Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – Environmental advocacy group Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has expressed concerns over the registration of new cotton varieties in Nigeria, warning that the country’s biosafety regulatory framework may be inadequately equipped to manage the potential risks associated with genetically modified crops. In a statement, the group argued that Nigeria’s biosafety system is currently “in shambles,” citing weaknesses in oversight, transparency, and enforcement as major issues that could undermine public confidence and environmental safety. HOMEF contended that the approval and registration of new cotton varieties should be subject to more rigorous scrutiny, particularly given the long-term ecological…

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group”) has inaugurated “Take on Squad” Hackathon 3.0, reaffirming its commitment to fostering innovation, empowering talent, and supporting the development of technology-driven solutions that address real-world challenges across Africa. Now in its third edition, the Hackathon brings together developers, designers, and entrepreneurs across Nigeria in a collaborative environment to build practical solutions across key sectors, including financial services, healthcare, commerce, and digital inclusion. Under the theme “Smart Systems: The Intelligent Economy,” participants are challenged to design and build intelligent, data-driven solutions that transform how communities engage with money. Applications are now open,…

Manny Ita  – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved key leadership decisions in Nigeria’s strategic energy and power sectors, appointing Professor Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu as the new Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) while also renewing the tenure of Engineer Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The appointment of Professor Aliyu to head the PTDF signals a continued emphasis by the administration on strengthening human capital development within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The PTDF, a critical agency under the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, is tasked…

File Copy: First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Elegbede Abiodun “Aliko Dangote Foundation will commit N20bn in-kind support over the next five years for the provision of fortified and nutritious food products,” Youssoufou said. The National Community Food Bank Programme received pledges totalling over N66bn on Thursday at its launch and Board of Trustees inauguration at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, made the announcement during his keynote address at the event hosted by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The Aliko Dangote Foundation led private sector contributions…

FCMB Capital Markets Limited, the investment banking division of FCMB Group Plc, has officially been crowned the leader of the FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited’s Fixed Income Primary Markets Sponsors’ League Table for the full year 2025. The firm cemented its dominance by raising a staggering N1.53tn in corporate debt capital, outperforming 47 other active institutions throughout the fiscal year ending 31 December 2025. According to the official FMDQ report on Thursday, the firm’s performance was driven by a strong showing in both the bond and commercial paper markets. FCMB Capital Markets secured the top spot in bond listings, accounting for…

Manny Ita  – Alex Iwobi Announces Debut EP ‘More To Life,’ Expands Career Beyond FootballSuper Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has officially announced his entry into the music industry, revealing plans to release his debut extended play (EP) titled More To Life, a move that has generated excitement across both football and entertainment circles. Iwobi, who has built a strong reputation as a creative and dynamic player at club and international level, shared the news through his social media platforms, indicating that the project reflects a more personal and expressive side of his life beyond the pitch. According to him, the…

Manny Ita  – Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has sparked widespread debate after describing himself as an “unofficial ambassador for Nigeria” while asserting that the country has made significant developmental progress compared to previous decades. The award-winning artist made the remarks during a public appearance and subsequent social media engagement, where he reflected on Nigeria’s growth trajectory, noting improvements in infrastructure, global perception, and opportunities for young people. According to him, while challenges remain, the overall direction of the country shows signs of advancement when viewed over a longer historical period. “I see myself as an…

Manny Ita  – The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has fixed April 14 for ruling on the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). The decision followed arguments presented by counsel to the former governor, who urged the court to grant bail on the grounds that their client poses no flight risk and is willing to comply with any conditions imposed by the court. The defence team also argued that the charges against El-Rufai are bailable and emphasized his status as a public…

The management of The Wells Carlton Hotel & Apartments, Asokoro, Abuja, has issued a strong public disclaimer rejecting any purported sale, lease, or third-party management arrangement involving the property, describing such claims as fraudulent. In a statement released through media consultant Mr. Courage Moses, the management reaffirmed that the luxury property remains solely owned by the company and is not available for sale under any circumstances. “The Wells Carlton Hotel & Apartments belongs exclusively to the family of the late Dr. Wells Idahosa Okunbo,” Moses stated. “The property is not for sale, and no group or agent has been authorised…

Manny Ita – Nigerian music stars Adekunle Gold and Simi have announced the birth of their second child, setting off a wave of excitement and congratulatory messages across social media platforms. The couple, widely regarded as one of the most admired duos in the Nigerian entertainment industry, shared the news earlier today, confirming that both mother and baby are in good health. While details such as the child’s name and exact time of birth were not immediately disclosed, the announcement quickly gained traction online, with fans, celebrities, and industry colleagues flooding their pages with warm wishes. Known for maintaining a…