Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita  – The 11th edition of the international Agrofood Exhibition 2026 has concluded in Lagos, drawing attention from global stakeholders across agriculture, food processing, packaging, and agribusiness technology, as Nigeria continues to position itself as a key player in the drive toward sustainable food systems. The exhibition brought together 137 exhibitors from 17 countries, showcasing innovations spanning smart farming equipment, food preservation technologies, irrigation systems, agro-processing machinery, and supply chain logistics solutions. Participants included manufacturers, startups, policymakers, and investors seeking to explore opportunities within Africa’s expanding agricultural value chain. This year’s central theme, “Achieving World-Class Food Security,” set the…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria’s beauty and personal care industry continues to attract renewed investor attention as local brands expand their footprint in the fast-growing haircare segment, with a strong focus on innovation tailored to African consumers. The Nigerian beauty firm Imperio Cosmetics has announced the launch of Hair Harmony, a new haircare line designed specifically for African hair textures. The company says the product range was developed after extensive research into hair density, curl patterns, scalp sensitivity, and environmental stress factors common across West and sub-Saharan Africa. According to the company, Hair Harmony introduces what it describes as “nano scent…

Manny Ita  – Diaspora-led community associations are gaining growing recognition in Nigeria for their increasing role in grassroots development and informal security support systems, particularly in rural areas where government infrastructure and policing capacity remain limited. One of such groups, the Ado Diaspora Union, has become a reference point for how organised citizens living abroad are contributing to local stability through structured funding and coordinated development initiatives targeted at their home communities. Across several regions, diaspora unions are financing small-scale but strategic interventions that indirectly strengthen community security. These include the installation of solar-powered street lighting along isolated roads, rehabilitation…

Manny Ita  – The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a €7.5 million investment into the Breega Africa Seed I Fund, in a strategic move aimed at strengthening early-stage financing for startups across Nigeria, with a strong focus on fintech and agritech sectors. The funding is expected to support the expansion of innovative Nigerian startups that are often constrained by limited access to early-stage capital. By channeling funds through the Breega Africa Seed I Fund, the initiative seeks to bridge the persistent private-sector financing gap that has slowed the growth of high-potential technology-driven enterprises in the country. According to the…

Manny Ita  – The 2026 cycle of the Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), reaches its submission deadline today, with poets across Nigeria and the diaspora submitting entries for a chance to win the $100,000 grand prize. The competition, regarded as one of Africa’s most prestigious literary awards, is currently focused on the poetry genre as part of its rotational cycle covering prose fiction, drama, and children’s literature. It was established in 2004 to honour excellence in Nigerian writing and has since become a major platform for literary recognition on the continent. Organisers have confirmed that…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria and the United Kingdom have announced a new Cultural and Creative Economy Partnership aimed at strengthening collaboration between both countries and expanding the global reach of Nigerian creative talent under the “Season of Culture 2028” framework. The initiative is designed to deepen cultural exchange and unlock new economic opportunities across music, film, fashion, literature, and digital arts. Officials from both countries described the partnership as a long-term strategy to position Nigeria’s creative industry more strongly within global markets while fostering mutual cultural understanding. The programme is anchored on the broader Season of Culture 2028, a bilateral…

Former NNPP presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, raising his ADC membership card. Photo: X|IRabiu Kwankwaso The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, has formally welcomed the former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and his supporters into the party, describing the development as a significant moment for the nation’s democracy. Kwankwaso was welcomed into the party at a grand ceremony held at his Miller Road residence on Monday, where the party’s bigwigs were in attendance. While speaking at the event, Mark said Kwankwaso’s entry into the ADC, alongside “millions of supporters,” represents a deliberate move by opposition leaders…

Manny Ita  – The fourth season of the television drama Wura has officially premiered on March 30 on Africa Magic, marking the return of one of the platform’s most followed contemporary series. The new season continues the story’s exploration of power, ambition, and conflict within a gold-mining community, further expanding its growing audience across African markets. The premiere has generated renewed interest among viewers who have followed the series since its debut, with expectations that Season 4 will deepen existing story arcs while introducing new characters and heightened dramatic tension. The production remains part of Africa Magic’s slate of locally…

Manny Ita  – A new collaboration between Grammy-winning icon Angélique Kidjo and Afropop star Ayra Starr has been released, marking a cross-generational moment in African music. The single, titled “Aye Kan,” arrives ahead of an anticipated album project and is already drawing attention across the continent’s music scene. The track blends Kidjo’s signature Afro-fusion style with Ayra Starr’s contemporary Afropop sound, creating a musical dialogue that reflects both heritage and modernity. Industry observers describe the collaboration as a symbolic merging of eras, bringing together decades of musical influence with the vibrancy of a new generation. Sources close to the project…

Shettima, Gov. Ododo and Kolade-Otitoju during the book launch The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has lauded veteran journalist and Director of News, TVC News, Mr. Babajide Kolade-Otitoju’s contributions to journalism and critical thinking, saying with his popular television programme, “Journalists Hangout,” has been able to nurture a tradition of critical engagement in Nigeria. Shettima said this on Monday in Abuja during the public presentation of the book, “My Life and Journalists Hangout” and the 60th birthday celebration of Babajide Kolade-Otitoju VP Shettima paid glowing tribute to Babajide on his 60th birthday, describing him as a man “who has…