Landmark

A civic organisation, Democracy Watch Frontiers (DWF), has condemned what it described as opposition-sponsored protests aimed at undermining the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying such actions amount to a cynical exploitation of the suffering of victims of insecurity. In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the group's Publicity Secretary, Danjuma Ahmed, warned Nigerians against attempts to manipulate public opinion ahead of the 2027 general elections through misinformation and emotionally charged narratives. According to the organisation, certain political actors are deliberately seeking to discredit the government by exploiting security challenges and other national concerns for partisan advantage. DWF alleged that similar tactics were employed during previous election cycles, particularly in the lead-up to the 2015 general elections, when coordinated campaigns contributed to negative perceptions of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Th...

The Accord Party, in Lagos State under the leadership of Comr. Lanre Ogundare, monitored by the (REC) Resident Electoral Commission representative, EPM team, all Electoral Officers in Lagos state and the Legal department team of INEC, observed the Accord congress that gave birth to the leadership of Accord Lagos state. Accord Lagos candidates emerge through consensus in 10 LGA, 18 House of Assembly, 12 Federal House of Reps, 3 Senatorial and Governorship Candidate. Hon. Idown Daramola, Accord Candidate emerged through consensus promise to transform Mushin, just the same way our former Federal House of Rep Hon. Kako Are. He said the electorate and residents of Mushin will benefit from the dividend of democracy from welfarism, the school bus, and also sponsored bills for transformation. Hon. Idowu Daramola appreciated the Exco from State Chairmen (Comr Lanre Ogundare), Secretary (James Kolawole), Treasurer (Comr Aremu Gabriel), Organising Secretary ( Hon. Kosenimola Ayodele), Financial (...

Ogun State has been ranked as the second best-performing state in Nigeria in the 2025 State Performance Index (pSPI) released by Phillips Consulting, a development that further underscores the impact of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s ISEYA development agenda on the lives of residents. According to the report, Ogun State placed second nationwide, behind only Lagos State, in a comprehensive assessment of governance, economic performance, infrastructure development, and citizen wellbeing. Kaduna, Adamawa, and Niger states completed the top five rankings. The annual pSPI assesses the performance of all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) using a methodology that combines 70 percent objective performance data with 30 percent citizen perception surveys. The objective component evaluates critical indicators such as fiscal management, infrastructure development, education, healthcare delivery, and economic performance, while the perception survey measures residents’ views on governance ...

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, is set to launch a strategic engagement platform aimed at promoting the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises across Nigeria. Known as the Fidelity Quarterly Business Forum, the initiative is designed to bring together SME business leaders, founders, policymakers and industry experts to discuss business opportunities, economic trends, innovation and sustainable growth strategies. Speaking on the initiative, Ugochi Osinigwe, Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises, Fidelity Bank Plc, said the forum reflects the bank’s commitment to delivering a wide range of initiatives that support the growth of small businesses in Nigeria. “Our Quarterly Business Forum is part of our regular engagement with small businesses across the country. As you may know, Fidelity Bank is a leading supporter of SMEs through numerous financial products, and a strong advocate of a multi-dimensional approach to helping them succeed. “T...

The governorship campaign tour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede, continued on Friday with a massive rally in Ado Local Government Area, the Ekiti State capital, attracting thousands of supporters and residents ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election. The campaign rally witnessed a large turnout of party faithful, youths, women groups, traders, artisans, and community leaders who trooped out in their numbers to receive Dr. Oluyede and his campaign team. The impressive turnout reflected the growing acceptance and popularity of the PDP candidate as preparations intensify for the forthcoming governorship poll. As part of his engagement in Ado-Ekiti, Dr. Oluyede paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, where he received royal blessings and offered prayers for a peaceful election and continued progress of Ekiti State. Addressing the enthusiastic crowd at the rally, Dr. O...

 Photo caption: L – R: The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FidBank UK Ltd, Mr. Johnson Ememandu; Chairman, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu; British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter; and Chairman, FidBank UK Ltd and Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; at the FidBank UK Ltd exclusive product showcase held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos recently. Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc’s international subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited, has announced a commitment to support Nigerians – both individuals and corporations – in acquiring properties in the United Kingdom. Fidbank UK which provides a comprehensive suite of financial services, including trade finance, personal and business banking, treasury services, commercial lending, and private banking, is set ...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed shock and sadness over the death of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-West Zonal Woman Leader, Arabinrin Yetunde Shakirat Adesanya, describing her demise as a huge loss to the party and the nation. Adesanya reportedly passed away on Thursday evening at her residence in Lagos after a prolonged illness. In a condolence message, Governor Abiodun said the late APC chieftain was a committed party loyalist, grassroots mobiliser, and passionate advocate for women inclusion in politics and governance. The governor noted that the deceased devoted her life to the growth and stability of the APC, particularly in the South-West, where she played a pivotal role in strengthening the women’s wing of the party through effective mobilisation, mentorship, and selfless service. According to Governor Abiodun, Arabinrin Adesanya’s dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment to progressive ideals earned her the respect and admiration of par...

The Accord Party, in Lagos state under the leadership of Comr. Lanre Ogundare, monitored by the (REC) Resident Electoral Commission representative, EPM team, all Electoral Officers in Lagos state and the Legal department team of INEC, observed the Accord congress that gave birth to the leadership of Accord Lagos state.   Accord Lagos candidates emerge through consensus in 10 LGA, 18 House of Assembly, 12 Federal House of Reps, 3 Senatorial and Governorship Candidate.   Hon. Idown Daramola, Accord Candidate emerged through consensus promise to transform Mushin, just the same way our former Federal House of Rep Hon. Kako Are. He said the electorate and residents of Mushin will benefit from the dividend of democracy from welfarism, the school bus, and also sponsored bills for transformation.   Hon. Idowu Daramola appreciated the Exco from State Chairmen (Comr Lanre Ogundare), Secretary (James Kolawole), Treasurer (Comr Aremu Gabriel), Organising Secretary ( Hon. Kosenimola A...

The Nigerian Advocacy for Good Governance Alliance (NAGA – Diaspora) has congratulated Alhaji Atiku Abubakar "on his continued leadership and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project." The Group said in a statement jointly signed by its Global Coordinator,Tope Adesipo and Secretary, Ajede, on Friday, that "at this critical moment in our nation’s history, Atiku Abubakar stands as the candidate who best carries the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora." They added in the statement that Atiku's vision of unity, economic revival, security, and genuine democratic reform resonates deeply with citizens, who they said yearn for a Nigeria that works for everyone, and not just a privileged few. "We therefore call on all Nigerians — irrespective of party, region, ethnicity or religion — to rally round Atiku Abubakar and work collectively to defeat the current administration of President Bola Tinubu in the interest of our...

L-R: Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; the Reagent of Ijebuland, Chief Sunny Kuku; wife of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Olori Iyabo Adetona, and the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, during the Year 2026 Ojude Oba festival with the theme: 'Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona,' held in Ijebu-Ode on Friday. Arrays of beautifully adorned men, women, youths, and cultural enthusiasts from all walks of life on Friday thronged the ancient town of Ijebu-Ode for the 2026 Ojude-Oba Festival, transforming the city into a vibrant panorama of colour, glamour, heritage, and tradition. The annual cultural celebration came alive with spectacular horse-riding processions, richly embroidered attires, rhythmic traditional music, and elegant displays by the Regberegbe groups, reaffirming Ojude-Oba’s status as one of...

By Kayode Akinmade  Today, as Dapo Abiodun turns 66, Ogun State joins family, friends, political associates, and admirers in celebrating a leader whose journey has been defined by resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to the progress of the Gateway State. For the Iperu-born prince, the road to leadership has not been without trials, betrayals, and moments of intense political turbulence. Yet, through every challenge, Governor Abiodun has remained steadfast, drawing strength from faith in God and an abiding belief in the promise of a greater Ogun State. Today therefore is not merely a birthday celebration; it is a moment of gratitude, reflection, and renewed hope for a people who continue to witness transformative governance under his watch. Governor Abiodun’s philosophy of governance is rooted in inclusion and collaboration. His administration’s mantra, “Building Our Future Together,” reflects a deliberate effort to place the people at the center of development. From civ...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on his 66th birthday, commending his administration’s people-centred approach to governance and remarkable developmental strides across the state. In a statement issued on Thursday, President Tinubu described Governor Abiodun, who also serves as Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, as a committed leader whose policies and programmes have significantly elevated the standard of governance in Ogun State. The President noted that Governor Abiodun’s birthday coincides with his seventh year in office, a period he said has witnessed notable progress through the implementation of the administration’s “Building Our Future Together” Agenda. According to the President, the agenda, anchored on five development pillars — infrastructure, social well-being and welfare, education, youth empowerment and job creation, as well as agriculture — has positively impacted the lives of the people of the state. Tinubu ...

L-R: The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; Chief Imam of Remoland, Sheikh Abdul Quadri Junaid; Governor Dapo Abiodun; Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Sa'dalah Bamgbola; Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo; the Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Shuaib Afolabi Salisu; and Chief Imam of Gbaguraland, Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun, during the Eid Mubarak celebration hosted by Governor Abiodun at his country home in Iperu-Remo on Wednesday... The Ogun State Government has concluded plans to strengthen security around schools across the state as part of measures aimed at protecting students and educational institutions from emerging security threats. Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this on Wednesday at his Iperu residence while hosting the League of Imams and Alfas in celebration of Eid-el-Kabir. The governor said the initiative became necessary in response to recent security developments in neighbouring states, stressing that t...

Fidelity Bank Plc recorded 37.9 per cent growth in gross earnings to N434.95 billion in first quarter 2026 as the international commercial bank continued to expand its core banking market share. Interim report and accounts of Fidelity Bank for the three months ended March 31, 2026 released at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) showed that gross earnings rose from N315.42 billion in first quarter 20025 to N434.95 billion in first quarter 2026, representing an increase of 37.9 per cent. The top-line performance was driven by impressive growth in the bank’s core business operations with interest incomes rising by 22.8 per cent to N314.48 billion in first quarter 2026 as against N256.10 billion in first quarter 2025.  With net interest income at N180.97 billion, the bank closed the period with profit before tax of N92.48 billion. After taxes, net profit stood at N74.47 billion for the three-month period. Earnings per share remained high at N5.69, underlining the capacity of the bank to reward...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated Muslim faithful in Ogun State and across the country on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, urging them to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, love, and peaceful coexistence as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. In his Sallah message, Governor Abiodun said Eid-el-Kabir remains a significant spiritual occasion that teaches humanity the importance of faith, selflessness, tolerance, and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah. The governor called on residents of the state to continue to live in peace and harmony, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences, noting that unity and mutual understanding are critical to the continued progress and development of the state and the nation at large. Prince Abiodun also urged Nigerians to continue to support the initiatives and reforms of the Federal Government, expressing confidence that the policies being implemented would ultimately take the country out of its p...

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has formally presented the official results of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Ogun East Senatorial District to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Governor Abiodun, who emerged as the APC candidate for the Ogun East Senatorial District election, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God, President Tinubu, party leaders, stakeholders, and the people of Ogun East for the confidence and trust reposed in him throughout the primary process. The Governor commended the President and leader of the party for his inclusive democratic policies, particularly his insistence on direct primaries, which he said have enabled members of the APC to freely exercise their franchise, while also fostering a stronger sense of belonging and ownership within the party. He described the successful conduct of the primary election as a reflection of the unity, strength, maturity, and democratic spirit within the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State. Princ...

The Ogun State Government has warned a senior police officer attached to the Force Intelligence Department, Abuja, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Enyinnaya Adiogu, to immediately stop what it described as a parallel investigation into an ongoing land grabbing case involving the World Mission Agency (WMA), owners of Living Faith Church Worldwide in Sango-Ota. In a letter dated May 23, the Ogun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, warned the officer against investigating allegations of criminal conspiracy, threat to life, and illegal possession of firearms reportedly lodged against the mission by one Ibrahim Gbenga Ibuoye. The government said Ibuoye is currently facing prosecution before a Magistrates’ Court in Abeokuta over allegations bordering on forceful entry into another person’s land, forceful takeover of land, and the use of threats and violence in connection with the disputed property. According to Ogungbade, the matter is already bef...

There is a particular genre of financial commentary that mistakes legal process for a factual verdict. A court delivers a first-instance ruling, procedural questions are raised, and before the ink is dry on the appeal filing, the narrative has already hardened: the regulator overreached, investor confidence is shattered, and Nigeria’s financial governance is on trial before the world. Much of the commentary currently circulating about Union Bank of Nigeria belongs to that genre. It is not without merit on certain procedural questions. But it is, at its core, incomplete — and incompleteness in financial journalism carries costs that run well beyond the column. The Acquisition That Started Everything In 2022, Titan Trust Bank Limited, then chaired by Mr Tunde Lemo, acquired approximately 94 per cent of Union Bank of Nigeria through two Dubai-registered entities: Luxis International DMCC, promoted by Mr Rahul Savara, and Mr Cornelius Vink’s Magna International DMCC, both linked to the Tro...

  The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Prince Adedayo Ladega, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on his emergence as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general election.   Ladega described the development as a strong affirmation of the President’s leadership legacy and national impact.   President Tinubu is described as a visionary leader whose administration continues to command respect and inspire confidence across the country, shaping national direction through bold and transformative governance.   In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Akeem Mustapha, the council boss congratulated President Tinubu on his well-deserved emergence and reaffirmed Ikorodu Local Government’s support and goodwill as he continues the task of national transformation.   He added that ongoing reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, strengthening institutions, and expanding opportunities fo...

Chairman, Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Jamiu Asimi; House of Assembly aspirant for Ikenne State Constituency; Asiwaju Seyi Odumuyiwa; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs.) Ayotunde Lawal, during the presidential primary election to elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Ward 3, Iperu, Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, on Saturday. By Kayode Akinmade  When the results of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ogun East Senatorial District primary election were announced on May 18, 2026, the outcome was emphatic and politically instructive. Prince Dapo Abiodun, outgoing Governor of Ogun State, secured 75,550 votes out of 99,503 ballots cast, winning across all nine local government areas of the district. His closest challenger, incumbent Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who withdrew on the eve of the election, polled 398 votes. Beyond the overwhelming margin,...

  Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran JANDOR, a leading chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, earlier today joined party faithful, leaders, and stakeholders at the direct primary election to formally choose the Presidential Flag Bearer of the party.   JANDOR participated in the exercise at his Ward G, Irewe, in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State The exercise witnessed overwhelming participation and a strong demonstration of unity, loyalty, and commitment to the ideals and vision of the APC. During the process, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was proudly affirmed as the preferred candidate of the party.  

A major political storm is brewing within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) has launched a blistering assault on the integrity of the party's recent Niger South Senatorial District primary election.  At a heavily attended press conference in Abuja, the coalition accused the Niger State Government, under the leadership of Governor Umaru Muhammad Bago, of presiding over a "carefully supervised political charade" engineered to impose a predetermined candidate against the collective will of party faithful. Reading the official text of the press conference, the Deputy National Secretary of the CNCSOs, Comrade Danesi Momoh Prince, expressed deep alarm and outrage over what he termed a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism and a direct threat to democratic culture in Nigeria.  "What transpired in Niger State cannot be described as democracy," Comrade Prince declared. "It cannot even pass ...