Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

The spokesman for the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina. Credit: Dangote Group Dangote Industries Limited is partnering with the Niger State Government to accelerate industrialisation, attract investment, and expand economic opportunities in the state. According to a statement by the Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company is collaborating with the state government on several economic initiatives. The statement stated that apart from sponsoring the annual trade fair, Dangote Rice Limited had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the state government for the supply of paddy rice over the next 10 years. “According to the MoU, Dangote Rice…

A new renewable energy financing platform targeting large-scale private investment in Nigeria’s distributed power sector has been launched, with promoters seeking to raise $188m to support solar infrastructure projects nationwide. The Green Finance Investment Facility, led by Barton Heyman Limited in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency, UK PACT, First City Monument Bank, and ARM Harith Infrastructure Investment Limited, aims to finance 191 megawatts of distributed solar capacity for households, communities, and businesses across the country. The initiative, according to a statement from the partners on Tuesday, also supports the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up programme, a Federal Government-backed…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved Nigeria’s bid to host the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards and the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly. The approval was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). According to the federation, President Tinubu approved the ongoing Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, following a high-level meeting with CAF President Patrice Motsepe. Those present at the meeting included Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau; former NFF President and Special Adviser to the CAF President, Amaju Pinnick; and CAF…

Manny Ita  – The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following reports that popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has passed away at the age of 40 after an alleged battle with cancer. According to multiple reports, the actor reportedly died earlier this week after months of health complications that had kept him away from public appearances and social media. His prolonged absence from the spotlight had sparked concern among fans and colleagues long before news of his reported death emerged. Known for his roles in blockbuster Nollywood productions such as Weekend Getaway, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, and Afamefuna,…

Since its launch in Nigeria’s banking landscape, Optimus Bank has stood out for its innovation, resilience, and customer-focused banking solutions. Built on strong corporate foundations and driven by technology, the bank continues to expand its footprint across key sectors of the economy, writes Omolabake Fasogbon.  In a banking industry reshaped by tighter regulation, capital requirements, and heightened competition, Optimus Bank Limited has emerged as one of the standout performers following its success in the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recent recapitalization exercise. The bank’s ability to not only meet the N200 billion capital threshold for national banks but also deliver impressive…

President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe and President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu in handshake. Credit: CAF Elegbede Abiodun “They discussed several topics, particularly cooperation between the government, football, and the private sector in Nigeria and in Africa.” The president of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting with President Bola Tinubu during the ongoing Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. During the meeting, the leaders discussed ways to strengthen collaboration between governments, the football ecosystem, and the private sector to drive development initiatives in Nigeria and across the…

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has announced a shift from manual and paper-based licensing processes to a fully digital platform for pilots, engineers, medical personnel and other aviation professionals. The new digital regime, expected to take effect from July 2, 2026, is aimed at eliminating the long delays and bureaucratic bottlenecks that have for years frustrated aviation professionals seeking licences, renewals and certifications from the regulatory authority. Speaking on Tuesday at the unveiling of the Modern Personnel Licensing and Certification, NCAA Digital Transformation Initiative PEL/MED Stakeholder Engagement held at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt.…

Elegbede Abiodun The agency currently records daily patronage of “over 42,266 passengers daily with an average of 1,000 bus trips every day.” The Lagos State Government has said the Lagos Bus Services Limited currently records over 42,000 passenger movements daily through about 1,000 bus trips across the state, as part of efforts to expand affordable public transportation. The figure was disclosed in a statement signed on Tuesday by the Director of Public Affairs, Bolanle Ogunlola, and presented during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing marking the third year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term. The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi,…

File photo: Rabiu Kwankwaso. Elegbede Abiodun At the party’s national convention on Saturday in Abuja, Kwankwaso backed the NDC’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, describing it as a step toward fairness, healing and national cohesion. A former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Kwankwaso, says he and some “leadership in the north” did an assessment of potential allies before settling on Peter Obi as the most capable partner to prosecute the 2027 presidential campaign. He dismissed concerns about a hidden power struggle between his camp and Obi’s. Kwankwaso made the disclosure…

Fidelity Bank Plc has reported a 45 percent increase in gross earnings for the 2025 financial year, as the lender’s shareholders’ funds crossed the N1 trillion mark following sustained balance sheet expansion and fresh capital injection. Analysis from the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, reveals that the bank delivered robust results across key financial metrics, including Gross Earnings, which stood at N1.5 trillion, up from N1,04 trillion reported in 2024. Net Interest Income rose to N831.3 billion, compared to N629.7 billion in 2024, reflecting the bank’s stronger earnings capacity amid elevated interest rates and growth…