Author: Abimbola Ogunaike
By Umarou Sanou Africa has moved beyond the era of formal colonial domination. The struggles that defined the continent’s mid-20th-century liberation movements, anti-colonial resistance, and the ideological tug-of-war between the United States and the Soviet Union belong to a different historical moment. Yet, in a curious twist, the mindset of that era still lingers in parts of Africa’s political and intellectual space. Today’s Africa is no longer fighting for independence; it is fighting for development, stability, and relevance in a rapidly shifting global order. But instead of confronting these modern challenges with clarity, some countries, particularly within the Sahel’s junta-led…
Nigeria and Sweden have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with renewed focus on trade, innovation, and regional cooperation, as both countries seek to expand mutually beneficial partnerships. This formed the outcome of a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and Sweden’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja. During the engagement, Ambassador Westerholm expressed Sweden’s appreciation for Nigeria’s hospitality since assuming office in August 2025, describing bilateral relations as cordial and built on strong goodwill. She reaffirmed Sweden’s readiness to deepen cooperation across key sectors of shared…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that 26 passengers and crew members sustained injuries after a Kaduna–Abuja train was involved in an accident near Asham Station, even as the corporation said the service was later restored and operations continued the same day. The incident occurred on Monday, 16 March, 2026, during the KA-2 Kaduna–Abuja service, which departed Rigasa Station at 7:15 a.m. according to schedule. The train arrived at Jere at 8:52 a.m., one minute ahead of time, but departed at 8:59 a.m., about six minutes behind schedule after locomotive 2809 was coupled to the…
The Ogun State Government has announced that retirees in its civil and public service will earn significantly higher benefits under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), following the introduction of the Additional Pension Benefit (APB) initiative, which offers between 116 per cent and 280 per cent of Total Annual Emoluments (TAE). Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this on Tuesday during the official presentation of cheques to retirees at the Oba’s Complex. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, the governor said between 70 and 80 per cent of retiring workers would receive higher benefits under the new arrangement than…
Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of a new branch in Manchester, United Kingdom, marking another significant milestone in the bank’s international growth and its commitment to strengthening financial connections between Africa and global markets. The official opening ceremony, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, is expected to attract government officials from Nigeria and the United Kingdom, regulators, investors, customers, and business leaders from both countries, underscoring the growing economic ties and investment opportunities between the two markets. The new Manchester branch will complement Zenith Bank’s existing operations in the United Kingdom and serve as a strategic…
Vetland Senior Grammar School, Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos, has recorded a remarkable academic milestone by securing second place at the prestigious “I Beg to Differ” Secondary School Debate Tournament organized by Nigeria Info FM. This achievement stands as one of the highest placements ever attained by a public secondary school in the competition. The journey to this outstanding feat began with the school’s registration by the Principal, Dr. Maria Eko, in early January 2026. Following a rigorous audition held on January 31, 2026, the Vetland team progressed through a highly competitive pool of 32 schools to reach the grand finale, demonstrating…
By Olamide Abdur Rasaq The Chairman of Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Akindele Adunni Opeyemi, has empowered 100 residents with ₦100,000 each under the second edition of the ₦10 million Renewed Hope Cash Initiative, reports thegazellenews.com Thegazellenews.com reports further that the programme was aimed at supporting small businesses and strengthening economic stability within the community. In her opening remarks, Hon. Akindele appreciated the support of residents and stakeholders, reflecting on the council’s progress and the collective effort behind its achievements. “We can only make it work when we work together; no one can do it alone.” she said. She…
By Adedayo Olowoniyi Since the return to democratic governance in Nigeria in 1999, the Ministry of Power has remained one of the most consequential portfolios in the federal cabinet. Electricity is the backbone of economic growth, industrial productivity, and national development. Over the past two and a half decades, several distinguished leaders have steered the sector through complex reforms, infrastructure deficits, and evolving market realities. Among those who held the mantle are respected figures such as Bola Ige, Barth Nnaji, Liyel Imoke, and Babatunde Raji Fashola. Each brought unique perspectives and reforms to the sector, laying the groundwork for the…
By Chuks Collins, Awka The Anambra State Police Commissioner, Okoye Orutugu has ordered the immediate arrest, detention and investigation of six police officers who allegedly extorted N200,000 from an Onitsha based trader under gunpoint. The six officers, reportedly attached to the Okpoko Police Division, Onitsha, allegedly extorted the victim of ₦200,000 using a PoS operator. Their arrest and detention followed a widely circulated video report of the incident where the wife of the victim narrated how her husband, names withheld, was reportedly threatened, harassed, traumatized, handcuffed and extorted after being stopped by some policemen while on his way home from…