Distinct Media

  Lagos, Nigeria – Nigeria’s most forward-looking financial institution, Sterling Bank, has announced an over ₦2bn commitment for fully-funded private university scholarships for young  Nigerians. Unveiled on Democracy Day, the initiative titled Beyond Education, represents a decisive step towards building the country’s future leaders by dismantling the barriers that keep millions of Nigerians from accessing quality, future-focused learning. This is one of the largest private sector investments ever made in a single Nigerian tertiary institution. It extends Sterling’s longstanding commitment to the HEART sectors: Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation.  The bank has deployed over half a  trillion naira in financing and development programs across these critical areas. "Progress is not a spectator sport," said Abubakar Suleiman, Chief Executive of Sterling Bank. "While others talk about Nigeria's potential, we are actively investing in it...

  Lagos, Nigeria  –  The excitement on  Nigerian Idol  has reached new heights as the competition, proudly sponsored by Bigi, unveils its  Top 7 contestants , bringing fans closer to discovering Nigeria’s next music superstar. This week’s live show, themed  “Naija to the World,”  celebrated the rhythm, richness, and global influence of Nigerian music. The night featured electrifying performances of iconic local hits that stirred both nostalgia and national pride. From timeless Afrobeat to soulful ballads and spirit-lifting gospel, the Top 7 contestants delivered performances that showed their versatility and deep connection to the sounds that define Nigeria’s musical identity. Purp  opened the night with a tender, heartfelt rendition of  Asa’s “Be My Man,”  delivering every note with the intimacy of a whispered love letter.  Lawrence  followed with  Fireboy DML’s “Like I Do,”  pouring emotion into each lyric and ...

    As Nigeria commemorates 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance on June 12th – Democracy Day, the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing strong bilateral relations between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China. In a statement to mark this occasion, the Director General of NCSP, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, emphasized the significance of Democracy Day as a celebration of Nigeria’s democratic journey and an opportunity to reflect on the values of truth, peace, justice, and unity that support the nation’s progress. “Democracy Day is not just a date; it is a powerful reminder of the resilience, strength, and foresight of our nation’s leaders who laid the foundation for a free and democratic Nigeria,” Tegbe said. “It is also a call to action for all citizens to recommit to nation-building and collective prosperity.” As Nigeria deepens its global engagements, the NCSP is playing a vital role in strengthening collaboration ...

  Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has stressed that for the nation to achieve the desired level of governance with credible leadership for transformation in all facets of the economy, there is a need to give the country's politics a soul by orchestrating ideologically driven political parties. Governor Soludo stated that for the emergence of a better country, a new Nigerian must be "born again" through ethical-value rebirth, as the time for both was yesterday, but today is still on time, and tomorrow may be too late. This was the submission of the governor at the Democracy Day presentation on the topic "Rebuilding The Nation," at The Platform in Lagos, on Thursday, 12th June 2025, an event marking the 26th year of uninterrupted democratic rule in the country. The erudite former Central Bank Governor, acclaimed for his successful banking sector consolidation and reforms, argued that political parties are grouped as either left or right-centred, depending...

  Amidst a heightened security presence, demonstrators in Lagos convened in contrasting groups to mark Democracy Day on 12th June, reflecting a nation divided in sentiment. While some citizens assembled to celebrate the democratic gains achieved since 1999, others took to the streets to denounce what they described as worsening hardship and anti-people policies under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. At the Ikeja Underbridge, Democracy Day was observed in starkly divergent manners. On one side stood protestors lamenting economic distress and unfavourable government policies. On the other, a pro-government assembly gathered to laud the administration’s reforms. Those demonstrating against bad governance brandished empty cooking pots and placards, marching in solidarity while chanting for justice and reform. To them, Democracy Day is less a celebration and more a poignant reminder of broken promises and unmet aspirations. These demonstrators called for the reversal of...

A coalition of civil society groups has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to formally recognise the activists and martyrs of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, and to erect a monument in honour of the unsung heroes of the struggle—described as Nigeria’s "unknown soldiers." Comrade Razaq Olokoba, Convener of the Defend Nigeria Movement (DNM) and Nigeria's Unite for Democracy (NUD), made the appeal during a World Press Conference held on Thursday in Ikeja, Lagos, as part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day. DNM and NUD—coalitions comprising civil society organisations, non-governmental bodies, and public interest groups—organised the event to mark both Democracy Day and the 32nd anniversary of the landmark June 12 election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, and won by the late Chief MKO Abiola. In his address, Comrade Olokoba saluted the resilience and determination of the Nigerian people, commending their e...