Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Elegbede Abiodun For an average 9-5er, having a job isn’t enough. You want a career that grows with you, gives you stability, and opens doors to bigger opportunities. People everywhere are looking for workplaces that don’t just pay salaries but actually invest in their staff, helping them learn, lead, and succeed. That’s exactly what FirstBank is doing. The Bank is building a future where every employee has the opportunity to grow, lead, and thrive. Through its human capital management and development agenda, FirstBank is creating numerous pathways for staff to transform their careers and become tomorrow’s leaders. Conversion Programme: Turning…

Elegbede Abiodun There is a version of the Nigerian economy that the banking sector has always served well. It is the economy of salaried professionals, corporate treasurers, documented collateral, and monthly pay cycles. It is the economy that fits neatly into conventional credit models, standard account structures, and the risk frameworks that Nigerian banking inherited from its colonial and post independence institutional architecture. That economy is real, and serving it matters. There is another version. It is the economy of the cooperative chairwoman in Ogun whose members pool contributions weekly. The textile trader in Balogun who turns inventory four times…

Elegbede Abiodun Adron Homes and Properties Limited delivered a commanding performance at the grand finale of the 2026 Ibadan Cultural Festival, firmly establishing its dominance as Nigeria’s leading real estate brand. At the iconic Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, the company did not just sponsor the event, it took control of the narrative, transforming the cultural celebration into a powerful showcase of brand strength, innovation, and market authority. With the presence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, alongside a distinguished assembly of traditional rulers, high chiefs, and top government dignitaries, Adron Homes leveraged the high-profile…

Elegbede Abiodun The leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken steps to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force to enhance the security of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure. Chairman of the NCC Board, Idris Olorunnimbe, alongside the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Aminu Maida, paid a strategic working visit on Friday to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting focused on deepening inter-agency cooperation to safeguard critical telecommunications assets amid rising incidents of vandalism, theft, and other security threats across the sector. A key highlight of the discussions…

Manny Ita  – The Nigerian Navy has confiscated more than 457,000 litres of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products while dismantling 22 illegal refining sites in the first quarter of 2026. The operation, carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel, targeted oil theft activities across key Niger Delta states, including Delta State, Bayelsa State, Rivers State, and Akwa Ibom State. During the period: A vessel, MV Amukpoye, carrying about 180 tons of diesel was seized. Eight suspects linked to the vessel were arrested. A total of 98 suspects were apprehended. More than 98 illegal refining pits were destroyed. Recovered products…

Manny Ita  – Global oil prices climbed sharply in early Asian trading on Monday as renewed geopolitical tensions and stalled diplomacy rattled energy markets. Benchmark crude prices saw significant gains, with Brent rising to $96.30 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) reaching $90.22. The surge reflects mounting concerns over instability in the Middle East and potential disruptions to global supply. Analysts attribute the spike to a combination of risks, including escalating military tensions, uncertainty around key shipping routes, and doubts over ongoing diplomatic efforts. A major concern remains the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage that handles a significant…

Manny Ita  – Nine years after their compulsory retirement, 38 senior officers of the Nigerian Army remain out of service despite multiple court rulings declaring their dismissal unlawful and ordering their reinstatement. The officers, who were retired on June 9, 2016, have pursued all available legal and institutional channels, securing favourable judgments from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria and the Court of Appeal, as well as support from the National Assembly. However, none of these interventions has resulted in their return to service. One of the affected officers, Ojebo Ochankpa, died in 2017 while still seeking justice. His family…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria has taken a major step in strengthening its security capabilities following a new agreement with Türkiye to establish a military training facility within the country. The deal, part of broader defence and diplomatic cooperation, will also see about 200 Nigerian special forces personnel travel to Türkiye for advanced training. The initiative is aimed at improving the operational effectiveness of Nigeria’s security forces, particularly in tackling terrorism and insurgency. Officials say the planned training facility in Nigeria will serve as a long-term hub for capacity building, allowing for continuous skill development, intelligence sharing, and joint exercises between…

Manny Ita – Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance Nigeria has strongly refuted allegations of “hidden spending” raised in the latest report by the World Bank, clarifying that all deductions from the Federation Account are lawful and tied to legitimate fiscal responsibilities. Responding to the claims, Minister Taiwo Oyedele stated that the deductions in question are not “leakages” but rather reflect statutory obligations предусмотрed within Nigeria’s public finance framework. These include legally mandated transfers as well as critical expenditures, particularly those related to national security. According to the minister, the Federation Account—where revenues collected by the federal government are pooled for…

Manny Ita – The April 2026 Nigeria Development Update released by the World Bank has identified Early Childhood Development (ECD) as a critical driver of Nigeria’s long-term economic productivity and growth. The report emphasizes that investing in children’s health, nutrition, education, and overall well-being from an early age can significantly shape the country’s human capital outcomes. According to the report, Nigeria faces persistent challenges in early childhood indicators, including limited access to quality preschool education, inadequate nutrition, and gaps in healthcare services for young children. These factors, if not addressed, could hinder the country’s ability to build a skilled and…