Author: Ayobami Ogungbemi

Super Eagles star Ola Aina has revealed how a delayed signing meeting with Tottenham Hotspur in his early years changed the trajectory of his football career, leading him instead to join Chelsea. Speaking on the popular 90s Baby Show, the Nottingham Forest defender shared a shocking account of how he and his father were left waiting for nearly five hours at Spurs’ offices, only to walk away without a word from the North London club. “I was at Spurs, training and training. Then they told me they were going to sign me on a particular day after training,” Aina recalled.“The…

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s rapidly growing debt, warning that the current borrowing trend is unsustainable and lacks accountability. His remarks follow the Senate’s approval of new foreign loans—$21 billion, €2.2 billion, ¥15 billion—and a ₦750.98 billion domestic bond for the 2025–2026 budget. Nigeria’s total debt, already at ₦149.39 trillion in Q1 2025, could climb past ₦200 trillion by year-end. “We’ve borrowed nearly 70% of our pre-rebased GDP and over 50% of our current GDP—the highest debt-to-GDP ratio in Nigeria’s history,” Obi said via X. He noted a year-on-year debt increase of…

Contrary to widespread belief, Nigeria is not immune to earthquakes or other climate change-induced disasters, according to Anietie Ikott, a Uyo-based scientist and Chief Executive Director of Anirich Nigeria Limited. Climate Change and Earthquake Risks in Nigeria While many Nigerians assume the country is outside global seismic zones, Ikott insists this assumption is outdated and dangerous. Speaking during a press briefing in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Ikott challenged claims by some scientists that Nigeria lies outside earthquake-prone regions. “Earthquakes can strike any country, anytime, anywhere. Nigeria is no exception,” he warned. Ikott cited recent tremors recorded in Abuja and parts…

Nigeria’s Naira notes continue to wear out rapidly, sparking concern among citizens and financial experts. According to Mr. Okechukwu Unegbu, former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), the main culprit is poor production quality. “Our past CBN governors gave us low-quality notes. Two hand exchanges, and they’re already bad,” Unegbu said. He blamed unpatriotic practices in the printing process, contrasting the Naira’s fragility with the durability of currencies like the dollar and pound. Mishandling by the Public Banker Suleiman Aliu added that Nigerians often disrespect the Naira by squeezing or spraying it, while handling foreign currencies…

Over the weekend, more than 500 residents of Oshodi, Lagos State, received free medical services through a health outreach organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Calvary Zonal Headquarters, Province 89. Held in collaboration with Emzor Pharmaceuticals and the Chike Okoli Foundation, the outreach offered eye checks, blood pressure and sugar tests, and free medications at the church premises. Pastor Jeffrey Aganbi, Pastor-in-Charge, said the outreach is part of the church’s commitment to community development and healthcare support, especially as many Nigerians struggle to afford medical services. “We know the government can’t do everything. As Christians, it’s our…

Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, will aim to seal a quarter-final spot when they face Mozambique in their second Group D game today in Abidjan. Tip-off is set for 4PM Nigerian time at the Palais des Sports de Treichville. A win would put Coach Rena Wakama’s side through with one game to spare. D’Tigress Off to a Flying Start Nigeria crushed Rwanda 92–45 in their opener on Saturday. The team dominated all four quarters, showing class and depth. Elizabeth Balogun led with 18 points. Victoria Macaulay and Murjanatu Musa added 13 and 12, respectively. Mozambique Also Unbeaten Mozambique beat Rwanda…

Medical experts at International SOS have warned of a growing wave of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in African workplaces—posing serious risks to employee health and business productivity. In a report titled “The Hidden Health Crisis Threatening Africa’s Workforce,” the organisation revealed that NCDs now account for up to 32% productivity loss across the continent. These chronic diseases are increasingly affecting young, working-age populations, often going undiagnosed until complications arise. Real-World Evidence: Chad and Nigeria In Chad, workplace screenings showed: In Nigeria, urbanisation, poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol, and stress are driving NCD growth, despite the…

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening and modernizing its drainage infrastructure to reduce perennial flooding and enhance environmental resilience across the city. During an inspection tour of key ongoing drainage projects on Sunday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, highlighted the state’s comprehensive flood control measures, especially in flood-prone areas like Lagos Island, Ikoyi, and Park View Estate. Massive Infrastructure Upgrade Underway on Lagos Island Speaking to journalists after visiting several project sites tied to the Lagos Island Regeneration Initiative, including Onikoyi Banana Island and Femi Pedro Avenue in Park View Estate,…

The city of Abuja is currently buzzing with activity as over 1,000 athletes from 31 African countries have arrived for the 2025 African Karate Championship, scheduled to hold from July 21 to July 28. The high-profile continental event will feature intense competition across four categories: Cadet (ages 14–15), Junior (ages 16–17), Senior (18+ years), and Para Karate. Host nation Nigeria, alongside 30 other African countries, will compete for top honors in one of the continent’s most prestigious martial arts tournaments. Nigeria Set to Host a Landmark Karate Event Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Silas Agara, President of the…

Rap legend Snoop Dogg is now a co-owner of Swansea City. The Welsh Championship club announced the news on Thursday. The 53-year-old American star joins Croatian football icon Luka Modrić in the club’s ownership group. Snoop Dogg, real name Calvin Broadus, appeared on Swansea’s social media last week. He modeled their 2025–26 season home jersey, hinting at his new role. His investment follows American businessmen Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen’s takeover in November 2024. Swansea hopes Snoop Dogg’s 100 million+ followers will raise the club’s global profile. The team aims to return to the Premier League, where they last played…