News,Tech and sports

Helen Folasade “Sade” Adu, the British–Nigerian singer whose velvety voice and restrained elegance have defined generations of soul and jazz-influenced music, is once again at the centre of global cultural attention—without saying very much at all. As of mid-January 2026, Sade marked her 67th birthday amid renewed retrospectives from music critics and broadcasters, many of whom revisited her legacy as one of the most distinctive and disciplined artists of the modern era. Commentaries highlighted not only her celebrated discography but also her long-standing resistance to overexposure, a trait that has deepened her mystique rather than diminished her relevance . Despite having released no full studio album since Soldier of Love in 2010, Sade’s music is experiencing a notable resurgence. Industry observers point to a sharp rise in streaming numbers driven by social media nostalgia, curated playlists, and younger listeners discovering her catalog for the first time. Songs such as No...

Agit Kabayel has announced himself as a serious contender for heavyweight supremacy after extending his unbeaten record and openly calling for a blockbuster fight against Oleksandr Usyk. The German heavyweight, who remains undefeated in his professional career, strengthened his credentials with a dominant stoppage victory over Damian Knyba to retain the WBC interim heavyweight title. The win not only preserved his perfect record but also propelled him firmly into the conversation for a full world-title opportunity. Speaking after the fight, Kabayel made his intentions clear, naming reigning heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk as his desired next opponent. He expressed confidence that the matchup would be worthy of a major stadium setting, suggesting Germany as a potential host for what could become one of Europe’s biggest heavyweight events in recent years. Kabayel’s rise has been built on consistency, physical strength and growing knockout power, attributes his team believes ma...

For Manchester United, Saturday’s Premier League showdown with cross-town rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford represents more than just another derby — it marks the beginning of a new era. Michael Carrick makes his first appearance in charge of United’s first-team after being appointed interim manager until the end of the season following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim earlier this month. Carrick, a former United midfielder and club stalwart, has addressed the intense pressure and scrutiny that comes with leading one of English football’s biggest clubs. In pre-match comments, he emphasized his focus on improving the team while tuning out external noise, underlining his commitment to both short-term results and long-term development. The narrative surrounding United going into the derby is one of frustration mixed with cautious optimism. After an inconsistent campaign that has seen the Red Devils struggle for form — they are currently positioned outside the Champions League ...

January 16, 2026, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple opened in theaters as the highly anticipated continuation of the 28 Days Later franchise. Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland, the film marks the fourth installment in the long-running post-apocalyptic series and follows the harrowing journey of young Spike as he confronts new horrors in a fractured Britain. Industry analysts estimated a strong Martin Luther King Jr. weekend debut, with early previews generating $2.1 million and projections targeting $20 million-plus in total opening weekend revenue — enough to position The Bone Temple in close competition with other major releases. Early critical and audience responses have been overwhelmingly positive, with media outlets reporting glowing reactions from advance screenings and strong praise for the film’s performances and direction. Creative Direction and ThemesDaCosta’s approach to the material has been widely noted for bringing a fresh stylistic sensibility ...

16 January 2026 Middlesbrough pulled off a thrilling 3-2 victory over West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on Thursday, thanks to a last-gasp strike from Delano Burgzorg. The win marked a dramatic start to life under new Baggies boss Eric Ramsay, who witnessed his side concede a decisive goal in the final moments. Middlesbrough took the lead in first-half stoppage time, albeit controversially, as a West Brom own goal by Connor Taylor handed the visitors the advantage. The second half saw Sam Silvera extend Boro’s lead in the 58th minute, demonstrating his growing influence in the Championship this season. West Brom responded with two quickfire goals from Isaiah Price (75’) and John Wallace (80’), giving the home fans hope for a late turnaround. However, Burgzorg’s 90th-minute strike, assisted by Silvera, snatched victory for the visitors and ensured Boro left the West Midlands with all three points. The result continues Middlesbrough’s strong form against West Brom, having also ...

Abuja, January 17, 2026 The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria has unveiled a series of regulatory reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s capital markets, enhancing investor protection, and aligning local practices with global standards. In a landmark move, the SEC raised minimum capital requirements for market operators across the industry. Brokers, dealers, fund managers, issuing houses, and digital asset platforms are now required to hold significantly higher capital levels, with a compliance deadline set for June 30, 2027. Brokers are required to maintain ₦600 million, up from ₦200 million, while dealers and broker-dealers must hold ₦1 billion and ₦2 billion respectively. Fund managers and digital asset platforms also face tiered increases to bolster market resilience and safeguard investor interests. “The goal is to create a stronger, more resilient market capable of attracting long-term investments,” SEC officials said. Analysts note t...

Xiaomi has officially unveiled the Redmi Note 15 Pro+, marking a significant upgrade to its popular mid-range smartphone series. The device, first launched in China in mid-2025, has now rolled out globally, offering premium features at a competitive price. The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ boasts a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. Its sleek glass-and-aluminum design is complemented by dust and water resistance, ensuring both durability and style. Under the hood, the device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, built on a 4nm process, making it one of the most powerful options in the mid-range segment. Buyers can choose from 8GB, 12GB, or even 16GB of RAM and 256GB to 1TB of UFS storage, paired with Android 15 running Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2. Photography enthusiasts will be impressed by the 200MP primary camera, supported by an 8MP ultrawide lens and additional depth and telephoto modules depending o...

After years of volatility and pressure from global and domestic headwinds, the Nigerian naira has shown measurable strength against the US dollar in recent months, reflecting improvements in foreign exchange market dynamics and policy-driven stability. At the start of 2026, the naira extended the positive momentum it had built toward the end of 2025. On the first official trading day of the year, the local currency appreciated to around ₦1,430.84 per US dollar at the official foreign exchange market, marking a modest but meaningful gain from about ₦1,435.75/$ recorded at the close of December 2025. This movement represented a 0.34 percent increase in value, underscoring an early-year rise in demand for the naira and a better balance in dollar liquidity. The strengthening trend continued into the second trading week of January 2026, when the naira closed at approximately ₦1,424.50/$, up from roughly ₦1,431/$ a week earlier. This week-on-week appreciation reflected improving foreign...

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has ordered the resumption of the long-running ₦1.35 billion corruption trial involving former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and his sons, Mustapha and Aminu Lamido, effectively overturning their discharge by the Court of Appeal in 2023. In a unanimous decision delivered by a five-member panel of the apex court, the justices held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was right to challenge the appellate court’s ruling, which had struck out the case on technical grounds. The Supreme Court ruled that the lower court erred in law and directed that the matter be returned to the Federal High Court in Abuja for continuation of trial. The defendants are facing 37 counts bordering on money laundering, abuse of office and unlawful conversion of public funds, allegedly committed during Sule Lamido’s tenure as governor of Jigawa State between 2007 and 2015. The EFCC claims that the accused persons laundered approximately ₦1.35 billion in ill...

January 16, 2026 Manchester City are on the brink of signing England international Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace, with negotiations reaching an advanced stage and both clubs understood to have agreed a fee in the region of £20 million, including potential add-ons. The 25-year-old centre-back is expected to complete the move before the close of the January transfer window, ending a prolonged period of speculation over his future. Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed on Friday that Guéhi would not feature in the club’s upcoming match as discussions with Manchester City near completion, a development signalling that the transfer is “in the final stages.” Guéhi’s contract at Selhurst Park expires at the end of the season, leaving Palace with the prospect of losing their captain on a free transfer in the summer. That commercial reality appears to have accelerated the timing of the move, with City acting decisively to secure his signature in mid-season rather than risk losing ...

Volendam produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Sparta Rotterdam 2–1 on Wednesday night, booking a place in the quarter-finals of the KNVB Beker and ending the hosts’ cup campaign at Het Kasteel. Volendam, who came into the Round of 16 clash as underdogs, showed resilience and clinical finishing to upset Sparta Rotterdam in front of their home supporters. The visitors struck first in the 13th minute when Brandley Kuwas capitalised on defensive hesitation to give Volendam an early advantage. Sparta responded positively and were rewarded before halftime as Ayoni Santos levelled the score with a composed finish, restoring parity and swinging momentum back to the hosts. Sparta dominated possession for large periods of the second half and created several chances, but were repeatedly denied by Volendam goalkeeper Filip Stanković, whose series of saves proved crucial. The hosts’ inability to convert their dominance ultimately proved costly. Deep into stoppage time, Volendam deliv...

NASA continues to advance human spaceflight, as several astronauts have successfully returned to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) following recent missions. These returns highlight the agency’s commitment to crew safety, scientific research, and long-duration space exploration The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the United States government agency responsible for the nation’s civilian space program, aeronautics research, and space exploration initiatives. Since its establishment in 1958, NASA has conducted groundbreaking missions in Earth science, solar system exploration, and human spaceflight. Partnerships with private companies, including SpaceX, and international agencies such as JAXA, ESA, and Roscosmos, enable NASA to expand human presence in space safely and efficiently. Recent Astronaut ReturnsSpaceX Crew-11 Mission – Medical EvacuationMission: SpaceX Crew‑11 Return Date: January 15, 2026 Landing Location: Off the coast of San Dieg...

Nigerian music superstars Wizkid and Asake have joined forces once again with the release of their latest single, “Jogodo”, on January 16, 2026. The track serves as the lead single from their forthcoming collaborative EP, REAL, Vol. 1, scheduled for release on January 23, 2026. Produced by Magicsticks, “Jogodo” seamlessly blends Afrobeats with mid-tempo percussion and brass elements, performed predominantly in Nigerian Pidgin. The song explores themes of carefree indulgence and enjoyment, highlighting the chemistry between the two artists as they trade verses effortlessly. Wizkid described the collaboration as natural, emphasizing that they “speak the same musical language”, while Asake highlighted the friendship and mutual respect that underpin their partnership. Previous CollaborationsWizkid and Asake have a proven history of successful collaborations: “MMS”: Featured on Asake’s 2024 album Lungu Boy, the track became an instant hit and earned a Grammy nomination for Best African...

Barcelona Edge Racing Santander to Reach Copa del Rey Quarter-finalsEl Sardinero, Santander – 16 January 2026: FC Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Racing Santander to advance to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. The win extends Barcelona’s remarkable run, marking their 11th consecutive victory under coach Hansi Flick across all competitions. Barcelona faced a determined Racing side, currently leaders of Spain’s Segunda División, who tested the visitors with disciplined defending and two disallowed goals for offside. Despite the resilient opposition, Barcelona broke the deadlock in the 66th minute when Ferran Torres converted a well-worked chance to put the visitors ahead. Racing continued to press for an equalizer, creating late chances, but it was Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal who sealed the victory in stoppage time (90+5′), ensuring a clean sheet and a place in the quarter-finals. The match, held at El Sardinero Stadium, experienced a brief 15...

The 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) who earlier appeared divided reunited and reaffirmed their support for impeaching Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. They publicly declared unity and tasked Speaker Martins Amaewhule to carry the process to completion. Assembly members stated they will continue the impeachment proceedings despite mediation efforts and political pressure, insisting their actions are constitutional. U‑Turns and Lawmakers’ ReversalFour lawmakers who had earlier advocated for dialogue and restraint reversed course and now support the impeachment again — a political twist that strengthens the Assembly’s position. This reversal followed days of internal divisions where some had briefly urged a political solution, but they now align with the broader impeachment movement. The Assembly has formally called on the Chief Judge of Rivers State to set up an investigative panel to probe allegations of gross misconduct against Fubara and ...

January 16, 2026 Nigerian music superstar Davido (David Adedeji Adeleke) has publicly denied claims that he is the father of a 12-year-old girl, Anu Mitchell Adeleke, in a controversy that has reignited public debate across social media platforms. Background of the Claims The dispute resurfaced on January 15, 2026, when Anu posted an emotional plea on Instagram, tagging Davido directly and requesting a DNA test to establish her paternity. She cited years of bullying and psychological distress at school, claiming classmates teased her since age six over the alleged connection to the singer. Anu described the DNA test as a personal necessity, stating that it would help her understand her identity as she enters her teenage years. Her mother, identified as Ayo Labinjoh, has historically claimed that Davido fathered her daughter, though no publicly verified legal or medical confirmation has been produced. Davido responded publicly via social media, categorically denying the claim. He assert...

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to be Apple’s most advanced smartphone when it launches, likely in September 2026. While Apple has yet to officially unveil the device, a growing body of industry reports, analyst insights, and credible leaks provide a clear picture of what users can expect from the next-generation flagship. Expected Launch TimelineApple traditionally unveils its flagship iPhones during its annual September event, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max is widely expected to follow this pattern in late 2026. Some reports suggest Apple may revise its release strategy, potentially prioritising Pro models in the initial launch window. Display and DesignThe iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to feature a large 6.9-inch OLED LTPO display with ProMotion technology, supporting refresh rates of up to 120Hz. The screen is likely to deliver improved brightness, colour accuracy, and power efficiency. One of the most notable design rumours is Apple’s move towards under-display Face ID tec...

Nigerian bank customers are beginning to notice extra deductions on electronic transactions, sparking widespread debate over whether the Federal Government has introduced a new Value-Added Tax (VAT) on banking services. However, tax authorities insist that no new VAT has been created. Instead, banks are now enforcing an existing 7.5 per cent VAT on service charges, particularly on digital and electronic transactions. What Has Changed?From January 19, 2026, commercial banks and fintech platforms started applying 7.5% VAT on selected banking service fees—including charges on mobile transfers, USSD transactions, POS usage, and card-related services. This has led many customers to believe a new tax has been imposed. In reality, the tax applies only to the service fee charged by the bank, not to the amount of money transferred. For example: If a bank charges ₦100 for a transfer, VAT of ₦7.50 is added, Making the total charge ₦107.50. The transferred funds themselves remain VAT-fre...

Ongoing Legal and Court ProceedingEmefiele is currently being tried in a Lagos High Court (Special Offences Court in Ikeja) on charges including abuse of office, corruption, and alleged $4.5 billion fraud. His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is also on trial.In court recently, the defence alleged the EFCC (anti-graft agency) pressured Omoile to implicate Emefiele, a claim made by the second defendant’s lawyer.Earlier in this case, the EFCC countered that statements were voluntarily made by co-accused.The court has admitted fresh evidence in the trial in late 2025, indicating the case is actively moving forward. In September 2025, the court allowed Emefiele to conduct an independent forensic review of WhatsApp messages and mobile phone evidence tendered against him in the fraud case, a key procedural development in his defence. Hundreds of duplexes and apartments (753 units) linked to Emefiele were seized by the government and are planned for development and sale to citizens. In 2025, ...

NELFUND Student Loan: Eligibility Criteria and Application Process for Nigerian Students The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has outlined clear eligibility requirements and application procedures for students seeking access to its interest-free student loan scheme. The programme, introduced by the Federal Government, is designed to improve access to tertiary education by supporting eligible Nigerian students with tuition fees and upkeep allowances. Who Is Eligible for the NELFUND Student LoanTo qualify for a NELFUND student loan, applicants must meet the following conditions: Citizenship: Applicants must be Nigerian citizens, either by birth or naturalisation. Valid Identification: A valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) are mandatory for identity verification. Admission Status: Applicants must have secured admission into a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in Nigeria, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of...

Manchester City Beat Newcastle 2-0 in Carabao Cup Semi-Final First leg . Manchester City took a significant first-leg advantage in the Carabao Cup semi-final, defeating Newcastle United 2–0 at St James’ Park on 13 January 2026. The result positions City strongly ahead of the second leg at the Etihad Stadium. The match’s opening goal came in the 53rd minute when Antoine Semenyo scored from close range following a well-constructed attacking move. Semenyo’s strike marked his second goal in consecutive appearances for the club. Later, Semenyo appeared to double City’s lead, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review, prompting discussion among fans and pundits. Despite this, City sealed the win in stoppage time when Rayan Cherki converted, ensuring a two-goal cushion. From a tactical perspective, Manchester City controlled possession and limited Newcastle’s chances, while maintaining defensive discipline against the hosts’ counterattacks. Newcastle tested City’s defence early but w...

January 2026 The Nigerian gospel music community is in mourning following the passing of renowned gospel singer and worship minister Bunmi Akinnanu, popularly known for her inspirational song “Omije Ojumi.” Her death, which occurred on January 12, 2026, has drawn widespread tributes from fellow gospel artistes, church leaders, and fans across the country. Life and Calling Born Olubunmi Akinnanu Adeoye, Bunmi Akinnanu was a passionate worshipper whose life was deeply rooted in faith and ministry. She discovered her musical gift at an early age, reportedly beginning her journey in music from the age of ten. Though she initially built a career in the banking sector, she later made the bold decision to leave the corporate world in order to fully embrace her calling in gospel music. Her transition into full-time ministry marked the beginning of a career that would touch countless lives through worship and heartfelt expressions of faith. Bunmi Akinnanu rose to national recognition with...

Nigeria’s banking sector is approaching a critical milestone as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s landmark bank recapitalisation programme enters its final phase, with the March 31, 2026 deadline drawing closer. Introduced to strengthen financial stability and expand the sector’s capacity to support economic growth, the exercise has already reshaped the country’s financial landscape. PolicyThe recapitalisation initiative was formally launched by the CBN in March 2024, marking the most significant overhaul of banks’ capital requirements in over a decade. Under the new framework, deposit money banks were mandated to significantly raise their minimum paid-in capital depending on their licence category: ₦500 billion for banks with international authorisation ₦200 billion for national banks ₦50 billion for regional banks Separate thresholds were also established for merchant banks and non-interest banks. According to the apex bank, the policy aims to enhance the resilience of th...

Real Madrid have officially parted ways with head coach Xabi Alonso, ending his tenure after just seven months in charge. The decision was reached by mutual agreement, following a run of inconsistent results and growing pressure after recent high-profile defeats. Alonso’s exit comes shortly after Real Madrid’s 3–2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, a result that intensified scrutiny on his position. While the club remains competitive domestically, they are currently trailing Barcelona in the La Liga title race, with performances failing to meet the club’s traditionally high standards. A Short but Eventful Tenure The former Madrid midfielder was appointed in June 2025 on a three-year contract, returning to the Santiago Bernabéu after an impressive managerial spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he earned widespread praise for his tactical intelligence and attacking philosophy. Alonso began his reign promisingly, recording strong early results and implementing a structured,...

Petroleum pump price War Petroleum marketers in Nigeria have shown reluctance to further reduce the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, below ₦735 per litre, despite a recent price war triggered by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s price cut and growing competition in the downstream sector. The hesitation has sparked public debate, as motorists question why retail prices remain relatively high even after wholesale costs declined. Background: Dangote Refinery Sparks Price War The current situation followed a major development in December 2025, when the Dangote Petroleum Refinery reduced its ex-depot price of petrol to ₦699 per litre. This move was widely viewed as an attempt to stabilise fuel prices and encourage affordability across the country. Shortly after, selected filling stations—particularly outlets operated by MRS Oil and a few independent marketers—adjusted pump prices to around ₦739 per litre, down from earlier levels that exceeded ₦800–₦9...

  Bayern Munich maul Wolfsburg Bayern Munich delivered a commanding performance, dismantling VfL Wolfsburg 8–1 in a dominant Bundesliga display that underscored their title credentials. The hosts opened the year in irresistible fashion, extending their lead at the top of the table and showcasing the depth and quality in Vincent Kompany’s squad. First Half: The scoring began early when a Wolfsburg defender inadvertently turned a cross into his own net on five minutes, giving Bayern the lead. Wolfsburg responded with resolve, drawing level through Dženan Pejčinović’s composed finish on 13 minutes after a well-crafted attack. However, Bayern regained control before halftime when Luis Díaz headed home from Michael Olise’s incisive delivery, setting the tone for what was to be a remarkable second half.  Second Half Onslaught: The second period belonged entirely to Bayern. Olise struck first with a brilliant solo effort on 50 minutes, showcasing his dribbling and finishing ability. ...