Landmark

A High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has restricted members of the #FearlessInOctober protest groups in the state to the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu; Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, and Ansar-Ud-Deen Comprehensive High School, Ota. The court presided by Tajudeen. A.Okunsokan gave this order following an application brought by the Attorney-General of Ogun State in suit no AB/667/2024, and with Messers Afolabi Adeboye, Ifemosu Michael, Lekan Soneye (for themselves and members of the#FearlessInOctober protests); Bestman Okereafor (on behalf of the Progressive Students Movement), Francis Adeyanju (on behalf of the National Association of Nigerian Students) and Thomas Kehinde (on behalf of the National Association of Ogun Students), as respondents. Other respondents listed in the suit are Yinka Folarin (on behalf of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights), Nicholas Eko (on behalf of the Socialist Democratic Movement), Koyejo Morenikeji

Ogun State Government has described as condemnable the alleged invasion of Kuto Market in Abeokuta by some hoodlums and policemen, purportedly for the purpose of demolishing and reconstructing the market. The government said it was not aware of any move to demolish the popular market, describing the invasion as illegal and unacceptable.  It noted that the policemen brought by the alleged developer were not from the Ogun State Police Command but were hired from a neighbouring state. The government commended the prompt intervention of personnel from the State Police Command for the arrest of two of the policemen who were brought to participate in the illegal demolition. The state government said a manhunt has been launched to arrest the person who hired the uniformed men and hoodlums to foment trouble in the popular market. The government promised that all those involved in the breakdown of law and order in the market would be brought to book It further urged the market women and the you

Polaris Bank, Nigeria's leading retail commercial banking has emerged as Nigeria's Best Bank in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) lending. The lender was recognised over the weekend for it's long standing commitments to supporting MSMEs through several direct and indirect funding channels. Expert judges at the inaugural MSME Finance Awards 2024, organised by Nairametrics and The Economic Forum, at the weekend in Lagos, said the choice of Polaris Bank as the ‘Best in MSME Lending’ (Banking Sector) was based on the bank’s provision of sustainable finance and funding to entrepreneurs in the MSMEs sector to grow their businesses. MSMEs are the largest employers in the Nigerian economy, providing immense contributions in job creation and economic activities. Recent data showed that the contribution of the MSME sector to employment had increased by 3.5 per cent.  The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimated that MSMEs contribute around 48 per cent to GDP and a

   From the time that Bello Matawalle was nominated as Minister OF the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023, Dauda Lawal the Governor of Zamfara State has been ill at ease.   The circumstances of his victory at the gubernatorial election as well as subsequent victory at the Election petition Tribunal did not give room for sound sleep. He knew that when pushing comes to shoving, the former Governor held the aces in the State politically. Dauda Lawal having realised that it would be difficult to keep Matawalle’s new influence under check as Minister of State for Defence hatched another plan after his first moves to indict him through the cargo Airport controversy.This was to hoodwink a former aides to Matawalle who could provide information on his activities while in government.   This was what led to the unveiling of Bashir Hadejia, who we will dwell on later in the write-up   The original plan was to paint Bello Matawalle black over his achievements as Governor of Zamfara between 2019 a

L-R: Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jayeoba; Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; Ogun State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Governor Dapo Abiodun; Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide; Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi and the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, during the Special Church Service commemorating the 64th National Day celebration held at the Cathedral Church of St.Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, on Sunday. The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has disclosed that the subsidy on fuel, if not curbed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would have cost the country a whopping N5.4 trillion by the end of 2024. Governor Abiodun noted that it would have been disastrous for Nigeria to pay such huge amount on subsidy on fuel against the Federal Government's budget of N6.7 trillion for the same fiscal year. The Gove

As millions of Nigerians are taking advantage of the opportunities inherent in creating content in the social media platforms, content creators have been called upon to apply for support funds to promote their passion. Addressing the media on the issue in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday, the National President of the Practitioners of Content Creating, Skit-making, and Influencers Guild of Nigeria (PCCSIGN) and Ambassador of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Mr Michael Obinna Nwabufo, popularly known as Mike Premium, revealed that the association has successfully applied for grants through the Bank of Industry, BOI, which he said will release the money in October. "This press briefing is to let the upcoming content creators, skit makers, influencers and models know that we have successfully applied for the Federal Government Financial Assistance Grant for you through the Bank of Industry, BOI, which you will be getting in October. "At least, one to

A human rights group, Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR), has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to take a serious action on the bribery allegation involving Mr Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye aka Bobrisky and the fraud case of former governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.   Speaking at a press conference, which held on Friday, September 27 at the Liberation Center, Ijaiye, Lagos, the President of CHSR, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, urged the EFCC to constitute an investigation team on the allegation that Bobrisky offered N15 million to officials of the Nigeria Correctional Center, when he was jailed for six months over abuse of the naira.   "Of particular note, our attention has been drawn to the duo of Mr Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye alias Bobrisky and former governor  Yahaya Bello case.   "We appreciate and give kudos to the prompt reaction of the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede in constituting an investigation team to look into the merits a

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has penned congratulatory messages to his mother, Deaconess Margaret Ayodele and his personal secretary, Professor Rosemary Osubo as they celebrate their birthdays today Saturday, 28th of September, 2024. Primate Ayodele, in a statement, described his mother as one of his strongest pillars and a special gift from God to help him navigate through life. He appreciated God for keeping her alive to be able to witness the mighty things that have happened through his ministry. Primate Ayodele noted that his mother is the true definition of a virtuous woman who would do everything possible to ensure that her children are comfortable. The prophet also narrated the role his mother played in becoming an individual who is now globally recognized. ‘’My Mother is someone I will always adore because she is God’s special gift to me and one of my strongest pillars on earth. She is not just a woman but a virtuous one who would do e

“You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time” This quote by the late Abraham Lincoln, the 16thPresident of the United States of America which was further re-echoed in the 1970s by the legendary musician, late Bob Marley, as part of his song titled “Get up, stand up” is apt regarding the dramatization of the ongoing prosecution of the former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the. Suffice it to say that it is very obvious as to who is trying to fool who in his saga.  Yet again, two days ago, former Governor Yahaya Bello was absent before Hon. Justice Nwite of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja. This is despite the subsisting Court of Appeal Order which affirmed the Federal High Court Order compelling Yahaya Bello to appear before Justice Nwite having ruled against his appeal to set aside Justice Nwite’s Order. Instead, Yahaya Bello has basic

Any construction above two floors in Ogun State must obtain an All Risk Insurance Policy Certificate. This is in line with the provisions of the Ogun State Building Production Management Authority Regulation (OGBPMA) 2022. The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olatunji Odunlami, stated this at a stakeholders' meeting held at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Wednesday. Odunlami called on insurance companies to serve as watchdogs in the drive to enforce the provisions of the law. According to him, the All Risk Insurance Policy should be maintained by the contractor or developer and will cover both human and material assets during the entire construction period, ensuring that persons engaged to work on site or who have lawful access to be on site, as well as building materials and other equipment, are protected against any form of injury, loss, or damage. “The coverage extends to innocent passers-by and their property, as well as adjacen

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has felicitated the Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okphebolo, on his victory at the just concluded Edo State governorship election.  It will be record that on Sunday, 22nd September, 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the gubernatorial candidate of the APC as the winner of the governorship election conducted on Saturday,  21st September,  2024. Okphebolo, 54, secured a total of 291, 667 votes to defeat Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who got 247,274 votes and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), who came a distant third in the race with 22,763 votes.  “In a press statement issued in Abeokuta and signed by the APC State Publicity Secretary,  Tunde Oladunjoye, the party described Senator Monday Okphebolo’s victory as:  “A testimony to the popularity of the party in the state and also to  the fact that the winner having given a good account of himself while he served h

Facts have emerged about how Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal played a role in the Christmas 2009 attempted bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253 by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, better known as the "underwear bomber". Abdulmutallab was sentenced to life in prison following his guilty plea to all eight counts of a United States federal indictment charging him with the attempted bombing.    Governor Lawal, who has continued to court controversy, had declared N9 trillion from undeclared sources, is the brother-in-law of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. He is Lawal’s wife’s younger brother.  Lawal, who had resided outside Nigeria for years before becoming Zamfara State Governor, has not given up trying to get AbdulMutalab out of jail in the Administrative Maximum Facility, commonly known as ADX Florence or the Florence Supermax in Florence, Colorado, 90 miles south of Denver. He reportedly helped to radicalise the then-young boy. A source familiar with the development but who does n

A non-governmental organization, Journalists against corruption have asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo to order, over what it termed “obstruction of the statutory functions of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) in the bid by the EFCC to arrest and prosecute the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello.” JAC expressed its utter dismay that “Governor Ododo who has sworn to uphold the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, could brazenly, unabashedly and persistently shield Yahaya Bello, away from accounting for his activities as Governor of Kogi State for eight years.” These were contained in a statement signed by Kehinde Osifisan, it's Programmes Director, dated Sunday September 22, 2024 and made available to the media. The body stated further that: “It would be recalled that a valid and subsisting warrant of arrest has earlier being issued against Bello. What is expected of a decent perso

Growing investor confidence and strong market participation have continue to boost optimism about Fidelity Bank’s stock as the bank experienced a remarkable 20% surge on the Nigerian stock market, with its share price surpassing the N13 mark by the third week of September. This upward trend follows the bank’s combined offer, which included a Public Offer and Rights Issue launched on June 20, 2024. The combined offer consisted of 10 billion ordinary shares priced at N9.75 for the public and 3.2 billion shares at N9.25 for existing shareholders, collectively raising N127.1 billion. After a consolidation period from June to August, coinciding with the close of the combined offer, Fidelity Bank's shares have gained over 20% month-to-date (MtD) in September. Fidelity Bank has maintained a robust bullish trajectory since August 2018, when its stock dipped below N2. Since then, it has surged by more than 680%. The bank started trading in 2024 at N10.85, with 900 million shares exchanged.

The candidate of the All Progressive Congress in Edo, Monday Okpebholo has been declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the governorship election, causing an embarrassment for the incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki, who is from the People Democratic Party (PDP). The embarrassing loss of PDP and Governor Obaseki’s anointed candidate, Asue Ighodalo has been traced to the misdeeds of the incumbent governor, especially on the process of selecting Ighodalo as the party’s flagbearer which involved fighting stakeholders within the party and state to ensure his candidate emerges. However, long before the primary election was held, Primate Ayodele, a renowned Nigerian prophet, had already warned Obaseki not to impose any candidate on the people as it may lead to a political embarrassment for him. The prophet who foretold Obaseki’s second term victory made it known that forcing a candidate on the party would lead to failure. These were his words ‘’If Oba

The Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) has issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Security Agencies to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process in the collation of the Edo State Governorship Election Results as the consequences of compromise will be dire to Nigeria's democracy. In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Alhaji Ali Abacha, on Sunday, the coalition of over 75 Civil Society Groups, Community-based Organisations, and Socio-political Pressure groups, noted that "the 2023 general elections exposed INEC's glaring inefficiencies and blatant disregard for democratic principles", saying that the "Edo election presents an opportunity for redemption as any attempt to subvert the will of the people will be vehemently resisted."  The Civil Society organizations in the Press Statement says, We demand that "INEC conduct itself in a manner that inspires confidence in the elect

Alhaji Wasiu Lawal is a paragon of hard work and dedication, and his tireless efforts have earned him a well-deserved reputation as a leader in the All Progressive Congress (APC).  His commitment to the party was recognized when he was appointed as Chairman of the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Transition Committee, a position in which he excelled, moving the local government to greater heights during his short tenure. After leaving office, Alhaji Lawal continued to drive the party forward, making significant contributions before and after the 2023 election process. His selflessness and dedication are a testament to his being a "round peg in a round hole."  His outstanding contributions have once again been recognized, and he has been chosen as the APC Chairmanship candidate in the upcoming local government election on November 16. We extend our warmest congratulations to Alhaji Wasiu Lawal on his well-deserved victory as the APC Chairmanship candidate. His victory in the upcom

The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to curb electoral violence in Edo State with the arrest of two political thugs, namely: Edwin Obanor, 43-year-old  and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters, Igara Akoko,Edo. Acting on a tip-off that some individuals had been armed to cause mayhem and distability during the election on Saturday, the police operatives swooped into action and apprehended Obanor, a leader of an armed group, at Oredo Ward 4 at about 9pm  and Audu Tajudeen at Igara Akoko, Edo, on the eve of the election. Upon searching the bags in their possession, three cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols were discovered on Obanor, while one locally made  gun was recovered from Tajudeen.* The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi said in a press release that these arrests are a testament to the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a peaceful electoral process. The

  Chairmanship Aspirant All Progressives Congress  The long-anticipated moment is finally upon us! It is with immense joy and optimism that we welcome the emergence of *Dr. Babatunde Oyetola Diya*, the divinely chosen leader entrusted with guiding Odogbolu Local Government Area (LGA) into a future of unparalleled greatness. This landmark development ushers in a new dawn of progress and innovation for our cherished Odogbolu. With *Dr. Diya* at the helm, we are filled with hope and confidence that his leadership will bring about transformative change, powered by wisdom, integrity, and an astute understanding of the needs of our community. As Dr. Babatunde Oyetola Diya embarks on this noble journey, we pray that the Almighty grants him the wisdom, strength, and courage to navigate the challenges ahead. May his leadership be blessed with divine insight, and may Odogbolu prosper and thrive under his stewardship. E-Signed  Osonuga Abimbola Political Analyst  +2347053066274.

Despite the crisis that characterised the selection of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the forthcoming local government election in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, there are indications that a top politician and former Special Assistant on Housing to the state governor, Hon. Segun Ojolowo-Ojuko, might emerge the party's candidate for the LG. Sources privy to the development stated that political leaders in the state believe that Hon. Ojolowo-Ojuko has the requisite experience to lead the local government, considered to be the biggest in the state, at this material time. It was added that plans have been concluded to convince Governor Dapo Abiodun that Segun Ojolowo-Ojuko is a round peg in a round hole and that the best bet for the party is to field him in the election. "Hon. Segun Ojolowo-Ojuko has all it takes to take Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government to the next level. He has good plans for the local government and he knows what to do to