Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – The Lagos State Government has concluded preparations for the highly anticipated 2026 Fanti Carnival, set to take place on Easter Monday, April 6, at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square. The annual cultural celebration, deeply rooted in Afro-Brazilian heritage, is expected to draw large crowds of residents, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond. This year’s edition promises a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation, featuring colorful parades, elaborate costumes, music, dance performances, and theatrical displays that highlight the historical ties between Brazil and the Fanti community in Lagos. Organizers say the carnival will not only…

Manny Ita  – At least 11 people have been confirmed dead and over 50 houses destroyed following a violent communal clash in Nasarawa State over the weekend, deepening concerns about recurring inter-community conflicts in the region. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday in the Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities, located in the Nasarawa Local Government Area. According to reports, the violence was triggered by a reprisal attack linked to the alleged killing of two individuals, which escalated tensions between the communities. Eyewitness accounts and official statements indicate that suspected hoodlums carried out coordinated attacks, leading to the…

Manny Ita  – Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian football administrator Samson Adamu on his historic appointment as Acting General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football, describing the development as a proud moment for Nigeria and the West African subregion. The President noted that Adamu’s elevation marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s sporting history, as he becomes the first Nigerian to occupy the top administrative role in CAF since the organization’s establishment in 1957. Adamu’s appointment was confirmed following a decision by CAF’s Executive Committee and ratified by its Congress during a meeting held in Cairo, Egypt. He assumed…

Manny Ita  – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit their digital membership registers from April 21 to May 10, 2026, marking a key adjustment in preparations for the 2027 general elections. The decision follows consultations with party leaders who raised concerns about the feasibility of meeting the earlier timeline. INEC stated that the extension aligns with provisions of the Electoral Act, which mandate that party membership registers be submitted at least 21 days before the conduct of party primaries. Several political parties had cited logistical, technical, and administrative challenges in compiling…

Manny Ita  – Workers of Seplat Energy recently commenced an industrial action following unresolved welfare concerns and a breakdown in negotiations over their 2026 collective bargaining agreement. The strike, led by members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, began after talks with the company’s management failed to yield agreement on key issues affecting staff conditions, salaries, and benefits. Union leaders described the action as indefinite, reflecting growing frustration among workers over what they termed unmet obligations by the company. As part of the strike, workers withdrew key services across Seplat’s nationwide operations, including activities at…

President Bola Tinubu has commissioned the newly built office of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State. The President arrived at the venue at about 3:08 p.m., shortly after inaugurating the state’s cargo airport, and commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for conceptualising a befitting facility for the unit. The new complex comprises office buildings and a training college aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and capacity development within the service. “I hereby declare this building open, to the glory of God,”…

Manny Ita  – again as the 2026 edition of the renowned Argungu Fishing Festival, held from April 2 to April 4, 2026, recorded its highest attendance in years, signaling a strong revival of one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural events. Widely celebrated as a symbol of unity and peace, the festival—now in its 92nd year—brought together thousands of local and international visitors who gathered along the banks of the Matan Fada River to witness the historic fishing competition and other cultural displays. The event, which had experienced interruptions in previous years due to security and logistical challenges, returned with renewed…

Wema Bank has won the SME Financier of the Year and Best SME Lending Product – Digital Bank awards at the Global SME Banking Innovation Awards 2026, in recognition of its contributions to expanding access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises. The awards celebrate financial institutions demonstrating innovation, institutional excellence, and measurable impact in SME banking while promoting global benchmarks for performance and entrepreneurship support. Speaking on the recognition, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, said the awards reflect the bank’s sustained commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening Nigeria’s SME sector. He noted that…

Manny Ita  – Actress Lily Afe has issued a public apology to the organizers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, as tensions within Nigeria’s film industry take center stage in a series of high-profile disputes that continue to stir conversations among fans and insiders alike. This move has generated mixed reactions across the entertainment space. While details surrounding the initial disagreement remain largely undisclosed, sources within the industry suggest the apology may be linked to conduct or remarks perceived as controversial in relation to the prestigious awards platform. The AMVCA, widely regarded as one of the biggest recognitions of…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria’s aviation sector is set to welcome a new entrant as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has issued an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Enugu Air, officially authorizing the carrier to commence scheduled domestic flights within the country. The certification marks a significant milestone for the airline, clearing it to begin commercial operations as early as this month. Industry stakeholders say the entry of Enugu Air is expected to improve air connectivity to Nigeria’s South-East region, an area that has long faced limited direct flight options compared to major hubs like Lagos and Abuja. With its operational…