Productivity gains would create an age of abundance. Productivity gains are great, but the too-little-discussed question is how they will be distributed. If AI does deliver big productivity gains, how can average working people get a share of those gains? Will average working people gain the political muscle to demand a share of AI’s productivity gains? The real question is whether AI’s productivity gains, if it delivers, are shared with workers.
In the past five years house prices have risen by nearly 50%, from what was already a record high. In 14 years I have moved house nine times, only once by my own choosing. Where wealth isn’t concentrated in a housing market that must therefore always continue to rise; and dignity in retirement isn’t based on having to own your house outright. My parents built their house on the suburban fringe of Sydney shortly after the birth of their first child, my brother. This is why our dark joke works: it has the smallest grain of truth within it, deep within its horror.
The Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, has predicted a significant strengthening of the naira, saying the currency could reach N1,100 to a dollar this year. While the naira currently trades around ₦1,300 to a dollar, Dangote said government reforms signal better days ahead. “The only thing is for, maybe, the government to stop the naira from getting stronger so that they will keep collecting more naira. “But it’s a catch-22 situation where, now, if the naira gets stronger, it means that everything will go down. “I am optimistic that the naira will strengthen meaningfully, and trading below ₦1,000/$1 before year-end is increasingly within reach,” Otedola had said.
Millions of Muslims and Christians around the world are beginning observances of Ramadan and Lent today, marking periods of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion in their respective faiths. With the Hilal confirmed, the holy month of Ramadan begins on Wednesday, with Taraweeh prayers held after the Isha prayer on Tuesday night. A post by @Muslim on X read, “BREAKING: Saudi Arabia announces the first day of fasting for Ramadan to begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Oman, Singapore and Turkey have also officially announced that Thursday, February 19, will mark the first day of Ramadan 2026. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, on Tuesday evening, declared Wednesday 18th of February 2026, the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The Christian Association of Nigeria has called for inclusive governance, effective policy implementation and national unity as Christians in Nigeria and across the world observe Ash Wednesday. According to the statement, “Nigeria is passing through a challenging period. “CAN urges leaders at all levels to move beyond drafting policies and focus on implementing them effectively,” the statement said. Stressing that cooperation among religious communities and responsible civic conduct remain essential for peace and national stability. “As we mark this Ash Wednesday, may it renew our collective commitment to justice, compassion, and responsible citizenship,” the statement added.
The company has already revealed the design of the updated Punch EV in its entirety along with a few other important details. Let us look at what we know so far about the upcoming Tata Punch EV facelift. Tata Punch EV Facelift: ExteriorThe exterior of the 2026 Tata Punch.ev will be heavily updated. Tata Punch EV Facelift: Interiors & FeaturesWe still don’t have visual confirmation but the Punch EV is expected to share the same interior layout and features as its combustion-fueled sibling which recently got facelifted last month. Also READ: Exclusive: Tata Punch EV Facelift Spotted Testing In New Colours You've Never Seen BeforeTata Punch EV Facelift: Battery & MotorThe outgoing Tata Punch EV is available with two battery pack options — 25 kWh and 35 kWh – that claim ARAI-rated range of 265 km and 365 km, respectively.
The Federal Ministry of Health has ordered an immediate disengagement of directors who have spent at least eight years in the directorate cadre with immediate effect. The directors affected include those in the ministry, federal hospitals, and agencies, among others. “This is reiterated in a circular recently issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Ref. Speaking at a lecture at the State House, Abuja, to mark the 2023 Civil Service Week, Yemi-Esan stated that the revised PSR took effect from July 27, 2023. According to Section 020909 of the revised PSR, the tenure limit for permanent secretaries is four years, with a possible renewal based only on satisfactory performance.
Total production for the month was 43.4 million barrels instead of 46.5 million barrels, resulting in a deficit of 3.1 million barrels. Across 30 days, this translated to 42.9 million barrels, leaving a gap of 2.1 million barrels from the 45 million-barrel target for the month. Over the 31 days of May, Nigeria produced 44.95 million barrels against a quota requirement of 46.5 million barrels, leaving a deficit of 1.55 million barrels. Over 30 days, output reached 41.7 million barrels instead of 45 million barrels, leaving a shortfall of 3.3 million barrels. Over the 31 days, Nigeria produced 45.57 million barrels instead of 46.5 million barrels, resulting in a gap of 930,000 barrels.
The family of the jailed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu says, more than eight years ago, Nnamdi Kanu predicted his imprisonment in Sokoto as a prelude to his freedom. Emma said, “Those who conspired against this family, against Nnamdi Kanu, against Biafra, heaven and earth will be against you. “Those who want to make money with Nnamdi Kanu, with our family, heaven and earth will prevail against them. Go after those who are against our family, against Nnamdi Kanu, against Biafra, from all angles. Evangelist Nnamdi Obike said, “Nnamdi Kanu years ago prophesied that the struggle will end in Sokoto and now, he is in Sokoto.
A pre-congress stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State turned violent on Tuesday as suspected thugs invaded the party secretariat in Akure, leaving many injured and the state chairman and a commissioner beaten. The incident occurred less than 24 hours before the nationwide ward congress scheduled to be held across 203 wards in the state. An eyewitness, Yetunde Adeyanju, said the attackers, armed with dangerous weapons, shouted that they were from Aiyedatiwa and claimed, “We don’t want congress in Ondo State. “Nobody can query the authority of the governor, and anybody who wants to talk about congress in Ondo State will be assassinated. “The police command received a distress call, and we immediately swung into action, deploying operatives to the APC state secretariat.
Clergymen and leaders of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Abia State chapter, have advised the state governor, Alex Otti, not to quit politics after completing his second term in office in 2031. Otti had, on several occasions, made public his intention to withdraw from active politics after his tenure as governor. Elekwa said they had heard of the governor’s plan to leave politics after his tenure and urged him to allow the people to decide his political future. “Some time ago, we heard you say that after your second term, you would quit politics. He added that the governor need not worry about campaigning for the 2027 elections, as the PFN had begun mobilising support across the state.
File copy of the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar. The Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan. He stated that the crescent moon was sighted in almost every part of the country on Tuesday, the 29th day of the month of Sha’aban, signifying that Wednesday, February 18, is the first day of Ramadan 1447. He “urged Muslims to use the month of Ramadan to pray against the insecurity ravaging some parts of the country.”He also called on Muslims across the country to use the month to continue praying for the leaders and for an end to insecurity in the country. PUNCH Online earlier reported on Tuesday afternoon that Saudi Arabia had sighted the crescent moon and consequently declared Wednesday as the first day of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.
Viral monkey Punch finally finds his pack at Ichikawa ZooThe story of viral monkey Punch has taken a heartwarming turn at the Ichikawa City Zoo. Punch, the baby macaque who found solace in a plush toy after being rejected by his mother, is finally integrating with his troop. The videos of the infant monkey playing with the toy went viral and gained global sympathy. While the initial stages of reintroducing Punch were a bit overwhelming, the zookeepers reported that the ice has finally broken. Additionally, zookeepers have shared videos of Punch engaging in playful interactions with other young monkeys in the troop.
The match in questionIn November 2025, Nigeria’s Super Eagles lost to DR Congo 4–3 on penalties in the African play-off final for 2026 World Cup qualification, ending their chances of qualifying for the tournament. Nigeria’s protestThe NFF filed a formal complaint with FIFA in December 2025, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players who recently switched nationalities. Key players accusedNigeria claims several DR Congo players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, hold dual nationalities, potentially violating eligibility rules. DR Congo’s nationality lawThe core argument hinges on DR Congo’s constitution, which reportedly prohibits dual citizenship. Possible outcomes if the petition is rejectedDR Congo’s result would stand, confirming their advancement, and Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes would end without further recourse.
Fresh concerns have emerged in Nigeria’s aviation sector as industry experts warn that rising airport and ticket charges could further strain already struggling operators. Similarly, the President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, Dr Alex Nwuba, criticised what he described as non-transparent passenger and cargo charges. He pointed to the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge, Value Added Tax on domestic tickets and multiple security and passenger service charges embedded in airfares. Historical pricing is not a valid basis for aviation charges. He referenced a recent resolution by the Economic Community of West African States aimed at reducing non-cost-based aviation charges across the sub-region from January 2026 but expressed doubts about its implementation.
