Author: Olukayode Oke

Germany Shifts Defence Strategy Amid Growing Security Concerns. Germany has taken a historic step in bolstering its military strength, with parliament approving a significant increase in defence spending. The move marks a major departure from the country’s traditionally cautious stance on military expansion, as concerns over Russian aggression continue to grow. At a military training ground in Munster, the sound of artillery and missile launches has become a daily occurrence. Such exercises are set to intensify following the decision to lift debt restrictions on defence spending, allowing for increased investment in the Bundeswehr. Germany’s top military official, General Carsten…

President Tinubu Lauds Wike’s Performance, Explains FCT Exit From TSA. President Bola Tinubu has revealed that his administration removed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to accelerate development and increase residents’ participation in governance. Speaking during a Sallah homage at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu also commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his outstanding performance, expressing confidence that the achievements in the capital would strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections. The President explained that the bureaucratic constraints of the TSA were slowing infrastructure growth in the FCT, necessitating…

Report Highlights Rising Toll Of Farmer-Herder Conflicts In Nigeria. A recent report by SBM Intelligence has revealed the devastating impact of farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria, with 542 civilians killed since 2019 and over 2.2 million people displaced. The long-standing crisis, driven by competition over land and resources, continues to threaten lives, livelihoods, and food security across the country. The report highlights that Nigeria’s security landscape, already troubled by terrorism and insurgency, has been further complicated by farmer-herder clashes. These conflicts arise from disputes between agrarian farmers and nomadic herdsmen, many of whom are of Fulani origin. Factors such as…

Rinsola Babajide Shines As UD Tenerife Thrash Espanyol. Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide delivered a stellar performance as UD Tenerife secured an emphatic 4-1 victory over Espanyol in La Liga F. The match saw Peña Rodríguez open the scoring for Tenerife from the penalty spot before Babajide provided an assist for Bicho to double the lead. Linnea Laupstad added a third with a brilliant solo effort. Despite missing a penalty earlier in the second half, Babajide made amends by netting Tenerife’s fourth goal, capping off a dominant display. Her latest contribution brings her tally for the season to 13…

NFF Identifies Participants For First Batch Of CAF B-License Coaching Course. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has identified and contacted participants for the first batch of the CAF B-License Coaching Course, which will run from April to August 2025. This initiative is part of the NFF’s strategic plan to enhance coaching capacity across the country. According to the NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, selected participants have been notified via email. He urged all applicants to check their inboxes, including spam and junk folders, as the information provided is time-sensitive. The four-month course, scheduled to take place from…

PremiumTrust Bank Becomes Lead Sponsor Of Maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival. The inaugural edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) has received a significant boost with the announcement of PremiumTrust Bank as the lead sponsor. The festival, scheduled to take place from 1 to 8 April in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, aims to provide a platform for young talents in the region to showcase their sporting abilities. At the unveiling ceremony held at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos, Hon. Boma Iyaye, Executive Director of Finance and Accounting at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Chairman of the Main…

Nigerian Banks Achieve Record Profits Amid Economic Challenges. Nigeria’s leading banks have posted unprecedented profits, with GTCo Plc and Zenith Bank Plc surpassing the N1 trillion post-tax profit mark for the first time. Despite economic difficulties in the real sector, particularly in manufacturing and agriculture, the banking industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience, reaching new financial heights. Access Holdings Plc, the largest Nigerian bank by asset size, is also on track to join the trillion-naira profit league, requiring a 62 per cent growth in its 2023 post-tax profit of N619.3 billion. Meanwhile, UBA, GTCo, and Zenith Bank collectively reported an…

Governor Makinde Highlights Economic Stability And Unity In Oyo State. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic stability, stating that the state benefits from a monthly injection of approximately N24 billion in salaries to state and local government workers. Speaking at his Ikolaba residence in Ibadan on Sunday, following the Eid-el-Fitri prayers at the Agodi Eid Ground, the governor noted that his government’s focus on expanding the economy has attracted increased private sector investment. He added that businesses now feel more confident about investing in the state. The gathering included prominent figures…

Edo Lawmaker Natasha Osawaru Adopts 2Baba’s Surname Amid Marital Changes. Edo State lawmaker, Natasha Osawaru, has updated her Instagram bio to reflect the surname of Nigerian music legend 2Baba, now identifying as “Honourable Natasha Idibia.” The update was noticed today, just days after 2Baba’s estranged wife, Annie, signed off an Instagram post using her maiden name, “Annie Uwana Macaulay,” omitting “Idibia” for the first time in years. Natasha’s move comes weeks after 2Baba publicly proposed to her in a viral video, following his confirmation of separation from Annie. The singer, known for his hit song African Queen, had…

Nigerian Suspected Fraudster Extradited From UK To US In Major International Crime Crackdown. A Nigerian man, Ehis Akhimie, suspected of orchestrating an international fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans, has been extradited from the United Kingdom to the United States to face justice. The extradition, confirmed by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) in an email to PUNCH on Friday, marks a significant victory in a global effort to combat organised crime. Akhimie, 41, allegedly played a key role in a transnational criminal network that preyed on vulnerable elderly consumers through an inheritance fraud scam. He was transferred to the…

NCDC Strengthens Response To Lassa Fever Outbreak Across Nigeria. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has intensified efforts to combat the Lassa fever outbreak, which has resulted in 3,465 suspected cases, 645 confirmed infections, and 118 deaths across 91 Local Government Areas in 33 states between January and March 2025. The fatality rate of 18.3% underscores the severity of the outbreak, with 20 healthcare workers among those infected across eight states. In response, the NCDC has activated the Lassa Fever National Emergency Operations Centre (LF-EOC) at Response Level to enhance coordination among all stakeholders, including federal…

Christian Association Of Nigeria Felicitates With Muslims On Ramadan Success, Calls For Unity Amid National Challenges. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has extended warm congratulations to the nation’s Muslim community for successfully completing the Ramadan fast, while urging all Nigerians to embrace compassion, forgiveness, and mutual respect to forge a stronger, more united country where every life is valued and safeguarded. In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh expressed the organisation’s delight at the arrival of Eid-el-Fitr, the joyous festival marking the end of the Islamic holy month of fasting, prayer, and…