Author: News Room

Airtel Africa has delayed plans for the public listing of its fast-growing mobile money business, Airtel Money, as heightened geopolitical tensions and volatile global market conditions weigh on investor appetite for new listings, despite the telecom operator reporting a sharp rebound in annual earnings. The company, which operates across 14 African markets, said on Friday that the anticipated initial public offering of Airtel Money would now take place in the second half of 2026, later than the previously expected first-half timeline. “Market conditions following recent geopolitical developments have affected the anticipated timing of the Airtel Money IPO,” Chief Executive Officer…

Key takeaways:Bitcoin derivatives show limited conviction among pro traders, but ETF flows and Strategy could play a role in the next higher rally. Reduced odds of a peace plan between the US and Iran, and high oil prices, could impede Bitcoin’s price discovery.Bitcoin (BTC) flirted with the $82,000 level on Monday, sparking a brief surge in demand for bullish leverage. Bitcoin has held near $80,000 for over a week, prompting many traders to bet on further upside. However, derivative metrics show that professional players remain skeptical, leaving many to wonder whether $85,000 is actually within reach.Bitcoin perpetual futures annualized funding rate.…

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball and his partner, Ana Montana, welcomed their first baby in January, and his name has gotten fans talking. ESPN shared the news via Instagram on Sunday, May 10, revealing to the world that their son’s name is “LaOne,” and the comments section quickly filled with jokes. “Can’t wait for Latwo and three,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Rich people really name their kids like they’re pets.” “Bro named him after his jersey number,” a fan added. (Ball, 24, wears No. 1 for the Hornets.) Though the name may be unorthodox, it follows the Ball family’s…

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has directed public universities across Nigeria to conclude admissions for the 2025/2026 academic session on or before 31 October. The decision was part of the resolutions reached at the 2026 JAMB Annual Policy Meeting on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja on Monday. The meeting brought together vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts and other education stakeholders to review admission procedures and harmonise timelines for institutions nationwide. JAMB Registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, a professor, said the timelines are aimed at streamlining the admission process and ensuring greater uniformity across tertiary institutions. According to the resolutions adopted…

Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has approved and released over N1.8 billion for the registration of candidates for the 2026 external examinations across the state. The Commissioner for Secondary, Technical and Vocational Education, Augustina Godwin, disclosed this on Monday during the symbolic presentation of cheques in Jalingo, saying the initiative was aimed at expanding access to education and easing the financial burden on parents and guardians. According to her, the state government paid N1,613,646,250 for the registration of 44,133 candidates for the 2026 National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations. She further revealed that the government also approved and released N53,865,000…

A public affairs analyst, Buhari Yusuf, says the Peter Obi and Rabi’u Kwankwaso calculation for a single term is a dangerous political narrative. Buhari made this statement on Monday when he featured in an interview on Trust TV. He was speaking on the forthcoming 2027 general elections and the alliance of the two former presidential candidates. “The Obi-Kwankwaso calculation and the idea of four-year term as a placeholder for Northern establishment after four years is dangerous. “Why should you elect to go for only one term for such political correctness?  The reason Obi is becoming this desperate and going for this political…

Former Manchester United defender, Gary Neville, has said Arsenal could win the Premier League title without kicking a ball. Neville, speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, predicted that Manchester City will drop points at Bournemouth next week. The Gunners beat West Ham 1-0 on Sunday, to go five points clear of City. Arsenal now have two fixtures left against Burnley and Crystal Palace, while Pep Guardiola’s men will play Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa. Neville believes City’s trip to Bournemouth could decide the title. He said: “I think City beat Palace, I think Arsenal beat Burnley and I think Arsenal win…

Victor Osimhen has named Fulham’s Calvin Bassey as the best African defender, while also highlighting Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero among the toughest opponents he has faced in his career, PUNCH Sports Extra report. The Galatasaray striker, speaking in an interview with River Rhodes after his latest title success, reflected on the defenders who have tested him most, drawing particular attention to Bassey’s physical strength in training and Romero’s intelligence on the pitch. Osimhen, who recently won the Turkish Super Lig title with Galatasaray, said his Nigerian teammate Bassey stands out not only in Europe but across the continent. “I’ll say,…

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested three female suspects during a raid on drug hideouts in Ogbomoro and Ugolo communities in Warri metropolis. PUNCH Metro on Monday gathered that the operation was carried out by operatives attached to the Effurun Area Command following credible intelligence. The suspects were identified as Favour Isaac, 25; Favour Felix, 24; and Samson Precious, 19. The raid was reportedly conducted on May 7, 2026, at about 9:20pm. During the operation, police operatives executed a search warrant at the suspects’ hideouts along River Road in the Ogbomoro community. Recovered items included 21 bottles…

The maiden National Convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, held on May 9, 2026, at the Angeles Event Centre and Mall in Abuja, carried an unmistakable aura. It was not merely a gathering of politicians seeking electoral relevance; it was presented as a movement determined to reconnect politics with humanity, empathy and national healing. From the early hours of the day, Abuja assumed the atmosphere of a political festival. Thousands of supporters from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory flooded the convention venue with chants, banners and renewed optimism. The atmosphere was electric, yet purposeful. Unlike the…