Distinct Media

  It is no longer news that most Nigerians are experiencing severe economic hardship due to the recent FX policy and subsidy removal. The economic challenges arising from the opening up of the foreign exchange market and the removal of petrol subsidies have resulted in soaring inflation and a significant drop in the value of the Naira against the Dollar. This has led to skyrocketing fuel prices, affecting the costs of other essential commodities and services, including food items, transportation, education, and healthcare. This increased economic burden falls on the citizens. It has significantly impacted the lives of Nigerians, leading to calls for the government to provide palliatives and policies to cushion the biting effects of the deteriorating economy. As citizens continue to wait on the government to roll out relief packages for the public, the private sector has swung into action, taking up the gauntlet of easing the financial burdens of its workforce. Many organisations like U

  According to The Will newspaper, investors have commended the recent reclassification of Fidelity Bank Plc stock from small price stock to medium price stock. Giving his perspective on the development, Mr Boniface Okezie, the National Co-ordinator, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, commented, “Fidelity Bank has paid its dues in the financial services sector. It has contributed immensely to the development of the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector yet pays dividends to the shareholders. Last year, it took the market by surprise by declaring a dividend of 50k per share which had not happened in previous years. The massive investment in ICT and effective branch network shows it is ready to serve the customers in a better way and make the shareholders happy”. The NGX Limited, in a recent statement, said the reclassification became necessary because Fidelity Bank shares have been trading above the N5.00 mark since February 2023. Relying on rule 15.29 of the Rulebook

  The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (lPMAN) has commended Polaris Bank, Nigeria's leading digital commercial Bank and Emadeb Energy Services Limited, one of Nigeria's leading indigenous players in oil and gas, for their collaborative efforts and strategic partnership that resulted in the recent importation of 20,000 metric tonnes of premium motor spirit (petrol) into the country.  The National Operations Controller of lPMAN, Mr. Mike Osatuyi, speaking exclusively to PLATFORMS AFRICA, described the pioneering feat by Polaris Bank and Emadeb Energy as unprecedented, noting that they have both made it possible for Nigeria to break the age-long monopoly in the downstream sector.  He specifically commended Polaris Bank for fully funding the whole cargo to the tune of N13bn, thus enabling the transportation of the 20,000 metric tonnes, or 27 million litres of petrol, to the country seamlessly. He noted that the Bank's support exemplified the pivotal role

  Like a bolt from the blue, the Synagogue Church Of All Nations SCOAN and  its Ikotun-Egbe axis were in weekend overwhelmed  by mammoth crowd of pilgrims coming all over the world to partake in the LIVING WATER SERVICE scheduled to hold by the SCOAN leader, Pastor Evelyn Joshua. The whole of Ikotun-Egbe road, PROPHET TB Joshua Avenue, the new land of the church with an overflow of over 30'000 worshippers not to mention inside the overcrowded main church auditorium that could ordinarily take less than 20'000 people were all jam-packed with additional plastic chairs after the original seats were all compressed to no avail. It was spiritually electrifying! The maiden edition this year and second since the passing of Prophet TB Joshua, it was a landmark service drawing pilgrims from about 40 countries across the continents painting the whole environment red. Living Water Service is usually a sober spiritual moment for personal encounter with God once on the ALTAR to fetch the livi

  Our attention has been brought to various false allegations published against BUA Group on some online platforms. BUA Group categorically refutes the baseless allegations of illicit forex dealings with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from January to March 2016. These accusations, propagated online by Mr. Desmond Ike-Chima and Mr. Oliver Fejiro of ENigeria News and SecretReporters respectively, are false and entirely unfounded. These individuals, known for their involvement in cyberstalking, blackmail, and defamation, have faced previous arrests (see news reports attached) for such misconduct, casting a dark shadow over their credibility. We emphatically state that neither BUA Group nor the Chairman of the Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, received any of the alleged foreign exchange allocations from the CBN during the indicated period. This fact is corroborated by the CBN and the respective banks. Furthermore, in compliance with CBN’s regulations, all forex transactions by banks during 201

  The chairman of Odua Peoples  Congress  (OPC) new era chapter in Oyo state comrade Rotimi olumo has called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, and the  traditional   rulers in Yoruba land to intervene in the unconditional release  of Chief  Sunday Adeyemo, popularly  known as "Sunday  Igboho"  Olumo made this call  while addressing  news men in his office in ibadan  oyo state capital.  Olumo use the medium to appeal to president Bola Tiunbu and the traditional rulers in yoruba land stand up and intervene in Sunday  igboho release He  said if we remember chief Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday igboho  just lose his mother resent and his  not there to play his role as a son.  "It has now become imperative  for South West leaders to intervene in Sunday Sunday Igboho's matter, because  of his role he play in yoruba land Olumo further said  Igboho as a Human Rights  activist, his always been fighting  for peoples rights and freedom and he also detest  cheating. " Igboho has pl

  The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has commenced the construction of a 2,000 square meters Career and Renewable Natural Resources Center at the University of Ibadan. The center will provide counseling and career support to students of the university and explore the potential of cleaner energy solutions for the institution. This comes barely three days after the groundbreaking of a Student Affairs Center comprising a sports center, Information & Communication Technology (ICT) hub, administrative offices, and a 1,000-student capacity amphitheater at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State by ASR Africa. Both projects, drawing from the N1 billion grant to the University, are in fulfillment of the tertiary infrastructure grant awarded to the six universities in 2021 as part of the ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grants Scheme. The grant was drawn from ASR Africa’s US$100 million Fund for Social Development and Renewal. Other universities that benefitted from the

  The Lagos State Government has launched the first-ever circular economy hotspot in Africa with the aim of building an economic system that is driven by innovativeness and sustainable consumption model to save the future generations of resource scarcity. The two-day event with the theme: “Towards a Circular and Resourceful Economy: The Future Lagos”, is organized by the Lagos State Government and is taking place at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.  The event is geared towards pioneering the transformation of the current production order towards regeneration and sustainability. At the unveiling of the unique initiative in collaboration with Circular Economy Innovation Partnership (CEIP) and African Circular Economy Network,  Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated that the idea is aimed at engendering a new pattern of production and consumption that  encompasses producing, repairing and recycling of used materials, noting that the concept of circular economy is

  L-R Tonye Princewill, CEO RivExcel Healthcare; Steffi Czerny, the founder DLD; Buntingford Akinyemiju, Co-founder, Venture Garden group; Dr. Inya Lawal; Will Stephens, the U.S. Consul General; Kashifu Inuwa, DG NITDA; Jordan Bjallerstedt, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Sweden, Abuja The Nigerian Government has assured it would intensify effort at partnering with the industry stakeholders to help evolve, enable broad opportunities, foster innovation and build the African tech innovation ecosystem. PLACE YOUR ADVERT HERE This assurance was made today at the maiden edition of the Global Tech Africa (GTA) Summit, an initiative designed to help Africa transform and ignite a flame of innovation that will illuminate the path towards creating a digital future in the continent. The event was organised by the United States Consulate General, Ascends Studios Foundation, and Future Map Foundation in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). In his wel

  * * Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on Tuesday said all efforts to conduct a credible Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) in the state yielded the desired results. The Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Rotimi Babalola, in a statement, said the Basic Education Certificate Examinations was conducted in Secondary schools across the State. The statement indicated that the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Olusanjo Adeniyi, who led a monitoring team in Ibadan, gave the commendation, expressing satisfaction with the level of preparedness of the schools and students. The Basic Education Certificate Examination is written after three years of junior secondary education in schools across the country. Adeniyi, who visited some schools in company of Directors, lauded the Heads of schools and students for their conducts at the ongoing Basic Education  Certificate Examinatio

  The Lagos State Government has applauded Access Bank Plc for rebuilding the Vehicle Inspection Service Office facility burnt by hoodlums during the End SARS protest in the year 2020. Speaking at the commissioning of the facility at the headquarters of the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) on Tuesday at Ojodu, Berger, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola said the commitment and dedication exhibited by Access Bank Plc towards the reconstruction of the VIS Annex Office complex as part of its Employee Volunteering Scheme exemplifies the essence of Corporate Social Responsibility. He said the partnership has not only brought about the restoration of a crucial Government asset but has also rekindled hope in the hearts of Lagosians, adding that Access Bank’s partnership with the State Government is a shining example of how the Government and corporate entities can synergize to holistically address societal challenges and make positive impact in the soc

  Restricting or blocking certain channels on your GOtv decoder can be a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly navigation and foolproof channel restriction options. Follow these few simple steps to use the restrict or block feature. To Block Channels, press the Menu button to access the main menu. Next, scroll to locate the "Parental Control" option and press ok. You will be prompted to enter your parental PIN. The default PIN for GOtv Parental Control is 1234. You can reset the default pin and replace it with one of your own. Once you've entered the PIN, choose "Blocking options" from the available menu. Once that is done change the "Global Blocking" setting to "Personalise," giving you the freedom to customise your channel blocking preferences however you want. Press the Exit button to return to the previous menu and proceed by selecting the "Block Channels" option. To block specific channels, click on each channel you wish to restr

  In the Nigerian banking industry, Wema Bank, Plc is widely acknowledged to be a leader in the realms of innovation and technology, and for constantly seeking to provide seamless financial services to its teeming customers, but is the financial powerhouse a champion of its employees’ best interests? Yes, the most recent testament to Wema’s commitment to establishing a thriving workplace culture is its announcement of a groundbreaking increase in salaries for its staff. This momentous decision not only showcases the bank’s dedication to employee welfare and well-being but should also resonate deeply with its community as ripples of elation have been set off through the organization. Wema Bank’s move to increase the salaries of its staff, especially given the current economic rigors, has undoubtedly struck a chord with employees. By addressing the financial needs of its workforce, Wema Bank is affirming its belief in the value of every individual’s contribution, regardless of their empl

  Naomi Olapeju Sigismund is a unique African amazon of beauty, glam and class. She is a fashionista of high taste, allure and panache. Naomi is the convener for Hope For Sure Foundation and the Project Director of African Canada Investment. She was in Nigeria to host the Glam African Fashion Festival which was held at the prestigious Oriental Hotel and Suits, Victoria Island Lagos. At an event that witnessed quite a lot of super fashion icons, entrepreneurs, captains of industries, traditional and cultural ambassadors amongst others, Naomi Olapeju was full of appreciation to the guests and participants at GAFF 2023. She spoke glowingly about the achievements of the creativity-inclined event, expressing that the whole idea behind the event is to celebrate the vibrant spirit, ingenuity, and  like of African fashion. According to her, “It is an honor and a privilege for me to stand before you as we embark on this exciting journey together. Fashion has always been a powerful expression of

  A concerned Arewa groups have distant it's group from the acclaimed secretary general of Arewa council of chiefs Alhaji Ibrahim Danbatta comments on the recent invitation of the Dss of Hrh Alhaji Aminu Yaro Dogara Sarkin Hausawa ,Lagos state. The group have shown disappointment  of the recent press statement of Alhaji Ibrahim Danbatta disregarding the custodian of the people in Hausawa community in Lagos state. Alhaji Ibrahim Danbatta statement read thus , denied His royal highness Alhaji Aminu Yaro Dogara as Sarkin Hausawa of Lagos state, therefore , Alhaji Dauda Ahmed convener of the group stated that ;  IN REFERENCE TO  THE TEXT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY ALHAJI AHMED IBRAHIM DANBATTA, WHO ACCLAIMED  SECRETARY GENERAL LAGOS STATE, COUNCIL OF AREWA CHIEFS ON THE ARREST OF ALHAJI AMINU YARO DOGARA  BY THE DSS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ONGOING INVESTIGATION OF THE SUSPENDED CBN GOVERNOR GODWIN EMEFIELE ON   20/7/2023     Our attention have being drawn to some faceless grou

    By PROMISE JOSHUA. Promise hold Master Degrees of Columbia University New York USA and London School of Economics who is researching WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND EQUITY IN SPORT just published in All Africa as you can see below 👇👇👇Thanks

    The Member of the House of Representatives representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, Oyo State, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe has raised an alarm over the deplorable state of the Olomi Olojuoro, Ijebu-Igbo Ita Egba-Owonowen road. The Lawmaker during plenary, therefore urged the House to mandate the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure the termination of the contract awarded to DC Engineering Limited. According to the Representative, the road, which serves as a crucial link between Oyo State and Ogun State, has tragically turned into a death trap, posing significant risks to the lives and safety of road users. Hon. Akande-Sadipe brought to light the numerous petitions and complaints from constituents, recounting how the road's deteriorating condition has led to multiple accidents and fatalities.  "The once vital transportation route has now become virtually impassable, inflicting untold hardship on the people, hampering economic activities, and negatively impacting the

 * As part of the effort towards addressing the challenges of period poverty among female residents, the Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Investment has commenced the distribution of sanitary towels to female students in secondary schools across the state. At the official distribution of sanitary towels to education districts in the State under the End Period Poverty Programme held at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Investment, Mrs. Abosede George acknowledged government shared aspiration towards ending poverty in all ramifications and promoting gender equality, She described the initiative as a crucial step towards ensuring good health and wellbeing among the children in the state public schools, noting that poor menstrual health and hygiene undercuts fundamental rights including the right to work and go to school for women and girls who menstruate. Acknow

    Pan-African credit rating agency, Agusto & Co. has affirmed the ‘A’ rating assigned to Fidelity Bank Plc and assigned an ESG score of ‘2’ in reflection of the agency’s view that environmental, social and governance issues have minimal contribution to the Bank’s credit rating.   According to a note on the Agusto & Co. website, “The rating reflects Fidelity Bank’s improved profitability, strong ability to refinance, adequate capitalisation and low level of impaired credits.”   Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank operating in Nigeria with over 7.5 million customers serviced across its 250 business offices and digital banking channels. The bank was recognized as the Best Payment Solutions Provider, Nigeria, 2023 and Best SME Bank, Nigeria, 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards. The bank had previously also won awards for the “Fastest Growing Bank” and “MSME & Entrepreneurship Financing Bank of the Year” at the 2021 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial I

  DG NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, presenting a keynote address at the TWC inauguration event As part of measures toward strengthening the nation’s Digital Economy, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has inaugurated the Technical Working Committee (TWC) on the implementation of the National Data Strategy (NDS). The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr William Alo who formally inaugurated the Committee noted that the National Data Strategy which was developed by the National Data Technical Working Group, comprising experts from various sectors of the economy to address the critical role of data utilisation in Nigeria also aims to harness the power of data to drive innovation, economic growth, and social development throughout the country. While inaugurating the Committee, Dr Alo stressed that “The government recognises the significance of data access, ethical and responsible data usage, data privacy, data protection and data gover

    Eminent Nigerians, including Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; his Bayelsa State counterpart, Douye Diri; former Deputy National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George; Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, among others on Tuesday in Lagos stressed the need for a new constitution that would reflect the wishes and aspirations of the people of Nigeria, declaring that the citizens desired good governance. They expressed this view at a public lecture organised by Freedom Online newspaper themed: “2023- 2027: Nigerians, Elected Leaders and Expectations,” stressing that further reliance on the 1999 Constitution as solution to Nigeria’s problems was a waste of time that would spell doom for the country. This was just as they demanded for establishment of State Police, saying such is key and crucial if Nigeria was determined to end the problem of insecurity it was currently facing. Imo State governor, Uzodimma, who was the guest speaker, and rep

  A human rights group, Center For Human And Socio-Economic Rights (CHRS), has demanded justice for a youth leader in Ojomu Community, Ajiranland, Lagos, the late Mr. Sheriff Ishola Salami, who was allegedly gruesomely murdered on April 28, 2023. Speaking at a press conference at the International Press Center (IPC) in Ogba, Lagos on Tuesday, the President of the group, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, stated that they received a petition written by a solicitor, Omoyola and Co to the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos on the matter and dated May 8, 2023. "Inspite of quest for justice anchored on the statutory duty of the police, members of the immediate family of the deceased, Mr. Sheriff Ishola Salami are totally broken by the apparent lack of commitment to bringing the perpetrators of the heinous crime to book. "The immediate family of the deceased, comprising his critically ill aged mother, his wife, Mrs. Mariam Ishola Salami and three y

  The fire broke out at the Tower of refuge motherless/Orphanage babies home, burning down the orphan homes and everything was destroyed  including there clothsfirom pots and pans to food and clothes, and many others valueable things,Fortunately all of the children escaped and no one was hurt. The fire incident which occurred at about 2:43pm on sunday, afternoon 16th,2023, the fire was quenched after four hours  by first Responders that includes; LASEMA Response Team, LRU FIRE, LASG FIRE, and many children were rescued. The Tower of refuge motherless/Orphanage babies home is located at  No 7, Wole Madariola Street off Enitan Kusimo Street Aguda, Surulere,in Lagos State. The Parmanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu in his statement said investigation revealed that the fire started from an air conditioning unit in the house as a result of power surge and later quickly spread out and no life was lost and no injuries sustained to anyone.  Seven 7 boys with and one y