NIGERIAN NOTCH

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has upgraded the operating licences of leading financial technology firms and microfinance banks, including Opay and Moniepoint, granting them national status and authorising them to operate across the country. The regulatory upgrade follows the firms’ compliance with stipulated requirements and reflects their rapid expansion beyond regional boundaries. Beneficiaries of the approval include Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, Opay, Kuda Bank, PalmPay and Paga, all of which have leveraged mobile technology and extensive agent networks to scale their services nationwide. Confirming the development in Lagos, the Director of the CBN’s Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department, Mr Yemi Solaja, said the affected institutions had effectively been operating at a national level prior to the formal upgrade. “Institutions like Moniepoint MFB, Opay, Kuda Bank and others have now been upgraded. In practice, their operations are already nationwide,” ...

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that investigations uncovered evidence linking some military personnel to an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, several months after the Federal Government dismissed speculations surrounding national security threats. Rumours of a coup attempt first emerged in October 2025 following the abrupt cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day military parade scheduled for October 1, a development that sparked widespread public concern. In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Samaila Uba, disclosed that the military had concluded a comprehensive investigation into the matter and identified officers with cases to answer. According to him, the findings of the investigation have been forwarded to the appropriate superior authorities in line with extant military regulations. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the ma...

Awka, Anambra State, was alive with joy and cultural pride as Nwoke Udi Palmwine Bar, a beloved landmark in the city's entertainment scene, proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary.  The milestone event, spanning three memorable days, culminated on Sunday, January 11, 2026, with an outpouring of appreciation for loyal customers, thrilling competitions, and generous rewards. The highlight of the grand finale included a series of exciting contests that had everyone cheering.  Ebere Obi, a talented dancer from Ihiala and based in Awka, emerged victorious in the dance competition, claiming the top prize.  Other highlights featured intense drinking and eating contests, where participants showcased impressive skills and determination. All winners and participants went home smiling, handsomely rewarded with cash prizes and attractive gift items, courtesy of the visionary CEO, Ogbuefi Ndubuisi Eze.  True to the bar's reputation for hospitality, regular...

As preparations intensify for the forthcoming local government elections in Anambra State, former spokesperson of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), Mr. Cornel Osigwe has formally declared his intention to contest for the chairmanship of Nnewi North Local Government Area under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Osigwe made the declaration on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Nnewi Hotel, Nnewi, before a large gathering of youths, women, community leaders, and party stakeholders. Addressing the audience, Osigwe said Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s vision of building a prosperous, livable and smart Anambra State must be effectively driven at the grassroots, where government policies have the most direct impact on the lives of the people. He noted that Nnewi North requires purposeful and competent leadership at the local level to translate the governor’s development agenda into tangible results, adding that he possesses the experience and capacity to ...

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has urged newly admitted students of the institution to embrace discipline, innovation, and academic excellence as core values for a successful academic journey. Dr. Awuzie gave the charge on Friday, January 23, 2026, while delivering her address at the 42nd Matriculation Ceremony of the Polytechnic, held at the Oko Campus. The ceremony formally inducted the new students into the academic community of the institution. Congratulating the matriculating students on their admission, the Rector described their entry into the Polytechnic as a product of merit, hard work, and confidence in their potential. She noted that Federal Polytechnic, Oko has built a strong reputation over the years for academic excellence, discipline, innovation, and the production of skilled manpower for national development. According to her, the Management of the institution remains deliberate and proactive i...

The Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has appointed Dr. Obinna Michael Okeke as the new Director of Medical Services of the institution, with effect from Wednesday, January 22, 2026. Dr Obinna Michael Okeke is a Chief Consultant and a Fellow West African College of Surgeons. The appointment followed due process, in line with the officially advertised position and a transparent, merit-based interview exercise conducted by the Governing Council of the Polytechnic, chaired by Senator Engr. Dr. Barnabas Gemade. Dr. Okeke’s appointment is for a single tenure of five years, in accordance with established regulations. The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, formally presented the letter of appointment to Dr. Okeke on behalf of the Chairman of the Governing Council. Management, staff, and the entire Polytechnic community have congratulated Dr. Okeke on the appointment, expressing confidence in his capacity to strengthen healthcare service delivery at the institution’s Medic...

Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has said the party is positioning itself to form a broad-based coalition government focused on improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Speaking on Prine Time segment of News Night, an interview session on ARISE Television, Nwajiuba called on Nigerians who are committed to building a functional, self-sustaining nation to fully align with the ADC, describing the party’s growing momentum as a critical turning point in the country’s political journey. “This is the time for people who want Nigeria to work to come in completely. Nigeria is beginning to move again, and this is the moment to fix what is broken. This is the time to tell Nigerians that the real work of governance is about to start,” he said. Addressing concerns about entering a political field already crowded with established parties and formidable political machinery, Nwajiuba dismissed the idea of political...

Cornel Osigwe (FIMC, CMC, MNIPR, CNS) is a respected communication strategist, management consultant, and community development advocate whose career spans corporate communications, public relations, youth empowerment, and digital innovation. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing and Public Relations from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Relations. Osigwe is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC), a Certified Management Consultant (CMC), a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (MNIPR), and a Certified Negotiation Specialist (CNS). As a strong proponent of continuous learning and capacity building, Osigwe has undertaken extensive professional training across diverse fields including real estate investment, sales and marketing, personnel management, career development, information technology, digital marketing, and youth development. Between 2017 and 2024, he served as Head...

Following the signing into law of the Electricity Act 2023 by the President, which empowers states to actively participate in the electricity sector, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has commenced a major transformation of its operations. In response to the new legal framework, EEDC has restructured by establishing subsidiary companies that will interface directly with the respective state electricity regulatory commissions. This strategic move is designed to align the company’s operations with the emerging state-based regulatory environment. The management of EEDC has formally introduced the newly created subsidiaries and the states under their respective jurisdictions to its customers, assuring them of improved coordination and responsiveness. According to the company, the new arrangement will strengthen its operations, drive greater efficiency, and translate into enhanced service delivery for electricity consumers across its franchise areas. The developm...

By Dr Samuel Chukwudi Ojiakor The death of Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, one of the twin sons of the renowned author, Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege on 7th January 2026 is an undeniable and unforgettable tragedy that will continue to mount intense scrutiny on Nigeria’s healthcare services. This harrowing incidence no doubts would have a long-term devastating emotional draining not only on the grieving families but also on the medical community because medical professionals are wired to have a strong connection to their patients and fundamentally, no medical practitioner would ever engage in maleficence by any means.  Meanwhile, I join millions of sympathizers, friends and associates across the world to offer my deepest condolences to the families of Adichie’s and Esege’s while also praying for peaceful repose of the Lad’s saintly soul. The public outrage that greeted this tragic incident was phenomenal and not unexpected given the personality involved and the ...