Soulcom celebrates 20 years of ‘Soulful Engagement’ unveils Ugochuckwu Uwajei as new COO

Jide Ige

Soulcomms, a leading Strategic Communications and Engagement Agency has marked a significant milestone – its 20th anniversary. This momentous occasion not only commemorates two decades of excellence and innovation but also signals a new chapter with the appointment of a new Chief Operating Officer. The company’s 20th anniversary celebration was marked with an exclusive Cocktail event with the theme, “20 Years of Soulful Engagement.” Clients, Industry Stakeholders, former staff of the company, and other esteemed guests graced the colourful occasion. The highpoint of the occasion was the unveiling of Soulcomms’…

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Kano Govt drags Ganduje, family to court over alleged fraud, bribery

Jide Ige

The Kano government has filed an eight-count charge against Abdullahi Ganduje, former governor of the state, for allegedly collecting $200,000 from a contractor. In a charge sheet seen by TheCable and filed before the Kano high court, the state government said the offence contravened Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Commission Commission Law 2008. The defendants in the case are Ganduje, Hafsat Umar, Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lesaga General Enterprises The state government also accused Ganduje of collecting $210,000 kickback from…

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Left-wing pan-Africanist, Faye sworn-in as Senegal’s 5th President

Jide Ige

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a left-wing pan-Africanist, was sworn in Tuesday as Senegal’s youngest president after sweeping to a first-round victory on a pledge of radical reform 10 days after he was released from prison. The 44-year-old has never before held an elected office but several African leaders attended the ceremony in the new town of Diamniadio, near the capital Dakar. “Before God and the Senegalese nation, I swear to faithfully fulfil the office of President of the Republic of Senegal,” Faye said before the gathered officials. He also vowed to…

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Reps summon KFC over alleged discrimination against physically challenged

Jide Ige

The House of Representatives Committee on Disabilities has invited the management of a popular food outlet, Kentucky Fried Chicken, over the alleged ill-treatment of Mr Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel and a person living with a disability. The committee’s chairman, Bashiru Ayinla, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing House of Representatives correspondents at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. Ayinla, a member of the All Progressives Congress representing Oshodi/Isolo-1 Federal Constituency, Lagos State, said the committee would ensure that those found to have breached the Disability…

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We will hunt down fake certificate holders -Education minister

Jide Ige

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, on Tuesday, said security agencies will go after individuals with fake degree certificates in the country. According to the minister, the individuals will be tracked after the committee inaugurated to investigate the activities of degree mills in the country submits its report. The Federal Ministry of Education had earlier set up an investigative panel to probe activities of degree mills following an investigative report published by Daily Nigerian which exposed the activities of degree mills in Benin Republic. The Daily Nigerian reporter, Umar…

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Hope for price fall as Dangote refinery begins sale of diesel to marketers

Jide Ige

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced the sale of Automotive Gas Oil, popularly called diesel, to oil marketers nationwide. Dealers and officials of the plant confirmed, as it was gathered that the refinery commenced diesel sales last week. “They started pumping out diesel to marketers last week. They also promised to sell aviation fuel soon. Some of my members confirmed this to me after making a purchase,” the National President of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Maigandi, told newsmen. He said the move by Dangote would lead to…

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Lagos-London flight: Air Peace responds to high demands, increases capacity

Jide Ige

Air Peace, Nigeria’s flag carrier, has announced an increase in capacity on its Lagos-London flights. The airline made the announcement on its X page on Wednesday. On March 30, Air Peace commenced its Lagos-London flight services. During an interview on Arise TV on April 2, Allen Onyema, chief executive officer of Air Peace, said the airline sold out tickets for the Lagos-London flights until September. However, due to the high demand to fly with the airline, Air Peace on Wednesday said more seats have been created to meet the passengers’…

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Alleged Fraud: EFCC arraigns Binance chief in court, adjourns tax evasion case to April, 19

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, has arrived the federal high court in Abuja for arraignment over allegations of money laundering. On February 28, Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa, were detained by the Nigerian authorities. Although Anjarwalla has escaped from the custody of the office of the national security adviser (ONSA), both executives, alongside Binance, are expected to be charged in court by the federal government for tax evasion and money laundering on Thursday. In the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/115/2024, Binance was accused of failing…

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Photo of Bobrisky after EFCC’s arrested him for naira mutilation

Jide Ige

Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, a popular cross dresser has been arrested by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly spraying Naira notes. The Commission, in a statement via X on Thursday, said it invited the 31-year-old following a video report of spraying and flaunting wads of new Naira notes at the premiere of a movie, Ajakaju, produced by Eniola Ajao, a Nollywood actress and producer, at Film One Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos on March 24, 2024. According to EFCC, investigations also…

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Group warns against desecration of Olubadan stool

Jide Ige

The IBILE G-7, a cultural and non-political organization has warned the traditional Chiefs in Ibadan land not to allow politics and politicians to use them to desecrate the Olubadan stool, reputed to be the best, most reliable, and non- controversial kingship ascendancy system in the entire Yorubaland. The process of ascendancy to the stool of Olubadan, which has become the envy of other towns in Yorubaland and which is now a case study in countries across the world about monarchies in Africa, may degenerate into absurdity and unnecessary controversy, which…

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How late Alao Akala’s ADC commited suicide

Jide Ige

A Deputy Commissioner of Police attached to the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department (FCIID), Gbolahan Olugbemi has allegedly committed suicide in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. The body of the DCP, who had served as an aide to former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala was reportedly discovered in his apartment with noose round his neck hanging. Though, full investigation is yet to be carried out to ascertain the cause of his death, a source said that it looks like a suicide. The deceased DCP Gbolahan Olugbemi was said to have come home for…

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4th Time Winner: Again Zenith Bank wins Global Finance’ Best Bank in Nigeria

Jide Ige

Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as the Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance Best Banks Awards 2024, winning the award for the fourth time since 2019. The Bank was among other banks from 36 countries in Africa recognised as the prestigious Global Finance announced its 31st Annual Best Bank Awards Winners. The editors of Global Finance made the selections after extensive consultations with corporate financial executives, bankers and banking consultants, and analysts worldwide. Factors considered in selecting the top banks ranged from the quantitative objective to the informed…

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CBN increases commercial banks capital base to N500bn

Jide Ige

Nigeria’s Central Bank, on Thursday, unveiled new minimum capital requirements for banks, pegging the minimum capital base for commercial banks with international authorisation at N500bn. This is coming days after the apex bank urged Nigerian banks to expedite action on the recapitalisation of their capital base to strengthen the financial system. This was according to a statement released by the apex bank on Thursday. The statement reads, “Confirming this in Abuja, on Thursday, Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mrs. Sidi Ali, said the new minimum capital base for commercial banks…

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Police arrest 8 suspects over murder of 6 Police officers in Delta

Jide Ige

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Police Force said the police have arrested eight suspects in connection with the murder of its officers on a fact-finding mission in the Ughelli area of Delta. Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, Adejobi said the officers on a fact-finding mission, were on Feb. 23, ambushed while others on a rescue mission were also ambushed, resulting in the death of six police officers. He said the arrest followed intensive investigative efforts of police operatives. According to him, five suspects were…

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We have restored national grid -TCN

Jide Ige

The Transmission Company of Nigeria says it has successfully restored the national power grid following its collapse at 4:28 pm on Thursday. TCN, in a statement on Friday, said the grid attained full recovery by 10 pm on the same day. However, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company said on Friday that it was able to receive minimal power supply from the grid to put Agbara, Ojo, Akangba, Ajah, Lekki and Alagbon Transmission Stations on supply. The spokesperson of the TCN, Ndidi Mbah, said, “We remain optimistic that power supply will…

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Gunmen storm Oriyanrin, abduct 2 Cele worshippers

Jide Ige

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly attacked a Celestial Church in Oriyanrin, a suburb of Orimerunmu in Ogun State, abducting two worshippers identified as Oladapo Seyifunmi and Oluboboye Abiola. The incident occurred at the church located near Oriyanrin village, on the outskirt of Orimerunmu, near Mowe, in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State on Thursday. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola in a statement on Friday, the perpetrators fled through a thick forest behind the church. The statement reads “Suspected kidnapping:…

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Military planned to secretly eliminate abducted Lagos editor -Colleagues

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Colleagues of the abducted Editor of FirstNews, Mr Segun Olatunji, on Thursday, revealed how the journalist was abducted in his Lagos home, whisked away, and allegedly tortured by the military over a story on the Defence Chief. Olatunji, a former Kaduna State correspondent of The PUNCH, was abducted by men in military uniform from his home in the Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos State. Military authorities, on Thursday, yielded to pressure and released Olatunji, who was abducted from his home on Friday, March 15, 2024. He was released…

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Access Holdings plan US$1.5bn capital raising programme, targets N365bn rights issue

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Access Holdings Plc, one of Africa’s leading financial groups, has unveiled plans to establish a Capital Raising Programme of up to US$1,500,000,000.00 (One Billion, Five Hundred Million United States Dollars) or its equivalent in local currency TheProgramme aims to enhance the Group’s financial strength through the issuance of various financial instruments such as ordinary shares, preference shares, Alternative Tier 1 capital, convertible and/or non-convertible debt, bonds, or other capital and/or funding instruments. The Programme may be executed through a variety of methods including public offerings, private placements, rights issues, book-building…

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Nigerian Breweries Brings “The Big Weekend Experience 2.0” to Onitsha, Warri, Akure This Easter

Jide Ige

Nigerian Breweries, the pioneer and largest brewing company in Nigeria, is set to host the second edition of the “Big Weekend Experience” across three cities simultaneously – Onitsha, Warri, and Akure. The event promises an exciting celebration of beer, featuring Nigerian Breweries’ top brands, live musical performances, and the opportunity to win fantastic prizes. Kicking off at 2 pm in each city, beer lovers can anticipate a thrilling day filled with good vibes, great music, cold beer, and the chance to win incredible prizes. The event will showcase Nigerian Breweries’…

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Detention: Binance executive, manager sue NSA, EFCC

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

The detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, has sued the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged violation of his fundamental rights. Gambaryan, in the originating motion dated and filed March 18 by his lawyer, Olujoke Aliyu, sought five reliefs before the presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Also, Nadeem Anjarwalla, the Binance’s Africa regional manager who escaped from custody on March 22, filed a separate right enforcement suit before Justice Ekwo. Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, in…

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Tinubu honours Okuoma slain soldiers with National honours, gifts houses, scholarships to families

Jide Ige

The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has bestowed posthumous national honours on the four officers and 13 soldiers killed in Okuama, Delta State on March 14, 2024. The four gallant Officers have been accorded the Award of Member of the Order of Niger (MON) while the 13 courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been Awarded the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) Medal. The President said that the Federal Government would provide a house in any part of the country to each of the families of the four…

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Defence Headquaters declare Prof., 7 others wanted over soldiers’ assasination

Jide Ige

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has declared no fewer than eight persons wanted over the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community in Delta State. The DHQ declared in a post on its X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Sharing the pictures of the wanted suspects, it wrote: “ATTENTION!!! The following persons are hereby declared wanted.” The soldiers while on a peace mission to the community were surrounded and killed by some irate youths in the area. Tinubu bestows national honours on fallen soldiers, approves houses, scholarships for families…

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How KFC dehumanised me, Adebola Daniel laments

Jide Ige

Adebola, the son of Otunba Gbenga Daniel, a srving Senator and a former governor of Ogun State, has lamented how he was denied access to the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) branch at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State. Adebola, in a series of tweets on his X account on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, described his ordeal as “the worst sort of public humiliation” he ever had. The son of the incumbent senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, said he felt less than human, “like a guard dog…

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FAAN shuts KFC for discriminating against disabled Senator’s son

Jide Ige

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) shut down the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos over the alleged discriminatory treatment of Adebola Daniel, a passenger with reduced movement, on Thursday, March 27, 2024. This was made known in a statement issued by the FAAN Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah. The victim, Adebola is the son of a former governor of Ogun State and a serving Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. He recounted his experience at the KFC outlet at…

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Coronation Group, Access Holdings Plc, Safaricom and M-PESA Africa partner to explore remittances

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

A transformative collaboration aimed at broadening access to remittances across Africa has been forged among Coronation Group, Access Holdings Plc, SafaricomPlc and M-PESA Africa(the parties)as the parties come together in a strategic alliance dedicated to propelling financial inclusion and nurturing economic prosperity for millions across the continent. The parties aim to explore solutions that will provide a remittance corridor between East and West Africa, connecting some of the continent’s largest economies. The collaboration will see the convergence of Access Holdings’ robust Pan-African banking infrastructure, spanning 14 African countries, with Coronation…

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DHQ to post images of wanted persons at embassies, strategic places

Jide Ige

The Defence Headquarters has said it will place the banner containing the names and pictures of the people it just declared wanted in strategic locations across the country. The DHQ had earlier declared wanted no fewer than 97 persons, including terrorists and insurgents, among others, for allegedly being behind violent crimes in the country. Among those declared wanted is the Finland-based Simon Ekpa, who is the factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra and also the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile. The IPOB factional…

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How we rescued 137 Kaduna school children in Zamfara -DHQ

Jide Ige

The Defence Headquarters, on Sunday, said troops rescued the abducted pupils and teachers of LEA School Kuriga in the Chikun Local Government Area in Kaduna within Zamfara State. On March 7, 2024, about 287 pupils and teachers of the school were abducted by suspected terrorists who took them into the forest. Their abductors subsequently requested a ransom of N1bn for their release, setting a deadline of March 27, 2024, for the payment. But the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement, stated that the victims were…

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Nomination opens for The Voice Achievers Award 2024

Jide Ige

Nairobi, Kenya 2024… The Voice Achievers Award Inc. proudly announces the opening of nominations for the esteemed 13th edition of The Voice Achievers Award ceremony, set to be held in Nairobi, Kenya on August 15th and 16th, 2024. The award aims to recognize exceptional individuals, businesses, non-governmental institutions, and governmental entities from Africa and the Diaspora, along with friends of Africa, whose contributions have significantly impacted society. Building on the success of the 2023 ceremony in Almere, The Netherlands, and from all our previous ceremonies, the 2024 edition seeks to…

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Announcing the 2024 GTCO Food and Drink Festival… A Celebration of Authentic Flavours

Jide Ige

The countdown has begun to the 7th edition of the most anticipated culinary festival in Africa and Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) is excited to announce dates for the 2024 GTCO Food and Drink Festival, set to take place from Friday, April 26th to Sunday, April 28th, at GTCentre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos. The GTCO Food and Drink Festival is widely recognised as the continent’s biggest food and drink festival, bringing together millions of food lovers and entrepreneurs to celebrate the rich and diverse…

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Access Bank acquires National Bank of Kenya (NBK) from KCB Group

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Access Bank PLC and KCB Group PLC have today signed a binding agreement to acquire 100 percent shareholding in National Bank of Kenya Limited (“NBK”) from KCB. The successful completion of the transaction is subject to conditions that are customary for transactions of this nature including receipt all regulatory approvals from, amongst others, the Central Bank of Kenya, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the COMESA Competition Commission, and notifications to other relevant regulators. For Access Bank, this move underscores its commitment to bolstering its presence in Kenya and the broader…

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Zenith Bank names Adaora Umeoji as first female GMD

Jide Ige

Zenith Bank Plc. has appointed Dr. Adaora Umeoji as its Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The appointment takes effect from June 1. Umeoji takes over from Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, the bank’s current Group Managing Director, whose five-year term expires on May 31. The bank’s Company Secretary, Mr. Michael Out, in a notification sent to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, said that the appointment was subject to approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The company secretary noted that Umeoji would be the first…

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Danjuma: Falconets good enough to retain African Games’ gold

Jide Ige

Coach Chris Musa Danjuma is expectedly sanguine following his Nigeria U20 girls’ progress to the final of the women’s football event of the ongoing 13th African Games in Ghana. The experienced tactician watched with delight as substitutes Judith Adaobi Okah and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, off the bench, provided the goals that sent Uganda’s U20 packing and sent the defending champions to the final against hosts Ghana on Thursday night. “We should have put away some of the chances we created in the first half, but we are happy to get two…

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Finidi George set for first bow at Super Eagles’ helm

Jide Ige

Former Nigeria forward Finidi George will occupy the chief’s corner in the dugout when the Super Eagles confront West African arch-rivals Ghana in an international friendly in Marrakech on Friday. The 52-year-old former Ajax Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and Real Betis (Spain) winger, who made a scoring debut for fatherland in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Burkina Faso at the National Stadium, Lagos on 27th July 1991, has been appointed by the NFF to hold the reins in the meantime as a group of 22 players take on…

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We are one step away from World War 3, Putin warns

Jide Ige

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, says a direct conflict between Russia and NATO would mean that the planet is one step away from World War Three, according to Reuters. The comments came as Putin claimed a landslide victory in Russia’s presidential election with 87.8 per cent of the votes. The US, Germany, the UK, and other nations have said the election was neither free nor fair due to the imprisonment of political opponents and censorship. During his post-election briefing, Putin said, “It is clear to everyone that this will be one…

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How FIRS topshot diverted public funds to Surestart private school – Witness

Jide Ige

A prosecution witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ijeoma Maltida, has revealed how the Head of the Stakeholders Unit, Federal Inland Revenue Services, Emmanuella-Eteta Ita, siphoned and diverted large sums of money meant for stakeholders’ assignments to the account of her private school, Surestart School Limited. The spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, revealed the development of the court proceeding in a statement on Monday. Oyewale said, “A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of the Head of Stakeholders Unit of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, Emmanuella Eteta…

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Marketers give hope for price reduction as PH refinery pumps fuel in 2 weeks

Jide Ige

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria have projected a marginal reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, produced by the Port Harcourt Refining Company once the plant begins operations next month. IPMAN and MEMAN also declared their readiness to load products from the facility, as they urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to fulfil its promise of pumping out refined products from the plant in two weeks. On Friday, the Group Managing Director, of NNPCL,…

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Akpabio got N90bn in 2024 budget padding -BudgIT alleges

Jide Ige

More facts have emerged on the Budget Padding controversy rocking the National Assembly with reports that Senate President, Godswill Akpabio allocated N90bn to his constituency. BudgIT, a non- governmental organisation claimed that Akpabio padded the budget of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with 280 projects in the 2024 Budget. Over N90 billion worth of projects was allocated exclusively within the constituency of Akpabio, comprising just 10 local government areas. BudgIT, a civic-tech organization warns that the allocation does not only surpasses the ministry’s capacity but also raises concerns…

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Ogun Industrialisation: Arobieke pledges to fulfil Gov. Abiodun’s set objectives, endorses Lagos/Ogun Trade Fair

Jide Ige

Sola Arobieke, the Deputy Director-General of the Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency has reiterated the organisation’s commitment towards delivering on the directive by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to drive massive investment into the Gateway State. Hon. Sola Arobieke, flanked by Project Consultant, Prince Adeola Amusat as she receives a proposal on the forthcoming Lagos/Ogun Multi-Sector Trade Fair from its CEO, Olajide Ige amid other staff of the agency at its Isheri office on Thursday Hon. Arobieke, who is also a Special Adviser to the governor,…

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Late Olubadan buried, as Oba Olakulehin prepares to mount the throne

Jide Ige

The remains of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, were interred according to Islamic rites on Friday, March 15, 2024, at his Aliiwo ancestral home in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. The late monarch, who reigned for two years, joined his ancestors at the age of 81 late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, after a brief illness. The state Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, led other government functionaries to the family burial ground at Aliiwo in the Ibadan North Local Government Area…

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Emefiele awarded Nmulti-million contracts to frunish, decorate official residence to wife -Witness

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Michael Agboro, a witness presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting at Maitama, Abuja, in the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele’s ongoing alleged money laundering trial has told the court that Emefiele awarded multimillion naira contracts to his own wife’s company. Agboro, told the court that Emefiele awarded contracts worth hundreds of millions of naira to Architekon Nigeria Limited, a company where his wife, Margaret Omoyile, is listed as a director. Agboro, who is an investigator…

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Celebrity Couple: Folorunsho and Modupe Alakija end marriage

Jide Ige

After over 30 years of marital bliss and just at the twilight of her marriage, former society matriarch turned minister of the gospel, Folorunsho Alakija has suffered a devastating marital crisis. According to very reliable sources close to THEWILL, the mother of four who is also Nigeria’s wealthiest woman, has allegedly separated from her husband, Modupe. The businessman allegedly, no longer spends cold nights in the arms of his wife on their matrimonial bed in their highbrow Ikoyi, Lagos home. The couple were alleged to have been having frequent squabbles…

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Havarde College reacts as student allegedly commits suicide over school’s failure to secure accreditation

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Harvarde College of Science, Business and Management Studies, Ogun State is in the news for bad reasons as a 300-level student of the institution reportedly took her life after the school allegedly failed to meet the accreditation requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. The management of the private tertiary institution has however refuted the reports that one of its students, simply identified as Ajoke, committed suicide after the school failed to meet the accreditation requirements. It was gathered that the deceased student had on Monday evening, consumed…

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Boxing: Joshua pockets N79bn, Drake loses N950m in Saudi “Knockout Chaos”

Jide Ige

Anthony Joshua was well rewarded for his second-round knockout win over Cameroonian boxer Francis Ngannou in the main event of the “Knockout Chaos” card in Saudi Arabia in the early hours of Saturday morning (Nigerian time). The British-Nigerian boxer had a huge payday pocketing $50.9m {79bn} while Canadian born rapper, Drake who is accustomed to placing large wagers on high-profile sports games and losing most of those bets was on the losing side again after Joshua defeated former UFC champion Ngannou as the Grammy winner lost $615,000 (N950m). Joshua won…

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Photos: Herbert Wigwe’s father hale and hearty -Police reports, as dignitaries storm Isiokpo for burial of Herbert, wife and sona

Jide Ige

Reports quoting a police source insist that Herbert Wigwe’s father, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, did not slump during the funeral of his late son as published in some quarters. Earlier, there was apprehension as an unconfirmed report stated that the father of late Access Bank Holdings CEO, Dr Herbert Wigwe, collapsed during his son’s funeral service at Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers state. Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, in his late 80s, was said to have slumped following the shock of his billionaire son, Herbert Wigwe; daughter-in-law, Chizoba, and grandson,…

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The Wigwes bodies arrive Isiokpo for burial

Jide Ige

The bodies of the late former Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Dr Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son have arrived their hometown, Omueke in Isiokpo, Ikwere Local Government Area of Rivers State for burial today (Saturday). Their remains, which were accompanied by a huge motorcade on Friday, had left the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa in Ikwerre LGA at about 1:33pm straight to his father’s compound in Omueke, Isiokpo. Recall that Wigwe’s kinsmen had insisted that their son must be buried in his hometown. Omueke, even as they vowed…

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Heavyweight Boxing: Nganou falls to Joshua in round two

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Anthony Joshua has won his fourth straight fight by securing a second-round knockout win over Cameroonian boxer Francis Ngannou in the main event of the “Knockout Chaos” card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. After securing consecutive victories in 2023 with wins over Jermaine Franklin in April and Robert Helenius with a seventh-round knockout in August, Joshua cruised to a fifth-round technical knockout win over Otto Wallin in December, who had been expected to be a formidable opponent, especially with his southpaw stance. Joshua has now secured knockout wins over two fighters…

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MTN’s Y’ellopreneur to power 1000 female owned MSMEs

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

The MTN Y’ellopreneur Initiative seeks to contribute to the reduction in women’s unemployment and advance women’s development in ‘Entrepreneurship’ through capacity building and access to capital through loans, grants, and advisory support services for long-term business sustainability. The initiative targets Female Entrepreneurs across the country who display passion and commitment to self-employment and run an existing business of two years and above in the areas of; circular economy, manufacturing, processing, agriculture, ICT/digital services, waste management, etc. The focus is on businesses that source their raw materials locally. MTN Nigeria Foundation…

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EXCLUSIVE: How Access Bank funded N50bn contracts awarded to Craneburg Construction by Abia Gov, Otti

Jide Ige

Facts have emerged that the Craneburg Construction firm owned by the late Mrs Chizoba Doreen Wigwe, wife of the late Dr Herbert Wigwe of Access Bank had used a loan from the bank to finance contracts across the country. Herbert Wigwe, who was the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc, had his late wife serving on the legal board of the bank before venturing into the establishment of the Craneburg Construction in 2016. A document obtained by SaharaReporters on Wednesday shows how Craneburg Construction Company received a…

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Fresh EduGate: How Beta instructed AGF to warehouse N66Billion days before 2023 financial year ended

Jide Ige

“From 2020 to date, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has in its budget line the National Social Investment Office which runs the National Social Investment Programme saddled with the responsibilities of ensuring social Investment towards enhancing the livelihood of the people which is in line with the renew hope agenda of the present administration.

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My Access Bank story – ex-Emir Sanusi

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Khalifa Mohammed Sanusi, a former Emir of Kano, has shared the story of how his association with the late Access Holdings Plc’s CEO, Herbert Wigwe, led to Insinuations that he was the owner of the bank. The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) made this known on Wednesday at the night of tributes organised in Wigwe’s honour in Lagos. Sanusi, who broke down in tears thrice, said Wigwe’s kindness to him gave many the impression he owned Access Bank, while Wigwe and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede were his stooges.…

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