Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita – The Federal Government has announced a sweeping ban on the importation of several finished pharmaceutical products, including widely used medications such as paracetamol and metronidazole. The move is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s local drug manufacturing industry and reducing dependence on foreign imports. According to government officials, the policy is designed to stimulate domestic production by creating a more favorable environment for local pharmaceutical companies. Authorities say Nigeria has the capacity to produce many essential medicines internally, but that capacity has long been underutilized due to the dominance of imported drugs in the…

After seven years of her breaking into the league of ivy-universities by winning the prestigious World Bank-African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious, Redeemer’s University roared again and showcased some of its finest academic qualities and credentials to emerge as second Overall Best University in Nigeria.

Manny Ita – The National Universities Commission (NUC) has said it will engage the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to consider policy adjustments that would allow graduates of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to participate in the national service scheme. The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, made this known in Abuja during NOUN’s 15th convocation ceremony, where 24,575 graduates were awarded various degrees. Ribadu, who represented President Bola Tinubu as Visitor to the university, said the commission is committed to reviewing existing policy frameworks governing NYSC participation in response to changing graduate demographics, especially from…

Manny Ita – The Lagos State Government has appealed to private businesses such as banks, filling stations, eateries, and other public facilities to allow members of the public to use their restrooms as part of efforts to eliminate open defecation and improve sanitation across the state. The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the appeal in a post on X, noting that collaboration with the private sector is necessary to complement government efforts in expanding access to sanitation facilities. He stated that the state currently has about 1,710 functional public toilets located across different parts of Lagos,…

Manny Ita – The Federal Government has announced the end of physical verification of academic credentials in Nigeria, introducing a fully digital system for authentication and evaluation of certificates. According to the Federal Ministry of Education, all applications will now be processed strictly online through its official verification portal as part of efforts to improve transparency, speed, and efficiency in public service delivery. The Ministry said the new system aligns with the government’s digital transformation agenda and is aimed at strengthening data integrity and supporting better policy decisions in the education sector. Under the new arrangement, applicants seeking credential authentication…

Manny Ita – Ogun State, in partnership with Artnovation, is set to present a cultural exhibition titled “The Rock That Remembers” at the upcoming Milan Design Week, beginning April 22, 2026. The project highlights two iconic elements of Ogun State heritage—Olumo Rock and traditional Adire textile art—blending history, culture, and contemporary design to tell a visual story of identity and memory. Organizers say the exhibition will present Olumo Rock as a symbol of resilience and historical continuity, while Adire textiles will be showcased as a living art form that reflects Yoruba creativity and craftsmanship. The installation is expected to feature…

Manny Ita – The “Nigeria in Mosaic” art exhibition at Bay Lounge in Lagos is set to conclude today, April 19, 2026, after running a showcase aimed at celebrating Nigerian creativity and promoting cultural education. The exhibition featured over 15 major artworks from different Nigerian artists, highlighting themes centered on national identity, diversity, and modern artistic expression. Organizers also used the platform to raise awareness about copyright protection and intellectual property rights within the creative industry. Visitors over the course of the event experienced a mix of visual art styles, with curators emphasizing accessibility—making art more open to the public…

Manny Ita – Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez has stirred fresh conversation in the rap scene after seemingly reigniting his ongoing rivalry with fellow rapper Odumodublvck through a new verse featured on his latest deluxe album release. In the track, Blaqbonez delivers sharp and confident lyrics that fans interpret as a direct response to past exchanges between both artists, continuing a tension that has occasionally played out through music, interviews, and social media moments. Listeners say the verse carries a more assertive tone than previous releases, with wordplay and subtle references that have sparked debates among fans about whether the feud is…

Manny Ita – The historic city of Ibadan is gearing up to host what is being described as one of the largest art exhibitions ever staged in Africa, as “The Coalition” opens at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) from April 24 to April 26, 2026. The three-day cultural showcase will bring together 60 artists from across the continent, featuring more than 600 artworks spanning painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, and experimental installations. Organizers say the exhibition is designed to celebrate African creativity on a grand scale while also creating a platform for collaboration among emerging and established artists.…

MannyIta – The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a directive requiring all commercial banks and financial institutions to submit their board-approved Risk-Based Capital (RBC) stress test reports on or before April 30, 2026. This move signals a major shift in the country’s banking regulation framework. Rather than focusing primarily on the size of banks’ capital, the CBN is now emphasizing the quality and resilience of that capital under economic pressure. Under the new requirement, lenders must assess how their financial positions would hold up against severe economic shocks, including inflation spikes, currency volatility, credit defaults, and market disruptions.…