Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Edo Govt Demolishes Properties Linked to Cultism in Uromi …15 Arrested With Illicit Drugs in Separate Raid The Edo State Government has begun demolishing properties allegedly linked to cult activities in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, as part of intensified efforts to curb kidnapping, cultism and other criminal acts across the state. The action followed a major security raid on 17 November 2025 by the State’s Special Security Squad, conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. During that operation, 31 suspects were arrested at various hideouts, while leaders of the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities—accused…

Awujale stool: In accordance to my lineage, I qualify for Awujale throne — K1 De-Ultimate File Photo: Fuji artist, Wasiu Ayinde, known as KWAM1 Legendary Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De-Ultimate, has countered critics questioning his lineage and his intention to become the next Awujale of Ijebuland. He said it was his right to take over the vacant stool while performing on stage at an event on Sunday. While performing, the popular musician invoked the spirit of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, to intercede in the controversial claim of his lineage. According to him,…

Stanbic IBTC Bank Champions Economic Growth Through Strategic Partnership With African Development Bank Stanbic IBTC Bank, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings and one of Nigeria’s leading financial services institutions, has reinforced its commitment to driving sustainable economic growth through a strategic partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB). The initiative enhances the bank’s ability to channel long‑term funding into critical areas of the Nigerian economy, including trade, infrastructure, and small and medium‑sized enterprises (MSMEs). By strengthening its capital base, Stanbic IBTC is positioning itself to provide greater resilience and expand access to finance for businesses that drive job creation…

FG presents N50m equity-free grant for tertiary students The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa. Credit: X | Maruf Tunji Alausa … targets full-time students in federal, state, and private tertiary institution. The Federal Government on Monday unveiled a N50 million Student Venture Capital Grant, aimed at promoting innovation, research excellence, and entrepreneurship across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. Speaking at the official launch in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the programme represents a strategic national investment in young innovators and aligns directly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Education. Alausa described the S-VCG as…

Jaiz Bank joins global liquidity primary dealer Jaiz Bank Jaiz Bank has signed an agreement with the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM), becoming the first financial institution in Africa to join the global network of IILM’s primary dealers. The agreement was formalised during the liquidity management capacity building conference organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and IILM in Abuja. IILM is an international organisation that issues high-quality, short-term, Shariah-compliant liquidity instruments that are widely accepted by regulators and central banks across the world. Managing Director, Jaiz Bank Plc, Dr. Haruna Musa, described the development as a major…

Stanbic IBTC enhances digital retail lending Stanbic IBTC Bank, a member of Standard Bank Group, has launched its Digital Lending Suite, an integrated platform that consolidates all the bank’s retail loan offerings into one digital access point. The platform has products such as EZ Cash, Unsecured Personal Loan (UPL) and many more consumer loan options reflecting the bank’s commitment to simplifying borrowing and strengthening financial inclusion through technology. The Digital Lending Suite was developed in response to customers’ evolving needs for convenient, secure, and reliable credit solutions. By providing seamless access to multiple loan products via digital channels, the bank…

How I escaped from Benin coup attempt – Dele Momodu Dele Momodu Dele Momodu, the publisher and politician, has explained how he could have been involved in the recent Benin Republic coup attempt except for last-minute issues with his vehicle’s papers. According to him, the setback with particulars “was what saved us” as it stopped the journey he planned to start at 5 a.m., which would have had him in Benin Republic at the exact period the coup was unfolding. Momodu stated his experience on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday. He said: “Yesterday, to me, was very surreal. I…

Alternative Bank champions youth tech empowerment The Alternative Bank has championed the call for the provision of critical tech resources to young innovators. According to a statement from the bank on Sunday, the call was made at the Jericho Businessmen Club’s third Annual Socio-Economic Summit, which brought together business leaders, policy influencers, and members of the academic community, focused on building sustainable economic models and addressing the widening digital skills gap among Nigerian youths. The non-interest lender emphasised that sustainable nation-building must be anchored on deliberate investments in human capital, with young innovators requiring ecosystem support, mentorship, and access to…

Mental Health and Sustainability: The Untapped Pillar of ESG. Not all diplomats wear suits, some wear purpose – DeeEnvoy When we talk about sustainability, our minds often go to climate change, carbon footprints, or clean energy. Yet, hidden in plain sight is another crisis that silently erodes our resilience mental health. For too long, mental well-being has been treated as a private concern rather than a collective responsibility. But if the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it is this: mental health is a sustainability issue, and sustainability is a mental health issue. Globally, untreated mental health challenges account for more…

Nigeria’s Role in Thwarting Benin Republic Coup Attempt Nigeria has confirmed that its fighter jets and ground forces intervened to help the Benin Republic’s military thwart a coup attempt in Cotonou on Sunday, marking the latest flashpoint in a region increasingly destabilised by military uprisings. According to a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the Benin government formally requested Nigerian military assistance through a diplomatic note after soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri seized the national television station and announced the suspension of democratic institutions. President Bola Tinubu authorised the Nigerian Air Force to deploy fighter jets into Benin’s airspace…