Pen Blog Media

By: Pen Blog Media. Date: Thursday, 10th September, 2026 | 28th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. Federal Government to Provide 100MB data for Students THE Federal Government has announced plans to provide eligible Nigerian students with 100 megabytes (MB) of free, zero-rated data daily from October 1, 2026, as part of efforts to expand access to digital learning. The initiative was announced on Thursday, September 10, during an education and digital-learning programme in Abuja involving the Federal Ministry of Education and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Under the scheme, the daily data allocation is intended specifically for access to approved educational websites and digital learning platforms, rather than unrestricted internet use. The government said the initiative will initially target students in public senior secondary schools and public tertiary institutions, with plans to extend the programme to other categories of learners. HOW THE FREE DATA WILL WORK The 100MB allocat...

By: Pen Blog Media. Date: Wednesday, 9th September, 2026 | 27th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. AKURE, Nigeria — At least 24 people have died in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State following a suspected poisoning incident, while several others are receiving treatment in hospitals as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The fatalities were recorded in Araromi Obu and Odigbo town, with eight deaths reported in Araromi Obu and 16 in Odigbo town, according to the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye. The incident reportedly occurred over the weekend after some residents consumed locally produced herbal and alcoholic drinks. Some of those affected reportedly became unconscious before their conditions deteriorated, while others were said to have died at home or in their sleep. Several other people who consumed the substances were taken to hospitals for treatment. However, authorities have cautioned against drawing a definite conclusion about t...

By: Pen Blog Media. Date: Wednesday, 2nd September, 2026 | 20th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. Uber ends Nigeria Operation after 12 Years GLOBAL ride-hailing company Uber has announced the end of its operations in Nigeria, bringing its 12-year presence in the country to a close. The company said its Nigerian operations would be wound down effective Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following a review of its business operations and investment priorities. Uber launched its ride-hailing service in Lagos in 2014, subsequently expanding its presence and connecting passengers with independent drivers across the country. In a statement on the decision, the company described the move as difficult and thanked the riders, drivers and other stakeholders who had been part of its journey in Nigeria. WHY IS UBER LEAVING NIGERIA? Uber said the decision followed a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across the continent. The company stressed that the decision is limited to Nigeria an...

By: Pen Blog Media. Date Published: Monday, 31st August, 2026 | 18th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. LAGOS, Nigeria — OPay Digital Services has dismissed as false a viral notice claiming that the fintech company will suspend its operations and begin an indefinite break from September 1, 2026. The notice, which circulated on social media and messaging platforms, reportedly advised OPay customers to withdraw or transfer their funds ahead of the alleged shutdown, while claiming that the company would stop handling transactions and account-related services. OPay, however, has rejected the publication and assured customers that it has no plan to suspend its operations from September 1. In a statement shared through its verified communication channels, the company said: “OPay is not going on break by September. We’re here, and we’re going nowhere!” The fintech also urged members of the public to examine the circulating publication carefully, saying the fake material contains identifiable inconsisten...

By: Pen Blog Media. Published: Thursday, 27th August, 2026 | 14th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AB. THE death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has brought renewed attention to the remarkable journey of one of the familiar faces of Nigeria’s indigenous-language film industry. Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, after battling stage-four cancer. His daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed his death during an emotional live video, while tributes have continued to come from colleagues, public figures and admirers. But beyond the headlines surrounding his death is the story of a man whose career represented several decades of change in Yoruba cinema. FROM ILARO TO THE SCREEN Taiwo Hassan was born in Ilaro, Ogun State, on October 31, 1959. Before becoming a full-time actor, he trained and worked as an automobile mechanic and was employed by the Lagos State Water Corporation. His journey into entertainment began in the early 1980s, when he became involved in...

By: Pen Blog Media. Date: Monday, 24th August, 2026 | 11th Rabī’ul Awwal, 1448 AH. Ogogo and Adebayo Salami at a movie concert THE Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Yoruba actor and filmmaker, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, at the age of 66. Since news of his passing emerged on Sunday, colleagues, friends and admirers have continued to pay tribute to the actor, remembering him for his decades-long contribution to Yoruba-language cinema and the wider Nigerian film industry. Among those who have publicly mourned Ogogo is veteran actor Jide Kosoko, who announced his death and described the development as a painful loss to the entertainment community. Actor Femi Adebayo Salami also described Ogogo as a pillar of Yoruba cinema, while other entertainers have shared messages celebrating his career, influence and the memories he created through his work. The actor's passing has also attracted reactions beyond the film ind...