Author: Ayobami Ogungbemi

Nigeria’s foremost female talking drummer, Aralola Olamuyiwa, popularly known as Ara, has lamented the poor support given to artistes promoting indigenous culture. Speaking at the second edition of her cultural showcase, ARA Monthly, held at Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Hub in Lagos, Ara revealed that several corporate organisations had turned down her requests for sponsorship. She noted that this lack of backing is forcing many cultural artistes to seek better opportunities abroad. “It is disheartening that in the first edition, only two people bought tickets. For this second edition, only one person paid,” Ara said. She stressed that Nigeria’s rich cultural…

Inter Miami and Argentine football icon Lionel Messi have reached an agreement to extend his contract, ensuring his stay in Major League Soccer (MLS) well beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to sources close to the deal. The extension means Messi, who turns 38 before the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will remain active in competitive football during and after the World Cup. An official announcement is expected within the next two weeks. Messi to End His Career in MLS The contract signals that Messi is likely to finish his legendary career in the MLS,…

Air Peace has launched a historic N32 billion Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, a move expected to create more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs and transform Nigeria into a major aviation hub in Africa. Onyema Hails Milestone for Nigerian Aviation Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, expressed excitement over the long-awaited project. He revealed that the airline acquired the 34,000-square-metre land eight years ago in anticipation of the MRO facility. According to Onyema, the facility will not only service Air Peace aircraft but also aircraft…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s decision to lift the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and lawmakers. He said the move is “not worth celebrating.” Rivers State Political Crisis On March 18, 2025, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. The action followed a power tussle between Fubara and lawmakers loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly for six months. He then appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator. The decision divided opinion. Supporters called it pragmatic. Critics…

President Bola Tinubu has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of victims and to the management of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Bank for Africa (UBA) following the tragic fire outbreak at the Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island. The inferno, which occurred on Tuesday, claimed seven lives, including four FIRS staff, while several others remain hospitalized. The victims were rushed to different hospitals across Lagos but could not survive the injuries sustained during the evacuation from the high-rise building. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu sympathized…

The Federal Government has officially reintroduced History as a compulsory subject in Nigeria’s basic education curriculum, a move aimed at strengthening national identity, unity, patriotism, and responsible citizenship among young learners. The announcement was made by the Federal Ministry of Education in a statement released on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday. History Returns to Nigerian Classrooms According to the ministry, this marks the first time in decades that Nigerian pupils will study History continuously from Primary 1 to JSS3, while Senior Secondary School (SSS1–3) students will take a newly designed subject known as Civic and Heritage Studies,…

Siminalayi Fubara today resumes office as Governor of Rivers State following the end of the six-month emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025. The President announced the termination of the rule on Wednesday, restoring democratic governance in the oil-rich state. According to a statement from the Presidency, Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and Speaker Martins Amaewhule, alongside members of the State House of Assembly, are to resume their official duties from September 18, 2025. Tinubu said the decision was informed by improved peace, reconciliation among political stakeholders, and a “groundswell of new spirit of understanding”…

The Technical Assistant to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Broadcast Media, Aderonke Atoyebi, has called on African leaders to prioritize transparency in the use of tax revenue. Atoyebi made the appeal on Wednesday during the 2025 Annual Congress of the African Tax Research Network (ATRN) in Cape Town, South Africa. She spoke on the topic “Impact of Communication on Taxation in Africa” at the three-day event, which had the theme: “Contemporary Taxation Issues in Africa: Shaping the Continent’s Fiscal Space – Past, Present, and Future.” The congress brought together policymakers, tax experts, and academics…

President Bola Tinubu has affirmed that linking the National Identification Number (NIN) with SIM cards has significantly reduced fraud and improved Nigeria’s national security. Speaking through Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the 2025 National Day of Identity in Abuja, Tinubu said the policy has become central to Nigeria’s digital transformation. He explained that with Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), the NIN system now guarantees secure transactions and fosters trust between citizens, government, and private institutions. “Without PKI, digital interactions remain vulnerable. But with it, Nigeria can reduce fraud, streamline services, and build a trusted ecosystem,”…

The DSS has filed a five-count charge against Omoyele Sowore, X, and Meta over social media posts critical of President Bola Tinubu.The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a five-count charge against former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, alongside X Corp (formerly Twitter) and Meta Platforms Inc., over social media posts critical of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The suit, dated September 16, 2025, was lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja after Sowore allegedly refused to delete certain posts about the President. Legal Representation and Charges The charges were filed on behalf of the DSS and the Federal Government…