Author: Oluwatosin Ologun

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has categorically disowned a circular claiming it has introduced two new denominations—N5,000 and N10,000 notes—set for circulation on May 1. The apex bank described the circular as “fake” in a statement via its official handle on X (formerly Twitter). The viral circular widely shared on social media, falsely attributed to the CBN, stated, “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially announced the introduction of two new denominations – N5,000 and N10,000 banknotes; as part of ongoing efforts to streamline cash transactions and improve liquidity management.” The document further alleged that one Deputy CBN…

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rejecting a petition to recall her as the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.  The embattled lawmaker, while featuring as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said the electoral umpire should have thrown out the petition long before it did on April 3, 2025. “I’m a lawyer. I’m a senator and I understand how Nigeria works. For me, the most important thing is this recall process has been stalled. “I give kudos and credit to INEC even though I believe they should have thrown it away from the…

Nigerian afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has announced that he was the executive producer on his friend Cubana Chief Priest’s new song. The socialite had earlier teased a snippet of his upcoming track ‘More Money’ from his album ‘CP No Small’ in an Instagram reel on March 27. The video showed him vibing energetically to the beat as he gave fans a taste of what’s to come. In the caption of the post, he revealed Davido as the executive producer, noting that he ensured the project hits all the right notes. “The Legend Himself Made Sure We…

At least 20 Cameroonian soldiers were killed today in an attack by Boko Haram jihadists disguised as herders in northeastern Nigeria, near the border town of Wulgo, sources close to the army said. Cameroonian troops are commonly stationed across the border in Nigeria as part of anti-jihadist operations around Wulgo, which is near the volatile Lake Chad — itself home to both Islamic State and Boko Haram fighters. Cameroonian forces regularly operate in the region, as do forces from Nigeria, Niger and Chad, as part of anti-jihadist operations around Lake Chad, a volatile area that is home to both Boko…

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to halt military strikes on vessels in the Black Sea and pause attacks on energy infrastructure, the United States has announced after talks with both sides in Saudi Arabia. The White House said on Tuesday that Moscow and Kyiv had separately “agreed to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea”. With President Donald Trump pushing for a rapid end to the war that has killed tens of thousands of people, US negotiators shuttled separately over three days in the Saudi…

Top US intelligence officials faced heated questions by Democratic senators on Tuesday over the spectacular security breach which saw a journalist included in a chat group discussion about airstrikes in Yemen. The Senate Intelligence Committee hearing was nominally about an annual report on national security threats, but Democrats used the opportunity to hammer officials — two of whom were reported to be in the group chat — over the mounting row. The New Daily Prime reported that there was an outrage after the White House accidentally texted a journalist about Yemen strike plans. Pressed by Democratic Vice Chair Mark Warner…

Buckingham Palace on Tuesday said that King Charles III and Queen Camilla have postponed a planned state visit to the Vatican in early April following medical advice from Pope Francis’ doctors. “Medical advice has now suggested that Pope Francis would benefit from an extended period of rest and recuperation. Their Majesties send the pope their best wishes for his convalescence and look forward to visiting him in The Holy See, once he has recovered,” a statement said. The UK’s head of state wrote to Francis when the 88-year-old pontiff was struck down with pneumonia in both lungs in February, amid…

Thomas Tuchel recorded a winning start as England’s manager, with the Three Lions taking care of business against Albania to begin the qualifying process for the 2026 World Cup. Goals came courtesy of debutant Miles Lewis-Skelly and all-time leading goalscorer Harry Kane, as England dominated possession 75-25 and restricted the visitors to just three shots (none on target). Not exactly scintillating stuff, but effective enough. Lewis-Skelly, who found the net just 20 minutes into his senior debut, became England’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the process, at just 18 years and 176 days of age (33 days younger than previous record-holder Marcus…

Super striker Victor Osimhen, Bruno Onyemaechi, Papa Daniel Mustapha, and Kayode Bankole were the first players to arrive in Nigeria’s camp for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda. The players in a video post shared on the team’s social media handles were spotted at the Kigali International Airport in the Rwandan capital. Coach Eric Chelle and some of the team’s officials welcomed the players for camping ahead of Friday’s clash. “Early arrival of Super Eagles officials and four players – Victor Osimhen, Bruno Onyemaechi, Papa Daniel Mustapha, and Kayode Bankole,” the caption on the social media post shared…

The African qualifiers for the 2026 Fifa World Cup resume this week after a nine-month break, and the stakes are high for some big names on the continent. The 2026 World Cup qualification race will take place across Africa this week and early next week. In matchdays 5 and 6 qualifying fixtures in Africa, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will set to revive their dwindling hopes of reaching the US, Canada, and Mexico where the competition is billed to be held. World Cup Qualifying Fixtures in Africa Below are the fixtures for Matchday 5 and 6 across Africa Matchday 5 March 19,…