Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Pay-TV operator StarTimes has launched its 2026 Christmas and New Year promotion, offering subscribers free bouquet upgrades, additional viewing days and special gifts when they renew their subscriptions during the festive period. Tagged “Xmas Level Up: Same Recharge, More Entertainment,” the promotion runs from November 10, 2026, to January 15, 2027, and is designed to give subscribers access to higher bouquet packages without additional subscription costs. Under the offer, subscribers who recharge for one month on the Nova, Basic or Classic bouquets will automatically receive an upgrade to the next package for the duration of their subscription. Nova subscribers will…

Flamingos arrive in Abuja on Monday. Photo: Channels Triumphant Flamingos arrived in Abuja on Monday morning following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, Channels TV reports. The team secured its maiden title on Saturday after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final, with Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scoring the goals that sealed Nigeria’s victory. The achievement also made the Flamingos the first African side to win the global age-grade competition. Their success followed an impressive run of form before the tournament, having won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire with a…

Wema Bank has awarded N300 million to 11 winning teams at the seventh Hackaholics innovation programme, to support the development and commercialisation of technology-driven solutions addressing economic and societal challenges. The funding was announced at the grand finale of Hackaholics 7.0, with the theme: ‘Festival of the Future’, in Lagos at the weekend. The contest attracted 5,329 participants and generated 1,632 ideas and innovative solutions across seven pitch centres in Uyo, Kano, Yaba College of Technology, Benin, Ibadan, Enugu and Lagos. Following the nationwide selection, 59 participants emerged, while 21 finalists were shortlisted through a multi-stage evaluation to compete for…

The Federal Government has introduced a USSD service through Wema Bank’s ALAT platform, allowing selected Nigerians to check their eligibility for the ₦50,000 National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI). The programme, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is designed to provide financial assistance to poor and vulnerable households affected by the rising cost of living. Wema Bank is among five approved payment providers selected to facilitate the disbursement of the funds. As reported by PM News on Monday, according to information on the government’s NERSI portal, eligible Wema Bank customers can check their status…

Ecobank Adire Lagos Ecobank Nigeria is expecting more than 35,000 visitors and 150 African brands for the December edition of its Adire Lagos festival, as the bank seeks to expand market opportunities for small businesses and creative entrepreneurs. The three-day event, scheduled for 11-13 December, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Lagos, will bring together fashion designers, artisans, textile merchants and other creative businesses. The festival will feature shopping, fashion, art, food, music and cultural experiences, providing participating businesses with opportunities to sell their products, attract customers and establish commercial relationships. Ecobank said the December edition would be its…

2Baba’s presence at the Mbeya festival showed the cross-border appeal to Nigerian music. Nigerian music star, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has performed at Tanzania’s Bongo Flava@30 anniversary festival in Mbeya, as the country’s music industry marked three decades of the popular genre. 2Baba was among the headline performers at the event held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Eden Highlands Hotel in Mbeya. His appearance brought an international dimension to the celebration, which featured several Tanzanian music stars who have contributed to the growth of Bongo Flava over the past three decades. Other performers included Mr Blue, Afande…

* Umejiaku scored four goals. Nigeria’s 16-year-old forward, Oluebube Umejiaku, has been named the best player of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after inspiring the Flamingos to their historic title triumph. Umejiaku received the Golden Ball award after scoring four goals during the tournament, including the decisive strike in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final. The Heartland Queens FC forward played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s impressive campaign, becoming one of the standout performers as the Flamingos secured their first-ever title in the competition. Nigeria’s victory also made them the first African country to…

The Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Khalifah Muhammad Sunusi II, has expressed satisfaction with Governor Dauda Lawal’s performance in Zamfara State. The Emir was the guest of honour at the commissioning of the rebuilt and equipped Zawiyya Mosque and Islamiyya School in Gusau on Friday. The Zawiyya is one of the oldest Islamic institutions in Zamfara, with a long history of producing scholars across various fields. In his Friday sermon at the rebuilt mosque, Professor Ibrahim Maqari emphasised peaceful coexistence among people and the importance of cleanliness, particularly in places of worship. At the commissioning ceremony, the Emir of…

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emperor Jarrett Tenebe; and Dr Ifetayo Adeniyi were among prominent personalities honoured at the 20th edition of the Face of the World Nigeria Beauty Pageant, tagged the ‘Akpakomiza Edition’ on Saturday. The colourful ceremony, organised by the Chairman of Divine Smiles Foundation International, Prince Eric Odigie, featured glamour, cultural displays, entertainment and the recognition of distinguished individuals for their contributions to societal development. Okpebholo, Tenebe and other award recipients were celebrated for their respective roles in leadership, community development and impactful service, while Adeniyi emerged Best…

Balogun, on his social media pages, revealed his participation in some parts of the country. Actor Saidi Balogun has responded to critics over his public support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of Tinubu’s bid for a second term. Tinubu, who is seeking re-election in 2027, has featured several celebrities in his campaign activities across the country in recent weeks. Balogun shared videos on his social media pages showing him hosting rallies in different parts of the country, a move that drew heavy criticism from some social media users. In a response posted on his page, the actor told his critics…