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Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced its selection as one of the partner banks for the Nigeria Youth Economics Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP)”. NIYEEDEP (Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme), is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, in collaboration with the Nigerian Senate, through its committee on Sports Development. The primary aim of the initiative is to empower Nigerian Youths for economic growth and Development, nation-building, poverty alleviation and security.   Situating the NIYEEDEP partnership within the Bank’s strategy, Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development, Fidelity Bank Plc explained, “We are delighted to partner with the Federal Government on this noble cause especially as it aligns with brand ethos of helping individuals to grow, inspiring businesses to thrive, and empowering economies to prosper. We believe that Nigeria’s youthful population is a bl...

For his exceptional leadership and contributions to banking and finance, the Board Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr Mustafa Chike-Obi, has been presented the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Thisday Awards. At a well-attended event featuring leaders across Nigeria’s public and private sectors, the erudite banking professional joined a host of awardees who were recognized for their leadership across various sectors of the economy. See also  Fidelity Bank Stock Record Over 20% Growth Following Combined Offer Lauding the event organisers for the recognition, Chike-Obi said: “This is one of the proudest moments of my life. I thank the Thisday team, led by the ebullient Prince Nduka Obaigbena, for this award and I wish them every success as they celebrate three decades of impactful reporting.” Also honoured in the Lifetime Achievers category of the Thisday Awards were Atedo Peterside, founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank; Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, founder of Alpine Group; and Maiden Ibru, Chair a...

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has visited the Assistant inspector general of police Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade, the Lagos state commissioner of police, Ishola Olanrewaju, and several police stations in commemoration of his annual thanksgiving programs. The 2025 Thanksgiving tagged ’21 Days of Appreciation’ began on Sunday, 26th of January 2025 with an award ceremony organized for church members after which he visited members in their homes on Monday. Wednesday, which marked the fourth day of appreciation featured visits to these distinguished personalities mentioned above. During his visit, Primate Ayodele appreciated the gallant officers for their efforts to maintain peace and orderliness in the society. He commended them for being the reason behind the peace experienced across Lagos state. Most especially in tackling armed robbery and cultism, Primate Ayodele commended the police officers for drastically reducing the menace across the state with...

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has kicked off his annual thanksgiving with awards and visitation to church members in their various houses. The 2025 Thanksgiving tagged ’21 days of appreciation’ kicked off on Sunday, 26th of January 2025, just immediately after the church’s annual convention. During the service on Sunday, Primate Ayodele called on dedicated church members and awarded them for their efforts in promoting the gospel of Christ. He gave them medals, indicating his appreciation of their efforts while he empowered some members of the church as he normally does. The appreciation cut across every member of the church including the children who were given school bags and other items in appreciation of their worship in the church. The following day, which was Monday, featured visitations to the houses of church members living in Festac, Amuwo-odofin, and its environs. At the houses of these church members, Primate Ayodele exhibited the pro...

For his exceptional leadership and contributions to banking and finance, the Board Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr Mustafa Chike-Obi, has been presented the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Thisday Awards. At a well-attended event featuring leaders across Nigeria’s public and private sectors, the erudite banking professional joined a host of awardees who were recognized for their leadership across various sectors of the economy. Lauding the event organisers for the recognition, Chike-Obi said, “This is one of the proudest moments of my life. I thank the Thisday team, led by the ebullient Prince Nduka Obaigbena, for this award and I wish them every success as they celebrate three decades of impactful reporting.” Also honoured in the Lifetime Achievers category of the Thisday Awards were Atedo Peterside, founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank; Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, founder of Alpine Group; and Maiden Ibru, Chair and Publisher of the Guardian Newspaper. Themed, “When the Going Gets Tough… The To...

Plans are in top gear by the Ogun State Government to leverage the use of technology and the Internet to produce, distribute, and generate clean, quality water for residents. The Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on SDG and Water Resources, Hon. Damilola Otubanjo, made this known during an assessment tour of water generation facilities in the state capital. Otubanjo also said that the state government will continue to pay a lot of attention to quality assurance, adding that there are several plans by the government to ensure that the water corporation isn't just producing water but producing it sustainably. "We need to have the process flow to make things more automated, and we need to explore the Internet to see how we can leverage technology to make our processes more efficient. "There is a need for us to adopt advanced technology; some of the processes are a bit outdated, so we need to look at how we can optimize and make them more efficient. "There are a...

Union Bank, Nigeria’s leading financial institution, has kicked off its Save and Win Palli Promo 4campaign on a high note following the announcement of its first set of winners in its inaugural monthly draws. The first live draw of this season, which took place at the Bank’s Head Office in Marina, Lagos, rewarded 60 customers with ₦100,000 each. Additionally, 300 other winners went home with ₦50,000 worth of gift vouchers during the inaugural live draw, which was conducted transparently and digitally under the supervision of relevant regulatory bodies. The winners cut across the nation.  Speaking at the first monthly draw, Gloria Omereonye, Union Bank’s Area Business Executive for Lagos Island 1, stated, “Union Bank is always dedicated to rewarding customers for their loyalty and financial discipline. We are pleased that our promo has continued to achieve its noble goals of providing succour to our customers through our gifts and rewards, especially in these economically trying tim...

With the transformative role of technology in education more critical now than ever, this year’s theme for the International Day of Education, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” highlights the need for inclusive and technology-driven education systems. According to UNICEF, Nigeria’s education system continues to face significant challenges, with the number of out-of-school children rising to 18.3 million. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to bridge systemic gaps and improve access to quality education. Education is a thematic focus area for Sterling One Foundation, which in 2024 reached over 20,000 individuals directly and indirectly through impactful programs designed to address these challenges. Through its initiatives, the Foundation has empowered educators and students with STEM-focused tools that integrate innovative teaching methodologies, ensuring inclusive and equitable learning opportunities. The Earl...

The Ogun State Government has warned against any attempt to establish a Sharia Court in the state. The state government, in a statement personally signed by the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, noted that Sharia Courts cannot be legally constituted by individuals or groups without legal backing. The government was reacting to a notice announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in the state. According to the statement, Ogun State only recognizes courts established through the legal framework of the Nigerian Constitution, adding that a Sharia Court does not form part of the legal framework operating in the state. The statement reads: "The Ogun State Government has noted the circulation of a digital notice announcing the launch of a Shari'ah Court in Ogun State. "No Sharia Court is authorized to operate within Ogun State. The courts that are legally empowered to adjudicate disputes arising within Ogun State are those established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nige...

More facts have emerged about how Access Bank granted N1billion loan to DDSS International Company Limited, using a property belonging to MOB Integrated Services as collateral without the owner's consent. According to details of the loan obtained by investigators, the property, owned by MOB Integrated Services, was first used to guarantee a loan of N193,139,200 to Balmoral International Limited on May 21, 2013. The credit facilities, referenced AOB/BB/VO/AD/031/05/2013, also included N120 million term loan and N20 million import duty facility. The term of the loan was 180 days from the date of disbursement at 20 per cent per annum. A third-party legal mortgage on the property located at 40B Bourdillion Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, was used as security. Long after Balmoral had repaid and serviced the loan, the bank used the same collateral for another loan, completely unknown to the property owner. The loan of N1 billion was granted to DDSS International Company Limited via an offer letter o...

The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Arch. Sunday Echono, will on Friday, 31 of January deliver the 34th Convocation Lecture of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.   The lecture titled: “TETFUND and Educational Development in Nigeria: The History, The Treasures and Future," will hold at the OGD Hall of the Main Campus, Ago Iwoye.   The University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Agboola will be the chief host at the convocation lecture, which is expected to attract participants from within and outside the university community, especially the academia, while the Visitor to the University and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun will be the Guest of Honour.   Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, is a state (owned and operated) university. The university was founded July 7, 1982 as Ogun State University (OSU) and was renamed Olabisi Onabanjo University on May 29, 2001 in honour of Chief (Dr.) Olabisi Onab...

Ogun State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, has said that the State Government’s vision to modernize its eight technical colleges is grounded in the understanding that education and skill acquisition are critical drivers of sustainable growth. Olabimtan, who is the Vice-Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), said that the economic transformation of any state or nation depends significantly on education and skills development. He spoke during an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Government Technical College, Ajegunle, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state.  "One of the pillars of this project is skill development. The whole idea is that you cannot have economic transformation without prioritising education and skill acquisition, which are essential for the State's growth," Olabimtan said. He also called on community leaders to collaborate with the government to ensure ...

The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools in Ogun State (ASUSS) has commended the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his generous rewards to Comrade Adewale Kayode, who emerged as one of the Top 50 teachers globally in the prestigious Global Teacher’s Prize, an initiative of Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO.   Abiodun, had announced a N5 million cash award to the top teacher by the state government,  a bungalow in any part of the state as he may choose, and also his appointment as Ogun State Education Ambassador. In a letter addressed to the governor and signed by ASUSS Chairman in Ogun State,  Comrade Felix Oluwaseun Agbesanwa, the body thanked the governor: “For once again  demonstrating that indeed you are a noble personage by deeming it necessary and fit to recognise, celebrate and honour one of our own, Comrade Adewale Kayode, the Secretary, ASUSS, Odogbolu local government area of Ogun state, and one of the Top 50 teachers g...

Nigeria’s leading commercial bank, Sterling Bank Limited, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to address alleged fraudulent activities linked to Miden Systems Ltd and its director, Dr. Brendan Innocent Usoro. The action followed a series of purported attempts by Usoro to leverage political connections and law enforcement to undermine a court-mandated debt settlement. The Federal High Court delivered a ruling on October 18, 2021, clearly establishing Miden Systems Ltd's liability for outstanding debts and outlining the terms for repayment. Despite this unequivocal judgment, Maurice Igugu, Sterling Bank's Chief Marketing Officer, stated that Miden Systems and Dr. Usoro have engaged in a systematic campaign to evade compliance. The campaign allegedly involves misappropriation of loan funds, manipulation of corporate structures to protect assets and intimidation tactics aimed at bank officials. The bank expressed serious concerns regarding the misuse of the Police ...

The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, has said that the ongoing rehabilitation of technical colleges across the state is meant to attract more students to technical education. He stated that the move would also enable them to compete favorably with their counterparts across the country and contribute significantly to closing the skills gap nationwide. Prof. Arigbabu made this statement during the inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of Government Technical Colleges at Idiaba and Isabo, Abeokuta, respectively. Expressing satisfaction with the level and quality of work done so far, the Commissioner noted that the rehabilitation of the structures would, in no small measure, contribute to the learning skills of students.  He added that the upgraded facilities would enhance practical learning, foster creativity, and provide a conducive environment for academic excellence. Prof. Arigbabu disclosed that the revamped technical colle...

By John Olujimi President Donald Trump was sworn in for his historic second term administration on Monday, 20th of January, 2025 amidst loud cheers, and congratulatory messages from countries that are already allies with the pragmatic politicians and those that wish to partner with his new administration. President Trump’s inauguration remained the talk of the town for some reasons- it will be described as one of the most dramatic moments in America’s history as he made some significant declarations, He signed and reversed executive orders, withdrew America’s support from some world recognized organizations, issued threats to some nations, to mention but a few. Within three days of his presidency, Donald Trump’s administration has no doubt been controversial in nature; with lawsuits already hanging on some executive orders and leaders of nations antagonizing some of the president’s statements. Many have shared an outlook of President Donald Trump’s administration based on what they hav...

The integral principle of natural justice resides in the maxim: "He who calls for equity must come with clean hands".  The case of so-called Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) in Ogun State  is pathetic, as it is laughable; it is a confirmation of a group’s agitation spurred  by  pecuniary gains. For clarity,  CUPP is simply the union of deregistered political parties in Ogun State,  who were sent out of the political space by the electoral umpire as a result of their  redundancy, unpopularity, inaction and rejection in the political environment. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) considered this  group of political jobbers as dangerous parasites in the political climate,  hence, their ignominious exit from political environment to entrench sanity in the system.  The recent virtuperations of the illegal association  called CUPP in Ogun State about Governor Dapo Abiodun and other senior officials in his go...

The Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government are set to flag-off the ground breaking ceremony of the Naval Base and Dockyard in Ode-Omi, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, made this known in his Oke-Mosan office when he received the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mike Oamen. According to him, the flagging off is coming at a critical time when the state needs to strengthen its security along its waterways to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the porous security situation in that corridor and to protect the recently discovered hydrocarbon  minerals (petroleum gas) in the area. Governor Abiodun added that the citing of the Naval Base and Dockyard in the state would further send a strong signal that the security architecture in Ogun State is further strengthened and safe for more investment. The Governor further disclosed that the state is looking forward to the groundbreaking ceremony fo...

The former French Minister of Transport, Mr. Djebbari Jean-Baptiste, has hinted at the desire of investors from his country to invest in the transport sector of Ogun State, especially the agro-cargo airport. Other areas of interest for the investors, according to Mr. Jean-Baptiste, are the Dry Port, the Olokola Sea Port, and the railway system. Fielding questions from newsmen after a closed-door meeting with the governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Mr. Jean-Baptiste said he was impressed with the level of infrastructural facilities at the airport, hence the need to draw the attention of French investors to the state. He said: "This is one of the several meetings I have had with the governor over the years. We discussed aviation-related items owing to the fact that the state is developing the Gateway International Airport, the Dry Port, and all the major infrastructural projects related to transport. "We have many French operators who are involv...

Access Bank’s Managing Director, Bolaji Agbede is in a mess. Justice Ibironke Harrison of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Tafa Balewa Square has ordered her arrest and three others for allegedly failing to appear for their arraignment. The judge’s order also affected Balmoral International Limited, DDSS International Company Limited and Adejare Adegbenro. Justice Harrison issued the arrest warrant after the Lagos State prosecution counsel, Uthman Rilwan, informed the court that he had served the defendants with notice, but they failed to attend the arraignment. The Lagos State government had filed a four-count charge of conspiracy, stealing, and attempted theft against the defendants. When the case was called, Rilwan informed the court that the day’s purpose was to arraign the defendants; however, they were absent despite receiving notice of the court date. The prosecutor stated that on or about September 2, 2013, at Plot 1261, Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, the ...

L-R: The Commandant, Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Abeokuta, Commander Olayinka Toba-Ogunmola; Command Operations Officer, Western Naval Command, Commodore Abdulhakeem Ojebode; the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mike Oamen; the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Rafiu Oladejo; Commander, Naval Base, Epe, Captain Solomon Ohumese and the Command Project Officer, Commander Francis Obaturoti, during the visit of the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy to the Governor in his Oke-Mosan Office, Abeokuta, on Tuesday. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday said his administration has completed the formalities of allocating about 100 hectares of land at Ode-Omi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state for the purpose of citing a Naval Base and Dockyard for the Nigerian Navy. Governor Abiodun also stated that the state government has waived all fees and charges, whic...

Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, is preparing to officially leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC). This decision comes amid frustrations with the PDP and perceived marginalization of Delta North by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Nwoko’s Director of Communications, Gloria Okolugbo, shared the news during an appearance on Arise TV. She stated that the senator had already expressed his intention to leave the PDP during a meeting with Delta North stakeholders, supporters, and constituents. Okolugbo remarked, “Senator Nwoko came prepared to serve and deliver the benefits of good governance to the Anioma people. However, he has unfortunately not received the cooperation and support of his party, the PDP, in pursuing this vision, especially as the only PDP senator in Delta State.” She cited specific instances of frustration caused by Governor Oborevwori and the PDP, including the refusal to assist in f...

The death of Deputy Minority Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, has been described as “a very big vacum” that is difficult for her party, the All Progressives Congress APC, to fill. This was the remark of the APC Chairman in Ogun State, Chief Yemi Sanusi, when he led members of the Ogun State Executive Committee on a condolence visit to the family of the deceased Onanuga in Sagamu on Monday. Sanusi, delivering the message of the party, said: The entire leadership and members of party are here to commiserate with the family of Late Hon. Oriyomi Adewunmi Onanuga, who died in her prime.” “She was an adorable and committed member of our party, who did her duties with dispatch, passion and zeal. She did a wonderful job in her bid to empower the youths, women and the vulnerables in Remoland and beyond “Her death has created a big vacuum for our party, the state and the nation, but we are consoled by the fact that she left her name on the sands of time and ...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that the 17-kilometer  Sango-Ijoko road would be divided into two sections to allow for its quick completion as he announced the immediate construction of the road. The Governor also added that  the 3.25 kilometers Alagbole-Ajuwon-Akute road in Ifo Local Government Area of the state would be ready for commissioning by the end of February 2025. The  Governor made these known during the inspection of several roads under  construction  in Ifo 2 state constituency. “About four months ago, we were here in response to the fact that our attention was drawn to the state of  roads in Ifo 2, particularly Alagbole-Ajuwon, Denro-Ishashi-Akute, Ajuwon-Akite, Ijoko-Sango, and Lambe. I came here and promised that within a few months I would be back to commission all those roads that were in deplorable condition. “Today, we are here; Alagbole-Akute is completed and 100% ready for commissioning, Ajuwon-Akute is ongoing...