TWN News Roundup 19th July 2026
Lagos, Nigeria
News Roundup
🎉 Happy Birthday! 🎉
JS Darinho Sports Academy joins in wishing Mr. Olaolu Moore a very Happy Birthday!
— Mr. Dare Osunsanya, Founder CEO, JS Darinho Sports ACD & the entire JSDSA Family
NGX Holds Firm at 55%+ YTD as Banking Sector Leads Mid-July Recovery
The Nigerian Exchange maintained steady ground this week as the All-Share Index settled at 242,145.61 on Thursday, July 16, with a year-to-date return of 55.61%. Despite slight mid-week dips driven by profit-taking in Industrial and Consumer Goods counters, the Banking sector surged 2.87% on Thursday — led by FirstHoldCo (+9.98%), UBA, Jaiz Bank, and GTCO — as recapitalisation deadlines concentrate investor attention on tier-one lenders. Market capitalisation stands at ₦156.21 trillion. The NGX Premium Index delivered a stunning 74.09% year-to-date gain, while the Pension Index added 66.42% YTD. Tony Elumelu confirmed he will step down as UBA Group Chairman on August 21, completing his 12-year CBN-mandated tenure limit — a major boardroom transition for one of Africa's largest banking groups.
Tinubu Signs Executive Order on Crypto; Nigeria Oil Output Hits 6-Year High at 1.56m Barrels Per Day
In a landmark regulatory move, President Tinubu this week signed an Executive Order to regulate cryptocurrency and virtual assets in Nigeria — a significant step toward bringing digital finance into a formal oversight framework, strengthening investor protection and reducing fraud in the rapidly growing Nigerian crypto market. On the energy front, Nigeria's crude oil production reached a 74-month high, averaging 1.56 million barrels per day — equivalent to 104% of its OPEC quota. The milestone reflects the positive impact of the government's crackdown on pipeline theft, combined with hiring former militants as security personnel and renewed activity by local firms stepping into projects vacated by departing foreign oil majors. The Federal Government also announced a target of boosting Nigeria's annual grain output to 25 million tonnes to combat food inflation and improve food security.
APC Officially Unveils Shettima as Tinubu's 2027 Running Mate; Macron Plans Nigeria Visit
The All Progressives Congress formally confirmed Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Tinubu's running mate for the 2027 presidential election, ending months of internal debate and signalling the party's confidence in continuity. The APC also declared that it will sweep Governor Adeleke out of office in Osun State during the August governorship poll, as party mobilisation intensifies across the country. In a significant diplomatic development, French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed plans to visit Nigeria — a visit that would further cement the France-Nigeria bilateral relationship following deepening economic ties this year. Separately, the Federal Government announced that President Tinubu will attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September.
Oyo Abducted Children & Teachers Rescued After 56 Days — Three Suspects Face Life Imprisonment
In the week's most emotional news story, the Nigerian military confirmed the successful rescue of 44 schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State — ending 56 harrowing days in captivity. General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Ralph-Nnebeife, recounted the joint operation involving the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, Air Force, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and vigilantes. Rescued principal Rachael Alamu described how children were beaten and men were chained during captivity. Three suspects have since been charged with terrorism offences and face life imprisonment. Senator Ningi and others called for an independent probe into how the abduction lasted so long. TWN News celebrates the safe return of all survivors. 🙏
Atiku Demands Umahi Steps Aside Over Staff Death; Fed Govt Halts WAEC/NECO Fee Increase
Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar demanded that Works Minister Dave Umahi step aside pending investigation into the death of a female staff member, Mary Habila, at his Ebonyi residence. Umahi addressed reporters on the matter, denying wrongdoing. In a significant policy reversal affecting millions of families, the Federal Government halted plans to raise WAEC and NECO examination registration fees — responding to public outcry that the increases would push more children out of education. Former VP Atiku had described the proposed hike as cruel and economically insensitive. The High Court also this week ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to former AGF Abubakar Malami.
BBNaija 2026 Premiere Set for July 26; Nollywood Actress Battles Stage 4 Cancer; Sickle Cell Awareness Grows
MultiChoice Nigeria confirmed the 2026 Big Brother Naija reality show will premiere on Sunday, July 26, sparking nationwide excitement ahead of what promises to be the most-watched entertainment event of the year. In a heartbreaking health story, a Nollywood actress this week revealed her cancer has spread to her bones, appealing to Nigerians for help with ₦600,000 monthly treatment costs — putting a human face on the urgent need for greater cancer care access and health insurance coverage in Nigeria.
On sickle cell awareness, a warrior shared what her body endures daily, bringing renewed attention to a disease that affects millions of Nigerians. The Federal Government's target of raising Annual grain output to 25 million tonnes is also expected to have a major long-term health dividend, reducing food insecurity and malnutrition in vulnerable communities. TWN News continues to celebrate the ongoing digital health momentum following the landmark establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO) under the pioneering leadership of Dr. Obi Adigwe.
🏆 The 2026 World Cup Final Is Set — Argentina vs Spain!
After four extraordinary weeks of football, the 2026 World Cup final is set — and what a match it promises to be. The reigning champions Argentina, led by the ageless genius Lionel Messi (now with 9 goals in the tournament), face a Spain side that have been clinical and tactically brilliant throughout, with Mikel Merino emerging as one of the players of the tournament. Here is how they got here:
🇦🇷 ARGENTINA'S ROAD TO THE FINAL:
🇪🇸 SPAIN'S ROAD TO THE FINAL:
TWN News says: We will be watching! Will Messi win his second World Cup and cement his GOAT status beyond all debate? Or will Spain's new generation write their own chapter of history? Either way — what a tournament 2026 has been! 🏆🌍
1xCup 2026: 100 Teams Confirmed for Nigeria's Biggest Grassroots Football Tournament — Kicks Off July 23
Nigeria's biggest grassroots football tournament, the 1xCup 2026, confirmed 100 participating teams this week ahead of its launch on July 23 — a remarkable celebration of homegrown football talent across the country. The tournament provides a vital platform for young Nigerian players to showcase their abilities, develop their skills, and attract the attention of scouts. Meanwhile, El-Kanemi Warriors won the Federation Cup for the second consecutive time, defeating Ikorodu City 1-0, with Muktari Ismail claiming the MVP award. Nigeria's Flamingos also booked their place at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup with a powerful 5-3 win over Benin. The Nigerian Army confirmed that NAF will begin training 2025 recruitment successful candidates from July 19.
⚽ JS Darinho Sports Academy — IPL Season in Full Swing
As Nigeria's grassroots football scene buzzes with the 1xCup 2026 and the World Cup final approaches, JS Darinho Sports Academy continues its vital mission in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. Founded by Dare Osunsanya, JSDSA is building the next generation of Nigerian champions through the Ijebu Premier League. Today we also celebrate a dear friend of the academy — wishing Mr. Olaolu Moore a wonderful birthday from the entire JSDSA family! Learn more about JSDSA →
BBNaija 2026 Launches July 26; AFRIMMA Returns After Two-Year Hiatus; Funke Akindele's ₦2.7bn Film Milestone
Nigeria's entertainment calendar is packed. BBNaija 2026 premieres on July 26 on MultiChoice platforms, promising another season of drama and excitement. The African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) announced its nominees for its long-awaited 2026 return after a two-year hiatus, celebrating the best of African music globally. Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele this week spoke candidly about the personal sacrifices behind her ₦2.7 billion film — admitting she forgets to eat and doesn't make her hair during production — a testament to the dedication behind Nigeria's biggest movie successes. Nigerian artist BYTunes also announced his move to Los Angeles to promote CopaceticMusic, his new genre blending global sounds with Nigerian identity.
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