Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita Fidelity Bank has officially crossed the threshold for international banking authorization following the successful completion of a ₦259 billion private placement, a move that elevates the institution into the “Tier-1” conversation. Executed in a record single day on December 31, 2025, the transaction involved the sale of shares to a select group of pre-qualified institutional investors. This rapid execution, which bypassed the typical ten-day window allowed by Nigerian Exchange (NGX) regulations, was made possible as the bank had secured firm commitments from investors prior to the official opening. ​With the addition of these funds, Fidelity’s total eligible capital…

Earlier, Ndidi promised to pay Eagles’ bonuses if FG fails by Saturday File: Wilfred Ndidi FG and CBN have responded positively. Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, said he has made a commitment to his teammates and officials that he would settle their unpaid match bonuses at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco if the Federal Government fails to pay before Saturday, when they will face Algeria in the quarter-finals. Ndidi was quoted by BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji on Thursday after the Federal Government, through the Office of the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, had promised…

NCC, CBN, For Failed Airtime And Data Transactions, Launch Unified Refund Framework The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have concluded plans to roll out a joint framework aimed at resolving consumer complaints arising from failed airtime and data transactions across Nigeria’s telecommunications and financial systems. The framework, developed in line with the consumer protection mandates of both regulators, is designed to address situations where subscribers are debited for airtime or data purchases but do not receive the service due to network downtime, system failures, or human input errors. This was disclosed in a statement…

Rivers APC rejects Fubara’s impeachment The All Progressives Congress, APC, Rivers State chapter, has strongly go against the move by the State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy. The Assembly on Thursday began an impeachment process against Fubara over alleged misconduct. The impeachment notice is expected to be issued to the governor and his deputy in the next seven days. Responding, the Rivers APC, in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Darlington Nwauju, rejected the move. “Our position as at today on this matter is that we solemnly reject the resort to an impeachment…

Unity Bank Disburses Over N270 Million To Corpreneurship Winners Encouraging corps members to harness business ideas, feasibility, market demand and job-creation to their potentials. Unity Bank Plc has disbursed over N270 million in grants to young Nigerian entrepreneurs under its Youth Entrepreneurship Development Initiative: Corpreneurship Challenge, bringing the total number of beneficiaries since inception in 2019 to 608 corps members nationwide. The initiative, implemented in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) through its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, continues to equip fresh graduates with the funding, confidence, and support required to launch and scale viable businesses.…

After Bail, Ex-Minister Malami Fears Fresh Arrest By DSS Malami, his wife and son Abubakar Abdulaziz were granted bail on Wednesday. Former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami has raised concerns about potential rearrest by security agencies despite receiving court-approved bail. Through his media aide Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami’s office claimed Wednesday it had received intelligence that Department of State Services operatives were monitoring Kuje Correctional Centre, preparing to detain him again on what he termed “trumped-up charges” upon his release. The statement described this as threatening due process and personal safety, calling the pattern of granting bail followed by fresh arrests an…

Rivers Assembly To Impeach Fubara, Sets Up Proceedings …says gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and deputy. The political situation in Rivers State shifted again on Thursday as members of the State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Oduh. At a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, formally read the notice detailing allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara. The notice, which was endorsed by 26 lawmakers, accused the governor of actions allegedly in violation of the Nigerian Constitution. Amaewhule announced that…

U.S. rolls out $15,000 Visa Bond requirement for Nigerians President Donald Trump The United States government has unveiled a new visa policy which will require Nigerian citizens seeking B1/B2 business and tourist visas to post refundable financial bonds of up to $15,000 as part of tightened travel requirements. Under the updated rules released by the U.S. Department of State, nationals of Nigeria and 37 other countries identified by Washington as having “high-risk” immigration profiles must pay a visa bond set at either $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, before their visa application can proceed. The exact amount will be determined by a…

Sanwo-Olu celebrates Ibijoke @ 59th birthday, says compassionate Christian Sanwo-Olu and Ibijoke The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rejoiced with his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on her 59th birthday. He described her as a courageous, kind-hearted and strong pillar of support. Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, a medical doctor by profession, the First Lady and Chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), clocks 59 on Thursday, January 8. Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, described the Lagos State First Lady as a…

YMR offers N24m business grants File Copy: YMR Convener, Pastor Daniel Olawande • Business grants to over 1,000 young entrepreneurs through collaboration. In a move signalling a broadened focus beyond spiritual formation, the Young Ministers Retreat has partnered with Premium Trust Bank to provide N24m in business grants to young entrepreneurs. In a statement, it was noted that the 2025 Young Ministers Retreat concluded at Redemption City with a landmark shift in its mission, awarding N24m (approx. $15,000+) in business grants to over 1,000 young entrepreneurs. The statement said, “The four-day event, traditionally known for its rigorous spiritual focus on…