Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

The Zenith Bank Plc has collaborated with the Ford Foundation to recognize 19 remarkable Nigerian women, described as unsung “Sheros”, with the inaugural Woman of Power Award. The event took place on Saturday, 28 March 2026, at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was organised by Tricom Productions Themed “Celebrating Resilience, Leadership, and Generosity,” the award recognises women who have demonstrated extraordinary strength, leadership, and impact despite the significant challenges posed by patriarchal societal structures in Nigeria. According to the organisers, the initiative provides a platform to spotlight unsung “Sheroes” — everyday women who are making meaningful contributions…

Growth slowed in the Nigerian private sector at the end of the first quarter of the year as higher fuel costs led to a steep intensification of inflationary pressures. Output growth was only modest, but underlying demand reportedly remained resilient, leading to a further sharp rise in new orders. In turn, firms continued to expand their employment and purchasing activity. The headline figure derived from the survey is the Stanbic IBTC Purchasing Managers’ Index™ (PMI®). Readings above 50.0 signal an improvement in business conditions on the previous month, while readings below 50.0 show a deterioration. The headline PMI posted 51.9…

Nigeria’s digital banking revolution is raising the stakes for consumer trust. The question is whether the industry is rising to meet them. Nigeria’s relationship with digital banking has changed almost beyond recognition in a decade. Where cash once dominated every transaction, from the roadside market to the corporate boardroom, mobile apps, instant transfers and USSD codes have reshaped how tens of millions of Nigerians interact with their money every single day. The figures speak for themselves: point-of-sale transactions surged to a record N18 trillion in 2024, a 69 per cent increase from the year before, and the number of POS…

The SA to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson during a media briefing on Tuesday in Abuja Elegbede Abiodun This grants would provide MSMEs with direct funding towards their immediate business needs. The Federal Government plans to give put over N1 billion to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises under the 2026 National MSME Awards. The Senior Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, disclosed this at a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. Adekunle-Johnson said the awards portal would open on April 7 and close on May 7, urging MSMEs nationwide to…

CBN Elegbede Abiodun Says weak cyber defences exposes customers to increasing risks. The Central Bank of Nigeria has directed banks to complete a mandatory cybersecurity self-assessment within three weeks, as part of efforts to strengthen resilience across the financial system. In a letter dated March 30, 2026, and published on its website on Tuesday, the apex bank said, “Institutions are required to submit their completed CSAT within the following timelines: i. Three (3) weeks – Deposit Money Banks (DMBs); ii. Five (5) weeks – All other regulated institutions.” The directive, addressed to banks, selected other financial institutions, and payment service…

FILE: Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani. Elegbede Abiodun This will include the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic network nationwide to improve connectivity. The Federal Government has said it will deliver at least 1,000 telecommunications towers to rural communities in 2026 as part of efforts to expand digital connectivity and bridge access gaps across the country. The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a press briefing on the National Digital Economy Research Clusters Programme, funded under Project BRIDGE. He said, “The president has approved for…

Manny Ita  – New data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that food inflation in Nigeria rose to 12.12% in February 2026, marking a slight increase compared to January’s figures. The report indicates that while prices of food items have continued to rise, the overall inflation level remains significantly lower than the sharp spikes recorded in early 2025, when food inflation surged to around 37%. This suggests a gradual easing of extreme price pressures, even though the market is still experiencing underlying instability. According to the NBS, the movement in food inflation reflects ongoing changes in supply…

Manny Ita  – The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially endorsed the Meet Africa Fashion Festival (MAFEST) 2026, a major continental fashion and textile event themed “Take Your Place Africa!” aimed at strengthening Africa’s creative economy and industrial fashion value chain. The endorsement reflects Nigeria’s growing ambition to position itself as a central hub for fashion innovation, textile production, and creative industry expansion across Africa. MAFEST 2026 is expected to bring together designers, investors, fashion entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders from 20 African countries, creating a large platform for collaboration, investment opportunities, and cross-border cultural exchange within the fashion ecosystem. Organizers…

Manny Ita  – Canada has confirmed an upcoming increase in immigration-related costs, affecting permanent residence and citizenship applicants, including Nigerians planning to relocate. According to official updates, the changes will take effect in phases, with the key adjustment scheduled for April 30, 2026. The revision is part of Canada’s routine review of immigration service fees, which is designed to reflect inflation and rising administrative costs. The updated fee structure will impact all permanent residence (PR) categories, as well as the Right of Citizenship fee. This means applicants for economic migration, family sponsorship, humanitarian pathways, and other PR streams will all…

Tinubu, Gbenga Daniel and Akpabio All is now ready for a high-profile convergence of Nigeria’s political elite and revered traditional rulers as Abuja hosts the grand book presentation marking the 70th birthday celebration of former Ogun State governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. The landmark event, expected to command national attention, will feature the unveiling of four significant publications chronicling Daniel’s political journey, legal battles, and legacy. The books include “Daniel in the Lion’s Den” (Revised Edition), “My March Through the Court,” “Path to Justice,” and “Otunba Gbenga Daniel in the Eyes of Time.” The ceremony is…