Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – Energy sector stakeholders and researchers have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implement a more rigorous monitoring framework for oil contractors and producers to ensure the realization of Nigeria’s ambitious production goal of 3 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2030. During a plenary session at the recently concluded 2026 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja, experts emphasized that the current production levels—hovering around 1.6 million bpd—require a strategic and transparent “phase-by-phase” reporting mechanism to bridge the gap between policy intent and field execution. ​Dr. Adeola Yusuf, a prominent energy communication researcher and team lead…

Manny Ita  – The International Monetary Fund has projected that Nigeria will overtake Algeria to become Africa’s third-largest economy by the end of 2026, attributing the anticipated shift to the impact of ongoing fiscal and structural reforms. The projection was contained in the IMF’s latest economic outlook, which assessed medium-term growth trajectories across the continent. According to the report, Nigeria’s economic position is expected to improve as recent policy adjustments begin to yield results, particularly in public finance management and revenue mobilisation. The IMF noted that reforms targeting fuel subsidies, exchange rate unification, and tax administration are gradually reshaping macroeconomic…

Manny Ita  – The Christian Association of Nigeria has raised the alarm over the closure of more than 100 churches in Taraba State following a wave of violent attacks that left at least 25 people dead within three days. The association said the sustained assaults have forced congregations to abandon worship centres across affected communities amid growing fear and displacement. In a statement issued on Tuesday, CAN described the situation as “a grave threat to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence,” noting that many church buildings were either destroyed or rendered inaccessible due to insecurity. The group said worshippers have fled…

Manny Ita  – Prominent chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party have called for an immediate reconciliation between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, warning that the escalating public feud between the two influential figures is eroding what remains of the party’s cohesion and electoral strength. Party leaders, speaking amid growing concern within the PDP, said the sustained exchange of accusations and counter-accusations has deepened internal divisions and weakened the party’s ability to function as a united opposition. One chieftain warned that “the continued public confrontation between two senior leaders is doing untold damage to…

Manny Ita Gunmen have attacked a Catholic priest’s residence in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing three villagers and abducting 11 persons, including the priest, in the early hours of Saturday. The assailants were said to have stormed the residence in the early morning, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents of the community before carrying out the abductions. Witnesses said the attackers moved from house to house after breaching the priest’s residence, seizing victims at gunpoint. A resident of the area said the victims included women and youths who were taken into nearby bush paths by the…

Manny Ita  – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Friday said Rivers State was “battle-ready” to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, as early political maneuvering intensified ahead of Nigeria’s next general election. Wike made the declaration while speaking at a public event in Abuja, where he praised Tinubu’s administration and dismissed suggestions that internal political divisions in Rivers State would weaken support for the president. “Rivers State is battle-ready for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027,” Wike said. “We know how to mobilise, and we know how to win elections.” The former Rivers…

Manny Ita  – The Nigerian Army on Friday held a valedictory ceremony in Lagos to formally pull out 10 retired generals of the Army Finance Corps, marking the end of their active military service and celebrating decades of contribution to the institution. The ceremony, held at a military facility in the state, featured traditional pull-out rites, parades and tributes from senior officers, family members and colleagues. The retirees were honoured for their roles in managing the Army’s financial systems and supporting operational effectiveness across different commands. Speaking at the event, a senior Army official said the Finance Corps officers had…

Manny Ita  – Nigerian and Chinese officials on Friday marked the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries, reaffirming their commitment to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” with renewed emphasis on cooperation in railway, port and other critical infrastructure development. The anniversary event, held in Abuja, brought together senior government officials, diplomats and representatives of state-owned enterprises from both countries. Speakers highlighted the growth of bilateral ties since formal relations were established in 1971 and described the partnership as one of Nigeria’s most significant international engagements. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs said the relationship had evolved beyond diplomacy into a…

Manny Ita  – At least 13 people were killed on Friday when armed gunmen attacked Anwase Market in the Mbaikyor area of Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, according to residents and local officials. Several women were also abducted during the assault. Witnesses said the attackers arrived during peak market hours, opening fire indiscriminately on traders and customers. The sudden gunfire caused panic as people fled for safety in different directions. Many victims were reportedly shot at close range. After the shootings, the assailants were said to have set parts of the market ablaze, destroying stalls and goods, before…

Manny Ita  – The chair of the Congressional Black Caucus said President Donald Trump’s decision to share a social media post depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as primates reflected a “bigoted and racist regime,” rejecting White House explanations that the incident was the result of a staff error. The video was posted to Trump’s social media account and remained online for roughly 12 hours before being deleted following widespread backlash. Initial White House responses dismissed criticism as “fake outrage,” then said the post had been removed because it was shared by a staff member.…