Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita The inaugural Conference on Cultural Diplomacy officially commenced on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island, Lagos. The two-day landmark event, themed “Building Nations Through Cultural Diplomacy,” is organized by Zeelee Consult Limited in collaboration with the NIIA. It represents Nigeria’s first high-level platform dedicated to positioning the nation’s rich cultural heritage as a primary instrument for foreign policy, conflict resolution, and economic development. ​Convened by Ambassador Zainab Mohammed, the conference has assembled a diverse group of policymakers, diplomats, traditional rulers, and private sector leaders to discuss the strategic deployment…

Manny Ita In a development that has captivated the Nigerian social media space, Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh and her former husband, businessman Olakunle Churchill, have officially announced a reconciliation, ending ten years of high-profile legal battles and public hostility. The breakthrough was made public via separate emotional statements shared on their respective social media platforms over the weekend of January 24–25, 2026. ​Tonto Dikeh, who described the reconciliation as a “divine restoration,” attributed the end of the conflict to spiritual growth and a commitment to her faith. “After ten long years of public battles, deep wounds, and pain, God stepped…

Manny Ita In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian political establishment, Abba Atiku Abubakar, the son of former Vice President and opposition leader Atiku Abubakar, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The high-profile defection was formalized in mid-January 2026 at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, where he was received by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and other top-ranking party officials. ​Speaking during his reception, Abba Atiku stated that his decision was rooted in a desire to support the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the current administration,…

Manny Ita The political landscape of the North-Central region underwent a seismic shift on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State was formally received into the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a high-octane ceremony held at the Jos Polo Field. The event, which drew thousands of supporters from all 17 local government areas, was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing the Presidency and the national leadership of the party. ​The transition marks the culmination of a political realignment that began late last year following Governor Mutfwang’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Accompanied…

As Sanwo-Olu watches ‘Behind The Scenes,’ Funke Akindele shares moments Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has shown her gratitude after Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu watched her film “Behind the Scenes”, calling it a humbling experience. The film, co-directed by Akindele and Tunde Olaoye, has grossed over N2 billion at the box office, making it one of Nollywood’s top earners. It stars Scarlet Gomez as a generous real estate mogul whose kindness strains family ties and prompts personal reflection. Akindele expressed her fulfillment, saying the movie’s message had touched many hearts. She thanked the Governor for his time and insightful…

President Tinubu reaches Ankara for State visit to Türkiye President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday night landed in Ankara, Türkiye, for a State visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Eurasian nation. The President touched down at the Ankara Esenboğa Airport at 9:05 p.m. local time, marking the commencement of official engagements scheduled for the visit. He was received on arrival by a Turkish government delegation led by the Minister of National Education, Yusuf Tekin, with other senior officials. Tinubu’s visit is expected to focus on deepening diplomatic, political and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye,…

Manny Ita The NNPC Limited and Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) Joint Venture has successfully completed the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta, confirming a significant presence of hydrocarbons. The well, located within Oil Mining Lease (OML) 88, was drilled to a total depth of 3,850 meters and encountered multiple oil and gas-bearing reservoir zones. Chevron, which holds a 40% operating interest in the partnership alongside NNPC’s 60%, executed the drilling program as part of a strategic effort to unlock further potential within its legacy asset portfolio. Initial evaluations suggest the find could support a…

Manny Ita Activities at the National Industrial Court in Abuja were disrupted on Monday, January 26, 2026, as Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) workers, supported by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), staged a picketing exercise to demand the removal of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The protest occurred as the court convened to hear a suit filed by the FCTA seeking to restrain the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) from continuing an indefinite strike that has paralyzed administrative functions in the capital since last week. The workers are protesting several unresolved grievances, including five months of unpaid wage awards,…

Manny Ita ​A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered Airtel Networks Limited to pay ₦210 million in damages to veteran musician Veno Marioghae-Mbanefo over the unauthorized use of her 1985 classic hit, “Nigeria Go Survive.” Presiding Judge, Honourable Justice Ibrahim Kala, delivered the judgment on Monday, January 26, 2026, ending a protracted legal dispute that began in 2022. The court found the telecommunications company liable for utilizing the iconic song for promotional and telemarketing purposes, including on the Airtel TV App and during the broadcast of The Voice Nigeria, without obtaining the necessary licensing or consent from…

Manny Ita The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) commenced its 2026 Management and Board Retreat in Abuja on Monday, marking the official launch of a new strategic “blueprint for public trust.” The two-day event, led by ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, is designed to shift the Commission’s operational focus toward measurable results, high-impact convictions, and the digital transformation of anti-graft processes. A primary feature of the retreat is the introduction of the “Zuma Declaration,” a formal commitment that mandates departmental heads and senior management to sign off on specific, time-bound performance benchmarks for the…