Author: Faith Babatunde

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has said Peter Obi weakened his chances of making a significant impact in the 2027 presidential election after leaving the African Democratic Congress. Fayose made the statement during an interview on TVC News’ Politics Tonight, where he assessed the prospects of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, the opposition had a stronger chance of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress when prominent politicians were united under the ADC. “When they were all together in ADC, I would tell anybody that they will make an impact. The day Obi left…

The United States is set to introduce a stricter assessment of the public charge requirement for certain green card applicants from September 18, 2026. The updated guidance issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services explains how immigration officers will determine whether an applicant seeking to adjust status to lawful permanent residence is likely to become a public charge. A public charge generally refers to an immigrant considered likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance for financial support. Under the revised approach, USCIS officers will assess five key statutory factors: the applicant’s age, health, family status, assets, resources and…

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine during an ATP tournament in Mallorca, Spain. The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed that Kyrgios provided a sample on June 22 during the ATP 250 event. A World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory subsequently detected benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in the sample. The provisional suspension came into effect on August 4. Kyrgios, 31, has the right to appeal the suspension but had not done so when the ITIA announced the case. The Australian acknowledged the positive test in a statement posted on Instagram, accepting responsibility and apologising…

Chelsea forward João Pedro has signed a new long-term contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until June 2032. The Brazilian forward has committed his future to the Premier League club after Chelsea completed the necessary documentation for the new agreement. The deal also includes an improved salary, rewarding João Pedro for his performances since joining the club. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the new contract contains an option that could extend the forward’s stay beyond 2032. João Pedro expressed his happiness at continuing his career with Chelsea, saying he believes in the club’s ambitions and wants to…

Cagliari forward Yael Trepy has regained consciousness and been taken off mechanical ventilation after being rescued unconscious from a swimming pool in Sardinia. The 20-year-old was airlifted to hospital on Sunday after getting into difficulty while swimming with friends at a villa. Trepy was initially placed in a medically induced coma and connected to a ventilator following the incident. His condition subsequently improved, allowing doctors to gradually reduce his sedation and respiratory support. A medical update from Santissima Annunziata Civil Hospital in Sassari confirmed that the young footballer had fully regained consciousness. Doctors said Trepy was alert and cooperative and…

Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest lender by assets, is considering taking a stake in Nigerian fintech giant OPay ahead of the company’s proposed initial public offering in the United States. According to Bloomberg, the South African banking group has held preliminary discussions over a possible investment in OPay. The talks remain at an early stage and may not ultimately lead to a transaction. OPay is reportedly targeting a valuation of about $4bn for the proposed IPO, which could take place later in 2026. Citigroup, Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan Chase have reportedly been appointed to work on the offering. Founded in…

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has received a Green Leadership Award for his administration’s efforts to promote climate action, renewable energy and environmental sustainability in the state. The award was presented at the 1st International and 3rd National Women Green Summit and Exhibition 2026 in Lagos, organised by the Women in Renewable Energy Association. Adeleke was represented by the Director-General and Special Envoy on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, Professor Chinwe Obuaku-Igwe, who received the award on his behalf. Organisers recognised the administration’s climate and green economy initiatives, including the Osun State Climate Action Plan, Renewable Energy Policy, Circular Economy…

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has opened an investigation into possible price manipulation in Nigeria’s cement industry following complaints over the rising cost of the commodity. The commission said its preliminary findings suggested that prevailing cement prices may not be fully explained by market conditions, despite Nigeria’s substantial limestone deposits and installed production capacity of between 60 million and 65 million metric tonnes annually. The investigation compared Nigeria’s market with those of Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Togo. According to the FCCPC, a 50kg bag of cement that sold for between N9,300 and N9,700 in…

Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala has reassured fans after revealing that he has experienced brief, temporary episodes of absence linked to a neurological dysfunction. The 23-year-old addressed supporters on Instagram on Tuesday, saying he was doing well and thanking fans for their messages and support. Musiala explained that the episodes may have been responsible for worrying moments witnessed during recent matches, including games against Leipzig and Heidenheim. He said he is receiving specialist medical care and remains optimistic about his recovery, adding that Bayern Munich and those close to him have supported him throughout the process. According to Musiala, there…

The combined budgets of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have increased by 47.5 per cent, rising from N27.22tn in 2025 to N40.14tn in 2026. Despite the increase, the proportion allocated to capital expenditure has declined. Capital spending now accounts for 64.34 per cent of the combined 2026 budgets, compared with 73.24 per cent in 2025. States and the FCT allocated N25.83tn to capital projects in 2026, up from N19.94tn the previous year. However, analysts warned that the declining share could affect infrastructure development and long-term economic growth. The Federal Capital Territory increased its capital allocation to 76.19…