Author: News Room

Nigeria is set to further benefit from rising foreign exchange inflows as global crude oil prices surge above $105 per barrel, driven by escalating Middle East tensions that have tightened supply expectations, boosting revenues and supporting naira stability, OKECHUKWU NNODIM writes With Brent crude trading above $105 per barrel, well above Nigeria’s 2026 federal budget benchmark of $64.85, the ongoing global oil rally is expected to significantly strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal position, improve foreign exchange inflows, and support naira stability. Analysts say that if geopolitical tensions escalate into a full-scale conflict disrupting the Strait of Hormuz – a critical passage for…

Beijing 2008 Olympic bronze medallist, Chika Chukwumerije, has been appointed chairman of the Abia State Taekwondo Association, pledging to discover and develop grassroots talents across the state. The former African champion made the commitment during the inauguration of the association’s 13-member board by Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu. Speaking after the inauguration, Chukwumerije expressed gratitude for the opportunity and assured stakeholders of the board’s readiness to reposition Abia as one of Nigeria’s leading sporting states. “We promise to give our best to make Abia one of the best sporting states in the country,” he said. The newly appointed chairman emphasised the…

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria has defended the controversial N6.98 USSD charge imposed on banking transactions and pushed back against growing consumer criticism over data expiration policies, arguing that telecommunications companies still incur costs even when digital banking services fail. The remarks come amid increasing public frustration over charges attached to USSD banking services and the expiration of unused mobile data, issues that have become recurring complaints among Nigerian telecom subscribers. Speaking during a live programme on Nigeria Info FM 99.3 hosted by Jimi Disu, ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo said telecom operators merely provide the connection infrastructure…

In many cultures, families are deemed to be an integral part of a couple’s home. However, there are divided opinions on whether or not it is appropriate for people to disclose happenings in their home to their parents. Our correspondent asked some members of the public what they would do if they found out that their partners disclosed family secrets to their parents Olamide Fajuyigbe I won’t tell her secrets again If my wife discloses family secrets to her parents, first of all, I won’t tell her anything confidential again, even though what she already knows can’t be erased from…

Witney Carson has revealed the reason she was absent from the Dancing With the Stars tour stop in Utah. “Utah peeps. I’M SO SORRY I CAN’T be there for the Utah shows. I had the Steve Irwin Gala performance with Robert [Irwin] booked last year,” Carson, 32, wrote via her Instagram Story on Saturday, May 2. “If I could be in two places at once I would be! I love you all so much!!” Carson went on to share several clips from the Steve Irwin Gala, which she attended alongside husband Carson McAllister and their two children: sons Leo, 5,…

A rift has opened in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State as former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami, rejected the adoption of Jamilu Gwamna as the party’s consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election. Mr Gwamna’s adoption was announced on Sunday following an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting presided over by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya. Pantami faults ‘consensus’ process However, in a statement issued Sunday evening, Mr Pantami distanced himself from the process, describing it as a “coronation” rather than a legitimate consensus. “While Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami… was in Abuja today evening, we heard about the emergence of a…

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has charged intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj to conduct themselves in ways that reflect positively on the country, warning that their actions abroad will shape Nigeria’s image on the global stage. Shettima gave the directive on Sunday, May 3, 2026, during the official flag-off of the Hajj airlift at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The event marked the beginning of this year’s pilgrimage operations, with about 500 pilgrims from Kogi State departing for Saudi Arabia on the inaugural flight. Authorities say over 50,000 Nigerians are expected to participate in the 2026 Hajj…

Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi on Sunday urged the Nigerian government against interfering with the activities of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC. Obi urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to allow him and members to build the NDC peacefully. He made the remark while receiving members of the NDC in Abuja shortly after he joined the party. According to Obi: “We want to pull people out of poverty because we want to build a country where a child of no body can become somebody without knowing anybody. “We are using this occasion to plead with the government of today, you know…

Rangers moved closer to winning a ninth Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, title following a 2-0 away win over Bayelsa United at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa. The Flying Antelopes scored in each half to seal the crucial victory. Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side maintained top spot on the standings with 62 points from 36 matches. In Port Harcourt, Rivers United kept pressure on Rangers with a 3-0 victory over Abia Warriors. The hosts were frustrated in the first half, but scored all three goals after the break. Wasiu Falolu put Rivers United ahead in the 50th minute. Timothy Zachariah and Bello…

Nigerians are increasingly turning to Google’s search and artificial intelligence tools to acquire creative and professional skills, highlighting a broader shift towards digital self-improvement in Africa’s most populous nation. New data from Google shows a sharp rise in interest in creative disciplines over the past year, with searches related to painting up 90 per cent. Calligraphy has emerged as a breakout trend in recent months, pointing to renewed interest in hands-on artistic expression supported by accessible digital tools. Google says the trend reflects a wider cultural shift in how Nigerians approach learning and work. “Nigerians are using Search and AI…