Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita – Anticipation is building in Lagos as the GTCO Food & Drink Festival makes its highly awaited return later this month, promising a vibrant showcase of culinary excellence. Organisers say the festival will feature more than 200 retail stalls, bringing together a diverse mix of vendors offering everything from traditional African dishes to a wide range of international cuisines. The event has grown into one of the largest food gatherings in West Africa, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Attendees can expect an immersive experience that goes beyond just food, with live cooking demonstrations, masterclasses from renowned chefs,…

Manny Ita  – The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actress Oby Kechere, widely remembered for her role in the classic movie Aki na Ukwa. News of her passing has sparked an outpouring of grief from colleagues, fans, and industry stakeholders, many of whom have taken to social media to pay tribute to her contributions to Nollywood. Kechere was celebrated for her strong screen presence and memorable performances, particularly in family-oriented and comedic roles that resonated with audiences across Nigeria. Her appearance in Aki na Ukwa, one of Nollywood’s most beloved films, cemented…

Manny Ita  – Security agencies have ramped up operations in Kogi State following the abduction of 23 children from an orphanage in Lokoja earlier this week, with authorities confirming that eight pupils are still in captivity. Officials say 15 of the abducted children have been successfully rescued through coordinated efforts involving local security forces and community support. The rescued pupils are reportedly receiving medical attention and psychological care. Authorities described the ongoing search as “intensive,” noting that security operatives are combing surrounding forests and rural areas in a bid to locate and safely recover the remaining victims. Surveillance and intelligence-gathering…

Manny Ita – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to depart Abuja on a strategic three-nation tour covering Kenya, Rwanda, and France, as part of efforts to deepen Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and multilateral engagements. According to presidency officials, the trip will focus on strengthening regional cooperation within Africa while also enhancing Nigeria’s participation in major global discussions. In Kenya and Rwanda, the President is expected to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts and engage in talks centered on trade expansion, security collaboration, and shared development goals across the continent. The final leg of the tour will take him to France, where…

Manny Ita  – Several state governments across Nigeria have introduced interim wage support measures to ease the impact of rising living costs on workers, pending the conclusion of negotiations on a new national minimum wage. In Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved a ₦50,000 wage award for public sector employees. The move is aimed at providing immediate financial relief as inflation and economic pressures continue to strain household incomes. Officials say the wage award will serve as a temporary buffer while discussions between the Federal Government, labour unions, and other stakeholders continue over a revised minimum wage structure. Other…

Manny Ita  – Pras Michel, a founding member of Fugees, has turned himself in to start serving a 14-year sentence in a U.S. federal prison following his conviction on multiple criminal charges. The 53-year-old Grammy-winning artist reported to a low-security correctional facility in Arizona on Thursday, according to his spokesperson. In a statement, representative Erica Dumas described the moment as deeply difficult for Michel and his loved ones, while emphasizing that he is complying with the legal process. She also noted that his legal team is still challenging the outcome of the case. Michel was found guilty in April 2023…

Manny Ita  – Ten Nigerian nationals have been found guilty in the United States for their involvement in a large-scale international fraud and email hacking operation that defrauded more than 1,000 victims of approximately $215 million. The convictions were secured in a federal court in Ohio, presided over by Judge James Knepp II, after the defendants pleaded guilty to charges including wire fraud and money laundering. Among those convicted, five are naturalised U.S. citizens of Nigerian origin, while others are Nigerian nationals residing in the U.S. They were prosecuted alongside 15 American citizens as part of a broader criminal network…

Manny Ita  – A growing wave of cyberattacks is raising serious concerns about the security of digital platforms in Nigeria, with experts warning that many government websites have not undergone proper security testing before deployment. Cyber threats in the country have become more advanced, targeting sensitive data and financial systems across both public institutions and private organizations. A data breach typically involves unauthorized access to confidential information, and recent incidents suggest that such breaches are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. One of the most alarming cases involved the Corporate Affairs Commission, where about 25 million documents were reportedly compromised. This…

Manny Ita  – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Lagos has urged the state government to raise the minimum wage to N225,000, citing the growing financial strain on workers caused by persistent inflation and rising living expenses. The demand was announced by the Lagos State NLC Chairperson, Funmi Sessi, during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena. According to the union, the current minimum wage of N85,000 is no longer sufficient to meet basic needs, as inflation has significantly reduced workers’ purchasing power. Labour leaders stressed that many employees are struggling to afford essentials such as…

Manny Ita  – Zenith Bank Plc has kicked off 2026 with a strong financial performance, posting an unaudited pre-tax profit of N360.92 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, highlighting its resilience despite a challenging economic environment. According to its filing on the Nigerian Exchange, the bank’s profit before tax rose by 2.87% year-on-year from N350.82 billion recorded in Q1 2025. Profit after tax also increased slightly by 0.69% to N314.02 billion, reflecting steady earnings growth amid rising loan impairments and cost pressures. The bank’s gross revenue crossed the N1 trillion mark, reaching N1.01 trillion—a 6.14% increase compared…