Distinct Media

Football fanship is a means of social bonding that defies ethnic and religious divides among Nigerians. On weekends, avid football fans who profess loyalty to European clubs would do anything to avoid missing their favourite teams’ matches.   Europe is the dream destination for footballers and managers who aspire to perform at the highest level. Little wonder that European teams, particularly those in the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga and Italian Serie A, attract the best talents and boast the largest number of supporters from across the world including Nigeria.   Besides the thrill of exciting matches, many fans identify with these teams for various reasons. For some, support for a countryman plying his trade with a team translates to support for the whole team. Some others support a team out of love for a manager, while others generally develop fondness for a club from recurrent viewing of their matches.   While those who barely watch football wonder why grown men and women

  The Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Ikeja Branch, Lagos, has flagged-off operation of KP Lounge, aimed at providing relaxation to lawyers. Speaking at commissioning, President, Nigeria Bar Association Y. Maikyau, SAN, commended the executive members of ikeja bar for the rare ingenuity building the lounge in Ikeja. Maikyau said, "This will give lawyers to have a place to relax when they are waiting to call their matter in court." He therefore, urged the lawyers to add value to the lounge by engaging in something meaningful while at the lounge. According to the former Chairman of ikeja bar association, Dr. Monday Ubani, "This is a good thing that is happening in Ikeja and we believe that government is a continuity when i was there that was when we finished the bar center and now this administration has put up a lounge for lawyers to relax. "It show that the leadership is good and they know the need of the people and any good administration must leave a worthy legacy.

     For the third quarter of 2022, the Management of Dangote Cement has recorded an increase in the overall volume of cement sales by 6.2 percent to 20.8metric tons. This was achieved despite the elevated inflation that is due to a very volatile global environment. To further increase the supply of cement across its operational base, the company has also commissioned its power plant at Okpella and is progressing well to deploy grinding plants in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Cement, Michel Puchercos, who disclosed this while presenting the third quarter results to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, over the weekend, further explained that “To mitigate the impact of the significant increase in energy and AGO costs, we are strengthening our efforts to ramp up the usage of alternative fuels. So far this year, we have co-processed 101,553 tonnes of waste representing a 77% increase over 9M 2021. We are on track to commission our Alternative Fuel feed system at Obaj

    Nigeria's most innovative bank and digital banking pioneer, Wema Bank Plc, has recorded gross earnings of N95.345 billion in the third quarter ended September 30, 2022, representing a growth of 51.17% year-on-year, from N63.077 billion posted during the same time in 2021.  According to the bank's unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2022, the grow in gross earnings reflects an increase in loans and advances and supported in a challenging macro economic environment.  The result shows that Interest income grew by 55.14 percent y-o-y, benefitting from strong loan growth and a higher yield environment to N79.973 billion, from N51.550 billion in 2021.   Similarly, Interest income from loans and advances grew by 40.23 percent to N62.245 billion in 2022 from N44.387 billion in 2021. The income from loans and advances had a 77.83 percent contribution to the interest income for the period.   Net fee and commission income grew to N12.015 billion in the third quarter o

  The Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Dr. AbdulAzeez Olajide Adediran aka Jandor has said that he would give residents of the state a new lease of life as Governor. Speaking on Sunday at the formal presentation of the PDP Governorship Candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno in Lagos State, Adediran said that Eno would follow the footsteps of Governor, Obong Udom Gabriel Emmanuel of the South South state. Adediran, the Lead Visioner of Lagos-4-Lagos Movement added at the event, which held at the Nigerian Airforce, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, that he would be the 16tn Governor of Lagos State and the first independent governor of the state.  "We will provide a new leadership in Lagos State. We will check the excesses of motor touts as well as Iyaloja and Babaloja in the state.  "Anyone that closes any market in the state would be sent to prison. I am not going to have any godfather. "We will ensure that any money c

  ...  Lagos State Government has recorded another first in its environmental protection drive and in setting pace for good governance with the establishment of the first ISO certified government-owned laboratory in Nigeria by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA.  Speaking during the official commissioning of the ultra-modern Laboratory located within the premises of LASEPA on Friday, the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu said that the upgraded and re-equipped laboratory will further improve the quality of life for Lagosians.  Represented by the Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources at the event, Mr. Tunji Bello, the Governor added that the event demonstrates his commitment to issues relating to the environment and the general well being of residents of the State.  According to him, the upgrading of LASEPA Laboratory became necessary as a result of the growing population of the state and the need to enhance the capacity of the Agency to effective

  House of Representatives member, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe felicitates with the Gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin on his 59th birthday, describing him as a committed and seasoned public servant. Akande-Sadipe in a congratulatory message issued on Sunday, described Folarin, the Senator representing Oyo Central, as a visionary leader, who has contributed immensely to his state, as an experienced politician. She equally praised Teslim Folarin's “courage, forthrightness and diligence in providing exemplary and broadminded leadership for the All Progressives Congress.” Akande-Sadipe, who chairs the House Committee on Diaspora said the APC Gubernatorial candidate has displayed unequal style of leadership and dedication, and many years of service being one of the youngest to serve as the majority leader in senate. "On behalf of my family and constituents, I join family, friends, political associates, leaders and members

  The Lawmaker Representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, Rep. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe has met with Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, over the deplorable condition of Olomi/Olojuoro and Liberty Academy Roads in Oyo State. The lawmaker called for the immediate rehabilitation of the roads, describing them as death traps. She said this in Ibadan after a meeting with the Minister at his office during the week. The lawmaker revealed she had fruitful deliberations with the Minister, arguing that priority attention ought to be given to such roads which shared borders with Ogun state, in order to save it from the present deplorable state. Akande-Sadipe, who Chairs the House Committee on Diaspora expressed her worries on the slow pace of work on the federal roads within Oluyole Federal Constituency. "Olomi road has now become a death trap, where lives are lost on a daily basis, adding that business activities and wellbeing of residents are negatively affected", she said

       Retail lender, Unity Bank Plc has declared a N2.2 billion profit for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022, with 17% growth in gross earnings to N42.2 billion for the same period, as against N36.2 billion in the corresponding period of 2021. The increase can be attributed to new products that are focused on deep penetration and driving volume in the retail market space. A review of the Agric-focused lender’s unaudited nine-month results released to the Nigerian Exchange Group Limited on Friday showed that the Bank’s Profit Before Tax, PBT rose by 5% to close at N2.206 billion. The Bank also recorded an equal marginal growth in its Profit After Tax, PAT which increased to N2.029 billion, representing a 5% rise from N1.9 billion recorded in the same period of 2021. While maintaining the retail expansionary and customer-centric business model, Unity Bank Plc continued its growth momentum as total loans and advances as of September 30, 2022, reported N284.2 billion, which r

       Union Bank of Nigeria ‘Union Bank’ has been named as the Best Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) bank in Nigeria by Global Finance – a leading financial international publication, in its second annual 2023 SME Bank Awards.Global Finance seeks to help corporate leaders, bankers, and investors chart the course of global business & finance and has become a trusted standard of excellence for banks and their corporate partners. Honorees of the 2023 Best SME Bank Awards have been chosen globally across the following regions: Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America and Western Europe.Union Bank was recognised as The Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria based on independent research, with input from industry insiders, executives, and technology experts using criteria such as knowledge of SME markets and needs, breadth of products and services, market standing, and innovation.Speaking on this notable award, Mr. Mudassi

       First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s premier and leading financial inclusion services provider has announced its partnership with CFA Society Nigeria to host its annual flagship event, the Universities Ethics Challenge final, scheduled to hold at Radisson Blu Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos on Saturday, 29 October 2022.  The Universities Ethics Challenge is designed to increase students’ awareness of the ethical dilemmas and issues they may face when they become finance and investment management professionals.  During the Ethics Challenge, students are given adapted real life ethics case studies to analyze and evaluate ethical issues raised, then make recommendations and present same to a panel of judges from whom they field questions relating to the case presented. The judges for the 2022 edition of the annual challenge include Oluropo Okunmuyide, Head, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd; Taiwo Olatunji, CFA, Head, Investment Banking, Coronation Mer

     Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited results for the third quarter ended 30 September 2022, recording a remarkable double-digit growth of 20% in gross earnings from NGN518.7 billion reported in Q3 2021 to NGN620.6 billion in Q3 2022. This performance demonstrates the Group’s resilience against a challenging macroeconomic environment.  According to the unaudited account presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the growth in the topline was driven by interest and non-interest income growth. Interest income grew by 27% from NGN308.8 billion to NGN390.8 billion, driven majorly by growth in risk assets and an improvement in pricing. This also strengthened Earnings Per Share (EPS) by 9% to NGN5.55. This double-digit growth in the topline also aided the bottom line, as the Group also recorded a 13% year-on-year (YoY) increase in profit before tax, growing from NGN179.8 billion in Q3 2021 to NGN202.5 billion in Q3 2022. Profit after tax equally grew by 9% from NGN160.6 billion to

  The United States Embassy yesterday issued a security alert on elevated risk of terror attacks in Abuja, the Nigerian capital. Following US Embassy terror warning, the British High Commission also issued advisory to its staff on movement while also announcing reduced services. Similarly, other European countries, THISDAY learnt, are reducing services and will be attending only to critical needs. Following this alert, some foreigners have been evacuated by their government to their respective countries in order to avoid being victims of the proposed attack if it becomes a reality. Long before the United States security alert, a famous Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church has been warning since June 2021, more than one year ago that he foresees attack and bomb explosion in Abuja. He warned the security agencies to be on alert and secure the borders of the country because of the dangers he foresees in the federal capital territory of the country.

   The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State on Thursday received 5,000 decampees from the Lagos4Lagos Movement-supporters of the Lagos PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor). Receiving the decampees, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State said that it was possible for anyone to be misled, but it would be foolishness to continue in a wrong direction after discovering right path. Hamzat, who handed over the APC flags to the decampees, commended them for retracing their footsteps back to the party, said that they would not regret their decision. "The state is moving in a right direction. This is the right decision. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has the eye of talents and ability to manage people.  "This is the time for us to vote for someone that knows the way. It is good you retraced yourselves back. I must tell you that you have made the right decision. "It is people that make towns, cities and countries great. I am excited that you ha

  People from the South Eastern part of Nigeria and non-Yoruba speaking residents of the state have been given an assurance that their businesses would be protected by Peoples Democratic Party-led government in Lagos State. The Governorship Candidate of the PDP in the state, Dr. AbdulAzeez Olajide Adediran aka Jandor stated this at the palace of Eze Ndigbo of Ori Ade LCDA in Amuwo Odofin, HRH, Chief Emmanuel Akalika, on Thursday October 27, 2022. Adediran, who is taking his campaign across the 245 wards in the state in company with his Deputy, Ms. Funke Akindele, told the gathering that the PDP would have gone into extinction in Lagos State if not for their support.  "Your support for the PDP means you share the yearnings of we the indigenes of the state. You have always shown your expression through the ballot.  "I will protect your business interest if elected I am elected into office in 2023. Time has come for you to realise your dreams. It is when one understands the cont

  - As Governor presents N1,692,671tn Appropriation Bill  - Speaker says Asiwaju has capacity to make Nigeria great again The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Thursday received the 2023 budget proposal of N1,692,671tn from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stressing that the Bill should address three areas for the benefit of the residents of the State. The budget is with a capital to recurrent ratio of 55:45 percent. Dr. Obasa, who noted some of the challenges currently facing Nigeria and its citizens, told Governor Sanwo-Olu: "The Year 2023 budget of Lagos should have more human face, be targeted at reducing poverty and improving the welfare of the residents of the State as part of the THEMES agenda that guides this administration." The Speaker said that though the Lagos Government had achieved a lot in its effort to improve the development of the State, it should constantly be conscious that the residents yearn for more dividends of democ

       Ratings agency Agusto & Co. has upgraded Wema Bank Funding SPV Plc’s (‘’the Issuer’’ or ‘’the SVP’’) Series II Bond (‘‘the Issue’’ or ‘’the Bond’’) to ‘Bbb+’, with a stable outlook, from the previous ‘Bbb’ score. The Issuer is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) set up by Wema Bank Plc (‘’the Bank’’ or ‘‘the Sponsor’’) for the issuance of debt securities. Agusto in its latest rating assessment released on Tuesday said it upgraded the rating of Wema Bank Funding SPV Plc’s Series II ₦17.7 billion seven-year fixed rate bond to ‘Bbb+’ as a result of significant improvement on key metrics of assessment. ‘‘The rating assigned to the bond is hinged on the Sponsor’s upgraded rating of ‘Bbb’ and is a notch higher given that 45% of the bond proceeds was invested in a 13.53%, 7-year Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) bond and held in the custody of the Joint Trustees,’’ Agusto & Co. stated in the report. It further noted that ‘Bbb+’ assigned Wema Bank affirmed the leading financial in

• … As Amb. Dr. Princess Toyin Kolade, The Iyalaje Oodua Holds Annual Event for Late Mum, Donates Food Items, Cash. Scores of widows, students and other residents of the ancient town of Ilesha, Osun State have applauded Lagos based socialite and philanthropist, Amb. Dr. Princess Toyin Kolade  over her various programs and activities targeted at making life more comfortable for the less privileged. During the annual remembrance program organised in memory of her late parents in Ilesha, many beneficiaries of her numerous charity initiatives took turns to express gratitude to the foremost chief in Yorubaland, commending her for identifying with the poor masses through several life impacting interventions. The speakers praised Amb. Dr. Princess Kolade, the Iyalaje Oodua to the Ooni of Ife, who had organized the annual event at the stadium road area of the ancient town where she offered prayers at the tomb of her late father and mother. Following the prayers, other life impacting activities

  In line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to Entertainment and tourism, 890 youths sponsored by the Lagos State Government have graduated from the African Film Academy after a six-week free intensive training.  The 890 youths were beneficiaries of the ‘Film in a Box’ programme by the African Film Academy in conjunction with the Lagos State Government, to train and empower young people in the creative industry in three different centres – Alimosho, Epe and Badagry respectively. The graduating trainees were trained in Acting, Art Directing, Light and Lighting, Editing, Sound Production and Post Production, among others.  The beneficiaries of the Film in a Box initiative, who were visibly excited by the gesture from the Lagos State Government praised the government’s commitment to the creative industry and promised to support and ensure Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s victory for a second term in the next year governorship election in Lagos State.   Speaking at

    As part of its efforts towards facilitating the distribution of petroleum products across the country and in support of the federal government’s reforms in the nation’s oil industry, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, recently joined President Muhammadu Buhari and a host of dignitaries to commission the Pinnacle Oil and Gas Terminal in Lekki, Lagos. Situated in the Lekki free trade zone in Lagos, the intake, offtake and storage facility is designed to enable the efficient distribution of imported petroleum products, trigger significant savings in the costs of products at the pump and ultimately improve energy security in the country. The newly commissioned terminal, which is valued at over $1billion, was financed by a consortium of Nigerian banks led by Fidelity Bank Plc. Addressing guests at the well-attended event, President Muhammadu Buhari said the facility would reduce the cost of petroleum products distribution across the country, ease the congestion at the Apa

     Polaris Bank is giving away millions of Naira in cash prices and other special rewards in its ongoing Save & Win promo. Over 4300 Nigerians will win varying cash prizes ranging from N25,000 to N1million in the promotion. Below are four basic steps to qualify for a chance to win in the ongoing promo: 1. Download VULTe on iOS and the App store to open a Polaris Savings Account or dial USSD *833*0# on your phone or better still log into Polaris Bank savings portal at https://accounts.polarisbanklimited.com/opening/ 2. Grow your account by N5,000 or more for 30 days or 3 months to qualify for monthly & quarterly draws respectively; by N50,000 for 3 months to qualify for special draws. 3. In the event of a customer’s account being dormant, the customer could reactivate such an account without visiting the Bank. Simply log in on the portal: https://accounts.polarisbanklimited.com/reactivate/, accept the terms and conditions, and update the required details the Bank may need. 4.