili will oversee clinical operations and lead efforts aimed at improving patient safety, innovation and equity in care delivery. Her emergence as CMO places her among…

Rema, mother at childhood neighbourhood, visit church in Edo By Elegbede Abiodun On Sunday, Afrobeat Singer Divine Ikubor popularly known as Rema made a surprise visit to his childhood neighbourhood in Benin, Edo State. With videos trending on X (formerly Twitter), the singer was seen in the neighbourhood with old friends and well-wishers, who gathered to greet him, calling his name to show him love and celebrate him. The crowd echoed, “Divine, we love you so much.” The music star also attended church with his mother where the pastor recognised him during the service. The pastor said, “Thank you…

Amid impeachment tension, Fubara declares ‘I have what is supreme’ By Elegbede Abiodun Governor Siminalayi Fubara, amid the ongoing impeachment process initiated by the State House of Assembly, has asked for calm among Rivers State residents. He made the appeal during a church service held to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, assuring citizens that peace would prevail. While addressing the congregation, Fubara explained that his decision to remain silent in the face of political distractions was deliberate, grounded in his faith. “The reason why I don’t complain is that I know who I am, I have what…

Fallen Heroes: Sanwo-Olu salutes unseen sacrifices behind Nigeria’s Peace A cross section of the military and others at the event Sanwo-Olu praised the enduring pain and resilience of the military. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday paid glowing tribute to Nigeria’s Armed Forces, describing their service as a sacred calling rooted in courage, discipline and sacrifice. The governor spoke at the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Thanksgiving Service held at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Lagos, where he urged Nigerians to reflect on the unseen cost of peace and the responsibility of national unity. “Today, we…

7th Axial Road sand filling must be completed by April ~ Umahi Sen. Dave Umahi The Federal Government has directed the contractor handling construction of the Seventh Axial Road – from Dangote Refinery in Lagos State to Sagamu in Ogun, to complete filling with sand before the end of April. The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, gave the directive on Saturday in Lagos while inspecting the project. “I want to see a situation in which we have completed all the filling with sand and then, we will start concrete structure, but not the pavement,” Umahi said. The road is…