Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

GTBank Introduces Quick Airtime Loan At 2.95% Elegbede Abiodun Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the inauguration of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most. In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds…

Saudi Arabia Sighted Ramadan Crescent Moon Saudi Arabia has officially declared that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following the sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday evening. The Kingdom’s Supreme Court confirmed the moon sighting, marking the beginning of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed globally by Muslims through fasting, prayers, and acts of devotion. Neighbouring countries, including Qatar and Oman, have also declared that Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, February 18. Nigeria Muslims are expected to start fasting on Wednesday as well, pending the formal announcement by the…

Manny Ita  – The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the U.S. civil rights movement and longtime political activist, has died at the age of 84 following a prolonged illness, his family announced on Tuesday. In a statement, his family said he “died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family,” describing him as a leader whose “unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity.” They added that he was “a tireless change agent” who elevated marginalized voices and left “an indelible mark on history.” Jackson had been hospitalized in…

Manny Ita  – The Senate on Tuesday voted by division to retain electronic transmission of election results as optional rather than mandatory, reaffirming its earlier amendment to the Electoral Act. The vote followed a motion by Abia South senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who urged lawmakers to rescind the previous decision and make electronic transmission compulsory for elections. The motion triggered a tense and rowdy session lasting several minutes as senators split along caucus lines. The amendment adopted last week allows results to be transmitted electronically but provides that where internet connectivity fails, Form EC8A will serve as the primary basis for…

Manny Ita  – Industry analysts and financial experts have identified Nigeria’s burgeoning pension assets, which officially crossed the N20 trillion threshold as of late 2025, as the primary catalyst required to transform the nation’s stagnant housing market. With the national housing deficit currently estimated between 20 million and 28 million units, stakeholders argue that the long-term nature of these funds provides a unique opportunity to bridge the massive infrastructure gap. Data from the National Pension Commission (PenCom) indicates that total net assets reached N27.45 trillion by December 2025, a milestone that experts believe marks a historic turning point for the…

Manny Ita  – Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has publicly committed to financing the legal and investigative pursuit of justice for an alleged victim of sexual assault. Speaking to his audience via a video broadcast on Tuesday, the controversial figure announced that he would leverage his platform and resources to ensure that the case is not “swept under the carpet” by influential parties. The activist’s intervention follows a series of public outcries regarding the handling of sexual violence cases in the country, with Otse stating that he is prepared to hire private investigators and senior…

Manny Ita  – President Bola Tinubu officially launched the Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025 on Tuesday, marking a strategic pivot toward a production-centered economy focused on factory construction and massive job creation. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the launch held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, the President characterized the document as a comprehensive roadmap designed to re-engineer the nation’s industrial base. In a direct address to government agencies, the President emphasized that the success of this new framework would not be found in administrative paperwork but in tangible economic outcomes, stating, “We will measure…

2026 World Cup: NFF sets record straight on FIFA verdict on Nigeria, DR Congo dispute Elegbede Abiodun The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has clarified rumours regarding a decision from FIFA concerning Nigeria’s protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over allegations of fielding ineligible players. The issue arose after Nigeria’s Super Eagles were knocked out by DR Congo in a penalty shootout during the World Cup play-offs for the African zone last November, ending their chances of qualifying for the intercontinental play-offs later this year. In response, the NFF lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, challenging the eligibility…

Govt, DBN, World Bank Team Up For North-East Farmers, Bosting Livestock Production Elegbede Abiodun The program to benefit no fewer than 300 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Development Bank of Nigeria Plc (DBN) and its subsidiary company, Impact Credit Guarantee Limited (ICGL), in collaboration with strategic partners, including the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development have boosted support for livestock-focused Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the North-East through capacity building, access to access to finance aimed at enhancing productivity within the livestock value chain. L-R; Representative of the MD/CEO; Dr. Tony Okpanachi, DBN Head Business Development; Ayodele…

Polaris Bank Introduces Global Gift Card Feature On VULTe Polaris Bank, through its digital lifestyle platform VULTe, has launched a faster, smarter way for users to send love, appreciation, and rewards across borders with the launch of its new Gift Card feature, enabling customers to deliver global brand gift cards to family and friends anywhere in the world in seconds. Designed for speed, security, and everyday relevance, the feature allows users to choose from a wide range of international and local brands spanning groceries, beauty and wellness, fashion, electronics, entertainment, gaming, and lifestyle services, all seamlessly accessible on VULTe. Whether…