Nation – Page 2 – National Infinity Magazine

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

Jide Ige

“ 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…

Like father, like son: Sen. Obanikoro’s son, Gbolahan, others to be tried for N1.3bn

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) is set to arraign Gbolahan Obanikoro, son of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, and four others, in court for alleged conspiracy, obtaining by false pretenses, and involvement in a N1,356,057,330.43 billion fraud. His father, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence is also standing trial in court for alleged multi-billion naira fraud in a case instituted by the EFCC. Others to be arraigned alongside Obanikoro are: Adejare Adegbenro, 51; Balmoral International Limited; M.O.B. Integrated Limited; and DDSS International Company Limited. The suspects will…

My impeachment is fake, -Obasa, insists due process not followed

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has faulted his removal by lawmakers. Obasa, who spoke on his removal for the first time on Saturday, said it was important for the lawmakers to “follow constitutional procedure” to remove him as speaker. During a welcome rally at his 47 Joel Ogunnaike GRA official residence, Ikeja, he described the allegations against him as “fictitious and unsubstantiated.” The former speaker also debunked the allegations of corruption brought against him by the lawmakers during his removal, describing the alleged…

PDP condoles as Oyo Gov., Seyi Makinde loses brother

Jide Ige

The Peoples Democratic Party on Friday commiserated with Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State over the death of his elder brother, Mr Sunday Makinde. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, said the nation and Oyo State had lost a rare gem with the demise of Makinde. Ologunagba described the deceased as a humble, exceptionally brilliant and highly ingenious professional. He said that as a committed patriot, the deceased dedicated his life towards the progress and development of Oyo State and Nigeria. “Makinde was…

We know retired Generals behind illegal mining in Nigeria -Oshiomhole

Jide Ige

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former Governor of Edo State who represents Edo North in the National Assembly, has alleged that retired military generals are behind illegal mining across the country. Oshiomhole, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, made the allegation on Friday when Sampson Ekong, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, submitted his 2025 budget report before the Senate Committee on Appropriations. The former labour leader, who is a member of the Appropriations Committee, said the retired military generals are known to him and…

32 Years after stepping aside, Babangida set to launch memoir, Presidential Library

Jide Ige

Ex-military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) is set to launch his long-awaited autobiography titled: ‘A Journey In Service’. It will be released on February 20, 2025, at the event billed for the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. The development is coming 32 years after IBB left office. The regime of the former Head of State was dogged by the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) policy which sparked a nationwide riot among other economic regulations. There was also the unresolved murder of late veteran journalist, Dele Giwa and…

FirstBank’s FirstGem: Redefining Women’s Empowerment in Nigeria

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The story of women’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy is as old as the nation itself. It is no secret that women are the largest untapped source of national wealth worldwide. All over the world, women hold their place of pride in commercial enterprise. The Nigerian businesswoman have for a long time faced significant barriers in accessing the financial services and business support needed for their businesses to thrive. Globally, traditional banking failed to recognize the unique challenges of female entrepreneurs. It is against this backdrop that the 2019 International Women’s…

Oyinlola assumes duty as GOC 3 Div, commander OpSH

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Maj.-Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola has assumed duty as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, and Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH). Oyinlola took over from Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, who has been posted to the National Defence College, Abuja. He thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for finding him worthy to head 3 Division and OPSH. He promised to sustain the successes achieved by his predecessor and ensure lasting peace in Plateau and other areas of responsibility. Earlier, Abubakar congratulated…

N8bn budget allocation for anti-vandalism advocacy, not electricity bill awareness says Adelabu

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has reassured Nigerians of his commitment to delivering a stable electricity supply, stating that efforts are ongoing to improve the country’s power infrastructure. Adelabu also addressed misconceptions surrounding the N8bn allocation in the Ministry of Power’s 2025 budget, clarifying that the funds are earmarked for advocacy against vandalism, education, enlightenment, and deploying technology to safeguard power infrastructure—not for sensitising citizens to pay electricity bills. The minister, who came under fire on social media following claims that the ministry was spending N8bn on electricity bill…

OAU Student’s Murder: A/Court uphold’s Adedoyin’s death sentence

Jide Ige

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital has upheld the death sentence of a popular hotel owner, Dr Ramon Adedoyin, who was found guilty in the murder case of an ex-Master’s student of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Timothy Adegoke. According to the court’s judgment on Thursday, the appellate court noted that the judgment by the Osun State High Court which sentenced Adedoyin to death stands. The appeal court had reserved judgment on October 29, 2024 The judgment read in parts, “The judgment of the High…

Ogun Police kill abductors of ex-AIG Odumosu’s wife in gun battle

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives have rescued the wife of the former Assistant Inspector General, Hakeem Odumosu Mrs Folasade Odumosu. Mrs Odumosu was abducted last Thursday at the entrance of her residence in the Arepo area of Ogun State. The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. Adejobi said with the support of the Force Headquarters technical intelligence platforms, the Ogun State police operatives engaged Odumosu’s abductors in a gun duel and neutralised the criminals in the swampy area of…

We nabbed 38 suspects, seized N134.2bn drugs in 2024 – Tincan Island NDLEA command

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Tincan Island Port Strategic Command, Lagos State, says it apprehended 38 drug suspects and seized 339,576.91kg of drugs in 2024. Its Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, made this known at a news briefing on Thursday in Lagos. Ofoyeju gave the breakdown of drugs seized to include Codeine 305,323.37kg, Tapentadol 13.370kg, Tafradol 11,.230.8kg, and Benzhexol 5,888.8kg. According to him, the estimated monetary value of the seized drugs is N134.2 billion. He added that a total of 12 convictions were won while no fewer than 26 cases were…

Court grants FG’s proscription request, declares Lakurawa, others terrorist groups

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, made an order proscribing the Lakurawa sect. The court also proscribed other similar groups in parts of Nigeria, especially in the North West and North Central regions of the country. Justice James Omotosho made the declaration while delivering a ruling in a motion ex-parte originating summons filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). The AGF had in an ex-parte application marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/41/2025, approached the court seeking four orders. An Assistant Director in the Federal…

Police indict Sterling Bank in ‘$28.3m money laundering, fraud’

Jide Ige

Sterling Bank Limited and its holding company, Sterling Financial Holdings Company have been accused by the Nigeria Police Force of money laundering, fraudulent deductions and other financial crimes. This was contained in a report presented to the House of Representative Committee on Public Petition during the hearing of a petition by Maiden Systems Ltd against Sterling Bank, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Shell Petroleum Development Company in Abuja. Maiden system Ltd had petitioned the Committee on alleged mismanagement, fraudulent debit, and misappropriation of funds from its account domiciled with…

Jubilation in Enugu as Ekweremadu’s wife returns from UK prison

Jide Ige

Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has returned to Nigeria sparking a wild jubilation in her Enugu community. A reliable source on Wednesday confirmed her return to Vanguard. The former Deputy Senate President, his wife, and Dr. Obinna Obeta were sentenced by a United Kingdom court over charges related to organ harvesting. Senator Ekweremadu received a 10-year prison sentence, while Mrs. Ekweremadu was sentenced to six years.

Nigeria: Is Egalitarian society a mirage in our clime?

Jide Ige

As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest_ – Nelson Mandela The news about the “Presidential award” to the highest echelons of the military, dropped like a bombshell. I was awestruck by the outlandish retirement packages approved for military officers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, penultimate week. What a provocative and wasteful gesture! Another slap in the face of the longsuffering, ever-rugged Nigerians, sucked in by a docile and mentally conquered populace? They say silence means consent. I am more…

Telecom Tariff: Operators get 50% hike approval from NCC

Jide Ige

The Nigerian Communications Commission has approved requests from network operators for tariff adjustments in response to rising operational costs, marking the first change in rates since 2013. The decision, announced in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, on Monday, allows for a maximum adjustment of 50% to current tariffs, significantly less than the over 100% proposed by some operators. The NCC said it is exercising its authority under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and emphasised that the new tariffs would remain within…

PMS: Dangote’s hike pushes pump price to N1,150/litre

Jide Ige

The pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, have risen to between N1,050 and N1,150/litre depending on the area of purchase, following the hike in the cost of the commodity by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and various depot owners. Dealers confirmed that PMS prices would continue to rise since the major component in fuel production, crude oil, has been on the upward swing lately. The National President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Festus Osifo, earlier alluded to this when he pointed out…

K1 De Ultimate’s mother dies at 105

Jide Ige

Fuji Maestro, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has lost his mother, Alhaja Halima Anifowoshe. The news of her death was announced on K1’s official media page on Saturday morning. A photo of K1 with his late mother accompanied the announcement, which read, “With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of King Wasiu Ayinde’s beloved mother. May her soul rest in peace, Alhaja Alimotu Shadiya Omoakeredolu Aya Anifowoshe. Iya rere. Sun re oo.”

ex-Delta First Lady dies in London

Jide Ige

Edna, a former first lady of Delta State and wife of the first civilian governor of Delta State, Olorogun Felix Ibru, has passed away. Edna, a former Miss Nigeria and the first Nigerian/African to represent Nigeria at Miss Universe in 1964, died in London after a brief illness on Wednesday. She had two children for Ibru who was the first democratically elected executive governor of Delta State between 1991 to 1992. Dr. Paul Aidido Ibru, the head of the Ibru family confirmed the passage of the former first lady in…

How masked gunmen kidnapped AIG Odumosu’s wife

Jide Ige

Details have emerged on how gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted the wife of Hakeem Odumosu, a former Lagos state commissioner of Police and retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) from her residence in the Arepo area of Ogun State. The Witness gathered that the four hooded heavily armed men intercepted the wife of Odumosu as she was about to enter her compound at about 9:55pm on Thursday. Her Lexus SUV was forcibly stopped, and she was dragged out before being whisked away through a swampy area to an…

When a side chick decides to move on

Jide Ige

So you rent a three-bedroom flat for your side chick and furnish it, it does not make you her lord and personal saviour. What will make her treat you like the king of the manor is how you treat her. If you treat her like trash and she stomachs it, don’t be fooled into thinking that she has no choice. She does. She is just biding her time. Besides, every woman has a limit. Once the elastic of her endurance gets to the limit, she will snap and that part…

Dangote jacks up fuel prize, says its in response to global price surge

Jide Ige

As a result of an upsurge in the price of Brent, Nigeria’s crude export to the global oil market, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery says it has necessitated an upward adjustment in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, to its customers. In an email statement obtained by our Correspondent on Friday, the refinery announced that its refined products would now be priced at N955 per litre at the loading gantry, marking an adjustment in its pricing structure. It noted that marketers buying between 2 million – 4.99…

Federal Court bars FRSC from arresting vehicles with faded plate numbers

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

A Federal High Court, in Lagos on Friday, restrained the Federal Road Safety Corps from arresting vehicles with faded number plates. The court also ordered the restriction of the FRSC from imposing any fine or punishment on any driver for driving with a faded vehicle number plate. Justice Aluko made the orders while delivering judgment in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/253/2024, filed by Chinwike Chamberlain Ezebube against FRSC. The applicant, Ezebube, in an Originating Summons dated January 12, 2024 and filed on February 13, 2024, by his lawyer, U.G.Nwokedi, had asked…

Alaafin Stool: My story of betrayal and lessons for life -Prince Ladigbolu

Jide Ige

Popular Oyo Prince and a major contender for the Alaafin of Oyo throne, Prince Ayobami Ladigbolu, has recounted his experiences during the crown contest. In a statement published on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Ladigbolu congratulated the new Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owoade, describing his emergence as divinely ordained. Reflecting on the competition, the prince expressed disappointment that some of his initial supporters abandoned him in favour of other candidates due to financial constraints. “I learned the value of money in one’s life from the race for the crown of Alaafinate.…

EFCC to arraign FirstBank’s ex-Chairman, Otudeko, ex-CEO, Onasanya for N12.3bn fraud

Jide Ige

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is set to arraign Oba Otudeko, a former chairman of First Bank of Nigeria FBN Holdings, and Stephen Bisi Onasanya, a former Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria Limited before a Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged N12.3billion loot. According to reports, Otudeko who is the chairman of Honeywell Group and Onasanya, now CEO of Address Home Limited, will be arraigned alongside a former board member of Honeywell, Soji Akintayo and a firm, Anchorage Leisure Limited linked to Otudeko. Otudeko, Onasanya,…

Gov., Sanwo-olu not involved in Obasa’s impeachment -Akosile

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has denied involvement in the impeachment of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa. Obasa was impeached on Monday by the lawmakers. The Deputy Speaker, Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda was immediately unanimously elected as the new speaker, thus emerging as the first female speaker of the House. Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, described Obasa’s impeachment as a strict legislative affair devoid of politics or the state government’s influence or interference. “It is purely a legislative matter and…

Nine Oyo Royal families tackle Gov. Makinde, Awise Agbaye, Prof. Wande Abimbola over Owoade’s choice as Alaafin-elect

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Princes from nine royal families in Oyo, collectively known as the Atiba 9say they have rejected the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. The Atiba 9 described his appointment as unacceptable and a blatant disregard for Oyo’s revered traditions. Recall that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, presented the staff of office to the Alaafin-designate on Monday. The Atiba 9 criticised the decision, accusing Makinde of basing his action on a proclamation by US-based Awise Agbaye, Prof Wande Abimbola, who claimed that Ifa chose Owoade as…

How church members arrested gospel singer, Timi Ajayi with girlfriend’s severed head at river bank

Jide Ige

The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a gospel singer, Timilehin Ajayi, for allegedly killing and dismembering his 24-year-old girlfriend, Salome Enejo, a member of the National Youth Service Corps, for suspected ritual purposes. The command’s spokesperson, Ramhan Nansel, told PUNCH Metro in an exclusive interview that Enejo was a corps member serving in Abuja before the suspect brutally murdered her. The suspect, Ajayi, was apprehended by churchgoers on Sunday in Orozo, a community bordering the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Nasarawa State after he was found carrying a polybag…

Kebbi suspected bandits offer Policeman N1.06m bribe -Police

Jide Ige

The Kebbi State Police Command of the Nigerian Police has announced that its officer rejected a ₦1,060,000 bribe offered by suspected bandits in the state. This was stated in a release signed by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, and made available to the media in the state on Tuesday. According to the statement, “On January 13, 2025, at about 1800hrs, one Umaru Garba ‘m’ aged 53yrs of Dangandu village, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji Mamman ‘m’ aged 51yrs of Maimaichi village, all of Arewa LGA, and Usman Muhammadu ‘m’ aged 50yrs…

Alaafin’s Enthronement: The tales of two Oracles and Olu’awo of Oyo State!

Jide Ige

Oyo State’s sobriquet was not acquired without historical evidence or background. The word – pacesetter – became a watchword as a result of the dint of unceasing work to distinguish itself among the states in Nigeria. Ajise bi Oyo ni anri, Oyo o nse bi baba eni kookan literally translates thus, Oyo is unique and it’s the cynosure of other eyes to behold in all its strife for the best. It’s not a copycat of any in whatever it does to justify its existence. This goes to confirms its originality…

Obasa, Lagos Speaker impeached

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has been impeached by members of the House. According to a reliable source, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Lasbat Meranda has been elected to replace him. A video of her swearing has also gone viral on social media. The Deputy Chief Whip, Fatai Mojeed is elected as the Deputy Speaker. Obasa has been engulfed in a series of controversial circumstances in terms of financial dealings. The terse statement reads, “Obasa is impeached and the deputy speaker, Mojisola Meranda elected speaker. Mojeed…

Alleged Bribery Scandal and Bad Debt: Why Lukmon Gbadegesin lost out on Alaafin stool

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

On Friday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. Makinde communicated the approval to the general public via Dotun Oyelade, the state’s commissioner for information and orientation. Owoade succeeds the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi who died on April 22, 2022, aged 83. Interestingly, the announcement came a day after five kingmakers in Oyo Town rejected a directive issued by the governor to initiate a fresh selection process for the Alaafin of Oyo throne. The kingmakers, consisting of Yusuf Akinade,…

I met Alaafin Owoade first time yesterday – Gov. Makinde

Jide Ige

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has maintained that he decided not to meddle in the appointment of the new Alaafin of Oyo because of his administration’s belief in openness and transparency. Makinde made the revelation on Monday, January 13, at the state government’s council chambers, in Ibadan during the presentation of staff of office to the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade. “I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday. I did…

Gov. Makinde installs new Alaafin of Oyo as Oba Owoade gets staff of office

Jide Ige

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has presented the staff of the office to new Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Abimbola Akeem Owoade. The governor presented the official instrument legitimising the reign of a king to the new monarch on Monday morning at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital. The symbolic event was performed nearly three years after the death of the former Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III. The presentation of the staff of office was done amid controversy concerning the choice of the…

NNPCL diverted N2.68tn, $9.77m, shunned probe invitations – Report

Jide Ige

Amid its controversial financial dealings that have negatively impacted the nation’s financial standing, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has been accused by the Auditor-General of the Federation of diverting a total sum of N2.68tn and $9.77m in the last four years. Findings by Sunday PUNCH using the Auditor-General’s annual reports published between 2017 and 2021 showed that N1.33tn was diverted in 2017, N681.02bn in 2019, N151.12bn, ($19.77m) in 2020 and N514bn in 2021 amounting to N2.68tn and $19.77m over four years. The reports, which were submitted to the National…

Deadly wish

Jide Ige

Tinu, Tola and Rita have been friends for about 20 years. They all started small but God has been kind to them. Their marriages are still intact too. So, we can safely say that they are lucky or blessed. That is not to say they have not had seasons that looked like God was not on their side. Tinu lost two precious pregnancies. Rita lost one of two sons and Tola had to wait 10 years for a second child. As for their marriages, the storms came. Rita’s husband went…

Portrait of a Narcissist

Jide Ige

By ‘Lanre Ogundipe _Nobody can be kinder than the narcissist while you react to life in his own terms_ – _Elizabeth Bowen_ We have reached a stage where Nigerians should be really interested in the character and predilection of their leadership. In matured climes, political suitors are dissected before elected. Time has come to render out of vogue, the unhealthy practice of pre-election endorsement before dissection of the character, mental status and psycho-composition of prospective leadership. A school of thought canvassing for the conduct of psychiatrist examination – you may…

US repatriates $52.88m Diezani Alison-Madueke’s loot to Nigeria

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The Federal Government has received $52.88 million in recovered assets linked to a former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, from the United States of America. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, disclosed this during the formal signing ceremony of the asset agreement between Nigeria and the United States in Abuja on Friday. In his remarks, Fagbemi, according to Channels TV reports, explained that $50 million of the recovered assets would be deployed through the World Bank for the development of rural electrification projects, while the…

Nigeria’s defence chief, Musa asks UN to probe training, funding of Boko Haram

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Nigeria has called on the United Nations to investigate the funding and training of the Boko Haram terrorists. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, made the call in a recent interview he had with Al-Jazeera. Musa said there was international flow of funding for the terrorists, stressing the need for the UN to come in to trace and track it. The defence chief, who questioned how the insurgents had sustained themselves for 15 years, also fingered international conspiracy in providing the terrorists with funds, training and equipment.…

Cross River Commissioner dies after state council meeting

Jide Ige

Commissioner for Tourism and Culture in Cross River State, Mr Abubakar Ewa, is dead. The Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang confirmed the incident to newsmen. Ekoang said, “He was actually with us at the state council meeting with His Excellency where he even moved a motion. “But at about 4pm, he moved to the governor and whispered something to him. Perhaps he was requesting permission to leave the meeting. “We saw him moved out, telling a colleague he had a headache. When the meeting ended, we stepped out to collect…

Court Order Blacklists Nduka Obaigbena, family from financial transactions over $718m First Bank Debt

Jide Ige

The Lagos Division of the Federal High Court has ordered all banks operating in Nigeria to blacklist media executive Nduka Obaigbena and members of his family over alleged debt to First Bank of Nigeria. The December 30, 2024 Mareva order also sought to prevent Mr Obaigbena from moving any assets linked to him from the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. First Bank had filed a debt-recovery suit against Mr Obaigbena and his family members, including Efe Damilola Obaigbena and Olabisi Eka Obaigbena, saying they used their oil servicing firm…

Amidst controversy, face-off with Kingmakers, Makinde names Owoade as new Alaafin

Jide Ige

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. Owoade will succeed the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the former Alaafin, who died on April 22, 2022. The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade. Oyelade stated that Owoade was chosen after extensive consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the Oyo kingmakers, the Oyomesi. “Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and…

I was an almajiri -Mele Kyari

Jide Ige

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, has expressed gratitude to Allah for the privilege to grow from an Almajiri school pupil into becoming the head of NNPCL. In a post via X on Wednesday to celebrate his 60th birthday, the NNPC Boss expressed appreciation for the “exceptional” privilege given to him by former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu to serve as the last Group Managing Director of the NNPC and the pioneer CEO of the NNPC Ltd. In the post,…

ALEBIOSU: In line with our vision, FirstBank is well-positioned to break new grounds in 2025 and beyond

Jide Ige

As the foremost Nigerian bank, First Bank of Nigeria Limited no doubt has a history of curating products and services that not only meet the immediate and future needs of its customers. In this interview with THISDAY, the bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu described 2025 as the beginning of the bank’s new strategic planning horizon when it is poised to double down on its market dominance position across all the markets where the bank operates. What’s your view on the global economic outlook in 2025, and what…

GTCO raises ₦209bn in first phase of equity capital raise programme

Jide Ige

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO Plc” or the “Group”) (NGX: GTCO) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the first tranche of its equity capital raise programme, following the completion of the capital verification exercise conducted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the approval of the Basis of Allotment of the Offer by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Offer, which garnered substantial interest from domestic retail investors, raised a total of ₦209.41 billion from 130,617 valid applications for 4,705,800,290 Ordinary Shares, fully allotted. This…

Access Holdings win ‘Company of the Year’ at Nigerian of the Year 2024

Jide Ige

Access Holdings Plc., the parent company of Access Bank has emerged as Company of the Year at the Nigerian of the Year 2024 awards The award, instituted in 2010 by National Infinity Magazine, has honoured notable Nigerians and institutions from all walks of life including public servants and business people and has expanded into recognitions for deserving corporate organisations. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the governor of Ekiti State and a well-respected philanthropist monarch from Southwest Nigeria, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, in Osun State, were…

We are monitoring situations on the Human Metapneumovirus -NCDC

Jide Ige

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says it is closely monitoring global developments on the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Director-General of the agency , Dr Jide Idris, said this in a public health advisory on Monday night. He said an Entry Implementation Protocol on HMPV, approved by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, is being developed and will be distributed to all points of entry to guide response activities. Idris said the country’s surveillance system does not indicate any unusual increase in respiratory infections, including those caused…

Foremost celeb, Adebisi Edionseri ‘Cash Madam’ dies, buried in Abeokuta

Jide Ige

A popular socialite and businesswoman, Princess Adebisi Edionseri, popularly known as Cash Madam, has died at the age of 89. She reportedly died after a brief illness on Sunday, January 5, 2025, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Her death was announced in a statement on behalf of the family by one of her children, Dr Adebayo Adebowale. The statement noted that the renowned businesswoman and foremost socialite touched many lives in her family and community, as she was a “shining example of grace, dignity and unwavering faith.” “With deep…