Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – Nigeria’s consumer goods sector is witnessing a strong rebound in 2026, as leading manufacturers including Nestlé, Cadbury Nigeria, and Nigerian Breweries return to profitability after a turbulent economic period marked by currency instability and rising production costs. At the forefront of this recovery is Nestlé, which has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing ₦1 trillion in annual revenue for the first time. The company’s performance reflects a combination of increased consumer demand across its food and beverage portfolio and improved foreign exchange conditions, which have eased the burden of import-dependent raw materials and reduced exchange rate losses…

Manny Ita  –  ​The World Bank has officially approved a $500 million credit facility from the International Development Association to support the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth project, also known as AGROW. This six-year initiative, scheduled to run from 2026 to 2032, is designed to tackle the systemic challenges hindering Nigeria’s agricultural sector, including low productivity, high post-harvest losses, and limited market access. By focusing on smallholder farmers and private sector integration, the project aims to transition subsistence farming into a commercially viable agribusiness model while bolstering national food and nutrition security. ​Central to the AGROW project is a…

Manny Ita  –  ​Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has formally defended the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, describing the legislation as a “collective masterpiece” that reflects a broad consensus among national stakeholders. Speaking on the strategic necessity of the law, Bamidele emphasized that the reforms were specifically designed to insulate the 2027 general elections from the administrative and financial hurdles that have historically dogged Nigeria’s polls. He maintained that the Act is not merely a product of the National Assembly but a response to the yearning of Nigerians for a more transparent and credible voting process. ​A cornerstone of the 2026…

Manny Ita  –  ​The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has officially debunked a widely circulated report claiming that the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination has been postponed. In a strongly worded statement issued by the board’s Public Communication Adviser, Fabian Benjamin, the exam body described the viral notice as “malicious and fake,” clarifying that it did not emanate from their office. Candidates and the general public have been urged to disregard the misinformation, as all arrangements for the main examination remain on course and are scheduled to take place from Thursday, April 16, to Saturday, April 25, 2026. ​Following the…

Manny Ita  –  ​The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards has officially taken shape following the release of the 2026 nominees list, which sees two major productions emerging as the clear favorites to sweep the ceremony. The Lagos-centered drama “Gingerrr,” directed by Yemi Morafa, and the high-stakes crime thriller “The Herd,” directed by Daniel Etim-Effiong, sit at the top of the pack with nine nominations each. Both films are set to battle for the night’s biggest prizes, including Best Movie, Best Director, and several technical honors, marking a significant year for gritty, realistic storytelling in the Nigerian…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria’s fiscal outlook has come under renewed scrutiny following reports that the Federal Government has increased its planned borrowing for the 2026 fiscal year by an additional ₦11 trillion, pushing the total projected borrowing to about ₦29.20 trillion. The development is tied to adjustments in the 2026 budget framework presented by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the government seeks to bridge widening fiscal gaps driven by revenue shortfalls, subsidy-related obligations, and rising public expenditure. Officials say the expanded borrowing plan is necessary to finance critical infrastructure projects, social programs, and ongoing economic reforms aimed at…

Manny Ita  – The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has announced an indefinite nationwide strike set to commence at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, raising fresh concerns about disruptions in Nigeria’s healthcare system. The decision was reached during an emergency National Executive Council meeting, where members reviewed the Federal Government’s suspension of the revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT)—a key agreement from previous negotiations. The association maintains that the move undermines commitments made to improve doctors’ welfare and working conditions. The revised allowance structure was intended to address critical areas such as call duty payments, shift allowances, rural posting…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace, has announced plans to commence international flight operations from Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport to London this summer, marking a major development in the state’s aviation sector. The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, disclosed this after inspecting the airport facilities alongside Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. The visit followed the official commissioning of the airport by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to Onyema, the airline will operate flights from the facility to both London Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport, describing the move as a significant milestone for Ogun State. “This is…

Manny Ita  – Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has received continental recognition after being honoured as “Africa’s Outstanding Governor of the Year” at the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Awards held in London. The award was presented during a high-profile ceremony attended by political leaders, business executives, and members of the African diaspora, marking another milestone for the state’s leadership on the international stage. According to the organisers, Governor Lawal was selected for his “remarkable milestone in service delivery,” with particular emphasis on his administration’s bold and urgent interventions in the education sector. A major highlight of his reforms…

Manny Ita – A notable political shift appears to be unfolding in Kano State, as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has reportedly declared strong support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signaling a potential realignment in the state’s political stance. Speaking during a recent engagement with political stakeholders, Governor Yusuf emphasized that Kano is now “fully behind” the federal government, stressing the importance of unity and cooperation for national development. He noted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the dominant force in Nigeria’s governance structure and plays a central role in shaping the country’s political and economic…