Author: Faith Babatunde

The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to collaborate with telecom operators to review and reduce data and internet service costs. This resolution followed a motion by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), who highlighted the financial strain caused by the recent price hikes from major telecom providers like MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile. The price increase, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission, has led to over a 200% surge in data costs, significantly impacting Nigerians especially students, entrepreneurs, and young professionals who rely on internet access for work and education. Lawmakers…

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Algerian government have reinforced their aviation partnership with the launch of Air Algérie’s inaugural flight to Nigeria on April 6, 2025. In an official statement on Wednesday, the NCAA announced the issuance of a Foreign Carrier Operating Permit to Air Algérie, allowing the airline expanded access to Nigerian airspace. This strategic move is expected to enhance economic ties, trade, and tourism between the two nations. Additionally, a new flight route connecting Algeria, Nigeria, and Douala, Cameroon, has been approved. This expansion aims to improve regional connectivity, offering more travel options for passengers…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, seized 7 million CFA (₦17.69 million) at the Idiroko border and handed it over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation. Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu stated that customs officers discovered the money in a passenger’s bag on March 2 during a routine search of travelers heading to Benin Republic. The seizure aligns with financial regulations requiring cash declarations. Shuaibu reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to combating smuggling and financial crimes while urging border communities to avoid illegal activities. EFCC’s Lagos Zone 2 Head of Investigation, Moses Oguzi, assured that a…

Every year, thousands of people in the UK pass away without leaving a will, resulting in unclaimed estates many of which belong to African migrants, particularly Nigerians. These assets, including property, savings, and other valuables, are classified as “bona vacantia” (ownerless goods) and transferred to the Crown if no legal heirs come forward. The UK government’s latest unclaimed estates list includes over 170 cases linked to African-born individuals. Many families in Africa are unaware that their deceased relatives left behind wealth in the UK, leading to a permanent loss of assets and family legacies. Why This Matters Beyond the financial…

Global child mortality fell to 4.8 million in 2023, marking a historic low, while stillbirths declined slightly to 1.9 million, according to new UN reports. Since 2000, child deaths have dropped by more than half, largely due to investments in vaccines, nutrition, and clean water. However, progress is slowing, and major funding cuts now threaten to undo decades of improvement. Healthcare worker shortages, clinic closures, and disruptions in vaccination and medical supply chains are putting millions of vulnerable children at risk. The reports highlight deep disparities children in sub-Saharan Africa are 18 times more likely to die before age five…

Tesla’s European sales plunged 49% in January-February compared to last year, according to ACEA, with new registrations dropping to 19,046. In February alone, sales were down 47% at 11,743. The decline is attributed to aging Tesla models and growing consumer backlash against Elon Musk, who has become a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and is leading aggressive cost-cutting efforts at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Despite Tesla’s slump, overall electric vehicle sales in the EU surged 28.4% in the first two months of 2025, reaching 255,489 registrations and securing a 15.2% market share. Hybrid-electric vehicles led the market with…

Samsung Electronics co-CEO Han Jong-Hee passed away at 63 from cardiac arrest, the company confirmed. Han, who had been with Samsung for over 37 years, played a pivotal role in driving the company’s success, particularly in consumer electronics, mobile devices, and display technology. Appointed as vice chairman and co-CEO in 2022, he helped Samsung maintain its leadership in the global TV and home appliance markets. Just last week, Han chaired an annual investor meeting, where he apologized for the company’s stock performance and highlighted challenges in the semiconductor sector. He also emphasized Samsung’s commitment to mergers and acquisitions to fuel…

Nollywood actress Funke Akindele has taken a significant step in empowering female creatives by providing training on how to succeed in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Speaking at The Creative Blueprint event in Lagos, she highlighted key success factors, including perseverance, self-development, and handling criticism constructively. Akindele encouraged creatives to focus on honing their craft rather than chasing money, assuring that financial success follows dedication and hard work. She also emphasized that struggles and challenges are inevitable in the creative journey but should be used as stepping stones rather than obstacles. “Your struggles should not define you; how you rise from them…

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant believes Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen could be the game-changer Chelsea desperately need if they manage to sign him. Osimhen has been on Chelsea’s radar for the past two years, thanks to his stellar performances for Napoli and, more recently, Galatasaray. However, he turned down a move last summer due to personal terms.Pennant is convinced that Osimhen’s goal-scoring prowess could solve Chelsea’s attacking woes. Comparing him to Nicolas Jackson, Pennant pointed out that while Jackson gets multiple chances per game, his conversion rate is poor. In contrast, Osimhen is a proven finisher who could boost…

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2025 nominees have been announced, celebrating excellence in film, television, and digital content released between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Top nominees include Lisabi: The Uprising, Skeleton Coast, House of Ga’a, and Freedom Way, earning multiple nominations in categories like Best Movie and Best Director. In the acting categories, Gideon Okeke (Tokunbo), Stan Nze (Suspicion), Femi Adebayo (Seven Doors), and Adedimeji Lateef (Lisabi: The Uprising) are nominated for Best Lead Actor, while Chioma Chukwuka (Seven Doors), Bimbo Ademoye (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre), and Uche Montana (Thinline) lead the Best Lead Actress…