Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

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…

American hip‑hop legend, Trevor Smith Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes, has set social media alight after hinting that he may be on the lookout for a Nigerian wife as part of plans to settle down in Nigeria in the future. The 53‑year‑old rap icon — known for his rapid‑fire lyrical style and energetic performances — made the comments while performing at the Detty December Fest held in Ilubirin, Ikoyi, Lagos on December 19, 2025. It was his first time back in Nigeria in 15 years, and he made it clear that the trip held a personal…

Relief and joy have spread across Niger State as the remaining 130 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, have finally regained their freedom, bringing an end to weeks of fear and uncertainty for their families and the nation. The students were abducted on November 21 when terrorists stormed the Catholic school in Papiri, Niger State, in a late-night attack that shocked the country. The incident was one of the most alarming school kidnappings in recent times, reigniting concerns over the safety of educational institutions in parts of Nigeria. According to official sources, the final batch of 130 students…

In a significant regulatory development in Nigeria’s power sector, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has unsealed the headquarters of Ikeja Electric Plc in Lagos following the company’s agreement to a binding compliance undertaking to address consumer rights violations. The announcement was made in a statement by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu. Background: Why the Headquarters Was Sealed The Commission had initially sealed Ikeja Electric’s headquarters on December 11, 2025, after the electricity distribution company failed to comply with a directive from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The directive required Ikeja Electric to unbundle…

A female operative of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has died after a fatal road accident on Meiran Road, along the Iyana Ekoro corridor of Lagos, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), has confirmed. The incident, which occurred during routine environmental sanitation activities, has once again drawn attention to the dangers faced by sanitation workers on Lagos roads and the consequences of reckless driving. Tragedy Strikes During Routine Sanitation Duty In a statement issued on Saturday via its official X handle, LASTMA, through its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, disclosed that the LAWMA operative was…