Distinct Media

    As the summer break winds down, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has emphasised its devotion to help schools prepare adequately for the next session and deliver quality education.   Through its bespoke product known as the Fidelity Edu Loan, administrators of registered private primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria can access loans of up to N180million.   In a chat with journalists, Divisional Head, Product Development, Fidelity Bank Plc, Osita Ede said, “At Fidelity Bank, we recognize the pivotal role quality education plays in the development of any nation and this informed our introduction of the Fidelity Edu Loan. Through the offering, privately-run educational institutions can access loans at a friendly rate for working capital needs like minor renovation on their school property, financing the purchase of school supplies like books, teaching materials, furniture or uniforms; and making salary payments.   “Similarly, schools can leverage the

    A civil society organization in Nigeria, the Committee for the Protection of Peoples Mandate (CPPM) has condemned in the strongest terms, the illegal and unconstitutional seizure of power in Gabon by a group of soldiers. In a press statement issued in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital on Wednesday 30th August 2023, CPPM called on all countries including international organizations such as the UN, AU and others to not only condemn and reject the coup, but unequivocally demand the immediate and unconditional restoration of democratic governance in Gabon. According to the group, what the coupists have done amounts to treason which is a violation of Gabon's constitution which stipulates that the only means of taking over political power in the country is through the ballot box and not the barrel of the gun as executed by the putchists. The group also faulted the claims of the coupists in ascribing one of the reasons for their forceful and illegal seizure of power to the claim

  * The commissioner for Information and Orientation in Oyo state, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on Sunday, caught the attention of journalists, particularly the young and aspiring ones, by wearing the garb of a school teacher. The event was the 4th edition of the annual Journalists Hangout, held at the NUJ press centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan. Prince Oyelade, who was a special guest, used the opportunity to run through his experience as a young journalist in the early 80s.  Speaking to the large number of young and ambitious journalists from different tertiary institutions, Oyelade said his 46 years experience has been adventurous. He said that all his life in politics, spanning the regimes of Alhaji Lam Adesina, where he was his Private Secretary to Otunba Alao Akala, where he was Special Adviser, Public Communications, and Engr. Seyi Makinde where he was Executive Chairman, BCOS, and now a commissioner. He had always been a professional in politics and never a professional politician. During the

    For the second year running, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has emerged the company with the highest earnings per share on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) based on half year financial figures. According to a report by BusinessDay, Fidelity Bank, Seplat Energy, Total Energies, Okomu oil, Presco, Dangote Cement, MTN Nigeria, BUA Foods, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Geregu Power emerged as the companies with the highest earnings per share within the review period. Earnings per share (EPS) is a company’s net profit divided by the number of common shares it has outstanding. It also indicates how much money a company makes for each share of its stock and is a widely used metric for estimating corporate value. A higher EPS indicates greater value because investors will pay more for a company’s shares if they think the company has higher profits relative to its share price. Fidelity Bank recorded an earnings per share of N184 in the first half of 2023 from N79

 *  … *_Shares SAIL Innovation Lab Impact Experience of How 3,000 Lives of Constituents Are Impacted Within Two Years_*  The Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Distinguished Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, on Saturday admonished young budding software developers and tech enthusiasts to harness massive opportunities in the tech space. The lawmaker disclosed this while delivering his keynote address at the 2023 Hackfest, organised by GenZtechies, held at the Multipurpose Hall of the University of Lagos, Akoka. Abiru shared the experience of his illustrious banking career spanning over three decades, tracing how technology gradually revolutionised the banking sector, starting with the new generation banks. Senator Abiru who is representing Lagos East Senatorial District, is the Co-founder of the SAIL Innovation Lab, the first of its kind Innovation hub in the Senatorial District, where over 3,000 constituents, particularly young peopl

  A patriotism-focused civil society organization Patriotism Awareness Forum (PAF), has commiserated with the government and people of Nigeria over the painful and unfortunate death of 22 galant military personnel in the course of the war against bandits in Niger State. In a statement issued in Lagos on 27th of August 2023 and jointly signed by the Convener and Co-Convener Nelson Ekujumi and Peter Claver Oparah, the group stated that, "We are deeply saddened by this national loss of 22 patriotic and gallant officers and men of the Nigerian military who paid the supreme price with their lives as sacrifice for fatherland". The group expressed it's heartfelt condolences to the immediate and extended families, colleagues, friends and associates of the fallen heroes as well as Mr President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Chief of Defense Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Air Staff and the generality of the Nigerian

  The Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday confirmed 22 out of the 39 cabinet nominees sent recently by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for screening. Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the day's sitting, said the confirmation followed rigorous and detailed screening of the nominees by a ad-hoc committee led by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Fatai Mojeed. He commended the committee for its effectiveness and urged the confirmed nominees to always remember that they are in office to serve the people of the State and not individuals. He also promised that the House would continue to do its best in the interest of the State. The confirmation was done through a voice vote as Dr. Obasa mentioned the name of each of the nominees. However, the lawmakers rejected 17 of the nominees. Those confirmed include: Hon. Layode Ibrahim Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende Dr. Dolapo Fasawe Hon. Bola Olumegbon Mr. Idris Aregbe Ms. Abisola Ruth Olusanya Mr. Moruf Akinderu Fatai M

 * LAGOS/LONDON (Reuters) - As Nigeria grapples with a foreign exchange crisis, one person stands out in the scramble to obtain hard currency: Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man. Founder and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group Aliko Dangote gestures during an interview with Reuters in his office in Lagos, Nigeria, June 13, 2012. REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye/File Photo When the government restricted the supply of dollars in June 2015 to prop up the value of the Nigerian naira, firms owned by Dangote landed a healthy share of dollars available at the cheap official rate, a study by Reuters shows. Reuters examined foreign currency transactions made during an 11-week period in March to May this year. Over that time, Dangote businesses were able to buy at least $161 million in hard currency from the central bank. That was around nine percent of all the hard currency the bank sold over the period. In a single week in March, one dollar in every eight went to Dangote companies. There is not en

  Lagos, Nigeria – In line with its commitment to enabling success for its customers, Union Bank has partnered with its parent company, TGI Group and Women's World Banking, to introduce the 'Digital Supplier Credit' solution under its women's banking proposition, αlpher. The 'Digital Supplier Credit' solution is designed to address the financial needs of women-led small businesses in urban centres in Nigeria centres and provide access to credit for stock sustenance, replenishment, and progressive growth, along established supply lines from Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies. Leveraging behavioural science and the Women's Centred Design methodology and backed by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) Foundation, this initiative aims to co-create a sustainable and scalable solution that will significantly enhance access to financial services for women entrepreneurs. Women's World Banking is a renowned global organisation specialising in designing

  FBNHoldings (FBNH), the parent company of Nigeria’s pioneer Bank, First Bank of Nigeria Limited published stellar results, confounding analysts, and exciting investors. Equally as amazing as the spectacular results, which saw earnings per share surge by 234% to N5.19 was the fact that the banking behemoth was able to eke out this profit in a financially hostile policy environment where bank earnings have been squeezed. The Bank’s holding company has also been a subject of shareholder squabbles, which ordinarily should be a distraction to the management and a drag on profitability. But in spite of these challenges, the outstanding results are a testimony to the depth of its management and its capacity to execute a robust strategy. What is Unique About FirstBank? (Late Entrant to African Markets) As a late entrant into the scramble for market share in the Sub-Saharan African continent, it was able to play catch up with its peers in this respect. In the last few years, FirstBank has bee

  Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe has called on the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum, NeFF to come with solutions to the challenges posed by electronic fraud to financial system. According to a report published in Vanguard Newspaper, she made this call in Lagos while speaking at the 3rd quarter general meeting of NeFF. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe explained that e-fraud are activities carried out online to exploit individuals and business entities for financial gain. She listed examples of e-fraud to include: Phishing; Advanced fee fraud (419); Online Auction Fraud; Identity Theft; Tech Support Scams; Online Romance Scam; Investment Scam; Business Email compromise; Ransomware; Online Rental Schemes; Pyramid Schemes; and Click Fraud. Highlighting the rising trend of e-fraud in the country and the associated challenges, the Fidelity Bank boss said: “According to data released by NIBSS, the value of electronic payment transactions in Nigeria incre

  Dignitaries from all walks of life on Friday gathered in their hundreds to honour the State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni in a reception organized to celebrate her appointment as the Oyo State Head of Service. The event took place at the 11th House Jericho, Ibadan, the State Capital. The organiser of the event Mrs. Abimbola Abinusawa praised the current Head of Service for her administrative prowess, diplomacy and leadership skill in the State Civil/Public Service. The former Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service Chief Bisi Adesola who is the Chairman of the occasion urged the Head of Service to always consult with the people and get the ideas from others in taking decisions. Chief Lekan Alabi enjoined the State Head of Service to beware of psychopants who are looking for a position, contract and many other things in the service.  Justice Oladimeji Ishola described the honouree as an exemplary leader, hard working, hinting that, her appointment is as a result

  Dignitaries from all walks of life on Friday gathered in their hundreds to honour the State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni in a reception organized to celebrate her appointment as the Oyo State Head of Service. The event took place at the 11th House Jericho, Ibadan, the State Capital. The organiser of the event Mrs. Abimbola Abinusawa praised the current Head of Service for her administrative prowess, diplomacy and leadership skill in the State Civil/Public Service. The former Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service Chief Bisi Adesola who is the Chairman of the occasion urged the Head of Service to always consult with the people and get the ideas from others in taking decisions. Chief Lekan Alabi enjoined the State Head of Service to beware of psychopants who are looking for a position, contract and many other things in the service.  Justice Oladimeji Ishola described the honouree as an exemplary leader, hard working, hinting that, her appointment is as a result

   The chairman OPC New Era in Oyo State Comrade Rotimi olumo felicitate with all the traditional rules and adherents of traditional religion and all the Opc New Era in oyo state and Nigeria at large as they celebrate ISESE DAY. He disclose this yesterday in ibadan oyo state capital in a press release sign by him to rejoice with the good people of oyo state. Olumo said, Yoruba is a tribe that is rich in culture. This day is  set aside by traditionalist to specially celebrate these cultures, traditions, and rites. He now use the medium to thank the State government for giving them a day to celebrate this festival which as never happen in the history of oyo state, ''As we celebrate this year ISESE Day their we be peace in oyo state and in Nigeria at Large everybody that celebrate this year ISESE will be alive to celebrate more ISESE DAY.(ISESE AGBEWA OOOOO) Olumo urge all celebrants and all OPC member be modest and peaceful, while celebrating ISESE FESTIVAL.He added.

  L-R: CEO, Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, US Consul General in Nigeria, Will Stevens, and CEO, Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe at the Africa Social Impact Summit which held recently in Lagos key players from the government, the diplomatic community, civil society, and the public and private sectors recently gathered in Lagos for the two-day Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS), co-convened by Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations, Nigeria. The gathering, which was held under the theme - Global Vision, Local Action: Repositioning the African Development Ecosystem for Sustainable Outcomes, was the second edition of the Africa Social Impact Summit designed to help build partnerships and galvanise investments that will ensure that Africa makes rapid progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. With the world halfway through the 15-year timeline set for the Sustainable Development Goals, there has been a call across the globe to review the work done to se

  We, concerned Lagosians, have watched in the past few days with keen interest the unfortunate attempts by some groups of individuals, Muslim clerics and organizations to discredit the list of Cabinet nominees of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State. The aforementioned interests have criticized the proposed cabinet composition, alleging marginalization of Muslims. The clerics have resorted to various rough tactics to malign the image of the Governor by dangerously using the media with indiscretion to paint him in the colour of what Mr Governor is not.  It is of note that in the true spirit of a true leader and a genuine “omoluabi”, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has displayed remarkable calmness and confidence in the face of all this provocation, knowing well that the peace, progress and prosperity of Lagos are his primary focus.  We view all the actions so far, including a protest march on the House of Assembly, as uncharacteristic of the progressive people of Lagos, whose major preoccu

  [Nigeria, August 18, 2023] – A coalition of seasoned and respected Public Relations (PR) professionals representing a diverse spectrum of industries have come together to endorse Nkechi Ali-Balogun (NAB) as the quintessential candidate for the position of National President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).  With a collective vision for the future of PR in Nigeria, this alliance firmly believes in Nkechi Ali-Balogun's transformative leadership and her capacity to drive positive change within the industry, especially as the first woman in Nigeria in the running to lead the umbrella body for PR professionals in Nigeria. Having held the esteemed position of leading the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Nkechi has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to advancing the field. The alliance, which comprises leaders who have shaped the PR landscape through innovation and excellence, recognizes Nkechi Ali-Balogun as a visionary leader

GOODNIGHT MOTHER FELICIA                        _  IFEOLUWA ADENIYI OKE STORY: BISODUN BASSEY  And the church MUTE ! Sweet are the memories of beloved ones, as series of questions were put straight to minds of everyone present at the laid to rest of Snr. Prophetess, Apostolic.  Mother, Felicia Adesimi Oke, at her Lagos  Felicia street Olowoora residence, on the 9th of August. Felicia who slept on the 9th of July 2023 after a brief illness, at 87 yrs of age, to wake at the Resurrection of the saints.  When the roll is called up yonder, will you be there? What are you holding tight all alone? Will you see Jesus before death? Will you die the death of the Righteous? When death knocks, no one will have control over Earthly  Possessions any longer! Every Living will surrender with no struggles, in a message, during Felicia burial, from Baba Aladura Stephen Adesanya Adalumo of the Israelites C& S Church Headquarters, tagged " Your own day is Coming" Alquiran and the Bible says

  With the line of  the federal government drive to cushion subsidy removal, through state and Local government, across the country, ikosi Isheri local government area have embarked on on a massive disburse of pallatives support to vulnerable and older ones within the community.  Also with the promise made by the Ikosi Isheri local government ,on different volume of palliative distribution,  over thousand of Ikosi Isheri communities benefitted from the local government pallatives that is instituted to curb down the economic melt down . Mayoress Samiat Bada , executive chairman of Ikosi Isheri on Thursday toured the wards to distribute pallatives across the communities . The wards ranging from D, F, G and E constitute the Lcda which pallatives were distributed accordingly, people living disability were not left out as a woman on clutches name Nancy Ugochukwu from Abia state and resident of kiokio expressed satisfaction as she said it is her first time to gain from government despite not

  The 2023/24 Serie A season is set to kick off this weekend. Last season, Napoli shocked the football world by clinching the Serie A title. Their entertaining high-press and slick passing style took the whole of Italy by storm and Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen was at the heart of it all. More than before in Nigeria, fans are looking forward to a new Serie A season with enthusiasm.  Here are some reasons why fans should expect another thrilling Serie A campaign: Full coverage on DStv and GOtv: Football fans' joy is watching their favourite clubs and players live on the pitch. Like in the previous season, fans in Nigeria will be able to watch every kick of the 2023/24 Serie A season live on DStv and GOtv, starting with this weekend's fixtures. Watch the Serie A kick off with Osimhen's Napoli taking on Frosinone this Saturday, on SuperSport Variety 3 (DStv ch 208 and GOtv ch 63), at 5:30pm.  Unpredictability: After nine conservative titles for Juventus, the Serie A has see

L-R: Polaris Bank's Managing Director, Adekunle Sonola, Board Chairman, Mr. Mohammed K. Ahmad, Lagos State Governor, Babjide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Dr, Obafemi Hamzat when the Bank's Board and Executive Managment paid a courtesy visit to the Governor at Lagos House, Marina on Wednesday.

 By BISODUN BASSEY  Awaiting the promising encounter with God at TABIEORAR 2023 coming up at Lagos - Ibadan express way, km 60, ogere Remo, on the 22nd of August, tagged the Merciful and Covenant God at the Church of the Lord Aladura Worldwide, Head by Patriarch, the Primate, Most Rev. Dr Rufus Okikiola Olubiyi Ositelu JP,  President Whorld Council of Churches for All.       The Annual Tabieorar Festival  Enthusiasm has bring about joy, gladness, healing, and perfection, with atmospheric excitements in the air.  The Apata Pete Ibadan Oyo State Zonal province Headquarters of the Church of the Lord Onulowo Ositelu Close in a media interview, the General warden Joshua Ogunniyi (a.k.a.)Omo Nuni , express Tabieorar 2023 kick starts with 13days white fasting Prayer Retreat, a week ago, Encompassing 13 blessings, forgiveness  of sins, Cleansings, Mercy, Blessings, Good Children, Victory from all battles of life, Salvation, Healing, Joy, Favour, Holy Spirit, Steadfastness, to end with grand fe

   The 12-man Ad-hoc Committee  set up by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has concluded the screening of cabinet nominees sent to the House by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The exercise which lasted between Sunday and Wednesday night, saw the committee members screening 39 nominees to ascertain their capacities and preparedness for the job if eventually confirmed. Speaking at the end of the exercise, its Chairman, Hon. Mojeed Fatai, described the screening as a successful exercise saying the members asked questions that obtained responses that would help with the right recommendations. "Today, the 16th day of August, 2023 marks the closing day of the assignment given to us by the House to screen the Governor's nominees. "Each day, we have spent over ten hours questioning the nominees for the position of commissioners and special advisers for the Lagos State Governor's cabinet," Hon. Fatai, who is the Chief Whip of the Ho