Witty Global blog

  The Federal Government insists that reversing its petrol subsidy and foreign-exchange policies could undermine economic stability. But the continuing pressure on household incomes raises a fundamental question about the relationship between economic reform and citizens' welfare. By Itoro Uwah | Witty Global Blogs ABUJA, NIGERIA — SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2026 The Federal Government has reaffirmed that Nigeria will not return to petrol subsidies or the former multiple exchange-rate system, despite mounting concerns about fuel prices and the cost of living. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, made the government's position clear on Saturday, October 17, during a press briefing on the sidelines of the 2026 International Monetary Fund and World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand. According to the minister, reversing the economic reforms could weaken investor confidence and threaten the stability the government is attempting to esta...

  As the United Nations marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, its latest figures expose a troubling global reality: economic advancement has not eliminated deprivation, while millions of children continue to grow up without the conditions necessary to develop their abilities. By Itoro Uwah | Witty Global Blogs ABUJA, NIGERIA — SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026 Despite extraordinary advances in technology, industrial production and global economic development, an estimated 826 million people worldwide continue to live in extreme poverty , according to figures highlighted by the United Nations as the world observes the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The annual observance, held every October 17, draws international attention to the conditions confronting people experiencing poverty and the urgent need for effective policies that protect human dignity. This year's commemoration comes under the theme “United for Peace and Human Rights,” with a sp...

  As global competition for strategic minerals intensifies, the Lagos-based development finance institution is exploring new investments across Africa. But the bigger challenge remains whether the continent can transform its natural resources into sustainable industries, employment and economic prosperity. By Itoro Uwah | Witty Global Blogs LAGOS, NIGERIA — SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026 Africa's mineral resources are attracting renewed international investment attention as the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) moves to expand its involvement in iron ore and uranium projects across the continent. The Lagos-based development finance institution is exploring opportunities to finance new mining projects as governments and multinational industries intensify efforts to secure reliable supplies of strategically important minerals. The development was disclosed by Franklin Edochie, AFC's deputy director and head of mining and metals, during a mining industry conference in Cape Town, South ...

  President Bola Tinubu has nominated officials to fill vacancies at Nigeria's electoral commission. As the Senate prepares to scrutinise the nominees, attention turns to the independence, competence and credibility of the institution responsible for conducting the 2027 elections. By Itoro Uwah | Witty Global Blogs ABUJA, NIGERIA — SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated six individuals to fill positions at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including national and resident electoral commissioner vacancies, as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections. The nominations were announced on Friday, October 16, in an official statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. According to the Presidency, the nominations became necessary following the expiration or impending expiration of the tenures of serving electoral officials. The President also recommended the reappointm...

A new initiative is mobilising young Nigerians to develop affordable nutrition solutions for vulnerable mothers and children, highlighting the urgent need to protect childhood development before deprivation becomes a lifelong disadvantage. By Itoro Uwah | Witty Global Blogs MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA — FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026 The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Borno State Government, has launched a youth-led nutrition initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity and preventing acute malnutrition among vulnerable children and pregnant women. The programme, officially introduced in Maiduguri on Thursday, October 15, 2026, seeks to engage young people in developing affordable, nutritious meal plans using locally available food ingredients. Known as the Youth-led Nutrition Challenge, the initiative represents an effort to combine youth creativity, community participation and professional nutrition expertise in addressing one of the most serious threats to c...

  As the financial technology company prepares for a potential $4 billion New York stock market valuation, plans for a Nigerian listing raise important questions about investment opportunities, local ownership and the future of African entrepreneurship. By Itoro Uwah | Witty Global Blogs LAGOS, NIGERIA — FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026 Nigeria's rapidly expanding financial technology industry has reached another significant moment as OPay Limited moves towards a proposed listing on the New York Stock Exchange, supported by financial disclosures showing substantial revenue growth and increasing profitability. The company's latest registration statement, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on October 9, 2026, reveals that OPay generated approximately $467.1 million in revenue during the first six months of 2026, compared with $197.5 million during the corresponding period in 2025. The figures represent revenue growth of approximately 136.5% within one year. E...