Distinct Media

…makes history, becoming the first and only entrepreneur globally to have won in both emerging and master categories in any region in 40 years, and invited to global jury for the 3rd year running LAGOS, Nigeria, 31 May 2026: Mitchell Elegbe, Founder and Group Managing Director/CEO of Interswitch Group has again been re-appointed as the only entrepreneur from Africa into the global jury of the 2025 Ernst & Young (EY) World Entrepreneur of The Year Awards, which takes place annually in June in Monte Carlo, Monaco, for the third consecutive year, following his inaugural jury duties at the 2024 awards.     According to EY, the World Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame is an elite corps of men and women who have been recognized for their exceptional entrepreneurial achievements. For 38 years, since 1986, EY has been celebrating ingenuity through the Entrepreneur of the Year program. “The program has recognized more than 10,000 outstanding entrepreneurs for their vision, innov...

  ... We Will Miss Her - Forum of Permanent Secretaries  By Abiodun Atilola, Ibadan  As May 2026 approaches, the corridors of the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, prepare to bid farewell to a titan of public administration, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, the Oyo State Head of Service (HOS), is set to transition into retirement, leaving behind a legacy defined by structural reform, meritocracy and  unwavering commitment to the Pacesetter State ethos.  The career impact and transformative leadership of a woman who bridged the gap between traditional bureaucracy and modern governance. ​When Mrs. Olubunmi Oni assumed office in May 2023 with a funfair to the Office of the Head of Service. she did so with a clear mandate to professionalize the workforce and align it with the "Omituntun 2.0" vision of Governor Seyi Makinde. Her tenure has been characterized by the philosophy that a state is only as efficient as its civil service. ​  One of her most significant con...

  Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, is set to launch a strategic engagement platform aimed at promoting the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises across Nigeria. Known as the Fidelity Quarterly Business Forum, the initiative is designed to bring together SME business leaders, founders, policymakers and industry experts to discuss business opportunities, economic trends, innovation and sustainable growth strategies. Speaking on the initiative, Ugochi Osinigwe, Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises, Fidelity Bank Plc, said the forum reflects the bank’s commitment to delivering a wide range of initiatives that support the growth of small businesses in Nigeria. “Our Quarterly Business Forum is part of our regular engagement with small businesses across the country. As you may know, Fidelity Bank is a leading supporter of SMEs through numerous financial products, and a strong advocate of a multi-dimensional approach to helping them succe...

 Photo caption: L – R: The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FidBank UK Ltd, Mr. Johnson Ememandu; Chairman, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu; British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter; and Chairman, FidBank UK Ltd and Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; at the FidBank UK Ltd exclusive product showcase held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos recently. Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc’s international subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited, has announced a commitment to support Nigerians – both individuals and corporations – in acquiring properties in the United Kingdom. Fidbank UK which provides a comprehensive suite of financial services, including trade finance, personal and business banking, treasury services, commercial lending, and private banking, is set ...

  The Executive Governor of Oyo State,  Engr. Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of Dr. Mrs. Adenike Ayobami Fasina as the new Head of Oyo State Civil and Public Service. Who will be taking over the mantle of leadership from Mrs. Olubunmi Olufunke Oni, mni who retires from the Oyo State Civil Service on attainment of mandatory age in line with extant Civil and Public Service rules and regulations. In a statement issued and signed by the  State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni, the new Head of Service hails from Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government area of Oyo State, she  joined the Oyo State Civil Service as Statistician II, in the year 2000 and rose through the rank, serving as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance prior to this appointment. She was a two-time awardee of the Oyo State Merit and Productivity Award Programme . Dr. Mrs. Adenike Ayobami Fasina is a member of the National Institute, (mni), being an alumnus of National Institute of Strate...

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  The Committee for the Protection of People’s Mandate (CPPM) has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his third year in office, commending his administration for what it described as bold and courageous economic reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria for a better future. In a press statement issued on Friday and electronically signed by its Executive Director, Nelson Ekujumi, the group said President Tinubu assumed office at a period of severe fiscal and structural difficulties, stressing that the administration’s tough economic decisions have restored hope for better days ahead. According to the statement, CPPM acknowledged that the administration’s reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange unification, and expansion of student loan access, were difficult but necessary measures intended to block leakages and create more fiscal space for national development. The group stated that although the reforms have been painful for m...