Distinct Media

    Shareholders of Fidelity Bank Plc have lauded the Bank’s Board and Management for strengthening its capital base, improving asset quality and sustaining earnings growth despite a challenging operating environment.   The shareholders expressed their support at the Bank’s 38th Annual General Meeting, held virtually on Friday, 9 October 2026.   Speaking during the meeting, Bisi Bakare, National Coordinator, Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria, drew attention to the Bank’s non-performing loan ratio of 2.4 per cent and capital adequacy ratio of about 16.1 per cent as indicators of its financial resilience.   “The figures demonstrate that the Bank remains strong. With a non-performing loan ratio of 2.4 per cent, a customer base of 16 million and a capital adequacy ratio of 16.1 per cent, shareholders have reasons to support the Board and Management,” Bakare said.   Another shareholder, Boniface  Okezie, Chairman of the Progressive Shareholers A...

  By Abiodun Atilola, Ibadan  The Literacy Promotion Association of Nigeria (LIPAN) is set to hold its 20th Biennial Conference, bringing together educationists, researchers, policymakers, literacy practitioners, publishers and other stakeholders to deliberate on critical issues affecting literacy development and national progress. The President of LIPAN, Professor Nkechi Christopher, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Head of the Publicity, Media and ICT Committee of the conference, Dr. Francis Amenaghawon. The statement said the 2026 conference, themed “Early Literacy Development in Nigeria: Strengthening Foundations for Learning and National Development,” will take place from October 13 to 15, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. Professor Christopher said the conference would feature morning plenary sessions and panel discussions focusing on evidence-based approaches to early literacy instruction, teacher preparation and professional...

  The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance (CCSOGG) has called for an evidence-based assessment of pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta, urging stakeholders to refrain from making unverified claims capable of undermining critical national security operations. The coalition, at a press briefing in Lagos, also defended Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) and its Project Director, Osahon Okunbo, against allegations concerning the value and performance of the company's pipeline surveillance contract. Speaking at the briefing, the spokesman of the group, Comrade Declan Ihekaire, said legitimate concerns over government contracts should be addressed through official documents and verifiable evidence rather than unsubstantiated allegations. Ihekaire specifically challenged reports linking PINL and Okunbo to an alleged N2.7 trillion annual pipeline surveillance contract, saying no publicly available documentary evidence had been presented to...

  Globacom, Nigeria’s indigenous telecommunications company, has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving, promoting and projecting Nigeria’s cultural heritage, as it joins the people of Onitsha in celebrating the 2026 Ofala Festival of Onitsha. The telecommunications giant is the official sponsor of Ofala 2026, sustaining a relationship with the historic festival that has endured for over 15 years. The partnership reflects Globacom’s conviction that culture is not merely an inheritance from the past, but a living patrimony through which communities preserve identity, transmit values and renew their place in civilisation. The 2026 edition, marking the 25th Ofala of the reign of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, is themed “Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru – Strive and Advance  From Resilience to Progress.” The theme captures the spirit of Ndi Onicha, whose history is defined by resilience, enterprise, adaptation and determination to advance. A statement from Globacom disclosed...

 * The Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology (OYSCOHEST), Eleyele, Ibadan, has successfully conducted its Students’ Union Government (SUG) election, with a new set of executives emerging through a peaceful, free and fair electoral process devoid of violence. The election, held on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, witnessed the participation of students who exercised their franchise in an orderly and peaceful atmosphere. At the end of the exercise, Razaq Jamiu  emerged as the new SUG President after polling 205 votes to defeat Akintade Ezekiel who polled 79 votes. Other elected executives are Ojediran Felix, Vice President; Akinola Mercy, Welfare Director; Akande Isaiah, Public Relations Officer I; Excellence Miracle, Public Relations Officer II; and Joy Mogaji, General Secretary. Others are Akinwumi Daniel, Assistant General Secretary; Ogundeji Precious, Social Director; Taiwo Ezekiel, Treasurer; and Ayomide Emmanuel, Financial Secretary. Similarly, Augustine Obioma e...

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  The Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has assured youths in the Ikola community of its commitment to sports development, youth empowerment and sustainable community development. The council gave the assurance on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, during a stakeholders’ engagement with youths at the Ikola Ololade Field. Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman of Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA, Hon. Abiodun Jimoh Isola Ejigbadero, the council representative said the administration regarded youths as important stakeholders in the development of the community. He said the council had continued to create opportunities for young people through sports, education, fitness, skills development and other meaningful engagement programmes. According to him, the ongoing Supervisor for Youth and Sports Agbado/Oke-Odo Community Cup, organised in conjunction with Comrade Akinwale Israel, was aimed at discovering young talents, promoting healthy competition and stre...