(Brands & Consumers)
Kirsty thought she had found love. It started the way many modern relationships do – on a dating site. He said he was British, a businessman working in Turkey. His photos were polished, his messages attentive, his lifestyle convincing. Within days, he had shared what looked like proof of his wealth: a sleek online banking…
Periwinkle Empire has entered into a joint venture with Bozac Continental Limited and Legacy Automobile Limited to develop a luxury high-rise condominium in Banana Island. The tripartite agreement, formalised at a signing ceremony attended by top executives from the three firms, will see the construction of a premium residential tower on a 3,000-square-metre waterfront-adjacent site…
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Seres has secured a patent for an unusual feature – an integrated toilet system designed for use inside a car. According to patent documents filed in China on April 10, the concept involves a compact toilet that can slide out from beneath a passenger seat, either at the push of a…
Doug Ford is facing criticism after his administration approved the purchase of a C$28.9 million ($21 million) private jet, a move opponents say is poorly timed given current economic pressures on residents. The aircraft – a Bombardier Challenger 650 manufactured in 2016 – will be used for official government travel. According to Ford’s office, it…
Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced a temporary shutdown of its company registration portal following a cybersecurity incident that affected a significant volume of data. In a statement shared via its official X account, the commission disclosed that the disruption is part of a scheduled maintenance window aimed at addressing the issue and strengthening…
PepsiCo has bounced back strongly after slashing prices on popular snacks like Doritos and Lay’s, helping to win over customers frustrated by earlier price hikes. The company reported an 8.5% rise in sales to $19.4 billion in the first quarter, alongside a 25% jump in operating profit to $3.2 billion. The turnaround followed targeted price…
Top financial leaders around the world are raising red flags over a new artificial intelligence system developed by Anthropic, warning it could expose serious weaknesses in global financial infrastructure. The model, known as Claude Mythos, has reportedly demonstrated the ability to uncover vulnerabilities across major operating systems and web browsers – triggering urgent discussions among…
Snap Inc. has announced a major round of layoffs, cutting about 1,000 jobs – roughly 16% of its workforce – as it leans more heavily on artificial intelligence to streamline operations. The company also scrapped hundreds of open roles, according to a recent financial disclosure. CEO Evan Spiegel described the moment as a critical turning…
Reed Hastings, the co-founder and executive chairman of Netflix, will step down from the company’s board of directors when his current term ends in June. The announcement was made as part of Netflix’s first-quarter earnings report, marking another major transition for the longtime leader. Hastings had already stepped away from day-to-day operations in 2023, when…
MTN Nigeria has explained that its recent suspension of airtime and data borrowing services is linked to new regulatory directives introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The clarification was provided by the company’s secretary, Uto Ukpanah, during a briefing at the Nigerian Exchange. According to MTN, the pause is necessary to…
British luxury automaker Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has revealed a new all-electric two-seater convertible, known as Project Nightingale, marking another bold step into the future of high-end motoring. The ultra-exclusive model will be limited to just 100 units, each hand-built at the company’s headquarters in Goodwood, with deliveries expected to begin in 2028. Powered entirely by…
Amazon is ramping up its ambitions in space-based connectivity with a planned $11.57 billion acquisition of Globalstar, as it positions itself to compete more aggressively with Starlink. The deal will strengthen Amazon’s long-running low-earth orbit initiative, known as Project Leo, aimed at delivering internet and mobile services globally through a network of satellites. The company…
The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards is officially underway, with MultiChoice confirming May 9, 2026, as the date for this year’s ceremony and naming veteran actress Joke Silva as Head Judge. This year’s awards, sponsored by Don Julio Tequila, will feature a lineup of pre-event activities including Icons Night and Cultural…
A powerful coalition of more than 1,400 film and television professionals has come out against a proposed mega-merger between Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery, warning it could reshape the entertainment industry for the worse. Big names like Emma Thompson, Ben Stiller, Javier Bardem, and Rose Byrne are among those who signed an open letter urging…
Hui Ka Yan, the founder of troubled property giant Evergrande Group, has pleaded guilty to multiple offences including embezzlement and corporate bribery, according to a court statement. The plea was entered during hearings held on April 13 and 14 in Shenzhen, where Hui reportedly expressed remorse over his actions. Authorities say a verdict will be…
Cross-border payments platform Juicyway has received regulatory approval from the Financial Conduct Authority, paving the way for its expansion into the United Kingdom’s financial market. The company has been granted an Authorised Payment Institution (API) licence, allowing it to offer payment services to individuals and businesses in the UK. With this approval, Juicyway plans to…
Reports suggest that Microsoft could host a new Xbox Games Showcase as early as next week, with speculation mounting that a new instalment in the Metro franchise may be unveiled. Gaming insider NateTheHate claimed on social media that the event is likely to take place on Thursday, April 16. According to him, the showcase could…
The European Union has begun full implementation of its new digital border control system, requiring travellers to provide fingerprints and facial images alongside passport checks. The system, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), is being deployed across the Schengen Area to track the movement of non-EU visitors. It replaces traditional passport stamping with biometric registration,…
The Federal Aviation Administration has launched a new recruitment drive urging skilled gamers to consider careers in air traffic control, as authorities grapple with a growing workforce shortage. In a fresh advertising campaign, the agency draws a direct link between gaming skills and the demands of air traffic control, encouraging young people to apply when…
Rockstar Games has confirmed it was affected by a recent data breach but insists the incident has not impacted its operations or players. The breach reportedly involved a third party, with a hacking group known as ShinyHunters claiming responsibility and demanding a ransom. The group alleged it had accessed sensitive information, including financial data and…
IBM has agreed to pay approximately $17 million to settle allegations by the U.S. government over its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. The settlement, announced by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, resolves claims that the tech giant made misleading representations about its hiring and employment practices in federal contracts. According to the U.S. Department…
Italian luxury fashion house Dolce & Gabbana has announced that co-founder Stefano Gabbana is stepping down as chairman, marking a significant leadership shift as the company navigates financial challenges. Gabbana, who established the brand alongside Domenico Dolce in 1985, will remain actively involved in the creative direction of the business. The long-standing design partnership between…
Meta has taken down advertisements from law firms seeking clients for potential lawsuits related to social media addiction across its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. The move follows recent legal setbacks for the tech giant, including high-profile cases in the United States involving claims of harm caused by excessive social media use, particularly among young…
A 20-year-old man has been arrested after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the residence of Sam Altman in San Francisco, briefly setting part of the property on fire. Police responded to the incident in the North Beach area during the early hours of Friday. Although authorities did not initially identify the property owner, a…
Three Crowns Milk has announced the launch of the 2026 edition of its “Mum of the Year” (MOTY) campaign, an initiative aimed at celebrating and rewarding mothers across Nigeria. Now in its eighth year, the campaign has grown into a recognised platform that honours the sacrifices, resilience, and everyday contributions of mothers in shaping families…
Amazon has announced it will discontinue support for older Kindle models, a decision that has drawn criticism from longtime users. In notifications sent to customers, the company said devices released in or before 2012 will stop receiving updates from May 20, 2026. As a result, affected users will no longer be able to purchase, borrow,…
Renowned British perfumer Jo Malone has expressed hope that “sense will prevail” amid an ongoing legal dispute involving Estée Lauder and fashion retailer Zara over the commercial use of her name. The case stems from a collaboration between Malone’s newer brand, Jo Loves, and Zara, which featured her name on product packaging. Estée Lauder, which…
Fidelity Bank Plc has named Amaka Onwughalu as Chairman of its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026, marking a significant step in its leadership evolution and commitment to gender inclusion. Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for the bank, following a series of major milestones including Eurobond repayment, a successful and oversubscribed public…
British крипто entrepreneur Adam Back has rejected claims that he is the elusive founder of Bitcoin, following a report by The New York Times suggesting he could be the person behind the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Back dismissed the theory, describing it as a case of “confirmation bias.” In a post on X, he stated clearly…
Greece has announced plans to block children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms beginning in January next year, as part of efforts to address growing concerns around youth mental health. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the decision is driven by increasing reports of anxiety, poor sleep, and the effects of what…
The Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, has praised the Ogun State government for creating an enabling environment that continues to attract investors. Ogbonna made the remarks during a visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun, where he led a delegation of senior executives from the bank. He noted that the state’s policies go…
OpenAI has suggested that businesses explore shorter work weeks as part of broader efforts to adapt to the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the workplace. In a set of policy ideas focused on preparing society for rapid technological change, the company proposed that employers consider piloting four-day work schedules without reducing employee pay. The…
Universal Music Group, one of the world’s largest music companies, has confirmed it is reviewing a multibillion-dollar takeover proposal from Pershing Square, the US-based investment firm led by billionaire Bill Ackman. The proposed deal, valued at approximately $64.3 billion, would involve merging the two entities and listing the combined company on a US stock exchange…
OPay took centre stage as a major sponsor at the Nigeria Agrofood International Trade Show 2026, held from March 24 to 26 at the Landmark Centre in Lagos. The annual event, regarded as one of West Africa’s leading platforms for the agrofood industry, attracted over 100 exhibitors and thousands of stakeholders spanning agriculture, food production,…
For many companies, a website is more than just an online presence – it is the front door to their business. So when HubSpot lost around 140 million website visits in a single year, it signalled something bigger than a routine dip in traffic. The shift, according to the company, is being driven largely by…
Concerns are growing among plus-size shoppers that their already limited clothing options may shrink even further, as changing body trends and the rise of weight-loss medications begin to influence retail decisions. For many, finding stylish and affordable clothing has never been easy. But recently, some consumers say the situation has worsened. In certain stores, extended…
Few companies have shaped everyday technology as profoundly as Apple. From its humble beginnings in a California garage to becoming one of the most influential brands in the world, Apple’s 50-year journey is a story of bold innovation, powerful branding, and a few costly missteps. Today, Apple devices are used by billions globally – a…
Grand Theft Auto V is once again on its way out of Xbox Game Pass, continuing a stop-start pattern that has left many players frustrated. The blockbuster title will leave the platform on April 15, alongside other games such as Ashen, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, and My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery. However, GTA…
Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, is set to expand its international footprint with plans to begin London-bound flights from Gateway International Airport later this summer, marking a major step for aviation development in Ogun State. The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, disclosed the plan after inspecting the newly commissioned airport alongside Governor Dapo Abiodun….
Pepsi has withdrawn as the lead sponsor of the upcoming Wireless Festival in London following backlash over the booking of rapper Kanye West – also known as Ye – as the headline act. The decision comes amid renewed criticism of the artist over past antisemitic remarks, which have drawn widespread condemnation in recent years despite…
Legend Extra Stout took centre stage in bold style as 2Baba marked his 25-year milestone with the unforgettable 2Baba Experience, a night full of music, fun, and legendary moments in Lagos. Fans recently gathered at Eko Hotel & Suites for a celebration that was as much about the music as it was about connection, laughter,…
Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of major studios behind blockbuster titles like Grand Theft Auto VI, has reportedly laid off several employees within its artificial intelligence division, including its head of AI. Former AI lead Luke Dicken confirmed his departure in a LinkedIn post, stating that both his role and that of his team had…
Xbox has unveiled a new subscription tier, Game Pass Flex, a free offering that replaces traditional loading screens in games with full-screen advertisements. The proposed service is positioned as a budget-friendly alternative within the Xbox ecosystem, allowing players access to a selection of titles without paying a subscription fee. However, the trade-off comes in the…
OpenAI’s recent acquisition of online talk show TBPN is being interpreted by analysts as more than a content purchase, with many viewing it as a calculated move to shape conversations around artificial intelligence. The deal, which surprised both media and technology circles, places a niche but influential live-streaming platform under the umbrella of one of…
A surge in the value of Pokémon cards is driving a wave of thefts across multiple countries, with collectors, retailers, and law enforcement raising concerns over a growing pattern of targeted robberies. In one recent incident in Washington state, thieves broke into a gaming store and stole nearly $10,000 worth of cards in under two…
Europe is increasingly strengthening its ties with Africa as relations with key global partners – including the United States and parts of the Middle East – come under pressure amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Tensions between Europe and the NATO alliance have intensified following remarks by Donald Trump, who questioned the bloc’s relevance and signalled he…
Dubai’s once-thriving tourism industry is facing a sharp downturn, as regional tensions linked to the US-Israel war with Iran continue to disrupt travel and economic activity across the Middle East. The emirate, which welcomed nearly 20 million international visitors last year, is now experiencing a steep decline in tourist arrivals, with businesses across the hospitality…
Hong Kong is emerging as a strategic hub for mainland Chinese technology companies seeking to expand beyond domestic markets, as geopolitical tensions reshape global business dynamics. From hotel service robots to artificial intelligence platforms, firms are increasingly using the city as a testing ground for international operations. One such example is Yunji, whose delivery robots…
In an era dominated by plastic packaging, a small, family-run beverage company in the United States is preserving a decades-old tradition of reusable glass bottles. Twig’s Beverage, based in Wisconsin, continues to sell its drinks in returnable glass containers – a practice that was once standard across the American soft drink industry before plastic packaging…
SpaceX, the private space technology firm founded by Elon Musk, is reportedly preparing for a public listing that could value the company at more than $1 trillion. The move follows a confidential filing for an initial public offering (IPO) with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, a step that allows companies to seek regulatory feedback…
