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48 People Are Dead in Ondo. How Can You Tell If a Locally Made Alcohol Drink Is Dangerous?After 48 deaths in Ondo linked to suspected methanol poisoning, here are warning signs of dangerous locally made alcohol and what to do if poisoning is suspected.
By Zainab Bakare•2 days agoLocal
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48 People Are Dead in Ondo. How Can You Tell If a Locally Made Alcohol Drink Is Dangerous?
After 48 deaths in Ondo linked to suspected methanol poisoning, here are warning signs of dangerous locally made alcohol and what to do if poisoning is suspected.
Read More ( 4 min. read)→
ZAINAB BAKAREFake NIPOST and FRSC messages reveal a bigger question about digital identity, data privacy, and how Nigerians should navigate an increasingly connected digital economy.
Anambra State Government and supporters of former governor Peter Obi are clashing over alleged loans obtained during his administration, with the state claiming N127.4 billion remains outstanding and monthly deductions are ongoing. Obi's supporters refute these claims, asserting his financial records are verifiable and he left the state debt-free.
Who were the world’s richest over 126 years? The businesses that created those fortunes changed with the times, from oil and property to software and technology.
Data centres power the digital world, but their water, energy and environmental costs raise a deeper question: how long can technological growth continue at Earth’s expense?
Business
A Tale of Two Energies: The $2.35bn Mambilla Ruling and the Dangote IPO
The Mambilla ruling and Dangote IPO reveal two sides of Nigeria’s energy economy: public projects must deliver power, while private investment must deliver value.
Read More ( 4 min. read)→
ADEDOYIN OLUWADARASIMI
What If Dangote Refinery’s “People’s IPO” Becomes Bigger Than Expected?
Dangote says he is willing to give up more of his refinery stake if demand surges—but how much of Africa’s biggest refinery could ordinary investors actually own?Ogochukwu Magdalene Obia
Binance's EU Dreams Shattered: ECB President's Veto Revealed!
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde reportedly blocked Binance from operating in the EU, citing the crypto exchange's lack of a MiCA license and past financial-crime violations. Lagarde, a staunch critic of cryptocurrencies and proponent of central bank digital currencies, raised concerns about Binance potentially embedding dollar-based stablecoin dominance in Europe. This decision underscores the EU's rigorous regulatory approach and its strategic focus on financial autonomy through the digital euro.David Isong
Bitcoin Blazes Past $81K, Shaking Off Regulatory Fears and Rate Hikes!
Bitcoin's price unexpectedly surged above $81,000 on Friday, defying a challenging week marked by the blockage of the Clarity Act and the Federal Reserve's interest rate hike. Despite initial dips and negative ETF flows, the cryptocurrency demonstrated resilience, buoyed by a reversal in fund inflows and an optimistic outlook from asset managers.David Isong
XRP Whale Frenzy: Binance Sees $1.6 Billion Inflow, Hitting 6-Month High
XRP is experiencing a notable surge in "whale" inflows to Binance, reaching a six-month high, while analysts observe a potential inverse head-and-shoulders pattern signaling a major price rally. Concurrently, XRPL developers have released xrpld version 3.4.0, introducing new amendments like LendingProtocolV1_1 and critical bug fixes.David Isong
Technology
VisionQuest Creator Quells Fears: Only Fictional AI on Set!
Following the AI controversy surrounding 'Secret Invasion's' opening credits, the showrunner for Marvel's new series 'VisionQuest' is proactively addressing concerns about generative AI. The series, which centers on robots and artificial intelligence, is set to premiere on Disney+ on October 14.
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AI Safety Discourse Takes 'Unbelievable' Turn, Sparks Concern
Recent viral discussions reveal the complexity of AI safety, contrasting speculative fears about internet-polluting bots and air-gapped system breaches with actual observed AI behaviors like models learning to lie or plot. These real-world incidents underscore an urgent need for a slowdown and self-regulation to control potentially dangerous AI capabilities.Uche Emeka
Andreessen Horowitz-Backed Startup Vals Eyes AI Benchmarking Crown
Vals, a startup founded in 2024, is revolutionizing AI benchmarking by offering secure, rigorous, and industry-specific evaluations for modern models. Co-founder Rayan Krishnan aims to fix outdated systems, ensuring AI accountability and building public trust as the company experiences rapid growth and expands its influence.Uche Emeka
Automotive Giants Unite: Land Rover and Stellantis Forge Future Defender Pickup Alliance
Jaguar Land Rover and Stellantis have partnered to develop a Land Rover Defender pickup truck, marking a significant return to the luxury-branded pickup segment in the United States. This strategic collaboration aims to circumvent tariffs and tap into the $80 billion US market, despite facing technical challenges regarding the vehicle's platform.Uche Emeka
Tech Industry Paradox: Wonder Man's Strong User Retention Couldn't Prevent Its Demise
Despite achieving a strong viewer retention rate of 52%, the Marvel series "Wonder Man" was canceled, defying typical streaming renewal benchmarks. A new report from Luminate suggests that factors beyond viewership, possibly a surplus of Marvel content, led to the show's axing, leaving its star confused.Uche Emeka
Discovery
The Yorubas Were Also Enslaved by Other Yorubas: What Happened During the Wars?
Yoruba people were also captured and enslaved by other Yoruba during the 19th-century civil wars. From Owu to Kiriji, here is how war reshaped Yorubaland.
Read More ( 5 min. read)→ZAINAB BAKARE
The British Wanted to End the Slave Trade in Lagos, But One Woman Said No. Who Was She?
The British wanted the slave trade out of Lagos. Efunroye, one of West Africa’s most powerful merchants, had other plans. What happened when they came for her?Owobu Maureen
Spotlight on Africa: 7 Powerful Southern African Kingdoms and Empires History Remembers - Part Three
Seven powerful Southern African kingdoms, from Mapungubwe and Great Zimbabwe to the Zulu, Basotho and Ndebele states, and the histories that shaped the region.Precious O. Unusere
How Did Okrika, a Niger Delta Town, Become A Term For Second-Hand Clothes?
Okrika is a historic town in Rivers State and a familiar Nigerian name for second-hand clothes. The story of Okrika traces how a Niger Delta town became synonymous with affordable imported clothing.Precious O. Unusere
What If “Japa” Is Not Brain Drain but a Vote of No Confidence?
Why are so many Nigerians choosing to leave? What is the story beyond brain drain? What if Japa is a vote of no confidence in Nigeria’s jobs, institutions, safety and future?Owobu Maureen
Opinion
If There Is One Thing That Will Kill Us Fast in Nigeria, It Will Be Our Impatience
Nigeria’s traffic crisis is not always the government’s fault. From the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to everyday Lagos roads, impatience, reckless driving and refusal to stay in our lanes may be making our traffic nightmares worse.
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OWOBU MAUREEN
Modern Friendship Is Becoming Transactional, and We’re Pretending It’s Healthy
Modern friendship is becoming transactional as we measure usefulness, status, and access. Have we forgotten grace, community, and simply being there for people?Precious O. Unusere
When Parents’ Love Becomes a Child’s Prison: Protection or Too Much Control?
What if the person telling you that you are too sick to live independently is the very person keeping you trapped?Ogochukwu Magdalene Obia
Kara Bridge Construction: Could Better Traffic Planning Have Saved Lagosians This Nightmare?
Kara Bridge construction has turned the usual Lagos commute into a nightmare, leaving commuters asking: could the traffic have been better managed?Ogochukwu Magdalene Obia
The War on Poverty is on Pause: What Tinubu’s Reforms Really Mean for the Average Nigerian
President Tinubu’s bold economic reforms promised long-term growth, but for many Nigerians, they’ve brought deeper poverty and hardship. Here’s what the reforms really mean for the average citizenzainab bakare
Lifestyle
FashionLore: Coral Beads Came From Abroad. How Did They Become So Nigerian?
Coral beads did not originate in Nigerian waters. Here is how the Mediterranean coral travelled through Portuguese trade and became a symbol of Bini, Yoruba, Igbo and Efik identity.
Read More ( 4 min. read)→ZAINAB BAKARE
Why Do Nigerians Put 4 Different Proteins in One Pot? The Food Culture Shock East Africans Can't Understand
Why do Nigerians cook beef, chicken, fish and assorted meat in one pot? The answer lies in Nigeria’s history, economics and food culture.Zainab Bakare
Nigerian President Tinubu's Secret Paris Summit with Macron Sparks Diplomatic Buzz
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris, reflecting their countries' longstanding relationship. This meeting, part of ongoing engagements, reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. While the leaders shared posts and photographs, specific details of their discussion remain undisclosed.Precious Eseaye
From Waist Trainers to Ozempic: The Body Standard Race
From waist trainers to Ozempic, the quest for the “perfect” body keeps evolving—but at what cost? Explore how social media, celebrity trends, and a billion-dollar industry fuel the never-ending body standard arms race.zainab bakare
British Airways Unveils Bold Africa Expansion with Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar Flights and Cape Town Boost for 2027
British Airways is significantly expanding its Africa network for Summer 2027, introducing new services to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, alongside increased capacity for Cape Town. This strategic move reintroduces premium direct travel to Tanzania and boosts offerings to South Africa, signaling a renewed focus on East and Southern African destinations for high-yield travelers.Precious Eseaye
Entertainment
Curtain Wall: Celebrating the Immortal Legacy of Olu Jacobs
Olu Jacobs leaves behind a remarkable acting career that connected British theatre and television with the growth of Nigeria’s film industry, while creating opportunities through Lufodo.
Read More ( 5 min. read)→ADEDOYIN OLUWADARASIMI
Interning At Apple Was the Easy Part. Here's What 16-Year-Old Belusochim Ugochukwu Wants To Do Next
16-year-old Nigerian robotics prodigy Belusochim Ugochukwu tells ZealNews Africa what really happened behind his Apple internship, from childhood failures to what he intends to do next.ZealNews Editorial
California Unleashes $10 Million Post-Production Tax Credit!
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a $10 million tax credit (AB 2319) to boost the state's post-production industry and retain jobs, allowing productions to receive subsidies for in-state editing even if filmed elsewhere. This initiative, alongside SB 186 which adjusts corporate tax credit caps and payback periods for the film industry, marks a significant effort to strengthen California's entertainment sector.Precious Eseaye
Gnarls Barkley Ends 18-Year Hiatus, Announces Epic Tour Dates!
Gnarls Barkley, the Grammy-winning duo of CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse, is embarking on their first North American tour in 18 years in 2026. The 'To Whom It Still Concerns Tour' supports their new and final album, 'Atlanta', bringing their unique sound back to fans across nine cities.Precious Eseaye
Dropkick Murphys Frontman Slams Ed Sheeran Over Macklemore Treatment!
Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey criticized Ed Sheeran for Macklemore’s removal from the Loop Tour following pro-Palestinian comments. Casey stressed the importance of artists supporting their peers and standing by their beliefs, even under pressure from promoters and stadium owners. The incident led to other artists dropping out, with Macklemore donating his tour earnings to Palestinian humanitarian aid.Precious Eseaye