Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – A sharp rise in demand for functional foods is reshaping Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, as consumers increasingly reject artificial preservatives and synthetic additives in favor of products fortified with locally sourced “superfoods” such as moringa, tigernut (ofio), and hibiscus, popularly known as zobo. Industry analysts say the shift reflects growing health awareness, changing lifestyle patterns, and heightened scrutiny of ingredient labels, particularly among urban middle-class households. Manufacturers of beverages, dairy alternatives, and snack products are now reformulating flagship brands to align with the emerging “clean label” preference for natural, minimally processed ingredients. A senior executive…

Manny Ita  – The Federal Government has intensified its nationwide Soybean Production Initiative, positioning the crop—dubbed the “Golden Bean”—as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s 2026 food security strategy aimed at reducing the country’s estimated $10 billion annual expenditure on imported protein sources for both animal feed and human nutrition. Officials say the renewed push reflects growing concern over the vulnerability of Nigeria’s food system to global supply shocks, foreign exchange pressures, and rising demand for affordable protein. The initiative focuses on expanding cultivation, improving seed quality, strengthening processing capacity, and building value chains that can support domestic consumption and export potential.…

Manny Ita  – The Nigerian music industry is observing a deepening rift between YBNL founder Olamide Adedeji and his former protégé, Portable, following allegations that the rapper is spearheading a quiet campaign to sideline the “Zazu” singer. The controversy reached a boiling point on Wednesday morning after influencer Tunde Perry claimed that Olamide and a select “circle” of international promoters and music moguls had discussed a formal blacklisting of Portable due to his recurring public outbursts and perceived lack of professional decorum. Perry alleged that Olamide, known for his prolific track record of mentoring “trenches” talent, has become increasingly wary…

Manny Ita  – The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially unveiled an 18-month Fintech Roadmap aimed at transforming Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem, with a major focus on making cross-border payments for luxury goods and lifestyle services as seamless as domestic transfers by 2027. Announcing the initiative on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, the apex bank said the plan seeks to remove longstanding barriers to international transactions, including high fees, slow processing times, and regulatory complexities that have historically constrained Nigerians’ access to global digital commerce. A senior CBN official described the roadmap as a strategic step toward positioning Nigeria as…

Manny Ita  – ​A transformative lifestyle shift is taking hold across Nigeria’s urban centers as Gen Z and Millennials increasingly adopt “Slowmaxxing,” a movement dedicated to radical tech abstinence and intentional living. In a sharp departure from the country’s high-velocity digital economy, professionals are reportedly flocking to specialized digital detox retreats in remote locations such as Epe and the Obudu mountain ranges, seeking a total disconnect from the “always-on” culture. Hospitality operators in these regions have reported record-breaking bookings for the first quarter of 2026, with many facilities now requiring guests to surrender smartphones and tablets upon check-in to facilitate…

Manny Ita  – The promoters of Centenary City have announced the launch of “The Grove,” a new luxury residential district comprising more than 200 five-bedroom housing units designed to attract high-net-worth individuals and diaspora investors. The project, located near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport corridor in Abuja, is positioned as a premium gated enclave within the broader Centenary City master plan. Developers said the estate will feature expansive duplexes equipped with modern architectural finishes, private gardens, advanced security systems, and dedicated recreational facilities. A representative of the development company described The Grove as a strategic addition to Abuja’s luxury real…

Manny Ita  – Renowned Nollywood filmmaker and actor Femi Adebayo has officially announced the commencement of his next historical cinematic project, King Kosoko, set for a 2026 release. Following the commercial and critical success of indigenous epics like Jagun Jagun and the recently released Agesinkole 2: King of Thieves, this new production aims to chronicle the 19th-century resistance of the Lagos monarch against British colonial forces. Industry insiders report that the project will involve one of the largest production budgets in Yoruba cinema history, focusing on meticulous period-accurate costume design and the reconstruction of colonial-era Lagos. Highlighting the motivation behind…

Manny Ita  – A rare convergence of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent commenced on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, creating what religious observers describe as an unusual moment of shared fasting, reflection, and spiritual discipline across Nigeria. The simultaneous observance has transformed daily routines in major cities including Lagos and Kaduna, where markets have seen increased activity as Muslim families purchase dates, grains, and other staples for Suhoor (pre-dawn meals) and Iftar (fast-breaking dinners), while Christian households prepare for the solemn period leading to Easter through prayer, abstinence, and acts of charity. Clerics from…

Manny Ita  – The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a scheduled maintenance exercise at the Zungeru Substation that will disrupt electricity supply in parts of Niger State on Wednesday, February 18, and Thursday, February 19, 2026. According to the company, the planned work will take place between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on both days, during which transmission lines connected to the facility will be temporarily shut down to allow engineers to carry out essential servicing and system upgrades. TCN said the maintenance is necessary to enhance operational efficiency and prevent unplanned outages in the future. A statement…

Manny Ita  – Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political realignment in one of Nigeria’s most influential northern states. The announcement was made on Tuesday during a high-profile visit by Vice President Kashim Shettima to Kano, where the governor was officially received into the ruling party. Speaking at the event, Yusuf described his decision as one driven by the need to align the state with the federal government for accelerated development. “This move is in the best interest of Kano State and its people. We are joining…