Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – The National Assembly has approved a ₦1.5 trillion budget for the Nigerian Army for the 2026 fiscal year as part of efforts to strengthen military operations against escalating insecurity across the country. Lawmakers said the allocation is intended to enhance operational capacity, procure modern equipment, and improve troop welfare amid ongoing counterinsurgency and internal security missions. During plenary, legislators emphasized the urgent need to bolster the army’s capabilities in the face of persistent threats, including insurgency, banditry, and communal violence in several regions. A ranking member noted that the appropriation reflects the gravity of the security situation…

Manny Ita  – The Federal Government of Nigeria and governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress have jointly donated ₦8 billion to victims of the devastating fire that recently razed the popular Singer Market in Kano. The intervention is aimed at supporting thousands of traders whose goods and sources of livelihood were destroyed in the inferno. Announcing the donation during a visit to the affected area, officials described the incident as a major economic setback not only for the traders but also for the wider commercial ecosystem of the state. A representative of the federal delegation stated…

Manny Ita  – The Sa’ad Abubakar III has directed Muslims across Nigeria to begin searching for the Ramadan crescent moon on Tuesday evening after sunset, signaling the imminent commencement of the Islamic holy month. The directive, issued through the office of the Sultanate Council, stated that if the new moon is sighted, fasting will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. In an official statement, the Sultan urged Muslims to look out for the crescent on the 29th day of Sha’aban, in accordance with Islamic tradition. “Muslims are requested to start looking for the new moon of Ramadan 1447 AH immediately…

Manny Ita  – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday arraigned an Abuja-based couple before a Federal High Court over an alleged ₦740 million fraud linked to purported global market investment schemes. The defendants were brought before the court on multiple counts bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, and money laundering. Prosecuting counsel told the court that the couple allegedly solicited funds from unsuspecting investors under the guise of facilitating lucrative opportunities in international commodity and financial markets. According to the prosecution, the defendants promised high and guaranteed returns but instead diverted the funds for personal use.…

Manny Ita  – The National Assembly reconvened today at 11:00 a.m. after abruptly cutting short its recess to deliberate on what lawmakers described as “crucial decisions” affecting the country. The emergency plenary, attended by members of both chambers, follows rising political tension and mounting governance issues that have reportedly demanded immediate legislative attention. Parliamentary sources indicated that the decision to recall lawmakers was taken after consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, with officials stressing the urgency of matters on the agenda. Although details of the deliberations were not officially disclosed ahead of the session,…

Sterling HoldCo Confirms Full Recapitalisation Of Two Banking Subsidiaries It strengthened its capital position through an ₦88 billion Public Offer in October 2025. Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has confirmed that its core banking subsidiaries, The Alternative Bank (AltBank) and Sterling Bank, are fully recapitalised in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) revised minimum capital requirements, following final regulatory approvals received in January 2026. The capital-raising programme itself was substantially completed between December 2024 and October 2025, positioning the Group well ahead of the 2026 industry deadline. In December 2024, the Group completed a ₦75 billion Private Placement,…

Tinubu lauds BUA–UAE firms MoU on sugar refining, logistics BUA Group Chairman, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, signs a Memorandum of Understanding with UAE-based AD Ports Group and MAIR Group in Abu Dhabi. Credit: @officialABAT | X President Bola Tinubu on Monday lauded the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria’s BUA Group and UAE-based AD Ports Group and MAIR Group in Abu Dhabi. According to a statement personally issued via his X handle, Tinubu described the agreement as a significant milestone in Nigeria–United Arab Emirates economic relations. “I commend the signing of the strategic Memorandum of Understanding between…

Ashny Releases Musical Film and New Album Femalepreneur, Making History Following a successful and consistent run in 2025, Nigerian singer and songwriter Ashny, popularly known as the Naija Queen of Pop, has achieved a notable milestone with the release of her musical short film The Overcomer, described as a first-of-its-kind project by a Nigerian female artiste. The film chronicles Ashny’s journey through the struggles of rising to stardom, uniquely weaving her music into the storytelling process. Featuring a cast of respected industry figures, the production includes legendary vocalist Yinka Davies as Ashny’s mother, comedian and entertainment impresario Koffi Tha…

Super Eagles set to go against Jordan in friendly match, await FIFA World Cup decision File: Super Eagles Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Jordan in an international friendly match in Amman during the March 23–31 FIFA window. According to a report by NTA on Monday, the match will mark the first-ever senior meeting between the two nations and forms part of Jordan’s preparation for their debut World Cup appearance. Nicknamed “The Chivalrous Ones,” Jordan has been drawn into a challenging World Cup group alongside defending champions Argentina, Algeria, and Austria. Reports also indicate that Iran is exploring a March fixture…

Zaccheus Adedeji declares tax systems automated, digital, data-driven Elegbede Abiodun The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, has said that the successful implementation of the country’s historic tax reforms hinges entirely on a shift toward a digital-first environment. While speaking on the theme ‘Harmonising Revenue Systems and Implementing New Tax Laws,’ organised by the FCT-Internal Revenue Service in Abuja on Monday, Adedeji emphasised that while the 2025 Tax Reform Acts—which took full effect on January 1, 2026—provide the legal framework for a fairer economy, they cannot function effectively through manual or paper-based processes. He noted that…