Author: News Room

Wireless operator Airtel Africa kicked off a share repurchase programme on Friday, aiming to buy back up to 1 per cent of its issued share capital as part of plans to return cash to shareholders. The move is a major component of the telco’s capital allocation policy, the company, which operates in 14 markets across Africa, stated in a statement on Friday. “As the initial tranche of the Programme, the Company has entered into an agreement with Barclays Capital Securities Limited (“Barclays”) to conduct the programme and carry out on-market purchases of its ordinary shares with the Company subsequently purchasing…

President Bola Tinubu (PHOTO CREDIT: @officialABAT) The leaders of the NPN never abandoned the idea of single-party rule. They set out to destabilise the other parties that had left them, and funded factions in the NPP, PRP and GNPP. The most terrible thing they did was to use state power to declare the illegitimate factions they secretly supported as the legitimate officially recognised ones. In the inaugural campaign rally of the NPN for the 1983 elections, President Shagari declared: “You cannot defeat the NPN. Join the NPN”. Nigeria politics is about the acquisition of political power, not to serve the…

A non-governmental organisation, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Nigeria, has called for stronger action to address period stigma and poor access to menstrual hygiene products, warning that the challenges continue to keep many girls out of school. The organisation made the call ahead of this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed globally every 28 May to promote awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. This year’s campaign theme, “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld,” focuses on improving access to menstrual products, health services and menstrual health information, while tackling stigma and discrimination linked to menstruation. Menstrual stigma persists The call comes amid growing concerns over…

Nigeria’s entertainment industry has become one of the country’s most influential creative sectors, producing globally recognised talents, large-scale events and rapidly growing youth-driven brands. However, behind the glamour and viral moments lies an industry constantly battling funding challenges, changing audience behaviour and the pressure to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive space. For entertainment executive and event producer Itoto Emmanuel, sustainable growth in the industry requires far more than hype or popularity. In this interview with PREMIUM TIMES, he speaks about his journey from organising small-scale events in Benin City to building a growing creative and experiential brand, while reflecting…

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied allegations that the Nigerian military is undermining democratic authorities, insisting that the Armed Forces remain committed to constitutional order and civilian rule. The clarification was made by the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement issued in Abuja, where he described the claims as false and misleading. Gusau stressed that the military remains professional and loyal to the Constitution, noting that its operations across the country are carried out strictly in line with lawful directives and in support of national security. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain loyal to the…

The Kwankwasiyya Movement says Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, chieftain, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, never had any defection discussions with President Bola Tinubu. Spokesman of the group, Habibu Mohammed, made this clarification on Friday on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’. Mohammed said that Kwankwaso does not need anyone to push him if he wanted to work with the President. According to him, Kwankwaso and the President have a long term relationship. He added that the duo had previously worked severally at the National Assembly and also as the key people that brought the APC to life. “In the early days of the Tinubu’s administration, he invited…

Troops of the 149 Battalion under Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected teenage terrorist in Gubio town, Borno State. The arrest was made on May 14 at about 1:20 p.m. during a joint security operation aimed at tracking and intercepting suspected insurgents in the area. According to a post shared on X on Friday by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, the suspect was identified as Umar Zacharria, a 15-year-old boy from Jere Local Government Area of the state. Security sources quoted in the post said the suspect allegedly confessed to being…

Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez has revealed why he rejected an offer to join Mavin Records despite being allegedly offered one million dollars. He made this known via a short post on his official X handle. According to Blaqbonez, one of the major reasons he declined the offer was because he does not enjoy being highly active on social media or constantly engaging fans online, which he suggested may not align with the demands of a major record label. He wrote,l, “Need to get this off my chest before chanel drops, the reason I didn’t sign to mavin when they were begging…

Rangers and Rivers United will renew their supremacy battle in the Round of 32 of the President Federation Cup, DAILY POST reports. The two clubs are currently battling for the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, title. Rangers currently sit at the top of the standings with 62 points, while second-placed Rivers United have 61 points. The winner of the title will be decided on Sunday, with Rangers travelling to Lagos to face Ikorodu City while Rivers United will entertain Katsina United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt. Another interesting match-up in the President Federation Cup Round of 32 is the…

Pep Guardiola leaves Manchester City with an unparalleled legacy as a manager who has reshaped English football during a decade of relentless success. The club announced on Friday that the Catalan would be leaving Manchester after the final game of the season, a year before the end of his contract. The 55-year-old arrived in England in 2016 as the most sought-after coach in world football following golden stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. During his 10 years at the Etihad he has turned City into a ruthless winning machine in the world’s richest league, backed by the bottomless pockets of…