The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Legend Internet drives digital connectivity market

    Legend Internet drives digital connectivity market

    Legend Internet Plc has concluded the year with significant strategic and operational achievements that underscore its resilience, innovation drive, and long-term commitment to advancing digital connectivity in Nigeria.

    Chief Marketing Officer, Legend Internet Plc, Shakirah Alaga, said the company recorded many milestones this year, which demonstrated the company’s clear focus on restoring trust and providing tangible value to customers.

    “Our 2025 journey has been about restoring confidence through action, from redefining home connectivity with Legend Omni FTTR to deploying AI-powered platforms like NINA that put speed, transparency, and convenience at the centre of the customer experience.

    “As we move forward, our priority remains deepening customer relationships, strengthening our brand promise, and ensuring that innovation directly translates into better everyday experiences for Nigerians,” Alaga said.

    She highlighted that in a major boost to its technology strategy, Legend had signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Huawei.

    She noted that the partnership was expected to unlock advanced network capabilities and reinforce Legend’s role as a key contributor to next-generation broadband infrastructure across the country.

    READ ALSO: I was paid N2.5m to ridicule Davido online – Actor Uche Maduagwu

    She added that the company also recorded an industry-first with the launch of Legend Omni – FTTR (Fiber-To-The-Room), becoming the first network provider in Nigeria to deliver room-to-room fibre-powered internet.

    She said: “The innovation sets a new benchmark for premium residential broadband and elevates home connectivity standards nationwide.

    “On the financial front, Legend successfully closed its Commercial Paper issuance with over 100 percent subscription, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company’s strategy and long-term growth outlook.

    “To further enhance the customer experience, Legend Internet introduced Nina, the Legend AI Assistant, designed to provide faster, simpler, and more convenient support. Nina allows customers to access instant assistance and manage their services directly through WhatsApp and the MyLegend App, giving them greater control and flexibility. Internally, the company also implemented AI-driven automation across key operational processes, boosting efficiency, strengthening accountability, and improving overall team productivity.

    “Expanding its market footprint, Legend secured a strategic connectivity partnership with Trojan Estates, becoming the preferred broadband provider for one of Nigeria’s most prestigious residential developments and strengthening its presence in Lagos.

    “Despite prevailing market challenges, 2025 marked a transformational period for the company. It successfully listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), a move that enhanced its market credibility, strengthened investor confidence, and positioned the company for sustainable growth and capital expansion.

    “With strengthened partnerships, enhanced financial standing, and customer-focused innovation, Legend Internet remains focused on rebuilding customer trust, accelerating network expansion, deepening market penetration, and driving Nigeria’s digital future”.

  • CITN expresses concerns over alleged variations in Tax Act

    CITN expresses concerns over alleged variations in Tax Act

    The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has expressed concerns over reports indicating different versions of the Tax Act as gazetted and passed by the National Assembly.

    In a statement yesterday, President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN),  Innocent Ohagwa, said that if such discrepancies are established, whether arising from procedural lapses, administrative errors, or unauthorized alterations, they could erode public and investor confidence.

    He said: “We express serious concern over allegations that the final gazetted versions of certain tax Acts may not accurately reflect the Bills as debated and passed by the National Assembly.

     “If established, such discrepancies, whether arising from procedural lapses, administrative errors, or unauthorized alterations could undermine the supremacy of the legislature, create legal ambiguity and compliance risks, erode public and investor confidence, expose taxpayers and professionals to unintended liabilities and weaken trust in governance institutions.

    READ ALSO: Malami’s burden

    “In the interest of institutional credibility and public trust, we respectfully call for immediate verification of the contested tax Acts by comparing the versions passed by the National Assembly, the enrolled and gazetted Acts, clear public clarification where discrepancies are identified and prompt corrective action in line with constitutional and legislative procedures”.

    Ohagwa said CITN’s concern as the pre- eminent tax institution in Nigeria,  is in ensuring that due legislative process is observed and not breached,  especially in respect of an important subject matter as taxation, which thrives on exactitude of tax legislation.

  • Why most states record low internal revenue, by NEITI

    Why most states record low internal revenue, by NEITI

    The Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has said internally generated revenues (IGRs) of most states and local government areas (LGAs) are low compared with the federal government because some of the federally collected taxes are generated from activities at the sub-national level.

    This was contained in NEITI Policy Brief document titled: “Beyond Assent: Pathways for Implementing Nigeria’s New Tax and Revenue Framework”.

    The document added that the low level of states IGR was also attributable to their weak revenue generation capacity and low economic activities.

    NEITI said, “Presently, the majority of States’ internally -generated revenues are low compared to federally collected revenues, which are in turn shared by the states  based on the federation revenue -sharing formula.

    “While the low level of State lGR by the states and local governments may be partly attributable to weak generation capacity or low level of economic activities at the local level, one of the reasons is that some of the federally collected taxes like VAT, are actually generated by economic activities at the sub-national level.”

    It explained that in practice under the new dispensation, the revenues would actually be collected by the National Revenue Service on behalf of the states.

    READ ALSO: I was paid N2.5m to ridicule Davido online – Actor Uche Maduagwu

    NEITI however sought policy options to ensure sub-national inclusiveness and federalism compliance.

    The watchdog organization advocated that a fixed percentage of all federally collected sub-national taxes such as VAT, PAYE, mining royalties should be automatically remitted to the states and LGAs, with constitutional backing and published disbursement timelines.

    It also sought the strengthening of administrative autonomy of State revenue authorities.

    According to NEITI, while tax collection may be centralized, states should retain the right to administer local taxes, enforce compliance, and co-manage data  collection systems, especially for taxes domiciled within their jurisdiction.

    The watchdog organization also sought the institutionalization of a Joint Tax Governance Council comprising representatives of the National Tax Act, State Boards of Internal Revenue, LGAs, and Civil Society to oversee the implementation of tax policy, resolve disputes and ensure equitable representation on revenue related decisions.

    The document also urged the Federal Government to ensure disaggregated reporting of sub-national revenues.

    It insisted that all revenues collected by the Nigeria Revenue Service on behalf of the sub-national entities must be reported by the state and LGA with monthly publication of remittance reports to enable public oversight and track equity in distribution.

    NEITI called for the protection of states, LGA rights to extractive -derived revenues.

    According to the document, royalties from mining and other extractive activities should be treated as shared revenues under the constitution, with a guaranteed return to host communities in line with the principles of derivation and environmental justice.

    It also sought support for capacity building for state tax administrations.

    NEITI said the centralization of revenue collection must not lead to the weakening of state tax systems.

    It added that instead the reform should be accompanied by technical assistance, infrastructure investment, and data sharing protocols to enhance sub-national revenue administration.

  • WealthBridge strengthens focus on long-term growth

    WealthBridge strengthens focus on long-term growth

    • New headquarters opens

    WealthBridge Financial Services Holdings Limited, an emerging financial services holding company, has reiterated to long-term growth and excellence as the holding company formally opened its new corporate headquarters.

    Group Managing Director, WealthBridge Financial Services Holdings Limited, Mr. Ahmed Lawal, said the new headquarters strategically located at Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos marked a key step in WealthBridge’s growth and its vision to become a world-class financial institution delivering excellence and innovation.

    He explained that the unveiling of the new head office heralded the company’s third anniversary, highlighting its rapid growth and rising prominence in delivering best in class financial services to its teeming customers and clients.

    According to him, in three years, WealthBridge has evolved into a trusted partner across asset management, investment banking, structured finance, economic intelligence, banking, real estate, and fintech.

    He said the new office was a response to the group’s rapid expansion, a growing workforce, and rising demand for premium service.

    READ ALSO: Malami’s burden

    He added that the WealthBridge House was designed for the next phase of growth, with advanced infrastructure, enhanced client areas, collaborative workspaces, and a data-driven, innovative ecosystem.

    He said: “WealthBridge House reflects our growth and commitment to excellence. It allows us to serve clients better and support our staff, offering advanced infrastructure, client-focused spaces, collaborative work areas, and systems that foster an innovative, data-driven financial ecosystem”.

    Lawal pointed out that over the past three years, WealthBridge has consistently strengthened its performance across its core businesses, noting that the group’s investment banking franchise, WealthBridge Capital Partners Limited has expanded its footprint in investment banking and financial advisory, delivering high-impact capital solutions to corporate and government institutions.

    He added that WealthBridge Asset Management Limited has also grown its investment portfolio with competitive wealth solutions tailored to diverse investor needs.

    “The group has expanded into complementary sectors. Main Trust Microfinance Bank Limited empowers SMEs, entrepreneurs, and individuals with accessible credit and financial inclusion solutions while Dabridge Realties Limited strengthens its portfolio through value-driven property investments. WealthBridge is also growing its fintech offerings, creating digital-first solutions for payments. Together, these verticals position WealthBridge as an integrated, future-ready financial institution for modern investors.

    “The new head office enhances stakeholder engagement and reinforces client trust with its premium, hospitality-inspired design. The facility combines modern aesthetics, advanced technology, and functional workspaces for clients, partners, and staff. Features include private advisory rooms, collaborative zones, and a staff gym to support wellness and productivity. Every detail reflects WealthBridge’s commitment to premium, personalised, and performance-driven service,” Lawal said.

    The official commissioning was attended by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), industry leaders and other stakeholders.

  • Larry J shuts down Eko Hotel for Christmas show

    Larry J shuts down Eko Hotel for Christmas show

    Olanrewaju Gregory popularly known as Larry J held his annual show on Thursday, December 25 at the Eko Hotel and Suites.

    The event kicked off at 6.p.m and didn’t end until midnight when Larry J was joined by attendees and colleagues to ignite fireworks at the Car Park B.

    Speaking of the success, Larry J said, “It was a family friendly show. It’s a night of comedy and laughs. The reason why we separated comedy from laughs is because we featured a comedy competition where the winner went home with N1 million. Even though we have not found a sponsor, we need to support our own craft because there are lots of good comedians out there who are even looking for platforms. We want to support the industry and ethical comedy. Some of my friends were around and some even came to just sit down and enjoy themselves like Ali Baba and some of my friends who are also actors, Deyemi Okanlawon and the rest of them. They just came to enjoy themselves.”

    In attendance were several fans of Larry J while other comedians including Kenny Blaq, Damola is my name, Forever, Judicious, Phronesis and others headlined the event. 

    READ ALSO: Malami’s burden

    On the process of picking the winner of the competition, Larry J said, “the vetting process is very simple; we look at ethical comedy and appearance. The kind of joke is very important, anyone who mistakenly uses the F word will have to exit the stage immediately because it’s a family show. No comedian will talk about women’s breasts. I want to leave the audience with the feeling that they can go for a comedy show and enjoy it so much and will not feel guilty about it. Because there are people who are very religious and feel like they have committed a sin after listening to a joke.”

    When asked if he fears Artificial Intelligence (AI) will replace comedy, he said: AI cannot replace comedy. I have tried but AI failed when it comes to details. Some taught AI my pattern of comedy but could not get it when it comes to the switch. AI was confused, it couldn’t imitate me. I have an animation of my work which will be built next year but I was told to do the voicing because AI cannot get it right. AI can do comedy but it can’t do my voice. Maybe I would have gone to meet the Lord before AI will take over comedy.”

  • Atorise, Adewale Ayuba, Pasuma lead Sinatra’s Detty December

    Atorise, Adewale Ayuba, Pasuma lead Sinatra’s Detty December

    A long list of Nigerian musicians and disc jockeys including Adewale Ayuba, Atorise, Pasuma and DJ Big N have been locked down for Sinatra Place’s Detty December package.

    This was made known by the management of the restaurant cum lounge situated on Ladipo street, Ikeja.

    According to a recent statement from the Sinatra Place, the Detty December package kicked off with a Christmas Eve party which had several funseekers in attendance and will continue with the Christmas Cruise on December 26 featuring inspirational singer, Atorise.

    On December 27, the Sinatra Place will hold the Hangover Detty Diasporal Fest with several disc jockeys in attendance. The event is scheduled to be led by DJ Big N and DJ Kenturkey of Istanbul.

    The fun at the fun centre continues on Thursday, January 1 as the New Year Celebration party with Fuji star Wasiu ALabi Pasuma on January 1 while Adewale Ayuba will round off the series of events with the New Year Faaji scheduled for Friday, January 9.

    READ ALSO: Malami’s burden

    The series of Detty December events culminates a long list of events that has been held at Sinatra Place including Afrocentric fusion all through the year.

    In the past, Sinatra’s Place, located in the heart of Adeniyi Jones on Ladipo Oluwole, has been a hub for lovers of good music, quality entertainment and relaxing ambience. Stars like K1, Pasuma, Peruzzi, Bella Shmurda, Adewale Ayuba, Sir Shina Peters and many others have graced Sinatra’s stage and its adjoining club, Carica.

  • To Adaego With Love set for February release

    To Adaego With Love set for February release

    Come February 6, 2026, Nigerian cinemas will welcome a stirring new romantic drama as ‘To Adaego with Love.’

    Set in 1975, against the backdrop of a nation learning how to heal, ‘To Adaego with Love’ tells the story of a soldier and a schoolteacher from different ethnic backgrounds who fall in love in a society still fractured by history. Their relationship—tender, forbidden, and deeply human—is tested by tradition, family loyalties, and a country struggling to move forward.

    Speaking on the inspiration behind the film, producer and screenwriter Brenda Ogbukaa-Garuba said, “This film is about ordinary people choosing love at a time when Nigeria was still healing. It is not about politics, but about forgiveness, fragile hope, and the quiet strength it takes to move forward in a broken world.”

    The film stars Chisom Agoawuike and Adam Garba, supported by an acclaimed ensemble cast including Chioma Chukwuka, Bob Manuel Udokwu, Riyo David, Demi Banwo, Tonia Chukwurah, Six Foot Plus, and late Onyeka Onwenu.

    READ ALSO: I was paid N2.5m to ridicule Davido online – Actor Uche Maduagwu

    Reflecting on Onyeka Onwenu’s involvement, Ogbukaa-Garuba added, “This film is especially meaningful to us because it carries Onyeka Onwenu’s final performance. She brought truth, grace, and strength to every moment. ‘To Adaego with Love’ is our way of honouring her legacy and sharing a story we hope stays with audiences long after the cinema lights come up.”

    Directed by Nwamaka Chikezie and executive produced by Tony B. Adesina, ‘To Adaego with Love’ blends intimate storytelling with rich cultural detail, offering a timeless love story rooted firmly in Nigerian history.

  • AGN President Faults CAN over Ini Edo’s A Very Dirty Christmas

    AGN President Faults CAN over Ini Edo’s A Very Dirty Christmas

    The outgoing president, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas (MON) has called on the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for measured dialogue, mutual respect, and constructive engagement between faith institutions and the creative industry.

    This call was in response to the recent reaction by the CAN concerning Ini Edo’s latest movie; ‘A Very Dirty Christmas,’ which the Christian association termed offensive.

    Rollas insisted that the title of Edo’s movie, ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ is not an insult to the body of Christ. Rather, it is a metaphorical and creative expression intended to portray the layered realities that sometimes accompany the season, without mocking Christianity or trivializing its doctrines.

    In a statement, Rollas said: “A complete viewing of the film confirms that it contains no scenes or narratives that ridicule, demean, or undermine Christianity. Any assertions to the contrary would therefore benefit from a more comprehensive engagement with the work itself.

    “Christmas remains a sacred season symbolizing holiness, redemption, and hope. Yet, it is also a period shaped by diverse human realities and challenges, which naturally influence how individuals perceive and experience the season. Such diversity of perception does not undermine the sanctity of Christmas but reflects the complexity of lived faith.

    READ ALSO: I was paid N2.5m to ridicule Davido online – Actor Uche Maduagwu

    “Ini Edo is a committed Christian who holds her faith in deep reverence. It would be inconsistent with her values and character to intentionally disparage or diminish the Christian faith she sincerely upholds. As a creative professional, her work—like many artistic expressions—engages with real-life experiences that may not always conform strictly to conventional societal expectations. This should not be misconstrued as irreverence or hostility toward religion.

    “CAN’s statement indicates that concerns were also directed toward the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board regarding the approval of the title. Respectfully, the Censors Board operates within a clear statutory mandate and regulatory framework designed to balance moral sensitivity with freedom of creative expression. It is also pertinent to acknowledge that perspectives on Christmas differ even among Christian denominations, reinforcing the understanding that the celebration is not perceived uniformly within the faith.”

  • Olisa Adibua, Juma Jux, Stonebwoy, ID Cabasa, others lead conversations at Africa Music Business Summit ahead of 9th AFRIMA

    Olisa Adibua, Juma Jux, Stonebwoy, ID Cabasa, others lead conversations at Africa Music Business Summit ahead of 9th AFRIMA

    Ahead of the ninth edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Lagos, stakeholders will gather for the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS).

    According to the organisers, the summit will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the Eko Convention Centre, and will bring together artistes, music executives, investors, policymakers and media professionals to discuss how Africa can grow, protect and profit from its expanding music industry.

    “The theme of this year’s summit, “Connect, Build, Own: Monetising Africa’s Music Revolution,” reflects AFRIMA’s focus on turning creativity into long-term economic value. Discussions will centre on ownership, infrastructure, media, financing and building a strong music value chain across Africa,” a statement from AFRIMA notes.

    It was further announced that the summit will be hosted by CNN African Voices Changemakers host, Larry Madowo, alongside Mojibade Sosanya. Experienced professionals, including Landry Gnamba from Cote d’Ivoire, Nde Ndifonka from Cameroon and Victoria Nkong from Nigeria will moderate panel discussions. The keynote address will be delivered by the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Anna Westerholm.

    Also expected to be in attendance are several respected voices in music, media, law and policy will also speak at the summit. Confirmed speakers include CEO of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Sipho Dlamini; Morocco’s Karima Damir of Universal Music, MENA region; Francis Doku, Mustapha Ettouil; Georg Heritlitz, Olisa Adibua, Bizzle Oshikoya, ID Cabassa, Innoss B, Juma Jux, Stonebwoy, Didi B, among others.

    READ ALSO: I was paid N2.5m to ridicule Davido online – Actor Uche Maduagwu

    “One of the early sessions will focus on building creative economy infrastructure for revenue. Panelists will examine the policies, systems and platforms needed to turn musical talent into steady income. A major panel under this session will address owning the creative narrative and monetisation strategies, with practical guidance on rights protection, branding and revenue generation.

    “Another important session, titled “Recipe for Global Stardom,” will explore what it takes for African artists to succeed internationally. Topics will include talent development, global positioning, touring, music distribution and building sustainable careers beyond short-term success,” the statement from AFRIMA further said.

    Speaking ahead of the summit, Mike Strano, Co-Producer and Director of AFRIMA, and Regional Director, Eastern Nigeria, said the Africa Music Business Summit has become a critical platform for shaping the future of African music.

    “African music is one of the continent’s strongest cultural exports today, but talent alone is not enough,” Strano said. “The Africa Music Business Summit is designed to help African creatives and industry players understand ownership, structure and sustainability, so they can fully benefit from the value they create.”

  • TIFF at 50: Omotola Jalade, Scarlett Johansson’s biggest year in film

    TIFF at 50: Omotola Jalade, Scarlett Johansson’s biggest year in film

    The 2025 Toronto International Film Festival will go down in memory lane as one of the most glamorous since the globally acclaimed creative fora launched in 1976.

    Checks revealed that the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) was first held in 1976 with the inaugural event called the ‘Festival of Festivals.’ The inaugural event took place from October 18 to October 24, 1976 and screened 127 films from 30 countries with an audience of 35,000 people at the Windsor Arms Hotel in Toronto.

    The inaugural edition was held by Bill Marshall, Henk Van der Kolk and Dusty Cohl as a collection of the best-regarded films from film festivals around the world.

    The event was officially renamed the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 1994.

    READ ALSO: Malami’s burden

    As the festival turned 50 after global acclaim, the celebration was tagged Tiffty.

    The 50th edition was held between September 4 and September 14, 2025 with screenings and events held across various venues in Toronto including TIFF Bell Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall, Princess of Wales Theatre (Visa Screening Room), and Royal Alexandra Theatre.

    ‘Tiffty’ officially attracted over 700,000 guests in total, continuing its tradition as one of the largest publicly attended film festivals in the world. According to the books, the number of attendees significantly exceeded 50,000.

    With 291 films screening throughout the 10 days event, the Nigerian film industry was represented by screen diva turned filmmaker, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, who premiered her directorial debut, ‘Mother’s Love’ on September 6, 2025 at the TIFF Lightbox.

    The event marked Omotola’s transition from actress to director, telling a story from her perspective while exploring maternal resilience, grief, PTSD, social stratification, and the complexities of mother-daughter bonds. The premiere and screening was attended by distributors, sales agents, international delegates, and Nigerian filmmakers, who all lauded the screen diva for her bold move and story telling abilities.

    The Nigerian joined her American counterpart, Scarlett Johansson, who also made her directorial debut with ‘Eleanor the Great.’

    Other filmmakers that made waves at the 50th TIFF include Nico Pizzolatto, who premiered Eazy’s Waltz, Baz Lurhmann, who premiered EPIC: Elvis Presley In Concert, James McAvoy with California Schemin,’ and Anne Émond with ‘Peak Everything,’ amongst many others.

    TIFF is new to Nollywood or the Nigerian film industry, Genevieve Nnaji premiered her directorial debut, ‘Lionheart’ in 2018 and returned later in 2023 for a co-produced film, ‘I Do Not Come to You by Chance.’

    However, Nigerians, who participated in the 50th edition joined the world in celebrating the film and creative platform that has evolved in five decades to become one of the most acknowledged film festivals in the world.

    As TIFF celebrates its 50th year, the TIFF’s Festival Street returned for its tenth year, transforming King Street West into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space for film lovers between September 4 and September 7.

    David Pecaut Square hosted open-air screenings and activities, extending TIFF 50 beyond the street from September 4 to September 13, and the CN Tower lit up in gold, every hour on the hour, post sunset throughout the Festival. Stretching from Peter Street to University Avenue, the four-day celebration offered free entertainment, immersive activities, and a lively mix of food, drinks, art, and culture. An outdoor dining activation with additional seating and lighting by the Food Market was added to bring more spark to the event.