Allegations of money laundering, tax evasion trail Rev. Mother Ajayi’s suspected ban from UK

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Who is after Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, the General Overseer of Love of Christ (LOC) Generation Church, United Kingdom? This is the mind-boggling question that has been troubling many of her admirers and followers. The highly revered evangelist, preacher, motivational speaker and philanthropist has become a subject of derision among some Nigerians living abroad, especially in the United Kingdom, where her church is based. The church, which sources said is small, is reportedly located in Clapham, London. Sources disclosed that Iya Adura, as Rev’d Mother Ajayi is fondly called,…

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How four staff died in Lagos lounge inferno -Police

Jide Ige

The Police Command in Lagos State has confirmed the death of four staffers in a fire accident that occurred on Sunday at a lounge and bar in Baale Road, Olodi Apapa area. The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to journalists on Monday in Lagos. Hundeyin said that a distress call was received at Tolu Division that fire gutted a lounge and bar on Sunday at 07:45 a.m. “Based on the report, teams of policemen and firefighters were swiftly mobilised to the scene and the fire was successfully put…

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How Libyan authorities maltreated Nigeria’s Super Eagles

Jide Ige

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has narrated how its male national team, the Super Eagles were dehumanised and maltreated by its Libyan counterparts. The football federation made a 20-Point of a 20-hour ordeal in the north African country. The Libyan Football Federation had in a statement on Monday evening vowed to take legal actions against the Nigeria Football Federation for pulling the Super Eagles out of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Dr Ademola Olajire, the NFF’s Director of Communications, has provided a point-by-point account of how the qualifying match…

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FirstBank elevates online experience with a revamped e-channel

Jide Ige

Lagos, 5 October 2024: FirstBank has announced the full restoration of services on Firstmobile, its mobile banking platform, following a downtime earlier this week which occurred following a recent upgrade of the mobile banking application. Firstmobile is now up and running as the Bank remains committed to delivering seamless and innovative financial services to enhance the digital banking experience of our customers, irrespective of where they may be across the globe. However, customers who still experience challenges in accessing or using their Firstmobile app are encouraged to contact our dedicated…

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CBN issues statement on alleged misinformation on GTCO

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

CBN Sets the Record Straight: Responds to Attempts to Misinform the Banking Public, Reasserts Role as Nation’s Apex Banking Authority. In a show of strong support for Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has set the record straight by debunking false allegations being peddled against GTCO and its Executive Management by faceless and unqualified entities. This was contained in a statement released by the apex banking authority in Nigeria today, reassuring the public that their deposits with Nigerian banks are safe and protected. In the…

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Ogun SSG, Talabi denies link to APC Youth leader’s arrest

Jide Ige

Talabi Olatokunbo, the Secretary to the Ogun State government,has denied involvement in the arrest of the All Progressives Congress Youth Leader for Ijebu Ode Local Government and a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Babatunde Aremu. Aremu was said to have been picked up by the operatives of the Department of State Services in Ijebu Ode on Sunday, over a planned protest slated for today on the crisis rocking the NURTW in the state. A video circulating on Monday showed some people suspected to be security personnel…

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Oluwo takes new title, says Iwo stool superior to others

Jide Ige

Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, Telu 1, the Oluwo of Iwoland, has directed all the general public and his admirers to address him as ‘His Imperial Majesty’ instead of ‘His Royal Majesty’. The Oluwo, who gave the directive through a signed statement posted on his Facebook page on Sunday, said it was not unconnected to the respect his stool command as the direct blood of Oduduwa, natural paramount crown from Iwo’s formation, among other things. Akanbi noted that, unlike many other towns whose kings were promoted from being Baale (Dukes) to Oba…

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Our ordeal, Troost-Ekong laments as NFF pull Super Eagles out of AFCON qualifier with Libya

Jide Ige

The Nigeria Football Federation has decided to pull the Super Eagles out of Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya. This follows a frustrating 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where the team has been stranded since their arrival on Sunday afternoon. The Nigerian delegation was en route to Benghazi for the crucial qualifier when their chartered aircraft was dangerously diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for hajj operations. The unexpected diversion left players and officials stranded without any assistance from…

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Who the Cap Fits! By Lanre Ogundipe

Jide Ige

In 1705, Daniel Defoe published a poem critical of the British parliament in which he wrote, “Gentlemen, and if the Cap fits any Body let ’em wear it.” In Britain, “if the cap fits” is still the norm; but in North America, by the late 18th century, the expression morphed into “if the shoe fits. The shift from cap to shoe might have been influenced by the Cinderalla story, as versions of the story including the lost slipper were well known in the USA and Europe by 1773. “If the…

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VIDEO: Super Eagles held hostage in Libya

Jide Ige

Nigeria’s senior male football team is currently stranded in Libya, where it is to play the second leg of the AFCON 2025 Qualifier game. Following Libya’s 1-0 loss to Nigeria in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, both teams were expected to face off again in Benina, their fourth Group D match. The Super Eagles had departed for Libya on Sunday afternoon, but according to reports from the camp of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), an hour to landing at Benghazi, their destination, the Nigerian aircraft was diverted to Al Abraq,…

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Nigerian Senator loses son in car accident

Jide Ige

Faisal Ahmed Mohammed, the eldest son of former governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, is dead. A source close to the family who craved anonymity, confirmed the death, noting that the deceased was involved in a auto accident. Our Correspondent learnt that the former governor’s son died in an accident along the Kaduna-Zaria expressway on Saturday evening. “The accident occurred along the Kaduna-Zaria highway this evening. He was taken to an undisclosed hospital where he was declared dead. His father was at the hospital; his corpse has been conveyed…

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Air Peace boss, Onyeama indicted by US court over alledged submission of false documents in money laundering probe

Jide Ige

Air Peace, boss, Allen Onyema, has been charged ‘in a superseding indictment with obstruction of justice for submitting false documents to the government in an effort to end an investigation that resulted in earlier charges of bank fraud and money laundering.’ This was contained in a statement released on Saturday by the Justice Department. Ejiroghene Eghagha, the airline’s Chief of Administration and Finance, was also charged for participating in the obstruction scheme, as well as in the earlier bank fraud counts, the statement posted on Justice.gov claimed. “After allegedly using…

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Rebuttal of false news reports against GTCO’s business activities, results and its executive management

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Based on the incessant release of false news reports on GTCO’s business activities, results and its Management Team, it has become necessary to set the records straight and dispel attempts by certain groups to create a false narrative about the GTCO Brand and its Management. The false news articles which are being sponsored using the media, centered around baseless allegations against the Group’s business activities and its Executive Management. Being a responsible corporate citizen and a first class institution, GTCO Plc has taken swift and decisive legal actions against the…

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Zingwina, MKO Abiola’s ex-aide dies at 70

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Jonathan Zingwina, a former Senate Majority Leader and former Director-General of the MKO Abiola campaign Organisation in the June 12, 1993 presidential election has reportedly passed on. Although his family has yet to formally confirm his death, Leadership Newspaper reports that the Adamawa State-born politician died on Wednesday, October 2, at the age of 70 in the nation’s capital, Abuja. He was reported to have died after a protracted illness. The former lawmaker represented Adamawa South Senatorial District in the Senate. He was a founding member of the Peoples Democratic…

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N27bn fraud: Court grants ex-Taraba Gov,. Ishaku, N150m bail

Jide Ige

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku, bail of N150 million in the alleged fraud case valued at N27 billion. Justice Sylvanus Chinedu Oriji ordered Ishaku to produce two sureties in like sum. Ishaku was arraigned on alongside a former Permanent Secretary Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero on a 15-count charge, bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and conversion of public funds in the state to the tune of N27 billion. The judge further ordered that the…

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‘I am not afraid to be killed’ -notorious bandit, Turji declares, seeks dialogue

Jide Ige

Bello Turji, wanted bandit kingpin, has dared the security forces, saying he is not afraid to be killed. He, however, called for dialogue with the federal government to end armed violence in Zamfara State. Turji, who is among the 43 terrorists in the North West declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters, made the call in a five-minute and forty-second video. In the video, Turji confirmed the killing of his boss, Halilu Sububu, saying that Sububu’s killing would not silence him. Turji said that he was willing to lay down his…

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IT Upgrade: Zenith Bank apologises to customers, restores services

Jide Ige

Zenith Bank has announced that it has made significant progress with its information technology infrastructure upgrade and apologised for the inconvenience caused during the process. Recall that following a notification from the bank that it would undergo maintenance from September 29 to October 1, customers of the bank took to social media platforms to express their frustration over difficulties with online banking transactions. Giving an update on Thursday, Zenith Bank’s statement on X.com stated that customers can now access their accounts, make transactions, and enjoy banking services. The statement read,…

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Guaranty Trust Fund Managers Limited Launches Guaranty Trust Investment Fund 724

Jide Ige

Guaranty Trust Fund Managers Limited (“GTFML” or the “Fund Manager”), the asset management subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, today announced the launch of the Guaranty Trust Investment Fund 724 (“Fund 724”), an open-ended, naira-denominated Unit Trust Scheme duly authorised and registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria (SEC). The Scheme lists 10,000,000 Units of ₦100.00 each in the Fund by way of Offer for Subscription and aims to distribute the capital growth it generates from a diversified portfolio of money market instruments, including fixed deposits, commercial papers,…

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Emefiele produced own Naira notes, not what Buhari approved, witness reveals

Jide Ige

A former acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Folashodun Shonubi, on Wednesday, told Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, that intrigues and politics were involved in the naira redesign exercise carried out in 2022. Shonubi, who served as the Deputy Governor of Operations before his appointment as acting CBN Governor and is now retired, appeared in court as a witness in the trial of ex-CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele. He claimed that the redesigned naira notes released by the CBN under…

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US SEC blacklists Nigerian Auditor, Olayinka Oyebola, over alleged Tingo Group’s fraud

Jide Ige

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Nigerian auditor Olayinka Oyebola and his accounting firm, Olayinka Oyebola & Co., for their alleged involvement in a major securities fraud scheme orchestrated by businessman Dozy Mmobuosi, and three U.S.-based companies collectively referred to as the Tingo entities. This comes on the heels of a $250 million judgment that the SEC recently obtained against Mmobuosi and the Tingo entities for their fraudulent activities. According to the SEC’s complaint, Oyebola and his firm played a critical role in enabling Mmobuosi and the…

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NAFDAC intercepts N37m fake cosmetics in Abuja

Jide Ige

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has intensified its campaign against counterfeit cosmetics in Abuja, seizing illegal products worth ₦37 million. Acting on intelligence reports, NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate conducted coordinated raids across several supermarkets and open markets, including Wuse and Garki markets. A statement from the agency on Tuesday via X said, “Several unregistered and counterfeit cosmetics were seized with a total street value of ₦37 million. NAFDAC is committed to investigating the sources of these illegal products and will take strict regulatory action…

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NIGERIA @64: We have repackaged the economy for a brighter future

Jide Ige

President Bola Tinubu has said that Nigeria will remain “a strong, united, and viable sovereign nation”, despite the many challenges that buffeted it. In his 64th Independence Day address on Tuesday morning, the President, who was sworn in on 29 May 2023, said that he assumed leadership of the ” at a critical juncture. The economy faced many headwinds, and our physical security was highly impaired. We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between two paths: reform for progress and prosperity or carry on business-as-usual and…

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UBA’s half-year earnings hit N1.37t

Jide Ige

United Bank for Africa (UBA) has posted a 40 per cent growth in gross earnings to N1.37 trillion in the first half of 2024 from N981.77 billion in the prior period of last year. The pan-African banking group declared an interim dividend of N2 per share for, a 300 per cent increase from the N0.50 declared in the same period of 2023. This was disclosed in its audited financial results for H1 ended 30 June 2024, filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Monday. In the period under review, the…

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FG expands rice subsidy to states

Jide Ige

The Federal Government is expanding its subsidised rice programme to alleviate food insecurity in Nigeria, with sales set to launch in Lagos, Kano, and Borno states, a director at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security stated on Monday. Early in September, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced the launch of the N40,000 per 50kg subsidised rice in Abuja, stating that the initiative was part of a broader strategy to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry. He said the subsidised rice programme aims…

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Two years after flight suspension, Emirates land in Lagos

Jide Ige

Two years after the United Arab Emirates, UAE, flag carrier, Emirates, suspended operations in Nigeria, the Middle East airline, Tuesday, landed at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, MMIA, Lagos. At 3:32 pm, flight number EK 783 touched down at the old terminal of the MMIA, confirming the carrier’s resumption. However, before the flight, a Senior First Officer at Emirates, Moha Madugu, had expressed his happiness on X, formerly Twitter, stating: “A very special day for me today, I have the honour of operating our inaugural return flight to Lagos, Nigeria.…

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H1 2024: Access Holdings grows revenue to N2.2trn

Jide Ige

Access Holdings Plc, a leading global financial institution, announced its half-year audited financial results for the period ended 30 June 2024. The results underscore the company’s continued resilience, focus on delivering sustainable performance and commitment to creating long-term value for shareholders. Performance Highlights Access Holdings Plc demonstrated strong performance across all key balance sheet indicators and continues to maintain a well-structured, healthy, and diversified financial position. This is evident in the resilient half year results from the banking franchise operating in twenty-two markets across four continents and the non-banking subsidiaries…

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Access Holdings donates N1bn to support Maiduguri flood victims

Jide Ige

In a demonstration of its commitment to community support, Access Holdings Plc, leading African financial group, has announced a donation of over N1 billion to assist with relief and recovery efforts in Maiduguri, through its banking vertical – Access Bank Plc. The announcement was made during a visit of the Group’s delegates, led by Bolaji Agbede, acting group chief executive officer, to the Borno State Government House in Maiduguri. The donation, which comes in response to the devastating floods that have severely impacted the region, is aimed at providing both…

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How Bobrisky spent jail term in Kirikiri ‘special cell’

Jide Ige

More details emerged on Friday on what transpired during the six-month jail term of popular cross dresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky. Investigations revealed that the controversial social media influencer after being sentenced for spraying the naira, was taken to the Ikoyi Custodial Centre on April 12, 2024. Sources disclosed that the convict, who had prison number S682/2024, was taken to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, as his presence began to attract attention and generate publicity. A highly credible source said, “He was first moved to the Ikoyi prison where…

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Breaking barriers: Access Bank championing education for every child in Africa

Jide Ige

Children in emergency situations have a right to quality education like every other child, yet education in emergencies continues to be critically underfunded and under-resourced. Education is lifesaving and should not be seen as a second phase of a humanitarian response,” – Wongani Grace Taulo, UNICEF Regional Education Adviser for Eastern and Southern Africa It is a basic right for every child to receive an education that is both inclusive and of high quality. However, in Africa, there are nearly 46 million children of school age who do not attend…

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Pres. Tinubu swears in Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as CJN

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, earlier today, swore in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). The ceremony took place at the Council Chamber of the State House Abuja as Kekere-Ekun becomes Nigeria’s 2nd female presiding officer of the apex court. The event had in attendance Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Right Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, Ministers of Information, Muhammed Idris, FCT, Nyesom Wike, Justice, Lateef Fagbemi and Special Duties, Mr Zephaniah. The swearing-in of Kekere-Ekun as substantive…

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Isa Funtua begs EFCC for mercy over N28bn mismanaged loan from Keystone Bank

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Abubakar Isa Funtua, politician and son of late Mallam Isa Funtua, a top Nigerian businessman and ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari, is reportedly pleading with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for soft landing over alleged N28 billion fraud. Abubakar and one of his ally, Asega Aliga, who is now at large, The Witness gathered were accused of embezzling N28 billion from Keystone Bank. Abubakar Isa Funtu was arrested and granted bail by the EFCC in June this year. Before his arrest and detention by the EFCC, Abubakar…

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Alleged Sexual Harassment: Why Army discharged female soldier, exonerates officer -APR

Jide Ige

The Nigerian Army has discharged a female soldier, Private Ruth Ogunleye, from service after she accused a senior officer, Colonel I.B Abdulkareem, of sexual harassment. In January 2024, Ogunleye made the accusations via her TikTok page, @Ogunleyeruthsavage1, where she alleged that Colonel I.B Abdulkareem, Colonel G.S Ogor, and Brigadier General I.B Solebo had made her life unbearable. She specifically accused Abdulkareem of making repeated attempts to assault her, administering injections against her will, forcibly removing her from her residence, and confining her to a psychiatric hospital for several months after…

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Video: How hotel staff rescue lady from suspected ritualist

Jide Ige

An unidentified suspected ritualist has been arrested for tying the hands and legs of his lover in a hotel in the Wuse area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in an attempt to use her for ritual purposes. A video of the incident, seen by our correspondent on Thursday, showed people ordering the man to untie her. Reacting to the incident, the FCT Police Command said it was aware of the video. The command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said the man in the video is a suspected internet fraudster. She noted…

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My regrets over failed Arsenal deal -Dangote

Jide Ige

The President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has expressed his regret for not buying Arsenal when his interest lies with owning a football club. He said he wished he had bought the English side club when the team was valued at around $2 billion. Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua in New York, the billionaire business mogul explained that he missed out on buying Arsenal by committing his resources to the refinery project. He said, “I think that time has passed. The last time…

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ALEBIOSU REITERATES THE POSITIVE ROLE OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN POVERTY ERADICATION AT UNGA ‘79

Jide Ige

In an exclusive interview with Arise TV on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, the CEO of FirstBank, the premier West African financial institution and financial inclusion service provider, Olusegun Alebiosu highlighted poverty eradication as a pressing concern that should keep international leaders up at night. Alongside poverty, climate change and gender inequality are equally pressing issues that demand attention and action. Alebiosu stressed that poverty, in all its forms, stems from lack of access and resources. He highlighted that finance is the most…

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How Obj’s lion killed its 35yr old handler

Jide Ige

A lion at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State has reportedly killed its 35-year-old handler, Babaji Daule. The incident according to sources happened in the early hours of Saturday in Abeokuta the Ogun State capital. The incident, which was reported at about 7:40am by the Chief Security Officer of the OOPL, was said to have occurred when the trained handler of the male lion at the Zoological Garden “carelessly neglected to secure the locks and barricade of lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal.…

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I don’t deserve mercy, says kidnapper who killed 18yr-old family friend after collecting ransom

Jide Ige

A 23-year-old philosophy student at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ayomide Adeleye, has revealed the chilling details behind the murder of an 18-year-old female church member, Christiana Idowu. According to a Vanguard report on Sunday, Adeleye, now in custody at the Lagos State Police Command Tactical Unit in Ikeja, admitted to killing Idowu due to financial difficulties. “I killed her because I had financial problems,” he stated, describing how he lured the victim to his home under the pretence of repairing her phone. The incident occurred when Idowu, an Industrial Training student…

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Gawat family mourns as missing popular Islamic presenter’s daughter dies suddenly

Jide Ige

Popular Nigerian Islamic singer, Rukayat Gawat Oyefeso has passed away. She was well-known for her captivating voice and religious music that resonated with many in the Muslim community. The news of her death was shared by popular Ilorin-based cleric Alfa Aribidesi At-Tawdeeh Islamic Da’awah on his official Facebook page on Tuesday morning. Her loss is deeply felt among her fans and the broader Islamic music scene – with the news of her death widely shared. Meanwhile, a family member and a brother to the deceased, Jubril A Gawat has confirmed…

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APC’s Okpebholo wins Edo governorship eleclion

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the Edo State governorship election held on Saturday, September 21, 2024. The electoral commission declared Okpebholo winner of the election on Sunday, saying that he polled a total of 291,667 votes to defeat his closest contender, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored a total 247,274 votes. While Olumide Akpata, of the Labour Party came a distant third with a total of 22,763 votes. Okpebholo won in 11…

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2,000+ Winners and Counting! Knorr’s ‘Unwrap and Win’ Promo Still Running Through December

Jide Ige

If you’re a fan of tasty, nutritious meals, then Knorr has a good surprise for you! Since July, Knorr has been running an exciting “Unwrap and Win” promo, and over 2,000 lucky winners have emerged getting prizes like ₦5,000 cash, ₦1,000 airtime, one-month Showmax subscriptions, and ₦2,000 discounts on Uber rides, and the best part? The promo is still ongoing until December, so there’s plenty of time for YOU to join in and win! What is the “Unwrap and Win” Promo? Knorr’s “Unwrap and Win” promo is a fun and…

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Desperados teams up with Ladipoe and Cruise Gang for an unusual new streetwear collection

Jide Ige

Desperados, the renowned beer brand known for its bold and adventurous spirit, has announced an exciting new collaboration with Nigerian music sensation Ladipoe, alongside the innovative streetwear label Cruise Gang. This partnership marks the launch of a unique collection designed for the unusual. Ladipoe, known for his distinctive sound and lyrical prowess, has consistently pushed the boundaries of what it means to be an artist in the Nigerian music scene. From his breakout hits to his continued success as a leading figure in Rap and Afrobeats, Ladipoe has always embraced…

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Heineken Introduces Stylish 45cl Bottle, Crafted For The Modern Consumer

Jide Ige

Heineken, the world’s most international beer, has introduced its newly designed 45cl bottle at an exclusive press conference in Awka. The event, attended by top directors of Nigerian Breweries, key distributors, and other trade partners, marks a significant milestone in Heineken’s mission for a fresher world. The new 45cl bottle, uniquely tailored to meet the desires of Nigeria’s younger demographic, particularly Millennials and Gen Z consumers, is designed with a sleek and stylish aesthetic. This bottle offers just the right amount of beer—striking the perfect balance for those who want…

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Dove soap, cosmetic products dangerous to human health, NAFDAC warns Nigerians

Jide Ige

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the recall of Dove beauty bar soap. In a statement on Monday, Mojisola Adeyeye, the NAFDAC director-general, said the 100g soap with batch number 81832M 08, produced in Germany, was recalled due to chemical impurity. Adeyeye said the soap does not comply with the cosmetic products regulations because it contains butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA), which is prohibited due to its risk of harming the reproductive system, causing harm to the health of an unborn child, and…

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Zenith Bank Int’l Trade Seminar: Stakeholders call for a re-awakening in the Nigerian non-oil export industry

Jide Ige

Stakeholders unanimously called for concerted efforts towards adding value to non-oil export products by processing them into semi-finished and finished goods in order to unlock significant economic benefits for the nation. This clarion call was made at the 9th Edition of the Annual Zenith Bank International Trade Seminar themed “Nigerian Non-Oil Export Industry: Awakening the Giant”, which was held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos and virtually. In her welcome address, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora…

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No plan to monopolise Dangote refinery products -NNPCL

Jide Ige

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) has said Dangote Refinery and other domestic refiners are “free to sell directly to any marketer on a willing buyer, willing seller basis”, thereby dismissing the allegation of the national oil company becoming a sole offtaker. The NNPCL was reacting to the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC’s) claim that the organisation hiked the price of Premium Motor Motor Spirit, aka petrol, to undermine the efforts of Dangote Refinery to reduce the price of petroleum products in the country. MURIC in a statement signed by…

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How Yar’adua’s mother made me -Ex-Pres. Jonathan

Jide Ige

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has described the demise of Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua as a personal loss to him, saying “this woman technically made me who I am”. Jonathan said this when he paid a condolence visit to the Yar’adua family in Katsina on Saturday over the demise of the matriarch. “It is really touching to me. It was her son who brought me as his running mate and without this lady you wouldn’t have known my name. So she was like my mother and this is like the death…

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Why kidnapping, banditry are flourishing in Katsina -Gov. Radda

Jide Ige

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State says bandits cannot operate freely without the connivance of some persons in the society. Radda spoke at a town hall meeting held in Daura at the weekend, he said his government is ready to support people to assist security agents in protecting communities against attacks by bandits, kidnappers and other criminals. The programme’s theme was ‘Public Engagement: 2025 Citizens’ Budget Participation Process’. “We have come up with an initiative that will give any community ready to defend itself the necessary support and training to…

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Real reason Ajuri Ngelale was sacked as Nigeria’s Presidential spokesman

Jide Ige

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Media and Publicity, has stepped down from his role with immediate effect, citing health issues affecting his immediate family. According to Ngelale, he stepped down from his role to deal with medical matters presently affecting his nuclear family. In a statement issued by the Presidency on Saturday, Ngelale said he had submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, informing him of his plan to proceed on indefinite leave. Ngelale added that…

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Euromoney names GTBank as Best Bank for Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria

Jide Ige

Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, the flagship subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), one of Africa’s largest financial services institutions, has been named Best Bank in Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2024. This recognition underscores GTCO’s unwavering commitment to excellence, going beyond offering innovative financial services and creating more value for its stakeholders to enrich lives and constantly explore new opportunities to drive positive change in society. Announcing the Award, Euromoney highlighted the range and impact of GTCO’s CSR initiatives spanning education,…

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Petrol will be available by weekend says Lokpobiri after meeting with VeePee Shetima

Jide Ige

The Minister for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, has said that it is expected that there will be availability of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol, by the weekend. The Minister stated this following a meeting with the Vice President, as well as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, and the Executive Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Mugo Okuoha, at the State House on Thursday. Lokpobiri said the meeting was at the instance of President…

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Burkina Faso finally dumps ECOWAS, launches new passport

Jide Ige

Burkina Faso has issued a new biometric passport without the logo of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The new passport was unveiled by Burkinabe Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana The Interesting Things About Pha Din Pass, Dien Bien That Just A Few People Know Recall Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, severed ties with ECOWAS following sanctions imposed on them due to military coups. Responding, ECOWAS accused the three countries was aimed at undermining freedom of movement and common market in the region. Sana told reporters at the launch…

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