Author: Vincent Osuwo

The President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has ordered all banks and fintechs to collect and remit a 7.5 percent value-added tax on certain electronic banking services, effective Monday, January 19, 2026, according to an email notice issued by payment platforms. The VAT would apply to electronic banking expenses such as mobile money transfers, USSD transaction fees, and card issue fees, according to an email notice sent to customers on Wednesday by Moniepoint. For example, if a bank costs N100 to make a transfer, the 7.5 percent VAT will be charged to the service fee rather than the money sent. “From…

Elon Musk’s platform X unveiled precautions on Wednesday to prevent its AI chatbot Grok from undressing actual people in response to global outrage over its creation of sexualized photos of women and children. The revelation comes after California’s attorney general opened an inquiry against Musk’s xAI, the developer of Grok, over the sexually explicit content, while numerous countries either barred access to the chatbot or initiated their own investigations. X said it will “geoblock the ability” of all Grok and X users to create images of people in “bikinis, underwear, and similar attire” in those jurisdictions where such actions are…

Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala, has condemned the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) continued concentration of major tournaments and awards in Morocco, calling for broader inclusion of other African nations in hosting continental competitions. Oshoala, who plays for Saudi Women’s Premier League club Al Hilal, made the remarks on X on Thursday. “The big question here is when will this whole @CAF_Online compensation to Morocco end? Awards, tournaments, and all… it’s getting boring now. We need other countries to step up. “Everything concerning African football happens in Morocco; it feels like that’s the new HQ,” she said. The six-time African…

Nigerian football fans berated Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea for what they saw as biased and bad refereeing during the Super Eagles’ semi-final loss to Morocco on Wednesday night. Nigeria lost 4-2 on penalties after Yassine Bounou saved spot kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi following a goalless draw in extra time at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The Eagles committed 29 fouls to Morocco’s 19 but only received two yellow cards, while the hosts were not cautioned once, raising suspicions of one-sided officiating. The Nigeria-Ghana rivalry caused many fans to assume the referee had an extra motivation against the…

Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, and Reno Omokri, a former presidential assistant, praised the Super Eagles’ performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite their semi-final loss to Morocco. Nigeria fell 4-2 on penalties against the host nation on Wednesday following a goalless draw in regular and extra time, putting an end to the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the final. Obi responded on Thursday via his X handle, praising the players’ tenacity and effort and encouraging them to be focused ahead of the third-place match. “Dearest gallant Super Eagles, it was…

Senegal qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final (AFCON), defeating Egypt 1-0 in the first semi-final on Wednesday at Tangier’s Ibn Batouta Stadium. Sadio Mane scored Senegal’s only goal in the 78th minute, breaking the deadlock and boosting the team. The Lions of Teranga built on its quarterfinal victory over Mali, demonstrating a balance of defensive discipline and attacking runs. Senegal advances to their second AFCON final in as many competitions, solidifying its position as one of the tournament’s most consistent teams. Senegal defeated Mali 1-0 in the quarterfinals, with Iliman Ndiaye scoring the game-winner in the 27th…

Former presidential candidate Mr. Dele Momodu will officially join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Momodu, a political associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, is one of the prominent opposition leaders advocating for a comprehensive political alliance focused on dethroning President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election. The coalition effort, still in its early development, is uniting politicians from different parties who contend that the nation requires a cohesive opposition framework to challenge the supremacy of the ruling All Progressives Congress and protect democratic governance Speaking with the press on Wednesday, the Ovation Magazine…

Former governor of Kano state and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has stated that any consideration of joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) must include unambiguous assurances about the future of the Kano State government and the welfare of party members. Kwankwaso revealed this on Wednesday at his Miller Road mansion in Kano, following a meeting with leaders and followers from Rano and Dawakin Tofa Local Government Areas, as well as other Kwankwasiyya groups, who reaffirmed their loyalty to the party. “I didn’t say I won’t join APC, but we must first…

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the arrest and remand of 52 students in Ekpoma, Edo State, saying the action is “utterly unacceptable” and a grave violation of citizens’ right to demand security. In a statement posted late Tuesday night on his X (previously Twitter) account, Obi expressed concern that kids protesting the increased threat of kidnapping and banditry in their town were treated as criminals rather than being safeguarded. He wrote, “I have just been made aware of the alarming arrest and remand of 52 students in Ekpoma, Edo State, who bravely called for an end…

At least seventeen tricycles and two petrol tankers were destroyed following two separate fire outbreaks at filling stations in Kano State on Tuesday. Saminu Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer for the Kano State Fire Service, confirmed the occurrence in a statement on Wednesday. According to Abdullahi, the first incident occurred at the AA Ayagi fueling station in Kanye village, along the Gwarzo route in Kabo LGA of the state, at 8:45 p.m. He stated, “Our control room received a distress call at about 20:45 hours from one of our staff, Muhammad Wada Abdulsalam, reporting an outbreak of fire at AA AYAGI Filling Station, Gwarzo Road. “Our men from the Rijiyar Zaki division mobilized to the scene of the incident, and on their arrival, they found a fuel tanker containing PMS with registration number XPB 999 FA, owned by AA Ayagi Company, on fire while offloading petrol.” He…