Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has directed the immediate enforcement of the “No Work, No Pay” policy against members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) as their nationwide strike enters its 58th day. In a circular dated January 8, 2026, and signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Abisola Adegoke, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister, the government ordered Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal tertiary hospitals to stop the salaries of all participating workers effective immediately. The directive follows the union’s persistent refusal to suspend the industrial action, which began…

Manny Ita The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to receive more than $9.5 million (£7 million) in recovered corruption proceeds following a landmark agreement with the Bailiwick of Jersey, a British Crown Dependency. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was formally confirmed in Abuja on Friday, January 9, 2026, was signed by Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple KC, and the Nigerian government. These funds were forfeited after the Royal Court of Jersey determined in January 2024 that the money, held in a local bank account, was “more likely than not” the result of a corrupt scheme where third-party contractors…

Manny Ita Global oil markets were thrown into turmoil this weekend as Brent crude prices plummeted to $60.56 per barrel, officially sliding beneath the $64.85 benchmark established in Nigeria’s N58.18 trillion 2026 Federal Budget. The downturn, largely triggered by a massive influx of supply following a landmark deal for the United States to import up to $2 billion in Venezuelan crude, has left the Nigerian government facing an immediate revenue shortfall only days into the new fiscal year. Financial analysts warn that if the price remains depressed through the first quarter, the Presidency may be forced to initiate a supplementary…

Manny Ita The Lagos State Government has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the operations of Euracare Multi-specialist Hospital following formal allegations of medical negligence brought by world-renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Adichie publicly attributed the death of her young son to “systemic failures and professional lapses” within the facility, asserting that the hospital failed to provide the “basic standard of urgent care” required during his final hours. The author’s public indictment has intensified national scrutiny regarding the safety and reliability of Nigeria’s elite private medical centers. ​In response to the gravity of the accusations, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed the Lagos…

Manny Ita Nigeria’s dominance in the global cultural economy has been reaffirmed this week as music visionary Don Jazzy and cinematic powerhouse Funke Akindele topped the prestigious “50 African Personalities and Brands Who Have Mastered the Art of Visibility” list for 2026. Curated by Visibility 50 Africa, the ranking celebrates leaders who have moved beyond mere social media fame to build multi-billion naira ecosystems that drive continental growth. The inclusion of these two icons highlights a year where Nigerian “soft power” has successfully transitioned from viral trends to institutional financial dominance across West Africa and the diaspora. ​Michael Collins Ajereh,…

Manny Ita The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally launched the first phase of Project BRIDGE (Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth), a massive technical undertaking designed to revolutionize the nation’s digital landscape. Underpinned by a $500 million concessional credit from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), the project has moved into its active stage this January with the release of an initial ₦460 million ($6 million) tranche. This foundational funding is designated for the incorporation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and the commencement of critical route surveys across the country. ​Unlike traditional infrastructure loans, Project BRIDGE utilizes…

Manny Ita The digital rift between the purists of the legendary Afrobeat movement and the fanbases of contemporary Afrobeats has reached a boiling point. In a series of viral, high-energy videos on Sunday, January 11, 2026, Seun Kuti—the Grammy-nominated son of the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti—launched a scathing critique of “Wizkid FC.” He warned the fanbase to stop the “disrespectful and ahistorical” practice of labeling Wizkid as the “New Fela,” arguing that such comparisons are rooted in “complete ignorance.” ​The friction was sparked by a social media debate celebrating Wizkid’s recent milestone of 10 billion Spotify streams, with fans claiming the…

Manny Ita In a significant retreat following a public legal threat, X influencer Dami Foreign has issued a formal apology to Afrobeats icon Tiwa Savage, claiming he never intended to cause harm to her or her 10-year-old son, Jamil Balogun. The apology, posted on January 6, 2026, came hours after Savage warned that her patience with his “repeated attacks” had reached a breaking point. “I want you to know that I don’t mean bad or de@th for you or your son,” the influencer wrote, attempting to de-escalate a confrontation that appeared headed for a courtroom under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act. ​The…

Manny Ita The Lagos State Government has confirmed it is on track to complete a total of 14,022 housing units by the end of March 2026 as part of a strategic effort to reduce the state’s significant housing shortfall. Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed that the administration has already delivered approximately 11,000 homes over the past six years, with the remaining units under construction to meet the first-quarter deadline. This initiative, part of the “Renewed Hope” housing agenda, utilizes a combination of direct budgetary funding and public-private partnerships to scale up the availability of affordable homes for low- and…

Manny Ita The Lagos State Government has progressed with the development of the Lagos Boardwalk project along the Wole Olateju waterfront as part of a strategic initiative to transform the city’s shorelines into global tourism hubs. Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, confirmed the advancement in early January 2026, describing the project as a centerpiece of the state’s efforts to leverage aquatic assets for “creative diplomacy” and economic expansion. Located along the Lekki-Ikoyi axis, the pedestrian-friendly, wooden-planked promenade is designed to integrate the state’s waterways with commercial and recreational activities, following standards seen in international coastal destinations. ​Economic projections…