Jide Ige – National Infinity Magazine

2027 power shift: Opposition weakens as more PDP govs, senators eye APC

Opposition political parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party, and the Labour Party, are bleeding as some of their prominent members have dumped their platforms for the ruling All Progressives Congress. Concerned by the wave of defections to the APC, the PDP, NNPP, and the Coalition of United Political Parties have accused the APC-led Federal Government of exploiting state resources to coerce their members and other politicians into switching allegiance to the ruling party. In response, the APC welcomed the defectors, dismissed the claims from the…

I am a Cele member, I attend and built a parish -Wasiu Ayinde

Fuji icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate has exuded his love for the Celestial Church of Christ, admitting that he is a bonafide and proud member of the church. Ayinde, a Muslim, made this known during a pre-recorded interview with Agbaletu TV on Wednesday. CCC popularly called Cele, is a white-garment church that the late Samuel Bilewu Oshoffa founded. Its members wear white one piece garments during worship, and must not wear their shoes whilst wearing their garments or while within the main church. According to…

EFCC secures court order to arrest, detain six CBEX promoters

The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the request of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to arrest and detain six promoters of Crypto Bridge Exchange over an alleged investment fraud amounting to over $1 billion. Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order on Thursday after listening to submissions from the EFCC’s lawyer, Fadila Yusuf. The six individuals named in the ex parte motion filed on April 23 are Adefowora Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo, and Chukwuebuka Ehirim. The EFCC sought the court’s permission to arrest…

Benue/Plateau Killings: Why Gen. Danjuma, State Security DG may be making sense

“Self-defense is not just a set of techniques; it’s a state of mind, and it begins with the belief that you are worth defending.” – Rorion Gracie, a renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master. The universality of self-defence refers to the inherent and widely recognised right of individuals and states to use force for the purpose of defending themselves against an imminent or actual threat, a concept found across cultures, religions, and philosophies, and enshrined in international law. The spate of killings by gun totting criminals would make the suggestion by the…

Hackers hit Union Bank, steal depositors’ N93bn

Union Bank of Nigeria Plc is currently grappling with a massive N9.3 billion fraud following a significant operational system breach. . The development comes exactly one year and three months after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sacked the bank’s board and entire management, citing governance failures. A new management team was subsequently appointed to lead the financial institution. Union Bank is battling to recover the sum of N9,329,322,870.00 (nine billion, three hundred and twenty-nine million, three hundred and twenty-two thousand, eight hundred and seventy naira), withdrawn from customers’ accounts…

“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat” says Sen. James Manager as Delta Gov.,Oborevwori, Ex-Gov., Okowa, all lawmakers dump PDP for APC

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the immediate past governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and all members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State have defected to the All Progressives Congress. The announcement was made on Wednesday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, by Senator James Manager, shortly after a meeting that lasted over six hours at Government House, Asaba. Manager stated, “All PDP members in the state, including the governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, all the local government chairmen and others, have agreed to move to…

Pope Francis to be buried on Saturday as 10 top Cardinals jostle to succeed him

The funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. This was according to a statement the Holy See Press Office issued on Tuesday. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, “Will preside at the Mass, which will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe.” It added, “The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio. The late Pope Francis’ body will then be taken into St. Peter’s…

Osimhen going to Man United

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has reached an agreement with Manchester United over personal terms ahead of a potential summer move, according to Turkish journalist Serdar Çelikler. “Victor Osimhen has reached an agreement with Manchester United. But there is also the club side of the matter,” Çelikler said on a podcast. The Nigeria international, currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, has been in sensational form this season, netting 29 goals and providing six assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. United’s immediate focus in the transfer market is reportedly…

Catholics mourn as Pope Francis dies at 88

Catholics all over the world are mourning the death of the Pontiff, Pope Francis, who has passed on at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that the pontiff passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City. Cardinal Kevin Farrel announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta on Monday morning. Farrel said the Pope, whose real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died at exactly 7.35 am. His death comes hours after he greeted Catholic faithful who were at…

Burna Boy surprises Portable with N20m for victory over Darlington in Celebrity boxing re-match

Controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola, also known as Portable, got a surprise N20m gift from Grammy Award-winning artiste Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, following his victory over Speed Darlington in their celebrity boxing match. Portable confirmed the generous gift in a post shared on Instagram on Saturday. “₦20 million from Burna Boy. If you wanna be like Odogwu, can you do like Odogwu? God bless your family,” Portable wrote. Portable has been celebrating his win over rival Darlington Okoye, a.k.a. Speed Darlington, who has blamed his defeat in Saturday’s…

Benue Gov., Alia seeks FG intervention as death toll in deadly attacks rise to 56

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts in tackling the growing insecurity in the state, following the latest attacks by suspected herdsmen that have left 56 people dead in the Ukum and Logo local government areas. The governor made the appeal on Saturday during his visit to the scenes of the attacks in Ukum and Logo to assess the devastation firsthand. Speaking to journalists after touring the affected communities, Alia condemned the violent attacks on the defenseless people and urged security agencies…

Ogun pensioners hail Abiodun over N6.7bn gratuity payment

The Ogun State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, on Sunday, praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for the approval and release of N6.7bn for the payment of the backlog of gratuities to pensioners in the state. The chairman of the union, Waheed Oloyede, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday. Oloyede said that while N3.2bn is allocated for the retirees of the state government, the remaining N3.5bn is for retired local government workers. He stated, “Your Excellency, this gesture demonstrates your commitment to the welfare of senior citizens whose…

Why men are afraid of ‘omugwo’

He was the lord of his manor. Whatever he said was law. His children feared him. His wife trembled at his feet. He was a god in his private shrine and decreed that he be accorded the appropriate worship and sacrifice or he breathed fire from both nostrils. He ruled his home with an iron fist and he was feared more than respected, avoided not loved. For 33 straight years, his wife put up with his excesses. His children watched their mother endure her marriage. She wore a smile that…

Breaking… Ex-Super Eagles Skipper is dead

Former Super Eagles skipper ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu is dead. Chuckwu who captained the African Cup of Nation’s winning squad of 1980 reportedly passed on early this morning at about 10am. According to his team mate and friend, Segun Odegbami who broke the news of the late football legend’s demisw, “I just received the news that between 9:00 and 10:00 this morning, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, MFR, my bosom friend and team mate, one of the greatest football players in Nigeria’s football history, former captain and coach of Nigeria’s national football team,…

Edo killings as a metaphor: A Call for National introspection

Hunting, as a universal and natural occupation, is as old as man. Since the beginning of time, humans hunt to capture or kill wildlife for meat, while in other cases, repel dangerous predators to secure a peaceful environment. Over time, the rise of criminality has changed the shape of this existing occupational and social formation where the help of hunters is often needed in many cases to secure a peaceful, safe and harmonious society, while they still maintain their old traditional system of practice. The heinous crimes perpetrated in recent…

Molete Bridge is Down: Tribute to Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, by Lanre Ogundipe

Eerin wó, Àjànàkú sùn bí òkè… We are saddened by the passing of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo at the age of 89. He was a revered Nigerian elder statesman and former Governor of Oyo State. A patriotic and astute leader. A renowned Mathematician. The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was the first Rector, Ibadan Polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments. His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his associates even as…

Long live the King!, New Alaafin, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, Owoade-Eletu 1

Oríkì Sango! A bí lumo bí òwú Ọkọ̀ mi asọ̀ǹbọ̀-sọnbọ idà Ebiti káwọ́ sẹ́yìn soro bíi agbọ́n Ẹ̀bìtì ká ọwọ́ ìjà lérí Èyí tí yó ṣẹ ní àá ń wòye Sango! Sangiri làgiri Ò làgiri kàkà fìgbà ẹdùn bọ̀ A wọ̀lú tìlù tariwo Ṣàngó oooooo Ka-bi-ye-si Alase! Ekeji orisa! Iku baba yeye, Alaafin oro mo jo gbo ti gbogbo Oyo mbo. Oranmiyan, Alaafin, oruntolu. Iba! f’ori ade, Iba, eji gba orun ileke, k’ade pelori Oba. Fulfilling Alaafin Siyanbola Onikepe Ladigbolu dream and wishes, (the great grand father of the new…

GTCO Plc pays record dividend of N8.03k for 2024 Financial Year

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group”) has released its Audited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE). The Group reported profit before tax of ₦1.266trilion, representing an increase of 107.8% over ₦609.3billion recorded in the corresponding year ended December 2023. This performance reflects not just strong earnings but also the quality and sustainability of our earnings, underpinned by a well-diversified revenue base, robust risk management practice, and disciplined capital management. The…

FirstBank issues official statement on appeal case with GHL

INJUNCTION AND STAY OF EXECUTION CARGO REMAINS UNDER ARREST In a surprising twist of events, its decision delivered today, the Federal High Court in a surprising shift from the true nature of FirstBank ’s claim held that the matter is not a maritime claim but rather, a simple case of debt recovery. This is quite surprising considering the fact that the order sought is to prevent further fraudulent sale of crude on the FPSO. Shockingly, the court also held that the Arrest Order against the cargo, because it was exparte…

Zenith Bank’s PAT soars above N1trn in full 2024, prospects N4.00 final dividend

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, delivering significant growth across key performance indicators. The Bank’s impressive performance reflects effective management and pricing of its risk assets, as well as an optimized treasury portfolio, reinforcing its position as a leader in Nigeria’s banking industry. According to the audited financial results for the 2024 financial year presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the Bank recorded a double-digit year-on-year (YoY) growth of 86% in gross earnings, increasing from N2.13 trillion in 2023 to…

INEC formally notifies Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of recall letter, confirms petitioners’ details

The Independent National Electoral Commission has confirmed that the contact details of the petitioners’ representatives in the recall process of the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, are now available. The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday. According to the statement, a letter containing the telephone numbers, email addresses, and other contact information of the petitioners’ representatives was submitted, on Wednesday, to the commission’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. The update followed an earlier statement issued by INEC…

Lagos/Ogun Multi-sector Trade Fair: Organizers declare free to attend fair, expect 100k visitors

Organisers of the forth coming Lagos/Ogun Multi-sector Tradefair have announced that the 4-day free to attend event is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors from across Nigeria and beyond. The trade fair, scheduled to run from April, 16-19, 2025 at De Blue Roof Event Centre, Lateef Jakande road Agidingbi, Ikeja, will feature about 120 exhibitors showcasing their products and services across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and more. “We are excited to host the Lagos/Ogun Multi-sector Trade fair, which has become a premier platform for businesses to connect, innovate,…

His fortune, her stress

Sometimes a woman finds herself at a destination she did not plan for, a place where she neither bargained for nor boarded a bus or plane to. She just wakes up and finds herself there, a totally new place where she has to learn a new language, new coping skills, a different way of life. What is she supposed to do especially when the new place brings with it both fortune and challenges? Let us start with a woman who married a young brilliant middle-income man when they were both…

Tears, for my beloved country!

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he ¹” – Proverbs 28:19 “I don’t really want my photographs in your offices, because I’m not a God or an icon, but a servant of the nation – Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine. “Hang pictures of your children instead and look at them every time you want to make a decision, and whenever the spirit of theft visits you, take a good look at your family’s picture and ask yourself if they deserve…

GTCO Transforms Lives with Waste-for Gas Initiative, Distributes 3,000 Gas Cylinders to Obafemi Owode Community

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for households and empower women in underserved communities, GTCO PLC at the weekend launched its Waste for Gas initiative which saw over 3,000 residents of Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, receive a unit each of a 3kg gas cylinder. Speaking about the initiative, the Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO PLC, Mr. Segun Agbaje noted that beyond delivering innovative financial solutions, the institution is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in the communities where it…

“Maryam was unconvinced of my capacity to be serious, and many people said as much to her.” -IBB reveals in new autobiography

Former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has revealed details about his marriage to his late wife, Maryam, including her conversion to Islam, in his newly released autobiography, A Journey in Service. The book, launched on Thursday alongside a fundraiser for his presidential library, provides insight into their love story, from their early days in Kaduna to their life as a married couple. Babangida recalled meeting Maryam, formerly Maria Okogwu, in their younger years while living in the unmarried officers’ quarters on Kanta Road, Kaduna. He described being captivated by her…

Industrial Court reinstates Obasa’s clerk at Lagos Assembly, sacks Meranda’s appointee

The National Industrial Court sitting in Lagos has sacked the acting clerk of the House, Ottun Babatunde, who was appointed by Speaker Mojisola Meranda. The court ordered the reinstatement of the former clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko. The order follows an ex parte application to the court made by Onafeko through his counsel, Yusuf Nurudeen, in a case he filed against the Lagos State Government, Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission, the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Attorney-General of Lagos State and…

Ekiti Gov.,Oyebanji thanks President Tinubu for approving Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin- Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the establishment of Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin-Ekiti. President Tinubu, had on Thursday in Abuja, assented to two separate bills establishing the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State and the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State. Governor Oyebanji in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, on Friday, hailed the President for approving the establishment of the Federal University of…

Yorubaland: Obaship ascendancy customs sustenance in the 21st century

As the people of Ancient city of Oyo, the State Government and the coronation Committee gathered for the installation of the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, at AGANJU SQUARE within the precinct of the total mythical space of 150,000 km2 (58,000 sq mi) remains a re-exaction of culture and traditions at its best in this 21st or is it 22nd century. The event was an opportunity to showcase the uniqueness of cherished heritage and traditions and laid to rest all “duku” (means rifts or misunderstanding) among the royal family and the…

Issues in Afe Babalola, Dele Farotimi and Yoruba Obas intervention

By Lanre Ogundipe The defamation debacle between revered legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola, (SAN), and self-styled “retired” lawyer, Dele Farotimi triggered national and (to some extent) global reactions towards the end of last year. There are reports on regular and social media that following the visit of some Yoruba traditional rulers, the matter may have being resolved. According to a statement, the Ooni of Ife, HRM Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi led a delegation of Obas from other parts of Yoruba land Sunday night to the Ado Ekiti residence of Babalola seeking…

Zero Processing Fee; GTBank Removes POS Processing Fees to Support Businesses

Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd has announced the removal of processing fees on all GTBank POS terminals, reinforcing its commitment to supporting businesses with cost-effective payment solutions. This initiative, which took effect Tuesday, 11 February 2025, communicates that merchants using GTBank POS terminals will no longer incur Merchant Service Charges (MSC) when receiving payments from customers. With this initiative, all qualifying SME Merchants can now receive payments at zero cost, allowing them to reduce operational expenses, whilst promoting the merchant’s enterprise, and enhancing customer experience. Speaking on the initiative, Miriam Olusanya,…

Habaripay’s Squad announces dates for take on Squad Hackathon 2.0, invites applications from young innovators across Africa

HabariPay’s Squad, payment fintech subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group”), today announced dates for its annual social coding competition. Building on the success of the inaugural edition, “Squad Hackathon 2.0” is set to take place from the 13th–15th of March 2025 at the state-of-the-art GTCO Training Complex, Tayo’s Plaza, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Launched in January 2024, Take on Squad Hackathon is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills among emerging tech talents. Competing teams will leverage Squad’s advanced APIs to create scalable digital solutions…

Court adjourns Mompha’s money laundering trial till March 13

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos has adjourned till March 13, 2025 further hearing in the trial of Ismaila Mustapha for an offence bordering on alleged money laundering. The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had on January 12, 2022 arraigned Mompha alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, laundering of funds obtained through unlawful activity, failure to disclose…

FG replaces JSS,SSS, with 12-year basic education model

The Federal Government has scraped all Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary Schools in the country and introduced a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education model after which a Nigerian child can aspire to higher education. With this development, the Nigerian Government is seeking the abolition of 6-3-3-4 education system and replacing it with 12-4. This is even as it has sought the approval of the National Council on Education to officially adopt 16 years as the minimum entry age requirement into the country’s tertiary institutions. Minister of Education, Dr…

No signs of stopping as Cristiano Ronaldo turns 40, admits ‘complete player’ status

Cristiano Ronaldo marked a milestone that few footballers reach while still playing at an elite level—his 40th birthday. But for the Al-Nassr star, age is just a number, and the mission remains the same: to keep proving that limits are meant to be broken. Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo PUNCH Online reports that the Portuguese star and Champions League Hall of Fame legend clocked 40 on Wednesday. Some legends at, above 40 Several football legends have played beyond 40, defying age like Cristiano Ronaldo. Gianluigi Buffon retired at 45, while Paolo Maldini…

NERC issues gudelines on electricity tariff hike

As controversies trailed the purported electricity tariff hike by the Federal Government, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has issued regulations on the procedure for tariff reviews. The latest order, signed by NERC Chairman, Sanusi Garba, stated that pursuant to the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, the commission is obligated to review and approve a fair tariff to allow licensees to recover prudent costs and a reasonable return on capital invested in the business for the provision of electricity services. It stated that Section 116(1) of the Act provides that…

Buhari: How dare you… ?

Honesty may not always pay, but lying always costs. Trust is a tower, built stone by stone, lies take stones from the bottom. There is no security in secrecy; every undiscovered lie is a live landmine. Lies breed a bodyguard of new lies to protect themselves – Amar Bhidé and Howard H. Stevenson. “I live on rent accruals from my houses in Kaduna” says Mohammadu Buhari. This banner headlines in virtually all our major dailies grabbed my attention. Self-adulating anti- corruption posturing by no less a personality than former President…

South Africa’s Ramaphosa hits back at Trump over land confiscation allegations

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday hit back at his United States counterpart, Donald Trump over the latter’s threat to cut funding to the African nation after accusing it of “confiscating” land and “treating certain classes of people very badly.” Trump on Sunday announced he was cutting off all future funding to the country pending an investigation. “South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people very badly. I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has…

2023 New Year Day Tragedy: Fatinoye family’s killers to die by hanging

An Ogun State High Court sitting in Kobape, Abeokuta, the state capital, on Monday sentenced Lekan Adekanbi, Ahmed Odetola, and Waheed Adeniyi to death by hanging for the murder of Kehinde Fatinoye, his wife, Bukola Fatinoye, and their son, Oreoluwa, on January 1, 2023. The couple was attacked at their Ibara GRA residence shortly after returning from a crossover service. Led by their driver, Adekanbi, the assailants invaded their home at about 2am, killing them before setting the house and their bodies on fire. They also tied up their son,…

How Nigerian man shot self to death over $15k child support case

A 36-year-old United States-based Nigerian cardiologist, Ikenna Erinne, has reportedly committed suicide after losing a child support case to his yet-to-be-identified ex-wife. The incident was said to have occurred on Sunday, January 26. It was gathered that the Anambra-state-born late doctor had a prolonged divorce battle with his estranged wife, including the custody of their children. He, however, lost the case after a US court ruled in favour of his ex-wife and ordered him to pay a monthly child support of $15,000. Confirming the incident in a post shared on…

Gory Images: Abuja ‘runs girl’ saved from suspected ritualists by police

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has rescued a young woman from a suspected armed robber and ritualist. The command has also commenced a manhunt for the suspect. This was made known in a statement shared by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. According to the statement, the incident occurred at a hotel in the Wuse district of Abuja, where 25-year-old Promise Eze from Ebonyi State was found tied to a small chair, her mouth covered with plaster. She was unconscious…

Bizzare! NDLEA saves popular Lagos clothier as emergency surgery removes 57 pellets of cocaine lodged in stomach

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have saved the life of a 59-year-old businessman, Chijioke Igbokwe after he underwent emergency surgery to remove 57 out of 81 pellets of cocaine lodged in his stomach. The surgery, an exploratory laparotomy, was performed after Igbokwe spent seven days struggling to excrete the illicit substance, which he had ingested in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A statement released on Sunday by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said Igbokwe was arrested on January 26, 2025, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, during the inward…

Access Bank appoints Uche Orji as Independent Non-Executive Director

Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Uche Orji as an Independent Non-Executive Director of its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’), effective from January 7, 2025, following the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (‘CBN’). This appointment reflects our commitment to enhancing our governance practices and ensuring a diverse and experienced board. Mr. Orji is a renowned investment banking professional, information technology entrepreneur, and finance expert with three (3) decades of professional and board experience. He is the Co-founder and Partner…

Access Bank to Host Pioneering Africa Trade Conference in Cape Town

Access Bank PLC is set to host its first-ever Africa Trade Conference (ATC), a landmark event focused on advancing Africa’s economic transformation under the theme,‘Empowering Africa Through Trade, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth’.Scheduled for March 12, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa, the conference is poised to bring together the most influential voices in trade, finance, and policy to address the future of commerce across the continent. With Africa’s trade finance gap estimated at $81 billion annually, the conference aims to tackle the systemic challenges hindering trade, particularly for SMEs and…

Alaafin designate, Owoade dissolves unauthorised coronation committee

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, has ordered the immediate dissolution of an unauthorised coronation committee allegedly set up by a group of individuals without his approval. In a statement made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the monarch warned that any further meetings or activities related to the committee would be considered illegal and would not be tolerated. Oba Owode emphasised that any committee or event related to his coronation must receive prior approval from his office. The statement, titled “Coronation…

Finally, Osun APC expels Aregbesola

The All Progressives Congress has expelled a former Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, over alleged anti-party activities. Aregbesola, who led Osun State for two terms, had spearheaded a faction within the APC known as The Osun Progressives which was later rebranded as the Omoluabi Caucus. A letter from the APC leadership seen by newsmen on Wednesday officially confirmed Aregbesola’s expulsion. The letter, titled “Allegations of Anti-Party Activities – Conveyance of State Exco Decision to You,” accused him of breaching Article 21 of the party’s constitution, which…

Union Bank’s Save and Win Palli Promo 4 rewards 360 customers with N21min first draw

UNION BANK REWARDS 360 CUSTOMERS WITH N21 MILLION IN FIRST SAVE AND WIN PALLI PROMO 4 DRAW Nigeria’s leading financial institution, has kicked off its Save and Win Palli Promo 4 campaign 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…

The NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament Returns with GTCO as Headline Sponsor

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) is proud to be the headline sponsor of the 2025 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament. The highly-anticipated Polo Series will be held at the prestigious Lagos Polo Club, Ikoyi, from 4th to 23rd February 2025. A staple in Nigeria’s sporting and social calendar, the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament is celebrated for its rich heritage, thrilling competitions, and vibrant atmosphere. Last year’s tournament delivered a thrilling six chukkas encounter that saw Leighton Kings dispatch a hard-fighting Art Hotel Shoreline team to retain the coveted…

Why I returned $5,700 I found in US toilet to owner -Nigerian woman, Ogunremi

A Nigerian-American woman, Victoria Ogunremi, returned the cash sum of $5,700, which she had found in the toilet at her workplace in New Jersey, United States. Most Nigerians living abroad have described the gesture as one of the remarkable acts of honesty and kindness. Ogunremi told the News Agency of Nigeria in a telephone interview on Monday that the gesture had earned widespread praise from her employer, colleagues and the person who lost the money. According to her, the decision to return the money was made with concern for the…

Power generation in Nigeria and the bane of Corruption

“ Oh, I am very weary. Though tears no longer flow; my eyes are tired of weeping, my heart is sick of woe” – Anne Brontë Poor electricity generation with the unabated collapse of the national grid should be a major concern to every Nigerian. One wonders how the country has put up with this malaise, over the years. Our national grid, which is the lifeline of the nation’s electricity generation, has become what the Yorubas call ‘abiku’! The Nigerian electricity sector, managed by one of the world’s largest publicly…