Categories
News

Eid-il-Fitr: FG Declares Thursday, Friday Public Holidays

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark Eid al-Fitr, celebrating the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

The minister, in a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, urged Muslims to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which were emphasised during the holy month.

He also called on all Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the continued peace, unity, and prosperity of the nation.

While wishing the Muslim faithful a joyful Eid-ul-Fitr celebration, the minister encourages citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society.

“The federal government remains committed to fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians,” the statement added.

Categories
News

Naira Strengthens To N1,355 Per Dollar

The naira continued its upward trend on Monday, rising to N1,355/$ at the official foreign exchange market, up from N1,363.5/$ on Friday.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria indicates that the local currency has maintained a steady recovery trend in recent days, supported by relatively stable market conditions, Channels reports.

Monday’s gain marks the naira’s strongest performance since February 23, 2026, when it closed at N1,353.5/$.

Market figures show that the currency appreciated to N1,390.5/$ on Tuesday before strengthening further to N1,373.5/$ on Wednesday.

It continued the positive trend on Thursday at N1,370/$ and improved to N1,363.5/$ by Friday, before extending the rally on Monday.

During Monday’s trading session, the naira fluctuated between N1,365.35/$ and N1,354/$, reflecting relatively stable intraday activity.

Global factors also shaped market sentiment, as investors tracked movements in the U.S. dollar alongside geopolitical tensions involving Iran and their potential impact on global energy markets.

In early Asian trading, the euro slipped by 0.12 per cent to $1.1492, while the British pound declined by 0.1 per cent to $1.33.

The dollar index, however, remained largely unchanged at 99.913.

The Australian dollar also weakened slightly ahead of a key interest rate decision by the country’s central bank, adding to cautious sentiment in global markets.

The apex bank noted that Nigeria’s improving external reserve position could help stabilise the naira against sustained pressure.

Net foreign exchange reserves rose to $34.80 billion at the end of 2025, while gross external reserves increased to $50.45 billion as of February 2026, driven by stronger oil earnings and higher foreign inflows.

The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said ongoing monetary and foreign exchange reforms are aimed at boosting investor confidence and enhancing market liquidity.

According to projections in the bank’s 2026 macroeconomic outlook, Nigeria’s external reserves could rise further to $51.04 billion, largely supported by improved oil revenues.

Categories
Entertainment News

BBNaija Star, Whitemoney Reacts After Seeing His Fiancée Kiss Fellow Actor

Big Brother Naija Season 6 winner Hazel Oyeze, popularly known as Whitemoney, expressed shock online after a video emerged showing his fiancée, Emmanuella Iloba, kissing actor Chike Daniels.

The video sparked buzz among fans and followers.

Shortly after the post, Whitemoney commented under the video: “This my wife self 🤨”, showing a mix of amusement and disbelief.

Emmanuella quickly replied to Whitemoney’s comment on social media, reassuring him and fans that the clip wasn’t real, adding: “@whitemoney___ It’s not real, my love.

“You’re the only one who matters to me! 😚”.

Recall that Whitemoney had announced his proposal to Emmanuella just before Valentine’s Day.

The reality TV star shared videos and photos of the romantic moment on his Instagram page, revealing that she accepted his proposal with a sparkling ring.

He described the acceptance as the “best Valentine’s gift ever,” confirming that they are officially engaged.

Categories
News

There Is No Banditry In Abuja – Wike Declares

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has rejected claims of persistent banditry in Abuja.

Wike, during an inspection of ongoing projects in the federal capital on Monday, acknowledged incidents of crime, but insisted that reports of banditry are exaggerated.

According to Wike, the nation’s capital remains secure and that the security agencies are effectively tackling crime.

While praising the dedication of security agencies, Wike called for public recognition of their efforts.

He said, “I have always said, we only hear one incident but nobody has said, we have been able to curb or reduce this. There is nowhere in this world, be it any developed country, where you will see there is no form of crime.

“I don’t believe there is banditry in Abuja. But again, it is a city where people want to go and do all kinds of things, kidnapping, this and that.

“So, it will be difficult for anybody to say that in a city that you don’t have one form of crime or another. So, there is no recurrence of banditry. There is no banditry in Abuja. I know that last time some people were kidnapped in Bwari but they were all rescued.

“What’s important is what measures, how serious the security agencies take this. As far as I am concerned, they are really taking their work very seriously. And we need to give them the necessary support.

“We do not need to always advertise one crime when they have stopped about 50 crimes. And nobody has come out to commend the security agencies, to commend the administration for being able to reduce the crime.

“I think we should commend the security agencies, and they will continue to improve.” 

Categories
News

Nnamdi Kanu Rejected The Terms That Were Offered To Sunday Igboho – Sowore Reveals

Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate has alleged that the continued detention of Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu is linked to his refusal to accept certain conditions he claims were accepted by Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho.

Sowore made this known during an interview with journalists in Abuja, while comparing the political approaches of the two separatist figures and their relationship with President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Sowore said his recent interaction with Kanu reinforced his belief that the two men could not be compared, stressing that if the IPOB leader had accepted the same terms offered to Igboho, he would be campaigning for Tinubu in the Southeast.

He said, “Nnamdi Kanu is in jail today because he’s different from Sunday Igboho. If Kanu were like Sunday Igboho, he would be campaigning for President Tinubu in the Southeast now.

“Because it’s the same terms they gave to Igboho that he accepted and Kanu rejected over the last 10 years.

“I don’t know what he will do tomorrow, but the Kanu I went to campaign for in Aba last week it will be heresy to compare the two of them.”

While criticising the trend of transactional politics in the country, Sowore warned that Igboho could end up politically disgraced, drawing parallels with controversial political figures of the past, such as Nzeribe and Daniel Kanu.

He added that Sunday risks damaging his legacy if he continues on the same path.

He said, “As per Igboho, who I don’t know too well, I have always stated that their own brand of politics is what I call Amala politics in Oyo State; it’s politics of ‘chop I chop.

“But what Igboho is going to realize is that he’s going to be in the hall of infamy like the Nzeribes of this world, who once said if Babangida does not become president he would kill himself; both him and IBB have become invalid.

“It’s like Daniel Kanu, who said if Abacha does not become president he would kill himself. Abacha has died and his own political career died forever.

“If he was ever relevant, Igboho just retired himself into the infamy of the people I mentioned, and his own might be worse because the world community might be coming for him very soon.” 

Categories
Sport News

I’m Upset, Sad – Neymar Reacts After Being Dropped By Ancelotti From Brazil’s Squad

Santos forward Neymar has voiced disappointment after Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti left him out of the squad for this month’s international friendlies against France and Croatia.

Ancelotti had on Monday released his squad and didn’t include Neymar in the list.

The Italian explained that the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is not 100 per cent physically fit.

Reacting, Neymar told the media at an event in Sao Paulo that he was sad over his exclusion from the list.

“I’m upset, sad, about not being called up. But the focus remains day after day, training after training, game after gam,” Neymar said.

“We are going to achieve our goal. There is still one final call-up left, and the dream lives on. That is it, we are in this together.”

Categories
Entertainment News

How Nigerian Artists Generated N60bn On Spotify In 2025

Nigerian artists earned more than N60 billion from Spotify in 2025, according to the streaming platform’s annual report released on Monday.

The statistic shows that revenue generation by Nigerian artists grew by more than 140 per cent over the last two years.

It revealed that around 58 per cent of all royalties generated by Nigerian artists on Spotify in 2025 were generated by independent artists or labels.

According to the report, Nigerian artists generated 30.3 billion streams and 1.6 billion listening hours in 2025.

In the year under review, local streams of Nigerian female artists also grew by 55 per cent.

Nigerian music continued to attract global audiences, with Nigerian artists featured in nearly 320 million user playlists worldwide and over 12 million user playlists in Nigeria.

In total, more than 60 million playlists featuring Nigerian artists were created on Spotify alone in 2025.

Categories
News

Panic As Multiple Explosions Rock Maiduguri

Multiple explosions were reported on Monday evening in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, sparking panic among residents in various parts of the city.

According to Vanguard, sources within the city said the blasts occurred between about 6:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., with loud sounds heard in multiple locations, raising fears of a possible security incident.

Residents said the explosions were heard around major areas of the city, including the popular Monday Market, Kaleri, the Post Office area and the vicinity of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

Witnesses described the blasts as loud and sudden, causing widespread fear among people in the affected neighbourhoods.

Some residents reportedly abandoned their activities and hurriedly left the area in search of safety.

The situation reportedly created tension in parts of the city as residents attempted to confirm the cause of the blasts.

Security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

Categories
Entertainment News

Why I Never Wanted To Give Birth – BBNaija Star, Queen Mercy Reflects As She Celebrates Motherhood

In celebration of Mother’s Day, former Big Brother Naija housemate Queen Mercy Atang opened up about a side of herself that few knew.

The reality star revealed that, years ago, she never imagined herself becoming a mother because the idea of giving birth terrified her.

Reflecting on it now, she can’t help but laugh at her younger self, acknowledging how life has a way of changing one’s perspective.

“Motherhood has been such an incredible journey,” Queen Mercy shared. “Funny enough, years ago, I used to say I never wanted to give birth because I was so scared.

“Now, when I think about it, I just laugh at myself. Life really has a way of changing your mind.”

Now, all Queen Mercy wants is to be the best mother she can be. She explained that motherhood has transformed her, making her more focused, resilient, and motivated to work hard to build a future her children will be proud of. Even during sleepless nights and exhausting days, the love she feels for her children makes it all worthwhile.

“Motherhood has made me more focused, more resilient, and more motivated to work hard and build a future my kids will be proud of,” she said. “Even on the days when I’m tired and running on little sleep, the love makes it all worth it. Thank you, God, for this beautiful experience. I’m forever grateful.”

Queen Mercy also took the opportunity to celebrate mothers everywhere, sending out warm wishes and heartfelt prayers for strength and guidance.

She wrote: “Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful mothers around the world. Take your flowers, mommies—you deserve them and so much more. May God continue to bless us with wisdom, strength, patience (because we definitely need it), and the grace to keep being the amazing mothers our children need.”

Her candid reflection serves as a reminder that motherhood is a journey full of surprises, growth, and unconditional love, and that even fears of the past can evolve into the most rewarding experiences.

Categories
Entertainment News

I Pray You Never Lose Your Mum – Toke Makinwa Speaks As She Celebrates Her First Mother’s Day

Toke Makinwa has celebrated her first Mother’s Day, expressing gratitude to her daughter, Yaya, for making her a mother.

Taking to her Instagram handle, the media personality noted that the highlight of the special day was the personalized Mother’s Day messages she received, describing it as a thing of joy.

Toke said Yaya has brought her ease and prayed that her daughter never experiences sadness or loss.

“My very first Mother’s Day. Adunola, today I call you my Sweetness,” she wrote.

“My first fruit. The one who’s come to pave the way. Ease is what you have brought, you make being your mommy easy.

“God, thank you for blessing me with this sweet angel. The last slide is us every morning.

“Because of you my baby I’m receiving personalized Mother’s Day messages, what a Joy.

“My Yaya, my gift, my heartbeat, my Reason. I just want to be the best mother ever to you sweet girl.

“My sweet sweet girl, I pray you never lose your smile, I pray you never lose your mum, I pray you never know sadness and I pray you serve God and shine his light in your generation.

“It’s my first Mother’s Day ya”ll. I hope you all get to feel loved today.

“May everyone who desires the gift of a child receive their heart’s desire and more.

“Happy Mother’s Day to every single mommy out there.”

About Us

626blaze is an entertainment and lifestyle website that brings you latest gist and scoops from the world of music, fashion, movies, sports and social commentary.

Categories

Subscribe to our Newsletters