Electricity consumers worry as 16 States falter on decentralization and more
00:00 Here's a quick look at some of the headlines making the rounds today. 00:04 Electricity consumers worry as 16 states falter on decentralization. 00:15 Calf strips Senegal of AFCON title declares Morocco champions. 00:20 Ahead of the 2027 general elections,00:23 Northern Group mark the cry AFC's stifling of opposition and abrupt economic policies. 00:30 Federal government earmarks $73.4 billion for tuberculosis drugs,00:35 others, as the World Health Organization urges more funding.
Source:The Guardian
March 18, 2026 22:19 UTC
UK and Nigeria can ‘tighten grip of friendship’, King tells country’s leader
He also spoke about “chapters” in the UK and Nigeria’s shared history that have “left some painful marks” and described how history not only documented past events but was a “lesson” in moving “forward together”. The glittering Windsor Castle banquet followed a day of ceremonial welcomes, carriage rides and a sit-down meeting between the King and president. Nigeria is a former British colony which resisted its foreign rulers with nationalists claiming the UK destroyed traditional governance systems, forced the amalgamation of diverse ethnic groups and presided over economic exploitation. “There are chapters in our shared history that I know have left some painful marks. Mr Tinubu’s trip is the first state visit to the UK by a leader of the west African nation in 37 years, and also the first incoming state visit by a Muslim leader during Ramadan in almost a century.
Source:The Guardian
March 18, 2026 21:58 UTC
Kate matches gown to Nigerian colours at banquet in honour of country’s ruler
Kate opted for a glamorous, long-sleeved, green evening dress by Singaporean fashion designer Andrew Gn as she joined the King, Queen and the Prince of Wales at the celebration in honour of Nigerian leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu. Earlier, Kate stepped out in a tailored, grey, coat dress with a white collar and buttons by young, British-Nigerian, fashion designer Tolu Coker for the ceremonial welcome. The King and the Prince of Wales both wore white tie and the Windsor tail coat, with medals, chest and neck orders and decorations. Queen Camilla wearing the King’s family order at the state banquet (Aaron Chown/PA)The Queen was wearing a cream, embroidered gown by Fiona Clare, a sapphire and diamond tiara with matching earrings which belonged to the late Queen, a diamond serpent necklace, the Garter sash and star, and the King’s family order. Mrs Tinubu was dressed in a pink, white and black Nigerian Gele turban headdress and a sparkling black gown.
Source:The Guardian
March 18, 2026 21:28 UTC
Soldiers kill ISWAP commanders, over 60 fighters in Borno- Army
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the early hours of Wednesday repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP attack in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, killing over 60 insurgents in the processThe attack, according to a statement posted on the Facebook page of the Nigerian Army @HQ Nigerian Army, occurred at 12:50 a.m. The statement reads, “The Nigerian Army has once again demonstrated its unwavering resolve to defeat terrorism, successfully repelling a coordinated night attack by insurgents in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. “In a well-coordinated operation, troops in synergy with supporting air components engaged the attackers decisively, neutralising over 60 terrorist fighters, including some notorious commanders” It said. The intense firefight, according to the statement, forced the remaining insurgents into a disorganised retreat towards the Arege general area. It further said that the Nigerian Army remains resolute and committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist elements, while reassuring law-abiding citizens of its dedication to safeguarding lives and property across the country.
Source:Punch
March 18, 2026 15:45 UTC
Senegal Seeks Probe into Controversial AFCON 2025 Decision
(FILES) Senegal's forward #10 Sadio Mane celebrates with the trophy after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. But on Tuesday, CAF sensationally reversed Senegal’s win, citing regulations about leaving the field. “Senegal unequivocally rejects this unjustified attempt at dispossession” she said, while calling for “an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within the CAF’s governing bodies”. The Senegalese football federation had said earlier Wednesday they will appeal “as soon as possible” to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). “The Senegalese Football Federation condemns this unjust, unprecedented and unacceptable decision, which brings African football into disrepute,” it said in a statement.
Source:Punch
March 18, 2026 15:18 UTC
Gunmen kidnap four cocoa farmers in Oyo
Gunmen numbering six on Wednesday kidnapped four cocoa farmers at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in the Idi-Ayunre area of Ibadan. The News Agency of Nigeria gathered that some of the kidnapped victims were at the institute for a familiarisation visit. A cocoa farmer who managed to flee the scene recounted that the gunmen suddenly appeared from the bush and intercepted their vehicle on their way to the Nursing Section at the institute. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed the incident in a text message sent to NAN on Wednesday in Ibadan. Olayinka said one of the four kidnapped victims had been successfully rescued, and his vehicle had been recovered.
Source:Punch
March 18, 2026 14:30 UTC
Decision to strip Senegal of Afcon title has left me gobsmacked – and others in Africa furious
The decision on Tuesday, by the appeals committee of the Confederation of African Football (Caf), to strip Senegal of the 2025 Afcon title and hand it to Morocco, leaves me gobsmacked, as it did a former member of the appeals committee. “As a person who was on the appeals board for six years I know it does not have the power to change the on-field decision of a referee. I cannot understand how they came to this disgraceful decision,” he said. But once Ngambo took the decision to resume play the result could only be determined on the field of play and not in the court of football justice. How this matter ends will undoubtedly be a defining moment for the five-year presidency of Patrice Motsepe.
Source:The Guardian
March 18, 2026 14:00 UTC
The Escalating Crisis of Banditry in Nigeria
They are compelled to produce cigarettes, hard drugs, motorcycles, cartons of beer, and, most disturbingly, virgins, according to Afenifere. The massacre in Woro, Kwara State, stands as a grim testament. Without urgent action, the region risks the same devastation that has ravaged vast swathes of northern Nigeria. The truth is stark: banditry has metastasised into a hybrid system of terrorism, organised crime and territorial control. Nigeria cannot continue to watch as terrorists occupy forests, dictate ransom terms and terrorise entire regions while the government responds with little more than statements and condolences.
Source:Punch
March 18, 2026 13:20 UTC
Man Electrocuted During Enugu Substation Vandalism
A yet-to-be-identified vandal has been electrocuted while attempting to tamper with a substation belonging to MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited in Enugu State. The incident occurred at the Akonobi 500KVA Distribution Substation located on Independence Avenue, Independence Layout, Enugu, according to the News Agency of Nigeria. “Vandalism remains a major challenge that cannot be effectively tackled without the active cooperation of the public. Power infrastructure vandalism remains a major challenge to stable electricity supply in Nigeria. The Transmission Company of Nigeria recorded 131 cases of vandalism across its network in 2025.
Source:Punch
March 18, 2026 13:08 UTC
We asked experts about the most responsible ways to use AI tools – here’s what they said
A 2025 survey by the Pew Research Center found that one-third of US adults say they have been using ChatGPT. So how should we approach AI tools? Timothy B Lee, author of the Understanding AI newsletter, recommends using AI tools to brainstorm and break down tasks or projects into achievable steps. Another potential danger is overinvesting in an AI tool’s responses and even becoming reliant. “It shouldn’t be a prison that holds you in, it should be a stepping stone – a way to get out, and do other things,” Hafermalz says.
Source:The Guardian
March 18, 2026 12:32 UTC
$ Amid Middle East Tension
The naira has come under renewed pressure in the foreign exchange market, slipping to N1,385 per US dollar as escalating conflict in the Middle East sends shockwaves through global financial systems. The local currency, which had previously shown signs of stability at N1,360, has depreciated by roughly 0.3 per cent over the past fortnight. Despite Nigeria’s inflation easing slightly to 15.06 per cent in February, the subsequent eruption of conflict in the Middle East has seen domestic gasoline prices soar by more than 30 per cent. Fears of supply shocks have intensified following attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East and ongoing concerns regarding ship traffic through the critical Strait of Hormuz. “Ultimately, this has injected oil prices with monstrous levels of volatility… Iran’s attacks on energy infrastructure around the Middle East have intensified fears around supply shocks,” Anthony added.
Source:Punch
March 18, 2026 12:19 UTC
Morning recap: Senegal to appeal verdict as CAF crowns Morocco AFCON champions, defence chiefs move to Maiduguri after bombings, other top stories
Nigeria’s refineries spent N5.734tn on foreign crude in 2025 despite the naira-for-crude policy, while organised labour has demanded a N154,000 minimum wage. In the Mohbad paternity case, the family’s lawyer has raised doubts over the capacity of two court-designated laboratories to conduct post-mortem DNA testing. Here is a recap of the major stories making headlines this morning, among others:1. CAF recorded the result as 3–0 in Morocco’s favour, citing violations of Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations on misconduct and forfeiture. AFCON drama: Senegal rejects CAF verdict, moves to appealThe Senegalese Football Federation has rejected the CAF Appeal Board’s decision, describing it as unfair, unprecedented, and damaging to the credibility of African football.
Source:Punch
March 18, 2026 11:52 UTC
2027: Igboho dismisses Sowore’s comment on ‘transactional politics’
Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has dismissed comments by human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over what he described as transactional politics and activism. PUNCH Online reports that Sowore’s comment followed a viral video in which the activist criticised what he described as “transactional politics” among some regional agitators and influencers, accusing them of aligning with political actors for personal or material benefit. Sowore’s claim of fighting for the masses contradicts his alleged daily lodging expenses of N450,000 at a popular Lagos hotel. “I cannot be compelled to endorse political figures such as Peter Obi or Atiku Abubakar, or even align with Sowore’s political platform. “Labelling our agitation and efforts as ‘amala politics’ undermines the urgency of the security crisis and the legitimacy of grassroots agitation,” the statement concluded.
Source:Punch
March 18, 2026 11:46 UTC
Eid al-Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting in Nigeria: Chaand Raat Date, Moon Rise Time, Crescent Moon Visibility, Prayer Timings & All You Need to Know
Eid al-Fitr 2026 in NigeriaIn 2026, Eid al-Fitr in Nigeria is expected to be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr 2026: Moon Sighting Date in Nigeria (Chaand Raat / Small Sallah)The official start of Eid is determined by the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon. Eid al-Fitr 2026: Moon Sighting Time in Nigeria (Chaand Raat)The search for the crescent moon traditionally takes place immediately after the Maghrib (sunset) prayer. Eid al-Fitr 2026: When Will Crescent Moon Be Seen in Nigeria? Eid al-Fitr 2026: Chaand Visibility Details in NigeriaVisibility of the crescent moon in Nigeria can vary slightly by region.
Source:The Guardian
March 18, 2026 11:45 UTC
Mohbad: Family’s lawyer questions labs’ capacity for DNA testing
The legal representatives of the family of late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, have raised concerns over the capacity of some laboratories selected for the ongoing paternity test involving his son, Liam. PUNCH Metro gathered this on Tuesday from a statement signed by the family’s counsel, Oladayo Ogungbe, on behalf of the applicant, Joseph Aloba. He, however, said responses from two of the laboratories raised concerns about their ability to conduct the required analysis. “The responses received from Alpha Biolabs and Advanced Histopathology Laboratory Limited indicated that they do not conduct post-mortem DNA testing involving embalmed bodies,” it added. “It is incorrect and misleading to suggest that Mr Joseph Aloba deliberately selected laboratories lacking the competence to conduct tissue-based DNA testing.
Source:Punch
March 18, 2026 11:42 UTC