Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) supplied 10 crude oil cargoes to the Dangote Refinery in March, marking a significant step in ramping up operations at Africa’s largest oil processing facility. Bloomberg reports that president of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, who controls the continent’s largest crude processing plant, confirmed this to reporters at a briefing on Monday. Nigeria doubled crude supply to Dangote Refinery in March as Africa’s top oil producer moved to shore up fuel availability after the Iran war disrupted Middle East shipments. “Last month, they gave us six cargoes for naira and four cargoes for dollars,” Dangote…

Manny Ita – Reality TV star Kim Kardashian and Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton have fueled speculation about a possible relationship after appearing together in a social media video. In a clip shared by Hamilton, the seven-time world champion is seen driving a red Ferrari through the streets of Tokyo, with Kardashian seated beside him in the passenger seat. Reacting to the high-speed ride, she described the experience as “insane,” sparking excitement among fans. The video marks the first time Kardashian has appeared on Hamilton’s social media, adding weight to months of dating rumors that began earlier this year. The…

Manny Ita  – A modest photography studio tucked away on Oxford Street has emerged as an unlikely hub of celebrity history, having captured passport photographs of hundreds of global stars over more than 60 years. The family-run Passport Photo Service, founded by Dave Sharkey and later managed by his son Philip Sharkey, built a reputation for producing quick, no-frills portraits—often in under ten minutes. Despite its simplicity, the studio attracted an extraordinary clientele due to its proximity to embassies and its efficient service. Over the decades, around 800 notable figures sat before its camera, including icons like Muhammad Ali, Madonna,…

Manny Ita – New market data for April 2026 indicates a significant shift in Nigeria’s real estate landscape, with fresh development activity and investor interest concentrating in key high-growth corridors across Lagos and Abuja. In Lagos, the Lekki-Ajah corridor, Ikate, and the rapidly expanding Eko Atlantic zone have emerged as the focal points for new-build projects. Developers are increasingly drawn to these areas due to improved infrastructure, rising demand for premium housing, and their proximity to commercial and lifestyle hubs. The Lekki-Ajah axis continues to benefit from ongoing road expansions and urban development projects, positioning it as a preferred destination…

Manny Ita  – Sixteen-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke has achieved another remarkable milestone, securing his second Guinness World Record after completing a historic 100-mile autism awareness bike ride from Enugu to Lagos. The teenager, who had earlier gained global recognition for creating the largest individual canvas painting, undertook the endurance ride as part of efforts to raise awareness about autism and advocate for greater inclusion and support for individuals on the spectrum. The journey, which spanned multiple states and lasted several days, drew widespread attention and support from communities, advocacy groups, and well-wishers who hailed his resilience and commitment to a social…

Manny Ita  – The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art and Ventures Platform have unveiled a three-year art award valued at ₦10 million, aimed at supporting emerging Nigerian creatives and innovators. The initiative, announced today, seeks to nurture a new generation of “thinkers and makers” by bridging the gap between fine art and entrepreneurial innovation, encouraging artists to develop ideas that combine creativity with real-world impact. Organisers said the programme will provide not only financial support but also mentorship, exposure, and access to networks, enabling participants to scale their ideas beyond traditional artistic boundaries into commercially viable ventures. The award is…

Elegbede Abiodun Dangote’s refinery has capacity to produce up to three million metric tons of urea annually, most of ⁠which is typically exported to the United States and South America.  Dangote refinery, Africa’s largest, has increased export of petrol and urea to African countries hit by supply disruptions caused by the Iran war, its owner, Aliko Dangote said yesterday. Dangote said the refinery, operating at its maximum capacity of 650,000 barrels a day, had helped cushion the effect of the crisis both in Nigeria and across the continent, a Reuters report said. “What I can do is assure Nigerians ……

Manny Ita – Vice President Kashim Shettima is in Akoka to commission Nigeria’s first Artificial Intelligence UniPod at University of Lagos, marking a significant step in the country’s push to embrace emerging technologies. The AI UniPod initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme, is designed as a technology innovation hub where students, researchers, and startups can develop AI-driven solutions tailored to local and regional challenges. Speaking at the commissioning, Shettima described the project as a critical milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, noting that artificial intelligence will play a central role in shaping the future of education, governance, and…

Manny Ita  – Controversy is mounting in Nigeria’s power sector following the Federal Government’s approval of a ₦3.3 trillion legacy debt settlement for electricity generation companies (GenCos), a move authorities have described as critical to reviving the industry. The debt, accumulated over several years, is owed to GenCos for electricity generated and supplied to the national grid but not fully paid for due to liquidity challenges within the power value chain. Major beneficiaries are expected to include key operators such as Transcorp Power and Egbin Power Plc. Government officials have defended the decision, describing it as a “national rebirth” initiative…

Nigeria’s Bank Verification Number (BVN) database has grown to 68.6 million as of March 2026, according to newly released data by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). The figure, however, signals a slowdown in new registrations compared with previous years, following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) introduction of stricter BVN rules last month. Data from NIBSS shows that the database rose by 754,128 between January and March 2026. In 2025, a total of 4.3 million BVNs were registered, largely driven by the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN) initiative, which allows Nigerians in the diaspora to register remotely. Despite the…