Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Stanbic IBTC empowers youths via DiSEP initiative Stanbic IBTC Bank Stanbic IBTC Holdings has graduated the fourth cohort of its youth empowerment and digital skills development and inducted the fifth cohort. In a statement on Sunday, it was indicated that the empowerment was done under its Digital Skills Empowerment Programme. DiSEP, a flagship corporate social responsibility initiative of Stanbic IBTC, equips young Nigerians with relevant digital and employability skills, bridging the gap between academic training and the requirements of the modern workplace. The newly inducted DiSEP 5.0 cohort will run until March 2026 and places greater emphasis on gender…

UMZA Air commences Abuja–Ilorin flights with low fares UMZA Air. Photo credit: World Airline UMZA Air on Sunday began commercial flights on the Abuja–Ilorin route with what the airline described as permanently cheaper airfares for travellers using the Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin. The Managing Director/Accountable Manager of UMZA Aviation Services Limited, Mr Anachuna Henry, told The PUNCH that the airline deliberately pegged its ticket prices between N145,000 and N180,000, insisting that the rates are “almost 60 per cent cheaper” than what passengers currently pay on the route. Henry explained that the low pricing was not a promotional launch…

Lookman solidifies Atalanta victory with second goal against Fiorentina Lookman celebrates goal for Atalanta Ademola Lookman was mpressive on Sunday as he found the net once more as Atalanta secured a confident 2-0 victory over Fiorentina. Atalanta dominated the contest from the outset, and their persistence was rewarded in the 41st minute when Odilon Kossounou opened the scoring with a stunning strike. Meeting a clever pass from Charles De Ketelaere on the edge of the box, the Ivorian defender stepped inside his marker and unleashed a curling effort into the top corner, an unstoppable finish that capped a fluid attacking…

FairMoney gets credit ratings upgrade from GCR Global Credit Ratings has upgraded the national scale issuer ratings of FairMoney Microfinance Bank. FairMoney’s long-term rating was raised from BBB(NG) to BBB+(NG), while its short-term rating has been upgraded from A3(NG) to A2(NG). The outlook remains stable. Fairmoney MFB, announcing the upgrade, said that the new ratings reflected improvements in the Nigerian microfinance sector and reinforced its strong industry position, supported by its scale, advanced technology, and operational efficiency. GCR highlighted FairMoney’s consistent earnings, strong cash flow generation, and flexible funding structure, which is further strengthened by support from its parent company,…

2025 Trade Fair: FG declares huge success, showcases Nigeria’s rising capacity Ndanusa and Rimi The Federal Government has described the 2025 Nigeria International Trade Fair as a powerful demonstration of Nigeria’s industrial potential, investor confidence and ambition to strengthen its position as a leading export and manufacturing hub on the African continent. Speaking at the end of the closing ceremony of the Nigeria International Trade Fair on Saturday in Lagos, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, said the fair showcased the country’s capacity to drive economic transformation through innovation, private-sector partnerships…

Churches should be permitted to protect themselves against banditry — Ex-PFN president Rev Felix Omobude A former President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rev. Felix Omobude, has said there is nothing wrong with churches and Christians seeking protection through appropriate and lawful channels during services and other activities. Omobude, who spoke in an interview with journalists in Benin, Edo State on Sunday, said such measures have become necessary due to the deliberate targeting of Christians by terrorist groups for killings and abductions. He warned that the situation would become chaotic and even more complicated if Christians resorted to bearing…

Buy rice as low as N57000, Lagos slashes price Bags of rice. Credit: Pinterest As some farmers’ associations in Lagos State have predicted a further drop in the price of rice ahead of the yuletide, following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s reduction of Lagos rice prices. The farmers spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos. Lagos State Governor recently slashed the price of Lagos rice from N64,000 to N57,000 per bag. The Vice Chairman of the All Farmers Association Southwest, Lagos State chapter, Mr Sakin Agbayewa, commended the state government for the strategic move. Agbayewa…

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu Features on Globacom-Sponsored African Voices Changemakers Nigerian media personality and Big Brother Naija host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, is the guest on CNN International’s acclaimed magazine show, African Voices, this week. The 30-minute show, sponsored by telecommunications leader, Globacom, gives viewers an in-depth look at Ebuka’s journey and impact. Born on July 14, 1982, Ebuka first entered the spotlight as a contestant on the inaugural edition of Big Brother Naija in 2006. Since then, he has become the show’s longest-serving host, captivating audiences with his charisma and style. A Law graduate of the University of Abuja, Ebuka also holds a…

Ogun to offer free lead testing for Ogijo residents over alleged poisoning As part of its continuous efforts to get to the root of an alleged lead poisoning in Ogijo community caused by seven used lead-acid battery (ULAB) recycling industries, the Ogun State Government is to conduct a “Free Lead Poisoning Test” on the residents of the town, especially those living around the six ULAB industries and their workers. Suspension of ingot export from the state in Ogijo community by seven recently shut Used Lead Acid Battery (ULAB) recycling industries arose from a viral video, which has led to the…

Sahara Group Foundation Awards USD 130,000 To 20 African EXTRApreneurs Ade Odunsi, Executive Director, Sahara Group, flanked by recipients of the Sahara Group Foundation Sahara Impact Fund and Making A Difference Around Africa Grant The Sahara Group Foundation (SGF), the social impact arm of Sahara Group, a leading energy and infrastructure conglomerate, has awarded over USD 130,000 to 20 outstanding African EXTRApreneurs under its flagship Sahara Impact Fund (SIF) Cohort 4 and Making A Difference Around Africa (MADAA) initiatives. For nearly two decades, the Sahara Group Foundation has been a catalyst for sustainable development across Africa, investing in programmes that…