Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – A tragic road accident has marred the post-Easter period, with four persons confirmed dead and eight others injured in a lone crash along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The incident occurred near Christopher University in the Mowe axis of Ogun State, involving a commercial Toyota Hiace bus carrying 13 passengers. Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps disclosed that the crash was caused by a tyre burst compounded by excessive speed, which led the driver to lose control of the vehicle. According to the FRSC, eight victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were immediately evacuated to a nearby…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria’s agricultural sector is witnessing a sharp rebound in investor confidence, with new data showing a 224 percent surge in investment, even as the country grapples with a deepening food waste crisis. According to recent figures, agricultural investment rose significantly to $167.3 million in 2025 from $51.7 million in 2024, reflecting renewed domestic and foreign interest in the sector. Analysts attribute the growth to favourable government policies, import waivers, and rising demand driven by Nigeria’s growing population, which continues to make agriculture an attractive investment destination despite persistent structural challenges. The rebound follows a period of decline…

16 countries have qualified for the 2026 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations as announced by the Confederation of African Football.  The teams were confirmed on CAF’s website on Sunday, following Algeria’s qualification after defeating Egypt 1-0 at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium to seal their place at the continental finals. The 2026 U-17 AFCON, to be hosted by Morocco, will run from April 25 to May 15, 2026, and serve as the primary qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. The top 10 teams from the finals will earn spots at the global youth championship, which expands…

Manny Ita  – The Lagos State Government has rolled out extensive traffic and security measures ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit, deploying more than 500 additional officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority to manage movement across the city. The deployment, announced by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, is aimed at ensuring smooth traffic flow, heightened security, and minimal disruption during the President’s stay. Authorities said the officers will be stationed at major highways, key junctions, and project corridors linked to the President’s itinerary, where several infrastructure projects are scheduled for commissioning. The General Manager…

Manny Ita  – Oil-producing states including Rivers State, Abia State, and Imo State have emerged among the worst performers in Nigeria’s 2025 Subnational Audit Efficacy Index, according to a report by Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative, highlighting deep-rooted weaknesses in transparency and accountability despite substantial revenue inflows. The report, unveiled in Abuja on March 31, ranked Rivers and Abia states joint 36th with a score of nine per cent each, placing them at the bottom of the index, while Imo State ranked 32nd with 18 per cent. Other low-performing states include Benue State and Taraba State, which ranked 34th and 33rd…

As Nigerian Christians join Christians around the world in celebrating Easter this year, Globacom, Nigeria’s wholly owned digital solutions provider, has extended a message of goodwill to them all. Following the 40-day Christian Lenten season, the yearly Easter celebrations are being held to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday and His eventual resurrection on Easter Sunday. Globacom, in a goodwill message, commended Christians for their endurance during the fasting season and urged them to further promote the Christian values of love and peace, which are the cornerstones of the religion. The company noted that “Christ made Himself…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria’s Federal Government is projecting a major boost in non-oil revenue, with an estimated ₦874 billion expected from the telecommunications sector in 2026, driven largely by contributions from leading operators MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria. The projection forms part of the fiscal framework supporting the expanded 2026 national budget and reflects growing confidence in the sector’s performance. According to details from the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Appropriations, the anticipated revenue will come primarily from corporate income taxes, with MTN Nigeria projected to contribute about ₦724 billion, while Airtel Nigeria is expected to generate approximately ₦150 billion.…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria’s student innovation ecosystem has received a significant boost following the Federal Government’s disbursement of approximately ₦2.5 billion in grants to 45 student-led startups, marking one of the country’s largest direct investments in youth entrepreneurship. The funding was awarded under the 2026 Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG) programme after a highly competitive selection process that attracted over 30,000 applications from more than 400 tertiary institutions nationwide. The initiative is designed to transform universities into hubs of innovation and enterprise by providing early-stage founders with equity-free funding of up to ₦50 million, alongside mentorship, incubation support, and access…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria is set to take a significant step in advancing its digital and research ecosystem as the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy rolls out a new initiative aimed at strengthening innovation in higher institutions. Beginning on April 7, 2026, the ministry will commence a series of Virtual Open Days designed to guide universities and research institutions across the country on how to access and effectively apply for a ₦12 billion research fund. The initiative comes at a time when the government is intensifying efforts to position Nigeria as a leading player in Africa’s digital…

Wema Bank has introduced a new jingle to mark the next phase of its digital banking journey, tagged the ALAT: The Evolution jingle. Designed to capture the energy of a smarter and more seamless banking experience, the jingle is bright, catchy, and full of life. It reflects a platform built to simply work, pairing sound with innovation as ALAT: The Evolution steps forward with enhanced features and a refreshed user experience. Everyday banking can often feel routine or even stressful, with multiple steps and delays slowing things down. The ALAT: The Evolution jingle reimagines that experience with a lively and…