Distinct Media

  * * The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, has accepted to serve as the Royal Father and Chairman of the 2026 World Egungun Festival, pledging his full support for the cultural programme as Oyo State intensifies preparations for the globally recognised event. The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, made this known on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the monarch at his residence in Ibadan, where the Ministry’s management team formally invited him to chair the festival. Olatubosun said the visit was also to appreciate the Olubadan’s consistent support for the Ministry’s programmes, even before his ascension to the throne, describing the monarch as a strong cultural ambassador whose influence would further elevate the festival’s prestige. He disclosed that significant improvements have been made ahead of the 2026 edition to address concerns raised by the Olubadan during the 2025 festival, particularly regarding visibility and conve...

  After three years away from political commentary, Bishop David Oyedepo has delivered a fiery critique of Nigeria’s current administration, declaring that the government is “not doing well.” Speaking passionately during a church service, the respected cleric questioned the direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership as citizens continue to grapple with economic strain. “You’re not doing well… What’s your problem? Is this government doing well?” he asked, drawing loud reactions from worshippers. His remarks reflect growing public frustration over inflation, fuel costs, and broader economic reforms affecting daily life. Coincidentally, the president signed the Electoral Act 2026 into law the same day — legislation aimed at strengthening the nation’s electoral system. While government allies describe it as progress, critics insist that reforms must go beyond paperwork to produce real change.

. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) solemnly affirms the occurrence of a catastrophic nocturnal road traffic collision involving two fully laden 40-foot containerized trucks along the Cele inward axis of the Oshodi–Apapa Expressway, Mile 2, Lagos. A tragic episode that culminated in the untimely demise of two individuals. The fatal impact claimed the life of one of the truck (T-392 LA) drivers and a suspected miscreant whose presence within the operational perimeter of the articulated vehicles could not be immediately established at the time of response. The ferocity of the collision left the deceased driver severely entrapped within the steering compartment of his truck, thereby necessitating painstaking technical extrication by operatives of the Authority’s Rescue and Recovery Team.  Demonstrating commendable rapidity and professional coordination, LASTMA personnel undertook meticulous rescue procedures to retrieve the driver’s remains, while the lifeless body...

  * Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has intensified collaboration with key media organizations to strengthen its sanitation campaign and promote environmental awareness across the state. The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, on Tuesday led a delegation of senior officials of the Ministry on courtesy visits to some  leading indigenous radio stations in Ibadan. The visits formed the  part of the Ministry’s renewed roadmap to engage the media as key stakeholders and effective amplifiers of the state’s environmental policies, ensuring that the vision of a cleaner and greener Oyo State reaches and resonates across all communities. The Commissioner explained that maintaining a clean Oyo State cannot be achieved by the government alone, but requires the active support and partnership of the media. He described the media as a powerful instrument for public enlightenment, behavioural change, ...

  LAGOS.18.02.26.  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 ...

... … fully recapitalises two banking subsidiaries Lagos, Nigeria: Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc ("Sterling HoldCo" or "the Group") has announced the commencement of the allotment process for its 2025 Public Offer of 12,581,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at ₦7.00 per share.  This follows the earlier receipt of final approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the recent clearance by the Securities & Exchange Commission. The allotment process, which begins  immediately, marks the continuation of a disciplined, multi-year capital-raising programme that has positioned the Group as one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in the region. The Public Offer, which opened on September 15, 2025, attracted strong participation from the investing public, with the Company receiving 18,280 applications for 16,839,524,401 ordinary shares valued at approximately ₦117.88 billion.  Following a thorough verification process, valid applications w...