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Showing posts from July, 2025

Abiodun Commissions Renovated Olumo Rock Tourism Complex ...Declares Free Entry For Two Months

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L-R: The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; Mr Sesan Fagbayi, Ogun State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Chief Yemi Sanusi, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland; HRM Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Ogun State Governor; Prince Dapo Abiodun, Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly; Rt. Hon Oludaisi Elemide, founder, Nike Art Gallery; Chief (Dr) Nike Ogundaye, Head of Service; Mr. Kehinde Onasanya and the Olowu of Owu; Oba (Prof) Saka Matemilola during the commissioning of the newly renovated Olumo Rock tourist center, Abeokuta, Ogun State. As part of efforts aimed at boosting and  promoting the growth and development of  tourism and culture in Ogun State, the famous Olumo Rock Tourist Centre in Abeokuta will be opened  to members of the public free of charge from now until the end of September this year. Governor Dapo Abiodun, who made the announcement on Thursday at the commissioning of the newly renovated Tourist Complex, said the gesture is to encourag...

ICAN Fidelity Bank Chapter Inaugurates New Chairman …New Era to Focus on Capacity Building and Professional Excellence

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Photo caption: L-R: Chairman of the Occasion and Regional Bank Head -Ikeja, Fidelity Bank Plc, Jude Monye, FCA; Associate Prof. & Member, Governing Council, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Dr. Mrs Obal Usang Edet Usang, FCA; 4th Chairman, ICAN Fidelity Bank Chapter, Audifax Onuoha, FCA; 61st ICAN President, Mallam Haruna Yahaya MNI, PhD, FCA; and Immediate Past Chairman, ICAN Fidelity Bank Chapter and Chief Financial Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victor Abejegah; during the 4th Investiture and Patron Conferment Ceremony of the ICAN Fidelity Bank Chapter, held at the Fidelity Bank Head Office in Lagos recently... The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Fidelity Bank Chapter, has inaugurated Mr. Audifax Onuoha as its new Chairman, at the Chapter’s 4th Investiture and Patron Conferment Ceremony, held at Fidelity Bank’s Head Office, Fidelity Place, Lagos. The investiture also witnessed the formal inauguration of the 2025–2027 Executive Committee. T...

1999 Constitution Amendment: Lagos PDP Lists Gains Of Same-day Elections' Proposal

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The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Lagos State has thrown its weight behind the fresh proposal to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow all elections in Nigeria to be conducted on the same day in 2027.   The PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), Mr Hakeem Olalemi, gave the backing in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria  on Wednesday in Lagos.   NAN reports that the proposal, spearheaded by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, is being considered as part of broader constitutional amendments, following recent zonal public hearing across the six geo-political zones.   The amendment, if passed, would mandate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly polls in a single day    According to Olalemi, the proposal, if allowed to sail through would reduce costs of logistics for electoral umpire, political par...

Sterling HoldCo Delivers 157% Profit Growth in Half-Year 2025 … Discloses Plans To Launch A Public Offer

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Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc (“Sterling HoldCo” or “the Group”) has reported a 157% year-on-year surge in profit-after-tax (PAT) in its unaudited results for the half-year ended June 30, 2025, demonstrating continued momentum in revenue growth, operational efficiency, and capital position. The Group's PAT reached ₦41.78 billion, up from ₦16.26 billion in the same period last year. Earnings per share rose significantly to 89 Kobo from 56 Kobo, reflecting a consistent increment in value to shareholders. Gross earnings climbed by 39.7% to ₦212.61 billion, compared to ₦152.20 billion for H1 2024, while interest income rose by 38.3% to ₦167.16 billion, and non-interest income increased by 45% to ₦45.45 billion, attesting to the Group’s strategic focus on revenue diversification. Additionally, the Group’s cost-to-income ratio improved to 64.5% from 75.7%, underscoring the benefits of ongoing cost optimisation measures. Total assets stood at ₦4.08 trillion at the end of June, r...

Gov Abiodun Welcomes Former PDP Chairman, Deputy Governorship Candidate, Others Into APC

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L-R: Ogun SSG, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Chief Yemi Sanusi, Ogun State Governor; Prince Dapo Abiodun, former member of the People's Democratic Party and the Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly representing Abeokuta South constituency 1; Hon.Luqmon Atobatele,former Chairman of the People's Democratic Party in the state; Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele,a former Governorship candidate of the Allied People's Movement and Deputy Governorship candidate of the People's Democratic Party during the last election; Hon.Abiodun Akinlade  and a former Chairman of Ado-Odo-Ota local government and the Local Government Service Commission;Hon. Rotimi Rahaman receiving the flag of the All Progressives Congress during the acceptance of former PDP/APM members into the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the state... Former governorship candidate of the Allied People's Movement (APM), who is also a deputy governorship candidate of t...

Tajudeen Abbas: Leading Nigeria’s Legislative Charge at Home and Abroad

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By Philip Agbese From the sunlit plains of Zaria to the heart of Nigeria’s National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON, has carved a legacy of leadership that resonates like a clarion call across a nation yearning for progress. As Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, his steady hand guides lawmakers through turbulent times, weaving laws that empower women, ignite youth ambition, and champion sustainability, earning him a rare reverence that echoes from Nigerian villages to global forums. His story is one of grit and vision, a leader who transforms challenges into stepping stones for a united Nigeria. With a quiet charisma and sharp intellect, Abbas has redefined legislative leadership, not merely as a position but as a mission to uplift communities and rewrite narratives of governance, making him a figure cherished by constituents and admired by peers. Abbas' words and deeds, steeped in a commitment to unity and progress, have anointed him a guiding light, revered by ...

NSE President Proposes Strategic Alliance for National Digital Transformation, Visits NCC Boss

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The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, yesterday paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The visit focused on strengthening institutional collaboration aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation through Engineering-driven innovation, regulatory agency - professional body synergy, and nationwide capacity development. During the meeting, the NSE President presented a comprehensive proposal highlighting six strategic areas, including broadband expansion and digital inclusion. She reiterated NSE’s commitment to supporting the NCC in achieving the national 70% broadband penetration target by leveraging its widespread presence across 91 Branches and 25 divisions. She also proposed Engineering-led solutions to tackle infrastructure challenges such as Right-of-Way issues, multiple taxation, and vanda...

$100 Billion Investment Agenda: The African Union, GIZ, Sterling One Foundation Rally Private Sector to Invest in Africa's Women and Youth

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L–R: Dr. Nadi Albino, Deputy Director, UNICEF; Prudence Ngwenya, Director, Women, Gender & Youth Directorate (WGYD), African Union Commission (AUC); Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation; and Dr. Tobias Thiel, Director, GIZ African Union Portfolio, at the recently held Private Sector Roundtable, co-convened by Sterling One Foundation and the African Union Commission, a pre-summit engagement of the fourth edition of the Africa Social Impact Summit in Lagos recently. Since its inception in 2022, the Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI 2030) Initiative, a key initiative of the African Women’s Decade on Financial and Economic Inclusion of African Women 2020-2030 , has created multi-stakeholder platforms to advance targeted financial inclusion strategies for African women and youth.  A recently concluded high-level convening, organized by the African Union Commission Women, Gender and Youth Directorate in partnership with the Sterling One Foundation and su...

Ex Nigerian Envoy To UK, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji-Isola To Chair 7th Penpushing Anniversary

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The immediate past Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has been billed to chair the 7th edition anniversary lecture of Penpushing Media. The event which was slated to hold on Thursday 31st July, 2025 at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital will witness creme-de-la-creme of the Society. The founder, UN Capital Africa, Dr Oby Ezekwesili will deliver lecture as the keynote speaker for the event, as other invited guests like Oba Abdul-Razaq Adenuga, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye will also be present. A graduate of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, England in 1981. He attended the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, USA, and the University of llorin. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Sarafa started his working career as a Lecturer in Marketing, Statistics & Economics at the Federal College Of Education, Katsina in 1983. In 1997, he was elected the Chairman Of Abeokuta North LGA, a...

Abiodun, Makinde Meet On Food, Security

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L-R: The Oyo State Governor; Engr. Seyi Makinde and the Ogun State Governor; Prince Dapo Abiodun shortly after a meeting on Food security between both States at the Governor's office, Ibadan,Oyo State on Tuesday... Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said it is time for the state to strengthen economic collaboration with Oyo State in the area of food production and ensure adequate security in both states. Governor Abiodun had a meeting with his Oyo State counterpart, Engr. Seyi Makinde on Tuesday to discuss issues of food and security affecting the two neighbouring states. Fielding questions from newsmen after a closed-door meeting held at the Governor's Office in Ibadan, Governor Abiodun said Ogun and Oyo states have strong cultural, historical, and economic ties, hence the need for the two states to work together for the mutual benefit of their people. He said: "I have come to see my brother, Governor Seyi Makinde, to discuss matters of mutual interest. Ogun State w...

APC Inaugurates Campaign Council, Committee For August 16 Remo Federal Constituency By-Election

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated its Campaign Council and Committee for the by-election into the House of Representatives for Remo Federal Constituency, scheduled for August 16, 2025. The seat became vacant following the death of Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, who represented the Constituency made up of Ikenne, Remo North and Sagamu Local Governments. Speaking at the inauguration held at the Multipurpose Hall, Akarigbo Palace, Sagamu, the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, emphasized the need for unity among the party faithful to ensure that the party's candidate, Hon. Adesola Elegbeji, emerges victorious. Members of the Campaign Advisory Council are: Chief Yemi Sanusi (Chairman), Senator Lekan Mustapha (Vice Chairman), Hon. Yemi Adelani (DG), Hon. Ola Oresanya (DDG), Rt. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun, Femi Ogunbanwo, Adegbesan Joseph, Apostle Biodun Sanyaolu, Chief Derin Adebiyi, Chief Pegba Otemolu, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, Hon. Funmi Efuwape, Jagunmolu Akande...

Nentawe Yiwaltda, APC National Chairman Receives NSE President, Reaffirms His Commitment to Engineering Excellence

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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has received the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, during a courtesy visit to his residence in Abuja, where he reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to Engineering excellence and national development. The visit, which took place yesterday Monday 28th July, 2025 was part of NSE’s ongoing engagement with national leaders to strengthen partnerships that promote innovation, infrastructure development, and STEM education across Nigeria. The first female President of the NSE, congratulated Professor Yilwatda on his historic emergence as APC National Chairman and praised the party’s recognition of professional competence and integrity in leadership selection. “Your election is a win not just for the APC, but for the entire Engineering community. It is a powerful reminder that professionalism, innovation, and visionary leadership still matt...

Yoruba Forum Commends Shettima for Unalloyed Loyalty to Tinubu ***Says President Made Right Choice for VP in 2023

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The Yoruba Youth Progressive Forum (YYPF) has praised Vice President Kashim Shettima for his “unalloyed loyalty” to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring that his selection in 2023 was a pivotal decision for Nigeria’s progress. Addressing a gathering of youths, stakeholders, and media at a press conference in Lagos, the YYPF celebrated Shettima’s steadfast commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing him as a “pillar of humility, steadfast loyalty, and composure” in the face of relentless opposition-driven rumours aimed at destabilising the administration. The Forum emphasised Shettima’s loyalty predating his vice presidency, recalling his support for Tinubu during the 2023 primaries when he boldly championed a Southern presidential candidate, a stance requiring “the highest moral courage and strong commitment to equity and justice.” “Even long before 2023, when others hesitated and doubted, he stood boldly behind the candidature of Ahmed Tinubu, believing in his capacity and def...

Insecurity: Group Scores Defence Minister Badaru Low On Performance

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The Arewa Action Group (AAG), a civil advocacy coalition based in Kaduna, has issued a damning assessment of Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, accusing him of gross incompetence and declaring his office “technically vacant” in the face of worsening insecurity in the northern region. In a strongly worded press statement on Sunday signed by the group’s president, Comrade Ibrahim Adamu Bature, the AAG expressed deep frustration over what it described as Badaru’s “utter cluelessness, lack of coordination, and commercial mindset” in handling one of the most sensitive roles in the nation’s security architecture. “For all practical purposes, the office of the Minister of Defence is vacant. Mr. Badaru has not shown any intellectual capacity, strategic seriousness, or political coordination required to confront the scale of insecurity Nigeria is currently facing. His continued stay in office is a grave disservice to the country and especially to northern communities being...

Union Bank’s Union Cares Initiative Celebrates Academic Excellence at Pacelli School for the Visually Impaired Graduation

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Union Bank of Nigeria proudly participated in the graduation ceremony of the Pacelli School for the Visually and Partially Sighted on 23 July 2025, honouring the resilience and academic achievements of visually impaired students. The event, held on the school premises, highlighted the importance of inclusivity and determination in education.  As a 108-year-old institution committed to social responsibility, Union Bank’s involvement reflects its enduring support for Persons With Disabilities (PWD) and its dedication to fostering equitable access to education. The Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Olufunmilola Aluko, expressed her admiration for the graduating students: "Union Bank proudly stands as a champion of inclusiveness and equitable representation.  "Through our UnionCares corporate social responsibility initiative, we are committed to supporting vulnerable and underrepresented communities.  "We celebrate the incredible achievements of these students and re...

Osun 2026 Governorship Election: Coalition of CSOs Supports Ajibola Bashir

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A coalition of civil society organisations has called on the people of Osun State and the All Progressives Congress, APC to rally round the candidacy of Senator Ajibola Bashir in the governorship election coming up in the state next year. The group stressed that Bashir, the current National Secretary of the APC, a former Senator and, two term commissioner, has the requisite experience, expertise to pilot the affairs of the State of the Living Spring to a higher pedestal. It also stated that in terms of political calculus, Osogbo Constituency, where the Senator hails from, has the requisite voters advantage to deliver Osun for the ruling party. These were contained in a statement signed by comrade Gbenga Soloki, the Executive Director of the Center Against Injustice Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) and Omotaje Olawale, head of WorkBond International Network, (WIN), dated Monday July 28, 2025. The Coalition revealed that their support also stemmed from the connection of the distinguished Senat...

Abiodun Hails Super Falcons’ Historic Comeback and 10th WAFCON Triumph

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Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Super Falcons of Nigeria for their extraordinary comeback and record-setting victory at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). On Saturday, the Super Falcons stunned the continent by defeating host nation Morocco 3–2, overturning a 2–0 deficit at halftime to clinch their 10th WAFCON title—a feat that cements their legacy as Africa’s most successful women’s football team. In a congratulatory message to the players, coaching crew, and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Governor Abiodun praised the team’s indomitable spirit, unyielding resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence. "This remarkable victory is more than a football triumph—it is a powerful symbol of courage, perseverance, and unity. The Super Falcons have once again displayed world-class skill and determination, lifting the spirit of the nation and inspiring a new generation of athletes," the governor said. He commen...

Union Bank Rewards Customers With ₦5 Million Each In Save And Win Palli Promo Season 4 Grand Finale

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Union Bank of Nigeria has proudly concluded the fourth edition of its acclaimed Save and Win Palli Promo, awarding three fortunate customers a life-changing ₦5 million each at the grand finale. Since its inception, this transformative campaign has disbursed over ₦330 million in cash and gift prizes, touching the lives of more than 5,000 customers nationwide and elevating their financial prospects. The grand prize winners, representing diverse regions across the country, emerged through transparent electronic draws supervised by regulatory authorities. The celebrated recipients, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Isah (Zaria Branch, North), Atilabor Seikemefa Friday (Sapele Branch, South-South), and Oluranti Ogunluyi (Ilaro Branch, South-West), received their prizes at The Stallion Plaza, Union Bank’s Head Office, Marina, Lagos, in the presence of other winners, and the Bank’s executive leadership led by Managing Director/CEO Yetunde Oni. Vivian Imoh-Ita, Head of Retail and SME Business, reflected o...

Veteran All Stars Football: Ondo Qualifies For National Finals, At Southwest Zonal Tournament, as Interior Minister Becomes Grand Patron

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The South West zonal qualifier of the Veteran All Stars Football Tournament concluded in grand style at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Kuto, Abeokuta, with Ondo and Ogun States emerging as the region’s representatives for the upcoming national finals scheduled for September. Hosted by the Abeokuta All Stars Football Association, the tournament drew veteran teams from across the region, including Oyo and Ekiti states, in what was a thrilling display of skill, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of grassroots football. In a historic first, the Ondo State Veteran All Stars team clinched the top spot, marking a significant milestone in their regional football journey. Ogun State, the host team, secured the second and final ticket available to the Southwest zone after a series of intense matches. The tournament enjoyed full support from the Ogun State Government, which commended the Abeokuta All Stars Football Association for its consistent role in sports development and community engageme...

Solmudia Industries Denies Illegal Closure of Road in Sango-Ota

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Mr. James Obaro, the most elderly person in Igbala community in white cap, listening to the agreement paper with Solmudia Industries Limited before signing it along with the CDA Secretary then... The management of Solmudia Industries Limited, located at Plot 3, Lyson Chemical Avenue, off Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Sango-Ota, Ogun State, has denied allegations by the Igbala Phase 1 Community Development Association that it illegally closed Akinyemi Way, Igbala, Sango-Ota. Speaking on behalf of the company, Mr. Innocent Anegbe, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Solmudia Industries, stated that all necessary approvals were duly obtained from relevant government agencies for the closure of the road, with the consent of stakeholders and residents in the area. Anegbe, cited, as evidence, an approval letter dated February 19, 2024, issued by Prince O.S. Dada, Director General, Services and Administration, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, on behalf of the Executive Chairman.  The l...