Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

In a landmark move to transform Nigeria’s higher education and innovation ecosystem, the Federal Government disbursed ₦2.25 billion to 45 student innovators across tertiary institutions nationwide under the Student Venture Capital Grant (SVCG), initiative. The programme is designed to support student-led startups and breakthrough ideas, enabling young Nigerians to convert academic knowledge into scalable enterprises. Out of over 30,000 applicants, 65 were shortlisted, with 45 ultimately receiving funding—highlighting both the competitiveness and national interest in innovation-driven education. Event and Key Stakeholders The official cheque presentation ceremony took place at the UNDP Innovation Hub, underscoring the government’s collaboration with global development…

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), the apex governing body of football in Africa, has appointed Samson Adamu as its Acting General Secretary. The announcement, confirmed on March 29, 2026, marks a historic milestone for Nigerian football administration and signals a significant leadership transition within African football governance. Background of the Appointment Adamu’s appointment follows the resignation of Veron Mosengo-Omba, a Swiss-Congolese official who stepped down to pursue the presidency of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA). The decision to elevate Adamu was: Proposed by the CAF Executive Committee Ratified at the CAF Congress held in Cairo, Egypt This process underscores…

Former Arsenal midfielder, Lucas Torreira, recently made waves in football media by asserting that Victor Osimhen — currently starring for Galatasaray S.K. — is among the three best players in the world right now, a list he placed alongside Federico Valverde and Kylian Mbappé. By ranking Osimhen this highly, Torreira implied that he is surpassing other elite talents, including Yamal, Kane, and Haaland — all of whom are widely regarded as among the global elite in their respective roles. Victor Osimhen: Current Form and Performance Victor Osimhen has emerged as one of the most feared centre-forwards in world football, thanks…

Kuda, one of Nigeria’s leading digital-only banks, has laid off hundreds of employees as part of a company-wide restructuring effort announced in March 2026. The move signals a major strategic shift as the company transitions from rapid expansion to a more disciplined, efficiency-driven growth model. Overview of the Layoffs The layoffs were formally communicated on March 25, 2026, during a company-wide video call where senior executives informed staff that multiple roles across departments would be affected. Key highlights include: Hundreds of employees impacted across different units Cuts spanning several departments, with marketing particularly affected—nearly half the team reportedly laid off…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has recently reduced interest rates on key Nigerian Treasury Bill (T‑Bill), maturities by 20 basis points (bps) — signaling a broader easing in money‑market funding costs and changing dynamics in Nigeria’s fixed‑income markets. Specifically: 364‑day (1‑year) T‑Bill rate cut: reduced by 20bps to 16.43%. 182‑day (6‑month) T‑Bill rate cut: trimmed by 20bps to 16.42%. 91‑day (3‑month) T‑Bill rate: held steady at 15.95%.These adjustments were reflected at the CBN’s March 25/26 primary auctions amid an oversubscribed market, strong investor demand, and abundant system liquidity. What Happened at the Auction? Auction Details The CBN offered ₦400…

On March 24, 2026, First Lady, Melania Trump, unveiled Fostering the Future Together, a transformative international initiative designed to empower children through technology and education. Convening 45 nations alongside leading technology innovators, the inaugural summit in Washington, D.C. set a powerful precedent for unified global action. Her message was clear and compelling: the future of the world depends on how effectively today’s leaders invest in the next generation. By elevating children above politics and borders, the initiative establishes a shared global responsibility to nurture talent, expand opportunity, and unlock human potential. From Vision to Action: A Results-Driven Coalition Unlike many…

Alex Iwobi has earned widespread recognition after his spectacular goal for Fulham FC was shortlisted for the Premier League’s Goal of the Month (GOTM), award for March. The nomination underscores a standout moment in what has been an increasingly influential season for the Nigerian international. The Goal: Technique, Timing, and Impact Iwobi’s stunning strike came in Fulham’s 2–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage. In the 34th minute, Iwobi doubled Fulham’s lead with a brilliantly executed long-range effort—side-footing the ball from outside the box with precision and composure. The goal not only stood out for its technical quality but…

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), has released a significant policy report outlining the United States’ vision for reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO). The timing of the report is strategic, coming just before the WTO’s Fourteenth Ministerial Conference (WTO Fourteenth Ministerial Conference, or MC14), scheduled to take place in Yaoundé, Cameroon. This report builds upon an earlier U.S. discussion paper issued in December 2025 and is intended to stimulate meaningful dialogue among WTO members during and after the ministerial meeting. Context and Purpose of the Report The WTO has faced increasing criticism in recent years for…

As part of renewed efforts to deepen diaspora remittances and enhance transparency in Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX), market, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has issued a directive mandating all International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), to open and operate naira settlement accounts with authorised dealer banks (ADBs). This directive, contained in a circular signed by Musa Nakorji, forms part of a broader policy framework aimed at improving traceability of remittance flows, strengthening regulatory compliance, and boosting efficiency within Nigeria’s FX ecosystem. The policy will take effect from May 1, 2026, reinforcing the CBN’s push to formalise remittance inflows—one of the…

On March 25, 2026, U.S. President, Donald Trump, announced the formation of a revamped President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)—a high-level advisory body composed of leading figures from the technology and innovation sectors. Among the most notable appointees are: Mark Zuckerberg (CEO of Meta) Sergey Brin (co-founder of Google) Jensen Huang (CEO of Nvidia) These appointments place some of the world’s most influential technology leaders at the center of U.S. science and technology policymaking. Composition of the Council The newly formed council initially consists of 13 members, with plans to expand to as many as 24 members.…

The January 2024 Shake-Up In January 2024, the CBN dissolved Union Bank’s board and management, citing regulatory powers intended to preserve financial stability and enforce compliance. The regulator subsequently appointed Yetunde Oni as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and Mannir Ubali Ringim as Executive Director. This decision, however, was contested by key core shareholders of Union Bank — Titan Trust Bank, Luxis International, and Magna International — who challenged the legality of the CBN’s intervention in court. They argued that: The removal of the bank’s directors was executed without due process. The proposed recapitalisation under the interim board was unlawful. The…

The Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints—has recently become the center of a major geopolitical and economic development. Iran, amid escalating conflict with the United States and Israel, has eased transit restrictions for certain vessels while reportedly charging up to $2 million per passage. This dual policy reflects a strategic recalibration aimed at balancing military control, economic leverage, and international pressure. Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to global oceans. It is vital for global energy markets: Handles ~20% of global oil and…