Bulgaria on Thursday officially adopted the euro, becoming the 21st country to join the single-currency zone and marking a major milestone in its integration into the European Union. At midnight (2200 GMT Wednesday), the Balkan nation abandoned the lev—its national currency since the late 19th century—as Bulgarian euro coins were projected onto the central bank…
Enzo Maresca has left his position as head coach of Chelsea after 18 months in charge, the Premier League club announced on Thursday. “Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have parted company,” the club said in a statement. Maresca’s departure comes with Chelsea sitting fifth in the Premier League table, 15 points behind…
By Ayomide Otitoju Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed optimism that 2026 will be a “glorious” year for Lagos State and Nigeria, urging citizens to remain steadfast in faith and supportive of ongoing efforts to address the country’s challenges. The governor spoke on New Year’s Day during a thanksgiving service at the State House Chapel, Marina,…
By Ayomide Otitoju Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, began the New Year with a visit to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, where she welcomed the first baby of 2026. In a statement issued Thursday by her SSA Media, Busola Kukoyi, she described 2026 as a year of “peace in abundance” and “prosperity in…
Several dozen people are presumed dead and about 100 others injured after a fire tore through a crowded bar in Crans-Montana, one of Switzerland’s top luxury ski resorts, police said early Thursday. The blaze erupted at around 1:30 a.m. local time (0030 GMT) on New Year’s Day at the Le Constellation bar, which can hold…
Israel announced on Thursday that 37 international NGOs operating in Gaza failed to meet new security and transparency standards, particularly regarding disclosure of their Palestinian staff, and said it will enforce a ban on their activities. The affected organizations are now required to cease operations by March 1, 2026—a move the United Nations has warned…
By Ayomide Otitoju The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced plans to develop new oil fields starting in 2026, aiming to increase crude production and raise at least $30 billion by 2030. The initiative, reported by Bloomberg, is part of a broader strategy to revive Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, unlock stranded…
By Ayomide Otitoju In a blend of celebration and public health advocacy, Lagos State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday led visits to public hospitals across the state to welcome the first babies of 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to maternal and child health from the start of the year. The goodwill…
By Ayomide Otitoju Nigerians, like people around the world, welcomed the New Year 2026 with prayers, fireworks, and celebrations, leaving behind a year marked by economic challenges, political upheavals, deadly attacks, and notable sports victories, particularly from the Super Falcons and D’Tigress. Across Nigeria, cities from Lagos to Kano, Taraba to Imo, and Bayelsa to…
