Author: News Room

In this investigative report, IBRAHIM ADAM visited several markets across Lagos, buying small quantities of fresh pepper that were ground using the familiar local metal grinders relied upon daily to process pepper, tomatoes, grains, and other staples. When the samples were later subjected to laboratory analysis at a federal facility, the results raised alarm. They contained dangerously high levels of iron and zinc – metals that pose serious health risks, and when consumed over time, are linked to progressive organ damage For years, Hadi Yusuf has lived in Lagos, so long that the city has become home, and he can…

As the curtain closes on another year, it naturally invites reflection. Rounding up the year can be meaningful and purposeful for couples who want to start the New Year with intention rather than intensity. On the other hand, it can trap couples in the past if all they focus on are each other’s mistakes instead of their strengths. This period is also an opportunity for self-assessment, which can sometimes bring feelings of inadequacy. The final days of the year can be preserved as a time for couples to pause, reflect on personal and marital expectations, and foster intentional connection to…

States and Local Government councils reduced their bank borrowings by about N547.52bn in one year, as Federation Account inflows surge, according to findings by Saturday PUNCH. Figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s latest Quarterly Statistical Bulletin reveal that the banking sector’s “claims on state and Local Governments” fell from N2.68tn in June 2024 to N2.13tn in June 2025. This means sub-national governments collectively cut their indebtedness to commercial and merchant banks by 20.4 per cent year-on-year. Further analysis shows that in January 2024, banks’ exposure to states and councils stood at N2.73tn. One year later, in January 2025, the…

Actress, Mojisola Adebanjo, has opened up about the compromises she has refused to make in the film industry, stressing that integrity and peace of mind remain non-negotiable for her. Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, Adebanjo said she has learnt to stay true to her values, even when pressured to conform to unhealthy industry norms. “I have learnt that staying true to my values is non-negotiable. For me, that means refusing to engage in industry ‘games,’ gossip, or manipulation to fit in. I’ve seen how toxic these dynamics can be, and I prioritise peace and self-respect over forced relationships…

Crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are set to explode in 2026, with over 100 new ETF filings expected and billions of dollars in net inflows pouring into the investment vehicles, according to analysts.Senior Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas forecast a base case of $15 billion in capital flows in 2026 and as much as $40 billion if market conditions improve. The US Federal Reserve is “probably” going to lower the interest rate in 2026, pushing net inflows toward the mid or upper limits of the estimate, Balchunas told Cointelegraph.  Weekly inflows to crypto ETFs in 2025. Source: CoinSharesETF investors have also…

Some last-minute Christmas shopping ended tragically in Florida with the death of a 65-year-old woman and mother, all because of her proximity to the suspect. Rita Loncharich was attacked while browsing for books at the Barnes and Noble in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, on Monday, December 22, allegedly by Antonio Moore, 40, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Us Weekly. Moore is now charged with first-degree premeditated murder for killing Loncharich, Us Weekly confirmed. Moore admitted to stabbing Loncharich, and told police he did not interact with her before he used a fixed blade knife to stab her…

For months, Ibom Plaza stood in silence — a hollow reminder of neglect in the very heart of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State’s capital. The fountains were dry. The giant screen was blank. Walls peeled under the weight of time, and the once-iconic Offot Ukwa statue slowly surrendered to decay. Today, the plaza breathes again. When our reporter visited the facility on Tuesday, the transformation was impossible to miss. What was once an eyesore has been reborn as a masterpiece of art, leisure, and public space — a carefully curated beauty to behold. Across social media, excited residents shared photographs of…

The National Executive Council of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has announced the appointment of Sydney Sparrow as its National President. This is contained in a press statement by PMAN National Treasurer, Baba Ojonugwa, released to journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Friday. Mr Ojonugwa stated that Sparrow’s nomination and appointment followed the suspension of the association’s former president, Pretty Okafor. PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Okafor became PMAN President in October 2016 and was re-elected in October 2023. Mr Okafor was one half of the music duo Junior and Pretty, who dominated the Nigerian music…

Amid Nigeria’s security challenges, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, has married a new wife. The SGF’s new bride is Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. Abraham Double-d Dajoh shared the announcement in a Facebook post on Friday. The post read: “We, the entire Dajoh family, happily join our daddy, uncle, and brother, His Excellency, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume Jugu Dajoh, in welcoming his new and uncommon wife, Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, into the Dajoh family. “We appreciate…

Niger Tornadoes have expressed their desire to make history against their matchday 19 opponent Barau FC. The Ikon Allah Boys will square up with Barau FC at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna on Sunday. Niger Tornadoes will be meeting the Maliya Boys for the first time in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL. “There is no history of any kind to look back to between us and Barau FC, we will try to create a memorable one this Sunday as the Maliya Boys visits, in a first official meeting.” Niger Tornadoes stated ahead of the game. Niger Tornadoes are…