Home Blog Page 562

Zenith Bank Marks 35yrs Anniversary, Appreciates Pioneer Customers, Long-Serving Staff

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Zenith Bank 35th Anniversary

Amidst pomp and pageantry layered with a mixture of glitz and glamour, Zenith Bank Plc marked its 35th year anniversary with a commemorative Chairman’s Dinner at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, August 15, 2025.

In recognition of their immense contributions to the success of the brand, the bank also presented commemorative awards and plaques to pioneer customers and long-serving staff, who have served meritoriously for 25 years and above.

The ceremony brought together key stakeholders of the bank including customers, staff (past and present), regulators, partners, and friends, who all came together to celebrate 35 years of excellent and innovative banking services that has propelled the banking giant to the peak of Nigeria’s financial industry.
Among the eminent personalities who graced the occasion were the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas; Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Governor of Delta, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir. Monday Onyeme; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON; and former governors Peter Obi and Udom Emmanuel (also an alumnus of Zenith Bank).

In her welcome address, the Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON applauded the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR for his foundational role in building the structures for what has today become a shining example of excellence in the Nigerian banking industry and a globally recognised financial institution. She described him as “the Godfather of modern banking and the Nostradamus of our time, who through sheer tenacity, foresight, and uncompromising integrity transformed a modest vision into the financial powerhouse we celebrate today”.

In his goodwill message, the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, a proud alumnus of the bank, praised the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR for being at the heart of the very successful brand that today stands as Nigeria’s largest bank by Tier-One capital. According to him, “Long before technology became the bloodstream of global finance, Jim Ovia had already woven it into the DNA of Nigerian banking industry. He introduced innovation not as a fashion but as a philosophy, placing Zenith Bank on a path where excellence is not an ambition but a standard. Yet his true signature is not only on the balance sheet. For Jim Ovia, the people make an institution. His greatest investment has been in human capital – in transferring his experience and sense of adventure to generation after generation of bankers and investors forged at Zenith Bank”.

Also speaking at the event, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, CFR expressed its immense appreciation to all guests for joining the bank in celebrating this momentous occasion. He thanked the bank’s esteemed customers and shareholders for their trust, confidence and shared vision; the regulators, for their guidance over the years; his friends and partners, for being a constant source of strength; the Zenith Bank family led by the exceptional Group Managing Diector/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, for their loyalty and commitment; and his beloved wife and family for their love and support.
Founded in May 1990, Zenith Bank has grown from humble beginnings into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions with branches across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, Abuja as well as subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, France, UAE and a representative office in China.

Alaafin Threatens Ooni Over Chieftaincy Title

By
James Orji
-
0
Ooni of Ife and Alaafin of Oyo

Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo has clashed with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi over a chieftaincy title awarded to businessman, Dotun Sanusi.

The businessman also known as Ilaji, the magazine recalls was recently conferred with the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland by the Ife traditional monarch, a decision that appears not to bode well with the Alaafin, who has protested, and demanded the revocation of the title to Sanusi.

In a statement issued on Monday Oba Owoade’s Director of Media and Publicity gave the Ooni 48 hours to revoke the title to Sanusi, saying he lacked the powers to confer such tile on any one.

According to the Alaafin, who cited a Supreme court judgment, he’s the only traditional ruler in Yorubaland who has the powers and authority to confer such chieftaincy on any worthy person, saying the Ooni overstepped his boundaries.

Oba Owade stated that the Ooni’s authority does not go beyond three local governments in Osun  state; Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South, warning that failure on the part of the Ooni to immediately  revoke the title will be met with severe consequences.

The statement reads, “The attention of the Alaafin of Oyo and the Titan of Yorubaland, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has been drawn to the purported conferment of chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on a business tycoon, Dotun Sanusi, by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

“The conferment of chieftaincy title which borders on Yorubaland by the Ooni of Ife is not only an affront to the referred institution of the Alaafin, who is the Titan of Yorubaland, and on whom holds exclusive right to confer any chieftaincy title which covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone.

“The Ooni of Ife is behaving as if there is no authority to check and call him to order and because of that ‘above the law’ syndrome of his, he is in the habit of walking on everybody’s’ back including the apex court in the country, the Supreme Court, which had ruled on the exclusive preserve of the Alaafin to confer chieftaincy title that covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone.”

Adding that “The instrument of office presented to Oba Ogunwusi, during his installation, specifically limits his traditional area of authority to Oranmiyan Local Government, which has now been split into three Local Governments, viz: Ife Central, Ife North and Ife South.

”The dictum that nobody is above the law of the land is now being put to a crucial test and the reality of our time makes it very obligatory for the Alaafin to call the Ooni of Ife to order and demand revocation of the so-called Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title conferred on Engineer Dotun Sanusi within 48 HOURS or face the consequences.”

The magazine reports that the rivalry between the Alaafin and Ooni dates back to the time of their forebears who tried to assert their positions as the foremost traditional rulers in Yorubaland.

Okowa: Tinubu Has Restored Hope, Stability

By
James Orji
-
0
Ifeanyi Okowa

Ifeanyi Okowa, a former governor of Delta state has scored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu high in his performance, saying he deserves another shot at the presidency.
Okowa made the remark on Monday in Abuja, the nation’s capital at a National Summit organized by a group affiliated to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, the Integrity Group of Nigeria, IGN.

Recall that Okowa was among the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, leaders, including the governor of Delta state, Sheriff Obovrewori, who in April this year, surprisingly, defected to the ruling party, citing the need to bring the state to the mainstream of politics in the country.
The former governor had since become the president’s ally, campaigning for his re-election.
According to Okowa, the president has delivered on his Renewed Hope Agenda, describing Tinubu as an action leader who has taken difficult decisions for the betterment of the country.
The former governor who was represented at the event disclosed that President Tinubu has brought hope and stability to the country by taking the bull by the horns, saying the president deserved to be supported for re-election.
“Tinubu’s decisions might be tough or rough, but they are yielding positive results,” Okowa said.
“Tinubu is bringing stability. He’s bringing back hope. He’s taking the bull by the horns. He’s not referring to issues in the past or how the past was governed.
“He promised Nigeria that he will come to the saddle and take responsibility. That is what he has done.
“We have come, not with liability but assets, to make what you have built better.
“We are coming with our experience, with our knowledge of the terrain. We are coming with love. We are coming with resources to better the lot.”

Speaking four months ago after defecting to the ruling party, Okowa said the state has lost so much by being in the opposition for a longtime, the state, according to him, needed to connect with ‘Abuja’ where the “goodwill and resources’ are being shared, adding that his decision and other leaders of the state to join APC is not personal but for the interest of the state.

He said: “People wondered why, but one thing is very important: in the history of a people there is always a time to change their path for the common good of the people, and whatever decision we took was based on that common good and the need to change our path in the best interest of our state.
“As I did tell people that day (when I defected), it was not about me; it was not about the governor, but about the fact that there is a need for us to connect to Abuja.
“That goodwill that is in Abuja, that resource that is in Abuja, of which Delta State is a large contributor — there was a need to connect to it.
“I was governor for eight years; I was in opposition. I did my best, but we lost a lot, and I did not believe that the governor needed to stay working very hard without the needed support. We are very supportive of Governor Sheriff because he’s doing a lot, but as the governor is doing a lot for us, he also needs to connect to the greater source of power, resources, and goodwill in Abuja. When we sat down after stakeholders’ meetings, we thought it was necessary to make this move.
“We must defend our state. Our state stands far beyond us, and I believe that this decision is in the best interest of all. It is time for us to embrace each other — our brothers and sisters who were already in the APC and those of us that have come into the family. We need to embrace each other and work with oneness of heart.
“It is time for us to stand together in great support for Mr President and Mr Governor, because together we can truly dominate the politics in Delta State. I believe there will be no other party, with this move that we have made.”
The former governor ruled the oil bearing state for eight years between 2015 and 2023.

NGE Warns Against Attempt To Weaken Media, Urges FG To Address Economy, Insecurity, Governance

By
The Source
-
0
Eze Anaba - NGE President

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep concern over the multifaceted challenges confronting the nation, particularly in the areas of economy, insecurity, education, governance, and the media industry.

While noting the federal government’s efforts to respond to these challenges through reforms, the NGE stated that the impact of these reforms is becoming unbearable for the poor.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its Standing Committee Meeting in Owerri, Imo State, the Guild urged the federal government to put in place more safety nets to address hardship, inflation, and poverty.

The Guild also called for a holistic approach to addressing insecurity, including enhanced intelligence gathering, community policing, and strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

‘The NGE noted the recent major breakthrough in the ongoing war against terrorism, including the arrest of leaders of two militant groups on Nigeria’s most wanted list, the heads of Ansaru, an al-Qaida-linked group, and Mahmuda,” the communique said.

It however emphasized the need for sustained efforts to address insecurity and restore confidence in farmers to return to producing food.

The professional media group also raised alarm in the  education sector, noting the sorry state of education in the country and urged governments at all levels to prioritize education by improving funding, infrastructure renewal, and welfare for educators.

According to the Guild, “education is essential for economic growth and development, fostering innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.”

The NGE also called on governments at all levels to be more committed and transparent in addressing the needs of citizens, especially the rural populace.

Speaking on the state of the media in the country, the Guild condemned growing hostilities against media organizations and professionals by some security agencies and non-state actors, calling on governments to partner with the media to deepen and protect democracy.

The editors warned against attempts to weaken the media, stating that “a weak media may fail to hold those in power accountable, limit access to information, and create a disconnect between the public and reality.”

The Guild thanked the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his efforts at delivering the dividends of democracy to his people and urged him to continue partnering with the media towards nation-building and promotion of peace and unity.

For: Nigerian Guild of Editors

Eze Anaba

President

Onuoha Ukeh

General Secretary

Peter Obi’s Camp Disowns Impostor Claiming to Be His Aide

By
The Source
-
0
Peter Obi

The Political Family of former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has raised the alarm over a fresh case of impersonation, distancing itself from one Mr. Ifeanyi Aniagor, who has been parading himself as Obi’s former aide. In reality, Obi neither knows him nor has he ever engaged him in any capacity. It is understood that Aniagor sometimes circulates a photograph taken with Obi as supposed evidence of association. We urge the public to beware of such antics, as many impostors often struggle to take casual pictures with Obi only to brandish them later as instruments of deception.

In a strongly worded statement issued by Obi’s Media Adviser, Mr. Valentine Obienyem, the camp of the former presidential candidate described Aniagor’s recurring claims as false, misleading, and a calculated attempt to exploit Obi’s name for credibility.

“It has come to our notice that one Mr. Ifeanyi Aniagor has been going around claiming that he served as an aide to Mr. Peter Obi. We want to state categorically that such a name is not known to us and has never been engaged by Mr. Obi in any capacity,” Obienyem said.

He noted that the clarification became necessary to forestall the recurrence of a disturbing trend where unscrupulous individuals invoke Obi’s name to commit fraud or secure undue favours.

“Over the years, we have encountered cases where people use Obi’s name to commit all sorts of crimes, chase appointments,  believing that once they drop his name, those they are dealing with will automatically assume them to be credible. We will not allow such practices to continue unchecked,” Obienyem stressed.

According to him, the statement serves as both a disclaimer and a warning to the public, reiterating that Obi has always maintained a transparent and accountable style of leadership, and would never shield anyone caught abusing his name.

“Let it be on record that Obi’s political family will always expose impostors and protect the integrity of his name, which remains one of his greatest assets in public life,” he added.

Reacting personally, Mr. Obi restated his zero-tolerance stance on impersonation: “My name must never be a tool for fraud or deceit. I have worked to earn the trust of Nigerians, and I will continue to guard that trust with integrity. Anyone seeking to exploit my name for personal gain should know that the truth will always catch up with them.”

The camp urged members of the public to exercise caution and verify any claims of association with Obi before transacting with individuals, stressing that anyone dealing with impersonators does so at their own risk.

JAMB Investigates “Sophistication Technology Driven Examination Malpractice,”  Scrutinizes 6,458 Cases

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Prof Ishaq Oloyede -JAMB registrar
Prof Ishaq Oloyede, Former JAMB registrar

By Ayodele Oni

Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has cried out over rising “sophistication technology driven examination malpractice.”

It has, therefore, inaugurated a special purpose committee to investigate 6,458 cases of technology-driven malpractice detected during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, inaugurated the 23-member committee in Abuja on Monday.

Speaking during the inauguration, Oloyede lamented the rising sophistication of examination malpractice.

The JAMB Registrar disclosed that the results of 6,458 candidates remain under investigation for alleged involvement in high-tech cheating, urging the Committee to submit a report not later than three weeks after the inauguration of the committee.

“This year we came across a number of strange things, and we felt that it would be better if we expanded our resources.

“And we believe that God has endowed this nation with a lot of resources that we can tap from,” Oloyede said.

He said malpractice has evolved beyond traditional schemes into “technologically sophisticated forms,” including multiple cases of biometric and identity fraud by some accredited CBT centres and candidates.

Oloyede disclosed that while 141 cases of “normal” examination malpractice have been sent to JAMB’s disciplinary committee, the committee will handle “extraordinary infractions,” such as image blending, albinism falsification, finger pairing, and attempts to breach some CBT centres’ local area network.

“Submit a report not later than three weeks after the inauguration of the committee.”

Members of the committee include Prof. Muhammad Bello, Prof. Samuel Odewummi, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, Prof. Ibe Ifeakandu, retired Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni, Dr. Chuks Okpaka of Microsoft Africa, and the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students.

Also represented are the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, among others.

Pioneer Edo PDP Chairman, Agule Dies

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Chief Solomon Agule

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Barely two days after suffering a humiliating electoral defeat ,the Edo State Chapter of the beleaguered Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Monday, August 18, 2025, announced the death of its  pioneer Chairman, Chief Solomon Agule.

A statement from the Chairman of the Interim State Working Committee, SWC, Anthony Aziegbemi, described the late Agule as a transformative, and dedicated leader, who consistently contributed immensely towards shaping and directing the formative years of the PDP both at the state and national levels.

Chief Agule, who presided over the affairs of the PDP between 1998 and 200, led the party through its most glory years.

The Caretaker Chairman also, lauded the pioneer Chairman’s  steadfastness and commitment to service.

“Chief Agule was a committed leader whose wisdom and devotion to democratic ideals laid the strong foundation upon which our party continues to stand today. His leadership during the formative years of our party in Edo was pivotal to the growth and successes recorded”,  Aziegbemi noted

While extending heartfelt condolences to the family, relations and friends of the deceased, Aziegbemi, however, expressed the optimism that Agule will  remember as one of those who contributed immensely to  the growth and development of both Edo state and PDP as a party.

Late Agule was said to be a close confidant of the late influencial chieftain of the PDP in the country Tony Anenih

PH: Police Vows Justice As Man Stabs Lover To Death

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Police Officer

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An advocacy Group, the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability  CBRPA, on Monday August 18, 2025, called on the Police, and other relevant authorities to ensure that justice prevails in the case of a young lady, allegedly,  stabbed to death by her lover.

This is as the Rivers state Police Command assured that investigation is underway to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the gruesome killing of the young woman by her man.

The Source reports that a young man identified as “Doctor”, on Sunday  August 17, in the Mile 2  Diobu area of Port Harcourt, allegedly, stabbed his lover known simply as Ima to death, over suspected infidelity.

Doctor, was said to have confronted Ima over suspicion of alleged cheating on him, a development which led to a heated argument.

In a fleet of anger, Doctor was said to have pulled out a knife and inflicted fatal injury on Ima.

The unfortunate incident which caused instant pandemonium within the vicinity, reported to the Azikiwe  Police Division within Mile 2 Diobu, by the Caretaker of the compound in which Doctor and Ima reside.

Based on the complaints, the Police arrested the suspect ,and evacuated the remains of the victim.

The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Irenge-Koko, while speaking on the sad incident , informed that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered the case to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department SCIID  for a discreet and thorough investigation.

“The suspect has been arrested and the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, SCIID, Port Harcourt for discreet probe.”

The National Coordinator of CBRPA , Prince Wiro, while giving an insight into the incident warned that nothing should be done to circumvent the wheel of justice.

He also appealed to young men and women to, as a matter of necessity, avoid getting themselves entangled  in what he described as “toxic relationships.”

He said: “This morning (Monday, August,18) while I was walking along Illoabuchi Mile 2, Diobu Port Harcourt, I saw a mammoth crowd at Azikiwe Police Division, and I enquired about what happened.

“I was meant to understand that the Police arrested a man simply identified as Doctor for allegedly killing his female lover on Okereke street Mile 2 Diobu.

“While we were there, the corpse of the lady was taken to an undisclosed mortuary while the suspect is detained.

“We are calling on the Police to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation with a view to serving justice on the matter”, Wiro stated.

Bye-Election: Onanuga, Omokri Taunt, Mock Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Bayo Onanuga and Reno Omokri

By Adesina Soyooye

The very poor performance of the Parties and Candidates backed by opposition leaders in the just concluded Bye- Election into the State and National Assemblies, has attracted to them taunts and mockery from main Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga and a former adversary- turned core loyalist and defender of President Bola Tinubu, Reno Omokri.

The opposition leaders picked to mock and taunt are Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in both the 2019 and 2023 Presidential elections, Peter Obi, two-term Governor of Anambra State, PDP Vice Presidential Candidate, 2019, and Labour Party Presidential Candidate, 2023, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, two-term Governor of Kaduna State and former chieftain of the APC.

The three are leaders in the new Coalition of the opposition under the African Democratic Congress, ADC, through which, they insist, both Tinubu and his Party, the APC would be sacked in 2027.

The Bye-Election held on Saturday, August 16, was an opportunity for them to show what they have. Given what they had been claiming, and the quality of those who joined the Coalition, expectations were high that the Candidates they backed would win; that the ADC would make some impact. But no.

The results turned an anti-climax. A  disappointment. Their Candidates and parties were roundly routed. Not one of them won.

Mocking them over the monumental losses, Onanuga, posted their photographs on his social media platform, with a  one-liner but pregnant question: “How is the market?”, he mockingly asked them.

In same vein,  Omokri, on Sunday, posted that Obi and El-Rufai were so much shcked by the outcome, and still not recovered from their poor performances at the polls, that they forgot to send birthday congratulatory message to former Military President, General  Ibrahim Babangida, who turned 84 years on August 17, 2025. When they recover, he mocked, they would blame rigging for their poor performance.

Omokri: “Neither Obi nor El-Rufai has recovered enough to wish General Babangida a happy  birthday as he turns 84 today (Sunday, August 17).

“These are people who previously marked IBB’s birthday. Today they lost their voices. This loss really hit Tom and Jerry hard.

“Peter Obi has still not tweeted today. Nasir El-Rufai is still in hiding. This loss really hit Tom and Jerry hard.

“By tomorrow, after they must have recovered, expect claims of rigging from Peter Obi and his new sidekick, Nasir El-Rufai, the duo, also known as Tom and Jerry.”

States To Get More Funds As FG Begins Review Of Revenue Allocation Formula

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Mohammed Bello Shehu - RMAFC Chairman

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mohammed Bello Shehu has announced that the process of reviewing the nation’s revenue allocation formula to meet current realities has commenced.

He revealed the commencement of the review process at a press conference  in Abuja on Monday.

This is coming almost 13 years after a review of the revenue sharing firmilar wS carried out.

The RMAFC chairman explained that the aim of the review was to produce a fair, just, and equitable revenue-sharing formula that reflects the current responsibilities, needs, and capacities of the three tiers of government  Federal, State, and Local Governments in line with the constitutional roles.

Dr Shehu said the Commission will carefully assess the needs, service delivery obligations, fiscal performance, and developmental disparities.

“Let me state clearly that this review will be inclusive, data-driven, and transparent.

“It will involve broad-based consultations with critical stakeholders, including the presidency, national assembly, state governors, ALGON, the judiciary, MDAs, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, the organised private sector, and development partners.”

The last review of the Revenue Allocation Formula was carried out in 1992.

However, there were several executive orders from May 2002 to date to modify the formula to reflect emerging socio economic realities.

The Commission restated its commitment to integrating cutting-edge research, empirical data, and international practices in its analysis.

There are indications that the new formula would give more funds to the states of the federation.

Sources in the commission disclosed that government was planning to increase total allocation to the states to between 30 and 40 percent from the current formula, which allocates 52.68%, 26.72% and 20.60% to the Federal, State and Local Governments, respectively.

Stakeholders at the briefing urged the government to push more resources to the sub-national, especially for infrastructure projects, including provision of electricity.

The Federal Government is already relinquishing five percent of its tax revenue to the states as contained in the recently signed national tax laws.

1...561562563...3,055Page 562 of 3,055