In what is seen as policy shift after months of tight monetary conditions, the Central Bank of Nigeria on Tuesday, 24 February, 2026 reduced its benchmark Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 50 basis points to 26.5 per cent from 27 per cent, marking its second rate cut in five months. The latest adjustment follows a similar 50-basis-point cut in September 2025, when the rate was reduced from 27.5 per cent to 27 per cent, ending a prolonged hiking cycle that had pushed borrowing costs to record levels in response to surging inflation. It was gathered that the decision was taken…
Author: Abimbola Ogunaike
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Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, on Tuesday, 24 February, 2026 led a group of young people from Kogi State to present ₦100 million to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The money is meant to pay for the Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. The cheque was received by the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda. While accepting it, he advised other groups or individuals who are planning to pay for President Tinubu’s re-election forms to reconsider their decision. According to Yitwatda, the Kogi youths are the second group to…
By Jeff Godwin Doki Ph.D The late Alhaji Yusuf Maitaima Sule (1929-2017) (also known as Dan Masani of Kano) once said to my hearing that ‘I am a Muslim by faith, a Christian at heart, but love is my religion’. As one of Nigeria’s foremost politicians, statesman and diplomat, his words conferred respect on the two dominant religions namely: Islam and Christianity. As a country, Nigeria is an enigmatic mix of the beast which repels and the beauty which keeps perpetually attracting. Nigeria is a beautiful ,and at the same time an ugly, country. Lamentably, its beauty and ugliness are…
By Babafemi Ojudu I was scheduled to participate in the panel discussion on my late teacher, Prof. Biodun Jeyifo. I had prepared carefully. However, early this morning, I was invited to an important meeting with the Ooni of Ife in Ile Ife. I had assumed it would last no more than an hour; it extended to five. After the meeting, I reached out on my phone to apologize to the panel host, Prof. Toyin Falola. To my surprise, the discussion was still ongoing. I joined briefly to correct an impression that Prof. Jeyifo imposed his Marxist ideology on his students.…
By Wale Joseph The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has concluded plans for the 2026 Commonwealth Games trials. Unveiling the full programme of activities for the trial, the federation infomed that the maiden National Boxing Week would hold in March. The event will take place from March 1 to 6, 2026, at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex, situated within the National Stadium in Lagos. A key highlight of the week-long programme will be the National Open Trials, which will determine the boxers to represent Nigeria at the boxing event of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Participation in the trials…
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has been nominated for the Vanguard Personality Award by the Board of Editors of Vanguard Newspapers in recognition of his outstanding leadership and performance in the development of the Niger Delta region. The Nomination letter was formally presented to the NDDC Chief Executive Officer during a courtesy visit by a delegation from Vanguard Newspapers, led by the Deputy Editor of Vanguard, Mr Adekunle Adekoya, to the Commission’s Headquarters. Accepting the nomination, Ogbuku expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as a testament to the collective efforts of…
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade has described her nomination for the Newstap/SWAN 5-Star Awards as a rare privilege. Observers have commended her managerial prowess at organising sporting events which have since witnessed an upscale in deliverables since she took charge of the affairs of the company. Top on the bill being the globally recognised Access Bank Lagos City Marathon which has since grown in leaps and bounds. With a background in event management, she has been able to fuse her vast experience into delivering a top-notch road race to the surprise…
Many Happy Returns of the Day, My Dear Friend. Today, I join your family, friends, and well-wishers to celebrate my dear brother and friend, Musbau Rasak, a journalist of note. As you mark your birthday, may Almighty God continue to guide you, grant you sound health, and perfect all that concerns you. You have truly distinguished yourself in your chosen career, and it is a great joy to witness your steady rise and excellence. Indeed, the windows of opportunity are widely open for even greater accomplishments, and I am confident that your dedication and professionalism will continue to take you…
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, came alive with music, culture and robust conversations on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, as Francophone stakeholders gathered to celebrate the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) at the Road to the 10th Edition Media and Stakeholders’ Parley, following the first Road to 10th AFRIMA engagement held last month in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The Abidjan parley, the second stop on the global build-up to the landmark 10th edition, sent a clear message that the city is ready to host a future edition of Africa’s global music awards. The high-level engagement drew strong participation from government officials, culture industry…
By Segun Adewale in Bauchi It has been declared that Dr Bala Maijama’a Wunti will aspire for the 2027 gubernatorial ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State in response to the clarion calls on him from different segments of the society. Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti is a Nigerian oil and gas technocrat, and former Managing Director of NAPIMS and PPMC The declaration was made on Sunday by the Chief Coordinating Officer of Bala Wunti Support Organisation (BWSO), Sha’abdin Danladi Zalanga, while addressing a group of physically challenged people comprising the blind, visually impaired and deaf and…