FCT Polls: Tinubu Tasks INEC On Prompt Transmission Of Election Results

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February 20, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Two days after he hurriedly assented to the 2026 Electoral Act amendment bill into law, Tinubu, on Friday, February 20, 2026 urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to leverage the Federal Capital Territory FCT Council polls and the by-elections in Kano and Rivers States to strengthen public confidence in the system.

This is as he urged the electorate to come out and exercise their civic responsibilities without fear, and avoid engaging in violence, inflammatory rhetorics, as well as other actions capable of undermining the peace and stability of the country.

The President emphasized the need for political parties’ candidates and their supporters to eschew incendiary and inflammatory rhetorics and actions capable of questioning the credibility of the polls ,and the country’s electoral process.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the President also called on security agencies to exercise restraint while performing their duties on the election day.

“President Tinubu urged all eligible voters to come out and vote without fear, emphasizing that the democratic process thrives best in an atmosphere of calm, tolerance and mutual respect”.

President Tinubu cautioned security agencies against indulging in high-handedness, intimidation or any conducts that could lead to the disenfranchisement of voters and erode public confidence and trust in the country’s electoral system.

He harped on the need for security agencies and all other institutions concerned to safeguard lives and property ,as well as protect the sanctity and integrity of the the system.

The President encouraged the INEC to, as a matter of importance, take all necessary steps towards boosting voter confidence through timely accreditation, smooth voting procedures, accurate collation and prompt transmission of results in line with the provi of the 2026 Electoral Act.

The Source further reports that besides the FCT Council polls, the INEC is set to conduct by-elections to fill vacant State Legislative positions in Ahoada East II and Khana II state Constituencies in Rivers State and Kano Municipal and Ungogo State Constituencies of Kano state on Saturday February 21, 2026

Fmr. AGF Malami, Son To Remain In Custody

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 20, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Hearing on the bail application filed by former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, and his son in the alleged terrorism charges filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was on Friday, February 20, 2026, stalled following the public holiday declared by the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The Source reports that the Department of State Service, DSS, had, on February 3, 2026, arraigned Malami and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.

The DSS, in their motion on notice filed before Honourable Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik of an Abuja Federal High Court, also accused Malami, the immediate past AGF and Justice Minister under late President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration, of deliberately refusing or neglecting to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation.

The anti-graft Commission also accused the defendant of stockpiling a large cache of arms and ammunition at their Birni-Kebbi residence.

The defendants who pleaded not guilty to the charges, however, had their oral application filed by their Counsel, Shuaibu Aruwan, rejected by the presiding Judge who insisted on a written bail application.

But with the work free day declared by the FCT to enable workers travel to their respective areas for the Saturday, February 21, Council polls, the Court could not sit.

Subsequently, proceedings were adjourned till February 27, 2026, by the presiding Judge.

The defendants, therefore, are to continue to be in the DSS’s custody , until the next adjourned date .

PSC Promotes Fayoade To DIG

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Ayodele Oni

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February 20, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The gale of promotions at the Nigeria Police Force is continuing with the Police Service Commission, (PSC) approving the elevation of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Zone 2, Adegoke Mustapha Fayoade to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG.

A press statement e-signed and released by the Commission’s Spokesperson, Torty Njoku Kalu stated that, “The Police Service Commission has approved the promotion of AIG Fayoade Adegoke Mustapha (mni, psc, MNIM) to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG).

“The decision was reached today, Friday, 20th February 2026, following his exceptional performance in the Commission’s written examination and oral interview.”

According to the statement, “DIG Fayoade, who began his career in 1992, brings over three decades of distinguished service to his new role.

“Until his promotion, he served as the AIG in charge of Zone 2 Command, Lagos, where he was widely praised for his community policing initiatives and strategic operations, including the dismantling of the notorious “Billionaires” Kidnapping Gang in Lagos.

“His career is decorated with numerous international and national accolades, including the 2024 Crime Buster of the Year for West and Central Africa; multiple Best Police Station in Africa awards (Nairobi/Kenya); Best Divisional Police Officer in West Africa (Johannesburg and Dubai), and the International Security Award from ISSO-SEC Switzerland and HSIIS United Kingdom.

“The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd), mni, charged the new DIG to view his promotion as a call to greater responsibility.

He expressed confidence that DIG Fayoade’s expertise in technology-driven policing and stakeholder partnership will significantly strengthen the nation’s security architecture.

“The Police Service Commission is the statutory oversight body for the Nigeria Police Force, mandated to appoint, promote, and exercise disciplinary control over all police officers (excluding the Inspector-General), and is also tasked with formulating policies and guidelines to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the Force.”

Nigerian Lawyer Pushes For Execution Of Judgement By UK For Deceased 21 Coal Miners

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Ayodele Oni

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February 20, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Reprieve may come for families of the 21 Miners unlawfully killed in 1949 by colonial police.

Apart from the Enugu State High Court which ruled in their favour, the judgement has been transmitted to the authorities of the United Kingdom, (UK).

Enugu State High Court presided over by Justice Anthony Onovo had awarded £420 million in favour of 21 miners unlawfully killed in 1949 by colonial police, 75 years after they were massacred during a demand for better working conditions.

A Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Yemi Akinseye-George, who led the legal team, confirmed on Friday, in Abuja, that the judgement was served on the British government for execution, especially payment of £20 million compensation to each of the 21 deceaseds’ families.

Akinseye-George told newsmen at a press conference that the judgment was dispatched to the UK through the British High Commissioner in Nigeria for execution as ordered by the Nigerian Court.

In the judgment delivered on February 5, 2026, by Justice Onovo, the United Kingdom which ran the coal mining for commercial purposes as the then colonial master of Nigeria, was ordered to pay the families of the 21 victims £20 million each, amounting to a total of £420 million in all.

Going by the order of the Nigerian court, the UK is expected to pay the judgment debt to the victims within 60 days and report the compliance with the judgment execution to the court within 90 days.

Prof Akinseye-George, while confirming the development, expressed optimism that the British government will obey the order that came from a competent court of law.

He expressed delight that justice finally came the way of the 21 slain miners, 75 years, after their lives were unlawfully terminated while working for the then Nigeria’s colonial masters.

Narrating the event which led to the killing of the coal miners, he recalled that on November 18, 1949, the aggrieved coal miners in Enugu engaged in a lawful and known violent protest against poor working conditions, and discriminatory labour practices.

Rather than addressing the grievances, the senior lawyer explained that the colonial police officers, acting under the authority of the British colonial administration, opened fire on the unarmed miners and instantly killed 21 of them.

Akinseye-George praised Mazi Greg Nwanchukwu Onoh, a human right activist, who initiated the court action against the British government, noting that the verdict has now affirmed the dignity of life and put an end to the pains and agonies of the families of the 21 coal miners in the last 75 years.

The 21 coal miners said to have been unlawfully killed in 1949 are Sunday Anyasodo, Ono Oha, Andrew Obiekwe Okonkwo, Augustine Chiwefalu, Onoh Obiekwe, Livinus Ugwu, Ngwu Ofor, Ndunguba Eze, Okafor Agu, Livinus Ofor, Jonathan Ukachunwa, and Jonathan Agu Ozani.

The rest are Moses Ikebu, Okoloha, Chukwu Ugwu, Thomas Chukwu, Simon Nwanchukwu, Agu Alo, Ogbonnia Ani Chima, Nnaji Nwanchukwu, William Nwaku, James Ono Ekeowa, Felix Ekeowa, Felix Nnaji and Ani Nwaekwo.

In the event of the United Kingdom failing to pay the £420 million, the Nigerian court ordered a post judgment interest at 10 percent per annum, until full liquidation of the judgment debt.

Besides, the Nigerian court also ordered the UK authorities to write an apology letter to the families of the coal miners, and publish same in four Nigerian newspapers and three newspapers in the UK.

“We Have Too Many Widows, Fatherless Children In Plateau State” – Govt Laments

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 20, 2026

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Mining site in Zurak Wase in Plateau State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate shut down of all operations at Solid Unity Nigeria Limited mining site in Kampani Zurak Community of Wase Local Council of Plateau state.

The decision to close the mining site was sequel to suspected leakage of carbon monoxide at the site on Wednesday February 18, 2026 that resulted in the death of over 35 miners , with about 20 others injured.

This is as the Plateau state authorities decried the growing number of widows and fatherless children in the state, owing to unsafe mining activities in the state

The Federal Government also ordered a forensic investigation with a view to unraveling the actual circumstances surrounding the unfortunate Wase mining site deaths .

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake who gave the order during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the mining site, blamed the conspicuous absence of industry safeguards for the tragic incident .

According to Alake, the incident occurred primarily due to lack of safety and precautionary measures at the mining site.

He also expressed serious concern over the absence of technical representatives of the mining outfit during the visit.

The Minister who insisted that it is the duty of licensed holders and operators to provide safety oversight regretted that preliminary findings suggested a possible non-compliance with known industry safety rules and regulations .

He, therefore, affirmed the Federal Government’s readiness to conduct a full-scale investigation to determine the exact cause(s) of the tragic incident ,as well as measures to forestall a future occurrence..

” It is highly tragic to lose more than 30 able -bodied persons . We are here on a fact-finding mission .We condole with the families of those who lost their loved ones”Alake stated .

On his part ,the Plateau state Commissioner for Environment ,Climate Change and Mineral Development, Peter Gwom, while acknowledging the fact that mining activities are exclusively within the purview of the Federal Government, called for stricter and honest implementation of all extant rules and regulations governing the industry , including the Mining Act of 2007.

Gwom lamented the high number of widows and fatherless children in many mining communities in the State.

He informed that the Plateau State Government, in a move to curtail the growing cases of deaths associated with mining activities, has commenced moves to organize miners into cooperatives, providing training, safety gear and micro-loans to minimize industry hazards and fatalities.

“We have too many widows and fatherless children due to unsafe mining practices. This must stop”, the Commissioner lamented.

Governor Otti Not Defecting To APC, LP Insists

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 20, 2026

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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Labour Party, LP, has debunked claims suggesting that the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, will be joining the All Progressive Congress APC.

The LP’s clarification is coming against the backdrop of growing speculations linking the postponement of the APC Congresses in Abia State to the possible defection of the Governor to the ruling party at the centre.

The Source reports that the National leadership of the APC had earlier in the week announced the suspension of its ongoing nationwide Ward Congresses in some States, including Abia and Adamawa, pending the resolution and harmonization of some contending issues.

The decision of the APC National leadership, has, however, been subjected to varying interpretations with not a few attributing the situation to the impending defection of the Governors of the affected states to the APC.

But in a statement from its spokesperson Mazi Chidiebere Okoro, the Abia LP described such insinuations suggesting that planned defection of Governor Otti was the reason for the postponement of Abia State APC congresses as not only false,but misleading.

“We state, unequivocally, that these claims are entirely untrue and baseless. His Excellency remains a committed and bona-fide member of the Labour, on which platform he was elected, and under which he continues to faithfully serve the good people of Abia state”, Okoro stated .

The LP further described the speculations surrounding the Governor’s alleged planned defection as a ploy to distract his administration from its avowed mission of delivering on the people’s mandate.

The Abia state LP assured that Governor Otti remains focused and dedicated to the principles.of good governance, accountability and inclusive development.

“It is regrettable that such unfounded rumours are being propagated at a time when the administration is fully focused on consolidating developmental gains.

“The spread of unverified information serves only to distract from the serious work of governance ,and risks misleading the public.

“Governor Otti remains steadfast in his commitment to delivering tangible results and ensuring that Government policies and initiatives proceed without disruption or needles speculation.

“We call on members of the media, political stakeholders, and the general public to verify information through credible and official sources before dissemination”, the LP added.

DSS To Arraign El-Rufai On February 25

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Adesina Soyooye

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February 20, 2026

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.By Adesina Soyooye

Embattled former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, will appear in Court on February 25, no thanks to the Department of State Services, DSS.

He will appear at a Federal High Court, Abuja, before the Honourable Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. The Honourable Justice fixed the date after the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Honourable Justice John Tsoho assigned it to her.

The DSS, had, on Monday, filed a three-count criminal charge bordering on Chbercrime and a breach of security against el-Rufai.

The charges stemmed from el-Rufai’s alleged involvement in bugging the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

The charge, instituted by the DSS is marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026.

The secret police accused El-Rufai of breaching the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act, (2024), and the Nigerian Communications Act (2003.)

Count one of the charge said that el-Rufai allegedly on February 13, as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme in Abuja, admitted that he and his cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, Mr. Ribadu.

The offence is contrary to, and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

In count two, he was allegedly, on February 13, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV’s prime time programme in Abuja, stated that he knew, and related with certain individual, who unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of NSA, without reporting the said individual to relevant security agencies.

The offence is contrary to, and punishable under Section 27 (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Count three alleged that el-Rufai and others still at large, sometime in 2026, in Abuja, used technical equipment or systems which compromised public safety, national security and instilling reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians by illegally intercepting NSA’s phone communications.

According to the DSS, el-Rufai admitted during an interview on February 13, on Arise TV’s prime time programme in Abuja to the act, “and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 131(2) Nigerian Communications Act 2003.”

The former Governor who is in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, was first detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC which detained him for two nights while its operatives were interrogating him, literally handed him over to the ICPC on release.

OPINION: Operation Eastern Sanity: Ill-timed, Ill-advised

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The Source

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February 20, 2026

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By Steve Osuji

The very name, ‘Eastern Sanity’ is derogatory. The military seems to insist that the Southeast of Nigeria is devoid of enough normalcy for sound human existence. Therefore, only a military operation can imbue sanity on the zone. This seems to be the thought process behind OPERATION EASTERN SANITY, OES, currently being embarked upon by the Nigerian Army in the Southeastern end of Nigeria.

This column avers that this mindset of the Army, especially their commanders, is flawed, provocative, perverse, and liable to yield negative results in the end.

Yours truly is writing this from the SE zone. He has been there since mid-December. He has travelled around the zone a bit. He makes bold to say that the oriental side of Nigeria is probably the most peaceful and most quiet part of Nigeria currently.

The massive return for the Christmas and New year festivities by Ndigbo went almost perfectly. There was nary an security incident.

Right now, (mid-February), life seems to have further normalised in the SE. Not even the sit-at-home conundrum is effective anymore.

Though the NA didn’t categorically communicate the rationale for it’s ongoing operation, it is Understood that the OES may be a mop-up action against IPOB and its ESN arm, but since Nnamdi Kanu, the arrowhead of the Igbo separatist agitation was incarcerated late last year, all has quietened.

Locked away in faraway Sokoto, the public optics remains that it’s a ‘conquest’ of the Igbo nation, and they seem to be living out their ignominious fate with equanimity. This column cannot remember any major IPOB-related incident or violence since Kanu was neutered with that choreographed court conviction.

WHY IS THE SOUTHEAST BEING GARRISONED? The question now is why would the Nigerian Army move troops to the southeast as if it were another country? Why would the southeast not be allowed to breathe for a while? Southeast is already on lockdown with probably the most military checkpoints in Nigeria; every state has military commands and barracks… Why do we need to further garrison an area that’s landlocked and the smallest zone in Nigeria? Fulani terrorists have made a sport of killing hapless Nigerians in Kwara, Kaduna, Borno, Benue, Plateau and Niger States, nigh every day. On most occasions, the murderers walk away after every massacre or mass abduction. No arrest, no reprisals. If only there were as many military checkpoints in these states as in the southeast.

SOUTHEAST NEEDS OPERATION SAFE CORRIDOR OR OLIVE BRANCH: We have seen thousands of Fulani terrorists being de-radicalised and reintegrated into the society in the SAFE CORRIDOR programme of the military. This soft approach can also be introduced in the SE.

It needs to be noted that hunting down and mopping up of Igbo youths who are supposedly IPOB members would not end the Biafra agitation. On the contrary, it would gain more sympathy, win more followers and drive the struggle underground. Boots and guns never extinguishes serious agitations for separation. Soft power is more effective. Let’s have OPERATION OLIVE BRANCH in the southeast instead.

Speaking of non-kinetic approach, it is common knowledge that the SE has been meted with humiliating marginalisation, unfair and unjust policies in the last decade of the APC government starting with the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

A change in what seems like a scorch-earth policy against Ndigbo will work like magic if the federal government truly seeks peace in the east.

For instance, the Aba-Owerri road has been abandoned for nearly 15 years. Rail lines, sea ports, international passenger and cargo airports and requisite federal appointments will douse the incipient agitation in the SE; not all the arsenal of the NA can purge Igbo of Biafra.

Of course ‘operations’ are carried out with big budgets and it’s one way to keep the ‘boy’ happy.

Former COAS … Buratai was a master of the ‘game’. He embarked on all sorts of his so-called operations in the SE, including Python Dance and Egwueke. But in the end, Buhari ended up escalating the conflict and amassing body bags. Amnesty International has reports of atrocious extra judicial killings and missing persons in the SE at that period.

(At least 150 peaceful pro-Biafra activists killed in chilling campaign of extra-judicial executions I Onitsha, 30th May, 2016). This is an Amnesty investigation report.

Let’s recall that IPOB was largely a nonviolent movement before President Buhari tried to end the agitations with arms and anger. That was when the ESN was formed more in self defense than in open defiance of the Nigerian state. This was thereabouts 2017.

LET THE POLICE DO IT’S JOB: Perhaps as proof that OES is ill-considered: First week, the troop picked up an IED in a church under controversial circumstances. In the second week, the NA 144 Battalion under OES arrested three suspected criminals and recovered a stolen Mack in Abia State.

This shows the army is clearly usurping the duties of the police in the guise of some nebulous military operation.

In summary, what is needed in the SE today is improved policing and intelligence gathering and processing. There’s already too much military presence. And in case the military hierarchy feigns ignorance, let it be revealed to them that most of the men mounted on those ugly checkpoints in the SE are doing everything but security work. Armed soldiers in uniform are openly taking bribes and extorting commuters. It is a show of shame and a debasement of the much vaunted professionalism the NA is known for. This column hopes that someday, a reform-minded Army Chief would come along and stop this festering sore in the once highly regarded army, considered the best in Africa.

LASTLINES: LET EL RUFAI BE! Nigeria’s political season is in full bloom. And the ruling APC government has helped in no small way to muddy the democratic waters, so to speak, making the atmosphere tense. Since you cannot eat your cake and have, the APC needs to tread softly so that it doesn’t bring down the roof over our head eventually.

We all have looked on as the democratic spaces are being shuttered… We see almost all serving governors and elected legislators being ‘taken over’ by the APC, like a big man openly buying over the wives of poor men. We haven’t seen a scenario like this before in Nigeria’s political history. We see the game being played with the electoral law…

Now the APC paints Nasir el Rufai with dark colours as if he was born yesterday.

Whatever Nasir is today, the same he was yesterday when he was the APC lynchpin. All the crimes he is being accused of today, he committed under the APC yesterday in a decade of impunity.

To pull him in today because he’s no longer in the APC camp is POLITICAL PERSECUTION!

It’s the same with the trial of the former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, it is political witch-hunt, short and simple.

The point is that the APC has lost the moral authority to fight corruption; all the anti-graft agencies have become a reproach unto themselves.

We are not impressed by the ongoing charade. They all should actually be disbanded for now!

Done Deal: Unity, Providus Banks Merger, Integration Progresses

By

James Orji

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February 20, 2026

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Following the recently held Court-Ordered Meeting and subsequent overwhelming endorsement, the merger and business combination between Unity Bank Plc and Providus Bank Limited remains firmly on course.

Analysts appraising the ongoing recapitalisation programme believe that the regulatory backing and shareholders’ support for the merger represent the most important milestones for meeting the recapitalisation requirements within the stipulated timeline.

Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) backed the merger between the two lenders, with a pivotal financial accommodation to support the transaction. The merger also received a further boost with a “no objection” nod from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The regulatory approvals form part of broader efforts to strengthen the resilience of Nigeria’s banking system, reinforce capital adequacy across the sector, and mitigate potential systemic risks.

The development positions the combined entity among the 21 banks that have satisfied the apex bank’s new capital threshold for national banking operations.

Through the proposed merger, the combined capital base of Unity Bank and Providus Bank exceeds N200 billion, which is the minimum requirement to retain a national banking licence under the CBN’s recapitalisation framework. The transaction marks a significant milestone in strengthening the financial stability and long-term competitiveness of the enlarged institution.

Following the CBN’s approval, shareholders of both banks overwhelmingly endorsed the merger at their respective Extraordinary General Meetings held in September 2025, where the scheme of merger was formally adopted. The transaction has since progressed with additional regulatory clearances from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other relevant authorities. Integration activities between the two institutions are currently underway, with the final court sanction expected to conclude the process.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank, Ebenezer Kolawole, described the development as a defining moment for the institution, adding that the complementary strengths and unique advantages of the Unity Bank and Providus Bank merger place the new entity on a strong footing to create and leverage opportunities in the market.

“This milestone underscores our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient bank that can deliver greater value to our customers and stakeholders. The merger with Providus Bank significantly enhances our capital base, operational capacity, and strategic positioning. We are confident that the combined institution will be better equipped to support economic growth and deliver innovative financial solutions across Nigeria,” Kolawole said.

The Bank further clarified that, contrary to reports in certain sections of the media suggesting that the merger process had stalled, the transaction remains firmly on track. The necessary regulatory steps have been completed, with a few other steps only a matter of formality.

When completed, the Unity-Providus merger is expected to deliver a stronger, more competitive, and customer-centric financial institution — one with the scale, innovation, and reach to redefine the retail and SME banking landscape in Nigeria.

US Consulate, MCDN Train Journalists On Career Development

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James Orji

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February 20, 2026

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Journalism has been described as a demanding profession where daily deadlines often leave little room for reflection on personal growth and career direction for media practitioners.
This reflection is contained in a report by the Media Career Development Network, MCDN as part of the Journalism Clinic Bi-monthly training session for journalists in Lagos with support from the United States, US Consulate.

MCDN, in a survey conducted recently said many journalists pay little attention to the need to scale up their careers because they are mostly bogged down by their daily work task.

“The initiative, launched in commemoration of the 70th
anniversary of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), offered a free opportunity for journalists to step back, evaluate their career paths, and receive personalised feedback,” MCDN said.

“The check-up process involved completing a comprehensive form designed to capture both achievements and areas needing improvement. Though some participants initially found the process rigorous, the detail provided a strong basis for constructive feedback. The assessment revealed recurring themes: the need for clearer career planning, the importance of
professional branding, gaps in training and exposure, and the value of structured mentoring.

“It also confirmed that while many journalists are passionate and hardworking, they often lack the support systems and resources required to fully thrive in today’s dynamic media environment.
“By documenting the findings in this report, MCDN aims to extend the value of the check-up beyond the participants. The insights are intended to guide journalists who may not have taken part in the exercise and to help media support organisations better understand the areas where interventions are Executive Summary Seventy-five journalists indicated interest in participating in the Check-Up, but only 15 completed the detailed form that served as the foundation for the review in addition with the CVs of other young and older journalists sent to us by those seeking media jobs, mentoring, and counselling.

“While the length of the form was seen by some as demanding, the comprehensiveness allowed MCDN to generate tailored feedback that validated participants’ efforts and pointed to areas of improvement.

“The feedback covered core issues such as the need for clear short- and long-term career goals, more deliberate professional branding through detailed CVs and digital profiles, upgrading of academic qualifications and certifications, and greater use of digital tools. In addition, the exercise highlighted the importance of mentoring, coaching, and membership of professional
associations as part of sustained career growth.

“Overall, the check-up revealed both the strengths and the gaps in the career paths of Nigerian journalists. While many are committed professionals with strong aspirations, several lack structured career planning and often have limited exposure to
resources and opportunities that could accelerate their growth.”

To be able to turn the curve in their career path, the report urged journalists to
join more Professional Networks, such as climate reporting groups, health journalism associations, or global journalism forums as part of deliberate efforts to advance their careers.

They should also embrace Artificial Intelligence, take advantage of available Artificial Intelligence, AI tools and training to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving media landscape.
Also, they can leverage mentorship by using platforms such as the MCDN membership to access mentoring, resources, and career counselling.

Accordingly, journalists who are aspiring to build their career beyond the newsroom, were also urged to renew links with Media Support Organisations, stay connected to media NGOs and training bodies for resources and opportunities.
Journalists should deliberately build expertise in their chosen beats, positioning themselves as thought leaders and consultants, the report said.
Reacting to the initiative, some journalists said they have received a guide on how to further boost their career in the profession.

“This is a super guide, well-detailed and quite inspiring. Thanks sincerely to your esteemed organisation for embarking on this initiative,-Ann Godwin
South-South Bureau Chief, The Guardian said.

“Going through your observations and recommendations, I felt deeply that someone or a group really wants me to be fully developed and have a good voice in the journalism profession.-Blessing Ibunge
of THISDAY said.

Also, Nchetachi Chukwuajah of the Nigerian Tribune said, “Your observations and tailored recommendations for my career growth are well noted.”