Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike Yields on Nigeria’s Eurobonds have increased across various maturities, according to data released by the Debt Management Office (DMO) on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The rising yields suggest that investors are becoming more cautious about the country’s economic outlook and rising debt levels. The shortest-term bond, maturing in November 2025, recorded a yield of 5.59%, down from its original issuance yield of 7.625%, indicating continued investor interest in short-term instruments. However, longer-term bonds saw yields climb significantly. The September 2051 Eurobond, for example, now yields 9.68%, up from 8.25% at issuance. Similarly, the 2047 bond rose from…
By Atoyebi Nike Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has allegedly suffered a broken arm while in police custody in Abuja. According to a statement shared via his official Instagram page, the incident occurred early Thursday at the Force Headquarters when officers from the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit reportedly stormed his cell, injured him, and later moved him to an unknown location. Sowore was said to have been detained on Wednesday after responding to an invitation from the IGP Monitoring Unit. As of the time of reporting, the Nigeria Police Force has not…
By Atoyebi Nike Three Nigerian students Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukaiya Fema, and Khadija Kalli —have been awarded fully-funded scholarships by the Atiku Abubakar Foundation after excelling at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals, an international academic competition featuring contestants from 69 countries. The Foundation praised the girls’ performance as a demonstration of brilliance and potential, especially highlighting 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullahi for her exceptional English language skills and critical thinking. A letter signed by Prof. Ahmadu Shehu, Acting Secretary of the Foundation, confirmed the scholarship would cover both the remainder of their secondary education and university studies at institutions of their choice. “This…
By Atoyebi Nike NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy captain Butch Wilmore has officially retired after a distinguished 25-year career that included pioneering missions and a dramatic nine-month final flight aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Wilmore, 62, concluded his service with a total of 464 days spent in space, making him one of NASA’s most experienced astronauts. The agency described his career as “truly exemplary,” with leaders at the Johnson Space Center praising his “legacy of fortitude” and commitment to exploration. Originally selected in 2000, Wilmore’s career spanned four spacecraft. His last assignment initially an eight-day mission in June 2024—became an unexpected…
By Atoyebi Nike Ahead of the 2025 World Decarbonisation Day (WDD), the Women in Oil and Gas (WEOG) group has emphasized the need for sustained climate communication to drive awareness and action. At a pre-WDD webinar held August 5 in Lagos, the group called on the media and stakeholders to take leadership roles in Nigeria’s energy transition. WEOG President, Mrs. Tolu Longe, said the goal was to tell truthful and impactful stories about climate change, adding that decarbonisation must be seen as a shared responsibility. “We are not just participants—we are catalysts,” she said. “We must lead with bold, honest…
By Atoyebi Nike US President Donald Trump has approved a fresh round of tariffs targeting Indian exports, citing India’s continued oil trade with Russia. The new measures will raise tariffs on certain goods to 50%, with an additional 25% levy set to take effect in three weeks, following a prior 25% increase scheduled for Thursday. While some sectors such as steel, aluminium, and pharmaceuticals are currently exempt, the penalties mark an escalation in Washington’s trade tensions with India. India has denounced the move as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” Officials argue that the decision ignores the complex energy realities triggered by…
By Atoyebi Nike Nigeria will host the next African School Games in 2027, following an official confirmation from the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA). The announcement came in a letter addressed to Habu Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), and dated August 5. The decision was reached during ANOCA’s recent Extraordinary Executive Committee meeting. This marks the second edition of the youth competition, with the inaugural games held in Anaba, Algeria, from July 24 to August 5, 2025. ANOCA’s leadership expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparedness to deliver a world-class event, citing the country’s institutional capacity…
By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Government has backed the inaugural Arewa International Film Festival (AIFF), pledging support for the cultural initiative aimed at promoting Northern Nigeria’s rich storytelling and heritage. Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described AIFF as a vital platform to showcase the North’s untapped creative potential, urging stakeholders to focus on what the region can offer. Themed “Showcasing Untapped Potential and Promoting the Rich Historical Heritage of the Sahel Region,” AIFF seeks to correct underrepresentation of Northern narratives in film. Musawa said the festival aligns with federal plans to build film infrastructure,…
By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has received commendation from the Volunteer Media Advocacy for Accountable Leadership over its recent staff promotion examination, which the group described as transparent, merit-driven, and in line with public service standards. In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Aminu Augustine, the advocacy group said its review found that the NCC followed due process and ensured that promotions were based strictly on performance and available vacancies, as stipulated by public service rules. “Each cadre had limited slots, and not all who passed were promoted where vacancies were unavailable. This aligns with the…
By Atoyebi Nike Airtel Nigeria has announced fresh investments to accelerate its 5G network rollout across the country, as part of efforts to meet Nigeria’s fast-growing demand for mobile data. Speaking during a media roundtable in Lagos, Airtel CEO Dinesh Balsingh said the company is expanding infrastructure and working with device manufacturers to make 5G smartphones more affordable for Nigerians. “Cities like Lagos are growing fast. At Airtel, we recognize data is the new oxygen,” Balsingh said. “We’re building a smart, scalable network that can support Nigeria’s digital future.” While three telecoms MTN, Mafab, and Airtel hold 5G licenses, overall…