Author: News Room

Group Chief Economist and Managing Director of Research and Trade Intelligence at Afreximbank, Dr Yemi Kale, has stated that while the Nigerian economy is entering a phase of greater stability after years of turbulence, deep structural weaknesses continue to limit growth and prevent most citizens from reaping its benefits. He said this on Tuesday at the FirstBank Nigeria Economic Outlook 2026 held under the theme ‘The Great Calibration: Mastering Resilience in an Era of Asynchronous Growth’. Kale cautioned against mistaking stability for economic resolution. “We are in an era of stability, yes, but stability does not eliminate risk,” he said.…

At least 12 suspects have been arrested following an attack on an estate in Mbodo, Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday afternoon, during which a resident was shot in the leg and abducted. The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement made available to PUNCH Metro on Tuesday. According to the police, the attackers—said to include members of a vigilante group known as OSPAC and hired thugs—stormed the estate in a commando-style operation, firing shots indiscriminately and damaging vehicles and parts of the estate. Iringe-Koko disclosed that operatives responded to…

The Bible consistently teaches that pastors should have strong moral character, be respected both inside and outside the church, lead by example, and be accountable to God. This is not different from what is expected of all leaders at all levels: to lead from the front. The burden, however, is higher on religious leaders, whom people expect to know better. They are expected to be the compass guiding others toward moral behaviour. Recent events in the household of God, however, are pointing to the fact that pulpits need more deliverance than the pews. Religious leaders are bringing reproach to the…

Ecobank Nigeria Limited has fully repaid bondholders who validly tendered their notes ahead of the February 2026 maturity date. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the bank on Tuesday. The PUNCH reports that Ecobank Nigeria had prepaid approximately $245m of its $300m Eurobond, representing more than 80 per cent of the total issuance. The 7.125 per cent Senior Note is due in February 2026. “On 27 November 2025, Ecobank Nigeria Limited launched a tender offer to eligible noteholders in respect of the outstanding $150 million on the bond, providing them with an opportunity to redeem their holdings ahead…

Former Super Eagles captain and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Segun Odegbami, has attributed Nigeria’s scintillating performances at the ongoing 2025 AFCON to the quality of the football pitches provided by host nation Morocco, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. After four matches, including three in the group stage, the Super Eagles have maintained a perfect record, winning all four games as they chase a fourth continental title. The latest of those victories was Monday’s emphatic 4–0 win over Mozambique in the round of 16. It was Nigeria’s biggest win at the tournament so far and also the first time they…

For example, general laptop use cases such as web browsing or document editing can operate at lower voltage levels. In contrast, high-definition content such as games or video playback requires higher brightness and voltage. Traditional HDR modes remain locked at maximum brightness, resulting in excessive power usage even in standard scenarios. As a result, many laptops default to SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) mode despite the color and brightness advantages of HDR.In comparison, SmartPower HDR™ reduces the power consumption associated with OLED pixel emission by up to 22% in general usage and by up to 17% during HDR content. Notably, in…

Bitcoin’s (BTC) sharp 7.4% rebound kick-started the first week of January and has shifted markets’ focus back to futures positioning, where liquidation data suggests the price action may be asymmetric.Key takeaways:Over $10.6 billion in long liquidations sit below $84,000, versus just $2 billion in shorts above $104,000.Retail positioning on Hyperliquid shows shorts are more vulnerable to upside squeezes than longs to downside moves.Bitcoin must reclaim the $100,000 cost basis to confirm a structural trend reversal.Liquidation imbalance raises volatility risk for BTCAccording to data from CoinGlass, approximately $10.65 billion in leveraged long positions would be liquidated if Bitcoin revisits $84,000. In…

Authorities in North Carolina have arrested a mother for alleged neglect after her toddler son drowned on the front porch of their home. Three weeks after the toddler died, Elizabeth Holderness reportedly turned herself in to deputies the morning of Monday, January 5, according to WITN. Holderness, 30, has been formally charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, felony negligent child abuse with serious bodily injury, and six misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Deputies were dispatched to Holderness’ home in Jacksonville, North Carolina, at around 4:30 p.m. on December 11, 2025, after someone called 911 to report…

The family of Polycarp Omatu in Uzoakwa, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State has fixed 14 January as the date for burial of their three sons who died in a tragic fire outbreak in Lagos State, Nigeria’s South-west. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that at least eight people were confirmed dead in the fire incident, which occurred on 24 December 2025 at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island. According to a burial poster seen by PREMIUM TIMES, the three brothers who died in the inferno were Stephen Omatu, 40, Casmir Omatu, 39, and Collins Omatu, 37. This…

The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to stem the tides of insecurity ravaging Niger State. Shaibu stated this during a visit to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago,  in Minna and was received at the Council Chamber of Government House Minna, by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba. He announced plans to provide additional resources for training and doctrine of the TRADOC Nigerian Army to help address the issue of insecurity confronting the state On the purpose of his visit to the state, Shaibu explained, “My visit is to declare…