In a political landscape rife with speculation and defections ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has fired a clear salvo: he will not be joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and his loyalty remains firmly tied to his political ally, Nyesom Wike — wherever he may be. Setting the Record Straight Addressing swirling media reports that he might abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to join the APC, Fayose took an unequivocal stance in an interview with TVC News. As he put it: “I’m a Wike person. Anywhere Wike is, that is where…
Author: Adejuyigbe Francis
As Nigeria grapples with persistent digital divides and vast swathes of population remain beyond reliable mobile coverage, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has outlined a bold new vision that places direct-to-mobile satellite connectivity at the heart of its telecommunications strategy for the next half-decade. This direction is encapsulated in the Commission’s recently published draft Spectrum Roadmap for the Communications Sector (2025–2030) — a framework designed to guide spectrum management, technology adoption, and regulatory priorities through 2030. Why This Shift Matters At its core, the NCC’s new roadmap formally acknowledges non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) — particularly Direct-to-Device (D2D), satellite services — as…
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), has appointed Malian referee, Boubou Traoré to officiate the highly anticipated Group C clash between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The match, scheduled for Saturday, December 27, is a pivotal fixture that could shape the race for qualification from one of the tournament’s most competitive groups. Refereeing Team and Match Details CAF’s Refereeing Committee named Traoré as the centre official for the encounter, entrusting him with oversight of what promises to be a tightly‑contested battle. Supporting Traoré, Senegalese official Issa Sy has been assigned as…
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has carried out a strategic reshuffle of senior directors within the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The changes come amid swirling corruption allegations and concerns about regulatory lapses at the aviation regulatory agency. Context and Trigger The reshuffle follows rumours and reports of serious corrupt practices involving key officers, particularly within the NCAA’s Directorate of Airworthiness Standards. This department is critical to the agency’s mandate, ensuring that civil aircraft meet required safety and maintenance standards in line with international norms. These allegations have gained traction…
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo‑Olu has announced that the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI), building, a 22‑storey high‑rise on Martins Street, will be demolished after a massive fire ravaged the structure and disrupted surrounding properties on Lagos Island. Inferno on Christmas Eve The fire broke out late on Christmas Eve at the multi‑storey GNI building, which has been used largely as a warehouse and commercial space for clothing materials and retail outlets. Emergency responders were alerted at about 4:41 p.m., and multiple Lagos State fire crews were on the scene within minutes to battle the blaze that spread across several floors.…
In a landmark overhaul of the H-1B work visa program, the United States has officially ended the long-standing random lottery system that for decades determined which foreign professionals received one of the most coveted work visas in the world. Starting February 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will replace the lottery with a “weighted,” skill- and wage-based selection process. What the Change Means Under the new system, H-1B visas — capped at 65,000 annually with an additional 20,000 for U.S. advanced degree holders — will no longer be allocated purely by chance when applications exceed the cap.…
A civil society group has sounded a stern alarm, alleging a covert plan to arrest and intimidate prominent opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. The warning was issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Adekunle O. Adebayo, a public affairs analyst and the group’s coordinator, who claimed that the reported strategy risks undermining democratic norms and could edge the country toward one-party dominance. Allegations of Targeted Arrests According to the statement from the group—operating under the platform “Bí a bá pa ìtàn mọ́, ìtàn á pa wa” (When truth is suppressed, it eventually destroys those who suppress it)—several high-profile…
South Africa kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), 2025 campaign on a positive note with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Angola, setting the tone for what they hope will be a deep tournament run. Bafana Bafana showed intent from the opening whistle, pressing high and moving the ball confidently as they looked to impose themselves early. Their approach paid off midway through the first half when a well-worked attacking move ended with a composed finish that gave South Africa the lead and sparked celebrations among the traveling supporters. Angola responded with resilience, growing into the match and testing…
Zambia and Mali went head-to-head in a gripping AFCON 2025 group-stage clash that delivered intensity, tactical discipline, and late drama. From the opening whistle, both sides played with urgency, aware that every point could prove decisive in a tightly contested group. Mali Take Control Mali gradually asserted themselves, dominating possession and dictating the rhythm of the game. Their physicality in midfield and well-organized back line made it difficult for Zambia to find space, while their attacking build-up showed patience and purpose. Breakthrough After the Break The pressure finally told in the second half. Mali carved open the Zambian defense with…
In a festive-season announcement, the Federal Government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration. The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Interior Ministry Emphasises National Reflection According to the statement, the declaration aligns with the government’s long-standing tradition of observing major religious and national festivities. The Minister of Interior urged Nigerians to reflect…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a transformative policy set to take effect in 2026 — the introduction of a mandatory vehicle recycling fee as part of a broader strategy to formalise the country’s automotive recycling market and modernise the sector. The initiative was unveiled by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and reflects a significant shift toward sustainable vehicle management and circular economy principles. Why This Policy Matters At present, Nigeria’s vehicle recycling industry operates largely informally, with old and end‑of‑life vehicles often abandoned along roadsides or broken up in unregulated markets. The new policy aims…
The United States and the Federal Republic of Nigeria have signed a historic five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking one of the most significant health partnerships between the two nations to date. The agreement advances the America First Global Health Strategy while reinforcing Nigeria’s healthcare system, saving lives, and strengthening global and U.S. health security. Under the MOU, the United States intends to provide $2.1 billion in health assistance, while Nigeria has committed $3.0 billion in new domestic health spending over the five-year period. This represents the largest co-investment by any country under the America…
