Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc has formally announced its strategic entry into the hospitality industry with the commissioning of the Sapphire Hotel, an ultra-modern 20-room luxury facility situated within the Departure level of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Terminal II in Lagos. The move represents a significant departure from the company’s traditional core business of ground handling and cargo logistics, as it seeks to capitalize on the increasing demand for high-end transit accommodation within Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub. During the unveiling ceremony held today, Prince Saheed Lasisi, the Group Executive Director of Business Development…

Manny Ita  – Pope Leo XIV has formally condemned the “heavy loss of life” following a series of brutal terrorist assaults in Nigeria, including the February 3 massacre in Woro village, Kwara State, which local officials and the Red Cross confirm has claimed at least 162 lives. Addressing a crowd of thousands at St. Peter’s Square during the Sunday Angelus, the Pontiff expressed profound “sorrow and concern” over the deteriorating security situation in Africa’s most populous nation, specifically referencing a new wave of violence that saw over 50 people and a Catholic priest abducted in Kaduna State this past weekend.…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria’s national tennis team has secured a historic promotion to the Davis Cup World Group II following a decisive 3-1 series victory over Uzbekistan at the National Stadium tennis courts in Lagos this weekend. The victory marks a significant milestone for Nigerian tennis, as the team successfully navigated the intense pressure of a home tie to leapfrog into the higher tier of global team tennis. The tie was effectively sealed on Monday morning during the reverse singles, where Nigeria’s top seed delivered a masterclass performance to dismantle the Uzbek resistance. “This is a dream realized for every…

Manny Ita  – The Nigerian Federal Government is facing a massive fiscal setback as investigations reveal that over ₦400 billion invested in the botched 2023 National Population and Housing Census may have been effectively lost due to repeated postponements. The staggering figure encompasses the procurement of over 750,000 high-end Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) tablets, specialized biometric software, and extensive training for thousands of ad-hoc staff that took place nearly three years ago. Technical experts have warned that the sensitive hardware, currently stored in various facilities across the 36 states, is nearing the end of its functional shelf-life. “These devices have…

Manny Ita  – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) is facing a fresh wave of public and political backlash following a candid admission by its leadership that the country’s state-owned refineries have become “monuments to waste,” operating at monumental losses despite trillions of naira in investment. Speaking at the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2026) in Abuja, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari revealed that the decision to recently halt operations at the facilities was driven by a grim reality: the refineries were “leaking value” and destroying national wealth. Ojulari disclosed that even when crude oil was supplied…

Manny Ita  – The Lagos State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the mysterious deaths of acclaimed gospel singer Matthew Ogundele and three of his technical crew members, whose bodies were discovered inside a private recording studio in the Ajah area of Lagos State on Sunday. Preliminary reports indicate that the group had been involved in an intensive overnight recording session intended for Ogundele’s upcoming album before family members, unable to reach them by morning, raised the alarm. Upon forced entry into the soundproofed facility, emergency responders found the four individuals unresponsive in the main recording booth, with…

Reactions as Osimhen gifts N10m to Beyond Limits Elegbede Abiodun Victor Osimhen has been praised for gifting N10m to players of Beyond Limits Football Academy, using the occasion to share advice on hard work, humility and faith with Nigeria’s next generation of footballers. The presentation was organised by social media influencer Abdulsalam Idris, popularly known as Smallie, who documented the academy in a YouTube documentary titled The Side Of Football Nobody Talks About. Smallie personally facilitated a video call between Osimhen and the players, allowing the Nigerian international to speak directly to the young footballers about the challenges of…

Bank of Industry to operate non-interest banking window, secures CBN’s approval By Elegbede Abiodun … targeting expanding access to ethical funding for businesses. The Bank of Industry (BOI) is pleased to announce that it has received regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to operate a Non-Interest Banking (NIB) Window, marking a significant milestone in the Bank’s growth and long-term development agenda. This approval authorizes BOI to commence Non-Interest Banking operations, positioning the Bank to further advance Nigeria’s sustainable and inclusive industrial development through tailored financial solutions for underserved and high-impact business segments. The Non-Interest Banking operations…

Dangote To Make Africa Self‑Sufficient In Cement Production By Elegbede Abiodun … fostering industrialization across Africa. Dangote Cement Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to making Africa fully self‑sufficient in cement production, strengthening the continent’s industrial backbone and reducing reliance on imported construction materials. Speaking during a strategic briefing on the company’s expansion drive, the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, Mr. Arvind Pathak, emphasised that the company is accelerating its investments across African markets to close supply gaps and support the continent’s infrastructural ambitions. According to him: “Our vision is clear — to ensure Africa produces enough cement to…

NCC Reaffirms Commitment To Regional Digital Integration – Maida L-R – Engr. Aliyu Yusuf Aboki, Executive Secretary WATRA; Mrs Nneena Ukoa, Head Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission; Hon. Clarence K. Massaquoi, Chairman Board of Commissioners, Liberia Telecommunications Authority; Kelechi Nwankwo, Director Corporate planning, strategy and Risk Management(NCC); Hon. Ben Fofana, Commissioner with oversight responsibility for Licensing and Regulation (LTA); Usman Mamman Director, Licensing & Authorization (NCC) during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja on 30th January, 2026. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration and promoting regional digital integration among telecommunications regulators…